Form 1-A Issuer Information UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 1-A
REGULATION A OFFERING STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
OMB APPROVAL

FORM 1-A

OMB Number: 3235-0286


Estimated average burden hours per response: 608.0

1-A: Filer Information

Issuer CIK
0002026478
Issuer CCC
XXXXXXXX
DOS File Number
Offering File Number
Is this a LIVE or TEST Filing? LIVE TEST
Would you like a Return Copy?
Notify via Filing Website only?
Since Last Filing?

Submission Contact Information

Name
Phone
E-Mail Address

1-A: Item 1. Issuer Information

Issuer Infomation

Exact name of issuer as specified in the issuer's charter
Newsmax Inc.
Jurisdiction of Incorporation / Organization
FLORIDA
Year of Incorporation
2024
CIK
0002026478
Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code
TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number
99-2600308
Total number of full-time employees
419
Total number of part-time employees
11

Contact Infomation

Address of Principal Executive Offices

Address 1
750 PARK OF COMMERCE DRIVE
Address 2
SUITE 100
City
BOCA RATON
State/Country
FLORIDA
Mailing Zip/ Postal Code
33487
Phone
561-686-1165

Provide the following information for the person the Securities and Exchange Commission's staff should call in connection with any pre-qualification review of the offering statement.

Name
Edward Welch, Esq.
Address 1
Address 2
City
State/Country
Mailing Zip/ Postal Code
Phone

Provide up to two e-mail addresses to which the Securities and Exchange Commission's staff may send any comment letters relating to the offering statement. After qualification of the offering statement, such e-mail addresses are not required to remain active.

Financial Statements

Industry Group (select one) Banking Insurance Other

Use the financial statements for the most recent period contained in this offering statement to provide the following information about the issuer. The following table does not include all of the line items from the financial statements. Long Term Debt would include notes payable, bonds, mortgages, and similar obligations. To determine "Total Revenues" for all companies selecting "Other" for their industry group, refer to Article 5-03(b)(1) of Regulation S-X. For companies selecting "Insurance", refer to Article 7-04 of Regulation S-X for calculation of "Total Revenues" and paragraphs 5 and 7 of Article 7-04 for "Costs and Expenses Applicable to Revenues".

Balance Sheet Information

Cash and Cash Equivalents
$ 6651963.00
Investment Securities
$ 1035974.00
Total Investments
$
Accounts and Notes Receivable
$ 22975614.00
Loans
$
Property, Plant and Equipment (PP&E):
$ 6993097.00
Property and Equipment
$
Total Assets
$ 68873109.00
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
$ 27354828.00
Policy Liabilities and Accruals
$
Deposits
$
Long Term Debt
$ 0.00
Total Liabilities
$ 142303090.00
Total Stockholders' Equity
$ -200720490.00
Total Liabilities and Equity
$ 68873109.00

Statement of Comprehensive Income Information

Total Revenues
$ 79826377.00
Total Interest Income
$
Costs and Expenses Applicable to Revenues
$ 41404791.00
Total Interest Expenses
$
Depreciation and Amortization
$ 3153473.00
Net Income
$ -55513247.00
Earnings Per Share - Basic
$ -9623.00
Earnings Per Share - Diluted
$ -9623.00
Name of Auditor (if any)
BDO USA, P.C

Outstanding Securities

Common Equity

Name of Class (if any) Common Equity
Class A Common Stock
Common Equity Units Outstanding
6070
Common Equity CUSIP (if any):
0000000NA
Common Equity Units Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

Common Equity

Name of Class (if any) Common Equity
Class B Common Stock
Common Equity Units Outstanding
0
Common Equity CUSIP (if any):
0000000NA
Common Equity Units Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

Preferred Equity

Preferred Equity Name of Class (if any)
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred Equity Units Outstanding
646
Preferred Equity CUSIP (if any)
0000000NA
Preferred Equity Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

Preferred Equity

Preferred Equity Name of Class (if any)
Series A-1 Preferred Stock
Preferred Equity Units Outstanding
1222
Preferred Equity CUSIP (if any)
0000000NA
Preferred Equity Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

Preferred Equity

Preferred Equity Name of Class (if any)
Series A-2 Preferred Stock
Preferred Equity Units Outstanding
2647
Preferred Equity CUSIP (if any)
0000000NA
Preferred Equity Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

Preferred Equity

Preferred Equity Name of Class (if any)
Series A-3 Preferred Stock
Preferred Equity Units Outstanding
1060
Preferred Equity CUSIP (if any)
0000000NA
Preferred Equity Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

Preferred Equity

Preferred Equity Name of Class (if any)
Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred Equity Units Outstanding
38262
Preferred Equity CUSIP (if any)
0000000NA
Preferred Equity Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

Debt Securities

Debt Securities Name of Class (if any)
N/A
Debt Securities Units Outstanding
0
Debt Securities CUSIP (if any):
0000000NA
Debt Securities Name of Trading Center or Quotation Medium (if any)
None

1-A: Item 2. Issuer Eligibility

Issuer Eligibility

Check this box to certify that all of the following statements are true for the issuer(s)

1-A: Item 3. Application of Rule 262

Application Rule 262

Check this box to certify that, as of the time of this filing, each person described in Rule 262 of Regulation A is either not disqualified under that rule or is disqualified but has received a waiver of such disqualification.

Check this box if "bad actor" disclosure under Rule 262(d) is provided in Part II of the offering statement.

1-A: Item 4. Summary Information Regarding the Offering and Other Current or Proposed Offerings

Summary Infomation

Check the appropriate box to indicate whether you are conducting a Tier 1 or Tier 2 offering Tier1 Tier2
Check the appropriate box to indicate whether the financial statements have been audited Unaudited Audited
Types of Securities Offered in this Offering Statement (select all that apply)
Equity (common or preferred stock)
Does the issuer intend to offer the securities on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 251(d)(3)? Yes No
Does the issuer intend this offering to last more than one year? Yes No
Does the issuer intend to price this offering after qualification pursuant to Rule 253(b)? Yes No
Will the issuer be conducting a best efforts offering? Yes No
Has the issuer used solicitation of interest communications in connection with the proposed offering? Yes No
Does the proposed offering involve the resale of securities by affiliates of the issuer? Yes No
Number of securities offered
15000000
Number of securities of that class outstanding
0

The information called for by this item below may be omitted if undetermined at the time of filing or submission, except that if a price range has been included in the offering statement, the midpoint of that range must be used to respond. Please refer to Rule 251(a) for the definition of "aggregate offering price" or "aggregate sales" as used in this item. Please leave the field blank if undetermined at this time and include a zero if a particular item is not applicable to the offering.

Price per security
$ 5.0000
The portion of the aggregate offering price attributable to securities being offered on behalf of the issuer
$ 75000000.00
The portion of the aggregate offering price attributable to securities being offered on behalf of selling securityholders
$ 0.00
The portion of the aggregate offering price attributable to all the securities of the issuer sold pursuant to a qualified offering statement within the 12 months before the qualification of this offering statement
$ 0.00
The estimated portion of aggregate sales attributable to securities that may be sold pursuant to any other qualified offering statement concurrently with securities being sold under this offering statement
$ 0.00
Total (the sum of the aggregate offering price and aggregate sales in the four preceding paragraphs)
$ 75000000.00

Anticipated fees in connection with this offering and names of service providers

Underwriters - Name of Service Provider
Digital Offering, LLC
Underwriters - Fees
$ 5250000.00
Sales Commissions - Name of Service Provider
Sales Commissions - Fee
$
Finders' Fees - Name of Service Provider
Finders' Fees - Fees
$
Audit - Name of Service Provider
BDO USA, P.C
Audit - Fees
$ 625000.00
Legal - Name of Service Provider
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP; Bevilacqua PLLC
Legal - Fees
$ 750000.00
Promoters - Name of Service Provider
Promoters - Fees
$
Blue Sky Compliance - Name of Service Provider
Blue Sky Compliance - Fees
$
CRD Number of any broker or dealer listed:
000166401
Estimated net proceeds to the issuer
$ 68375000.00
Clarification of responses (if necessary)

1-A: Item 5. Jurisdictions in Which Securities are to be Offered

Jurisdictions in Which Securities are to be Offered

Using the list below, select the jurisdictions in which the issuer intends to offer the securities

Selected States and Jurisdictions
ALABAMA
ALASKA
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
DELAWARE
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
HAWAII
IDAHO
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MAINE
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
MINNESOTA
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
MONTANA
NEBRASKA
NEVADA
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW JERSEY
NEW MEXICO
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH DAKOTA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
RHODE ISLAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTH DAKOTA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
UTAH
VERMONT
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
WYOMING
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PUERTO RICO
ALBERTA, CANADA
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
MANITOBA, CANADA
NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA
NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
ONTARIO, CANADA
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA
QUEBEC, CANADA
SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA
YUKON, CANADA
CANADA (FEDERAL LEVEL)

Using the list below, select the jurisdictions in which the securities are to be offered by underwriters, dealers or sales persons or check the appropriate box

None
Same as the jurisdictions in which the issuer intends to offer the securities
Selected States and Jurisdictions

ALABAMA
ALASKA
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
DELAWARE
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
HAWAII
IDAHO
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MAINE
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
MINNESOTA
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
MONTANA
NEBRASKA
NEVADA
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW JERSEY
NEW MEXICO
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH DAKOTA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
RHODE ISLAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTH DAKOTA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
UTAH
VERMONT
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
WYOMING
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PUERTO RICO
ALBERTA, CANADA
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
MANITOBA, CANADA
NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA
NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
ONTARIO, CANADA
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA
QUEBEC, CANADA
SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA
YUKON, CANADA
CANADA (FEDERAL LEVEL)

1-A: Item 6. Unregistered Securities Issued or Sold Within One Year

Unregistered Securities Issued or Sold Within One Year

None

Unregistered Securities Issued

As to any unregistered securities issued by the issuer of any of its predecessors or affiliated issuers within one year before the filing of this Form 1-A, state:

(a)Name of such issuer
Newsmax Inc.
(b)(1) Title of securities issued
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
(2) Total Amount of such securities issued
38262
(3) Amount of such securities sold by or for the account of any person who at the time was a director, officer, promoter or principal securityholder of the issuer of such securities, or was an underwriter of any securities of such issuer.
0
(c)(1) Aggregate consideration for which the securities were issued and basis for computing the amount thereof.
$191,310,000 in cash proceeds
(2) Aggregate consideration for which the securities listed in (b)(3) of this item (if any) were issued and the basis for computing the amount thereof (if different from the basis described in (c)(1)).

Unregistered Securities Act

(e) Indicate the section of the Securities Act or Commission rule or regulation relied upon for exemption from the registration requirements of such Act and state briefly the facts relied upon for such exemption
4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506(c) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. Securities sold solely to accredited investors.

 

AN OFFERING STATEMENT PURSUANT TO REGULATION A RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED BEFORE THE OFFERING STATEMENT FILED WITH THE COMMISSION IS QUALIFIED. THIS PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR MAY THERE BE ANY SALES OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL BEFORE REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE LAWS OF SUCH STATE. THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO SATISFY ITS OBLIGATION TO DELIVER A FINAL OFFERING CIRCULAR BY SENDING YOU A NOTICE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE COMPANY’S SALE TO YOU THAT CONTAINS THE URL WHERE THE FINAL OFFERING CIRCULAR OR THE OFFERING STATEMENT IN WHICH SUCH FINAL OFFERING CIRCULAR WAS FILED MAY BE OBTAINED.

 

PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION; DATED FEBRUARY 7, 2025

 

NEWSMAX INC.

 

 

750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100

Boca Raton, Florida 33487

(561) 686-1165

Newsmax.com

 

UP TO 15,000,000 SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK

AGENT WARRANT FOR THE PURCHASE OF UP TO 225,000 SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK

UP TO 225,000 SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK UNDERLYING AGENT WARRANT

 

PRICE: $5.00        PER SHARE

 

The minimum investment in this offering is [200] shares of Class B Common Stock, or $[1,000], unless waived by the Company in its sole discretion

 

   Price to Public   Underwriting discount and commissions (1)   Proceeds to issuer (2) 
Per share  $5.00   $0.35   $4.65 
Total Maximum of Public Offering  $75,000,000   $5,250,000   $69,750,000 
Agent Warrant(3)  $1,406,250   $          n/a   $1,406,250 
Per share of Class B Common Stock underlying Agent Warrant (225,000 Shares)  $6.25    n/a   $6.25 
Total Maximum   76,406,250   $5,250,000   $71,156,250 

  

(1) We have engaged Digital Offering, LLC (“Digital Offering”) to act as lead selling agent (the “Selling Agent”) to offer the shares of our Class B Common Stock (the “Shares”) to prospective investors in this offering (the “Offering”) on a “best efforts” basis, which means that there is no guarantee that any minimum amount will be received by us in this Offering. In addition, the Selling Agent may engage one or more sub-agents or selected dealers to assist in its marketing efforts (Digital Offering, together with such sub-agents and/or dealers collectively, the “Selling Agents”). Digital Offering is not purchasing the Shares offered by us and is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Shares in this Offering before a closing occurs. We will pay a cash commission of 7.0% to Digital Offering on sales of the Shares in this Offering and issue a warrant to Digital Offering to purchase a number of Shares equal to 1.5% of the total number of Shares sold in this Offering, exercisable for five years at an exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price, subject to adjustments (the “Agent Warrant”). See “Plan of Distribution” for details of compensation payable to the Selling Agent in connection with the Offering.
   
(2) Does not account for the expenses of the Offering. See “Use of Proceeds” for estimated Offering expenses payable by the Company in connection with this offering.
   
(3)  The Agent Warrant is being issued as partial compensation to the Selling Agent. The value of the Agent Warrant set forth in the table above is based on the number of Shares underlying the Agent Warrant multiplied by the offering price of the Shares in this Offering of $ per Share. The actual value of the Agent Warrant utilizing an options pricing model would be less than the amount indicated in the table. 

 

 

 

 

We intend to apply to have the Shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “NMAX”. If approved, we intend to list the Shares on NYSE following NYSE’s certification of our Form 8-A to be filed concurrently with qualification of this, or a post-qualification amendment to this, Offering Statement. If the Shares are not approved for listing on NYSE, we will not complete the Offering contemplated hereby. No assurance can be given that our application to list on NYSE will be approved or that an active trading market for the Shares will develop. The Shares are not currently listed or quoted on any exchange.

 

We will issue to the Selling Agent the Agent Warrant to purchase such number of Shares equal to 1.5% of the total number of Shares sold in this Offering, at a per Share price equal to 125% of the per Share price of the Shares offered hereby (subject to adjustments). The Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular forms a part also registers the issuance of the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Agent Warrant (although the Selling Agent has agreed not to sell the Agent Warrant or any of the shares issuable upon exercise of the Agent Warrant until six months after the commencement of the Offering). We do not intend to list the Agent Warrant on a national securities exchange or an over-the-counter quotation system. See “Plan of Distributionfor a description of these arrangements.

 

Following the closing of this Offering, we will have two classes of authorized common stock, Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, and Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (together, the “Common Stock”). The rights of the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are identical, except with respect to voting. Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to ten votes per share on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote, while each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share on such matters. Following the Offering and assuming the sale of the maximum number of shares of Class B Common Stock is sold in the Offering for the offering price per share on the cover page hereof, Christopher Ruddy, our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, together with his affiliates, will beneficially own 83.1% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock.

 

Following the consummation of this Offering, Mr. Ruddy will retain controlling voting power in the Company. As a result, we expect to be a “controlled company” under NYSE’s rules, in which case we intend to avail ourselves of the corporate governance exemptions afforded to a “controlled company” under the rules of NYSE. See “Risk Factors – We expect to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of applicable national securities exchange rules and, as a result, will qualify for and intend to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements” for more information.

 

 

 

 

This Offering will terminate at the earliest of: (1) the date at which the maximum offering amount has been received by us, (2) one year from the date upon which the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or “Commission”) qualifies the Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular forms a part, and (3) the date at which the Offering is earlier terminated by us in our sole discretion. This Offering is being conducted on a best-efforts basis. We intend to complete one closing in this Offering. After the closing, funds tendered by investors will be made available to us.

 

INVESTING IN THE CLASS B COMMON STOCK OF NEWSMAX INC. IS SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISKS. YOU SHOULD PURCHASE THESE SECURITIES ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD A COMPLETE LOSS OF YOUR INVESTMENT. SEE “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 TO READ ABOUT THE MORE SIGNIFICANT RISKS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE INVESTING IN THE CLASS B COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY.

 

THE SEC DOES NOT PASS UPON THE MERITS OR GIVE ITS APPROVAL OF ANY SECURITIES OFFERED OR THE TERMS OF THE OFFERING, NOR DOES IT PASS UPON THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY OFFERING CIRCULAR OR OTHER SOLICITATION MATERIALS. THESE SECURITIES ARE OFFERED PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION WITH THE COMMISSION; HOWEVER, THE COMMISSION HAS NOT MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION THAT THE SECURITIES OFFERED ARE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION.

 

Sales of these securities will commence on approximately __________, 2025.

 

This Offering Circular follows the disclosure format of Part I of SEC Form S-1 pursuant to the general instructions of Part II(a)(1)(ii) of Form 1-A.

 

In the event that we become a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we intend to take advantage of the provisions that relate to “Emerging Growth Companies” under the JOBS Act of 2012. See “Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company.”

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY   1
RISK FACTORS   10
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   37
USE OF PROCEEDS   38
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE   39
DIVIDEND POLICY   39
CAPITALIZATION   40
DILUTION   41
BUSINESS   42
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY   50
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   51
MANAGEMENT   66
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   70
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT   74
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS   76
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK   77
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   85
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE   94
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES LIABILITIES   95
LEGAL MATTERS   96
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS   96
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   96
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   F-1
INDEX TO EXHIBITS   III-1

 

In this Offering Circular unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, the words “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” or “our Company,” refer to Newsmax Inc., a Florida corporation and its Subsidiaries (as defined herein).

 

i

 

 

SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this Offering Circular. This summary is not complete and does not contain all the information that you should consider before deciding whether to invest in our Shares. You should read this entire Offering Circular carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section, our historical consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, each included elsewhere in this Offering Circular. Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, the words “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” or “our Company,” refer to Newsmax Inc., a Florida corporation and its Subsidiaries (as defined herein).

 

Overview

 

Newsmax Inc. is a holding company that owns 100% of the equity interests of its operating company Newsmax Media, Inc. (“Newsmax Media”). Newsmax Media and its subsidiaries operate the businesses described in this Offering Circular.

 

Newsmax Media has six wholly-owned subsidiaries: Newsmax Broadcasting, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Newsmax Broadcasting”), Crown Atlantic Insurance, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Crown Atlantic”), Humanix Publishing, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Humanix Publishing”), Medix Health LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Medix Health”), ROI Media Strategies, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“ROI Media Strategies”), and Newsmax Radio LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Newsmax Radio,” and together with Newsmax Media, Newsmax Broadcasting, Crown Atlantic Insurance, Humanix Publishing, Medix Health, and ROI Media Strategies, the “Subsidiaries”).

 

Newsmax Media is a television broadcaster and multi-platform content publisher with a mixed-revenue model that primarily derives income from (i) digital, linear and over-the-top (“OTT”) television advertising, (ii) online web and digital advertising, (iii) cable license fees and streaming subscriptions, and (iv) subscriptions to online and print publications. Newsmax Media uses original news, syndicated services and editorial content to draw consumers to its media outlets, including through its highly-rated TV channel, digital websites and print publications, and its website, Newsmax.com, in order to sell advertising to third party marketers. Newsmax Media also sells subscriptions to its own streaming, digital and print products through its channels and platforms. Newsmax Media differentiates itself in a crowded media marketplace, among other things, through broad distribution of Newsmax Media’s content across linear cable, OTT streaming, and digital and print platforms, all with a focus on content related to politics, health, finance and lifestyle for an audience primarily comprised of viewers who are 45 years old or older.

 

Newsmax Media’s industry leading digital brand, which started in 1998, enabled it to launch Newsmax, its linear cable channel, in 2014. Today, each month, more than 40 million Americans watch, read and listen to Newsmax. The Newsmax channel is currently carried by major Multichannel Video Programming Distributor (“MVPDs”) cable/satellite systems in the United States. Nielsen reports that Newsmax is the fourth highest-rated cable news network in the United States, with 21 million regular viewers, and is one of the 15 most viewed basic cable programs. In 2023, Nielsen reported that Newsmax was the only cable news channel with ratings growth across all dayparts, seeing a 42% increase in total viewership in prime time, 16% in daytime, 23% in total day, including a 69% increase in total day viewership among adults between age 35 and 64, and an 11% increase in access. As such, Newsmax Media became the first major digital brand to become the fastest-growing cable news platform. Meanwhile, competitor Fox News saw a 6% decline in viewership for total day and a 2% decline in prime time during the same time period. In the first half of 2024, Newsmax’s total viewership in prime time grew by 41%, including a 10% increase among adults between the ages of 35 and 64, and by 36% in total day, including a 16% increase among adults between 35 and 64. In comparison, Fox News experienced a 10% increase in prime time viewership, including a 10% increase among adults between age 35 and 64, and a 2% increase in total day, including a 1% increase among adults between age 35 and 64. Overall, Newsmax’s total day ratings grew by 36% in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023, compared to 7% growth for MSNBC, a 2% growth for Fox News, a 3% growth for CNN, a 7% decline for CNBC and a 36% decline for Newsnation.

 

1

 

 

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

 

As an issuer with (i) less than $1.235 billion in total annual gross revenues during our last fiscal year, (ii) $700 million in market value of our capital stock held by non-affiliates and (iii) $1.07 billion in non-convertible debt over a three-year period, we will qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) and this status will be significant if and when we become subject to the ongoing reporting requirements of the Exchange Act upon filing a Form 8-A. An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements and is relieved of certain other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. In particular, as an emerging growth company we:

 

  will not be required to obtain an auditor attestation on our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended;
     
  will not be required to provide a detailed narrative disclosure discussing our compensation principles, objectives and elements and analyzing how those elements fit with our principles and objectives (commonly referred to as “compensation discussion and analysis”);
     
  will not be required to obtain a non-binding advisory vote from our members on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements (commonly referred to as the “say-on-pay,” “say-on-frequency” and “say-on-golden-parachute” votes);
     
  will be exempt from certain executive compensation disclosure provisions requiring a pay-for-performance graph and CEO pay ratio disclosure;
     
  may present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A; and
     
  will be eligible to claim longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards.

 

We intend to take advantage of all of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards, and hereby elect to do so. Our election to use the phase-in 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 phase-in periods under Section 107 of the JOBS Act.

 

Under the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of the above-described reduced reporting requirements and exemptions for up to five years after our initial sale of common equity pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or such earlier time that we no longer meet the definition of an emerging growth company. Note that this Offering, while a public offering, is not a sale of common equity pursuant to a registration statement, since the Offering is conducted pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements. In this regard, the JOBS Act provides that we would cease to be an “emerging growth company” if we have more than $1.235 billion in annual revenues, have more than $700 million in market value of our capital stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.07 billion in principal amount of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.

 

Certain of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions are also available to us due to the fact that we may also qualify, once listed, as a “smaller reporting company” under the Commission’s rules. Generally, a company qualifies as a “smaller reporting company” if (i) it has public float of less than $250 million or (ii) it has less than $100 million in annual revenues and no public float or public float of less than $700 million. For instance, smaller reporting companies are not required to provide a compensation discussion and analysis; are not required to provide a pay-for-performance graph or CEO pay ratio disclosure; and may present only two years of audited financial statements and related MD&A disclosure.

 

Private Placement

 

In June 2024, the Company launched an offering of its Series B Preferred Stock in a private placement pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act (the “Private Placement”). The initial offering is for up to 30,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $5,000 per share for a base offering amount of $150,000,000, with the option to expand up to 45,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for an offering amount of $225,000,000. As of January 31, 2025, the Company has sold 38,262 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in the Private Placement, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $175,331,715.

 

2

 

 

Reorganization Transactions

 

In connection with the closing of this Offering, which constitutes an initial public offering of our securities, in accordance with the terms of the applicable Certificates of Designation, (a) all shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and Series A-3 Preferred Stock will automatically convert into our existing shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Existing Class A Common Stock”), and (b) all shares of Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into our existing shares of Class B Common Stock (the “Existing Class B Common Stock” and, together with the Existing Class A Common Stock, the “Existing Common Stock”). See “Description of Capital Stock” for details of the conversion terms. For clarification, our Existing Class A Common Stock and our Existing Class B Common Stock will be recapitalized as described in the following paragraph. As of the date of this Offering Circular, there are 6,069.67 shares of our Existing Class A Common Stock and zero shares of our Existing Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding.

 

In addition, concurrently with the closing of this Offering, we intend to amend and restate our Articles of Incorporation (the “Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation”) to, among other things, reclassify our authorized share capital to implement a dual class of securities, such that each share of our Existing Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Newsmax Inc. issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Effective Time”) shall be recapitalized, reclassified and reconstituted into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock of Newsmax Inc.; provided, that each share of capital stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Newsmax Inc. issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time held by Mr. Christopher Ruddy (our Chief Executive Officer and director) and/or his affiliates shall be recapitalized, reclassified and reconstituted into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A Common Stock of Newsmax Inc. (the “Recapitalization”). It is anticipated that the shares of Class A Common Stock will have ten votes per share, and the shares of Class B Common Stock will have one vote per share.

 

We further intend to effectuate a forward stock split (the “Forward Stock Split”). The Forward Stock Split of all of the outstanding shares of Newsmax Inc., which shall be effective immediately following the Recapitalization, shall be at a ratio of 1:13530.79 (the “Forward Stock Split Ratio”). As a result of the Forward Stock Split, our outstanding securities shall be proportionally increased based upon the Forward Stock Split Ratio and the exercise or conversion price of such securities (as may be applicable) will be proportionally decreased based upon the Forward Stock Split Ratio. No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the Forward Stock Split. Any fractional shares resulting from the Forward Stock Split will, at our sole discretion, be paid out in cash or rounded to the nearest whole share.

 

3

 

 

RISK FACTORS SUMMARY

 

Risks Related to Our Business, Operations and Our Industry

 

We have incurred losses in prior periods, may not be profitable in the future and our plans to maintain and increase liquidity may not be successful.

 

Changes in consumer behavior and evolving technologies and distribution platforms may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Declines in advertising expenditures could cause the Company’s revenues and operating results to decline significantly in any given period or in specific markets.

 

Advertising revenue is largely dependent on audience measurement, which can be difficult to measure.

 

  Advertising revenues have been subject to seasonality and cyclicality as a result of the impact of state, congressional and presidential election cycles which could have a material impact on our revenue, cash flow and operating results from period to period.

 

Because Newsmax Media derives a significant portion of its revenues from a limited number of distributors, the failure to enter into or renew affiliation and carriage agreements on favorable terms, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Newsmax Media’s businesses operate in a highly competitive industry. Changes to Newsmax Media’s existing content and services could fail to attract traffic, viewers and advertisers or fail to generate revenue. The levels of our traffic and engagement with our brands and content are critical to Newsmax Media’ success.

 

Damage to our brand or reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Likewise, adverse publicity or negative public perception regarding particular ingredients or products or the nutraceuticals industry in general could adversely affect the financial performance of those portions of the Subsidiaries’ nutraceuticals business, Medix Health.

 

The Company’s strategic investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies presents many risks, and the Company may not realize the financial and strategic goals it had contemplated, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Newsmax Media’s future growth depends in part on the acceptance and growth of OTT advertising and OTT advertising platforms.

 

If the rate of decline in the number of subscribers to traditional MVPD services increases or these subscribers shift to other services or bundles that do not include Newsmax TV, there may be a material negative effect on Newsmax Media’s affiliation revenues once established.

 

Newsmax Inc.’s principal asset is its ownership interest in Newsmax Media and the revenue generated by such asset may not be sufficient to pay our expenses or dividends or make distributions or loans to enable us to pay dividends on the Shares or any of our other capital stock.

 

Risks Related to Cybersecurity, Piracy, Privacy and Data Protection

 

The degradation, failure or misuse of the Subsidiaries’ network and information systems and other technology could cause a disruption of services or improper disclosure of personal data or other confidential information, resulting in increased costs, liabilities or loss of revenue.

 

The Company is subject to complex laws, regulations, rules, industry standards, and contractual obligations related to privacy and personal data protection, which are evolving, inconsistent and potentially costly.

 

4

 

 

Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Matters

 

Changes in U.S. communications laws or other regulations, including restrictions on programming and content, may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Newsmax Media and the other Subsidiaries may be, and in the past have been, subject to unfavorable litigation that could require it to pay significant amounts, lead to onerous operating procedures or have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

 

The Company’s business may suffer if the Company cannot protect its intellectual property.

 

The Company has been, and may be in the future, subject to claims of intellectual property infringement that could adversely affect its business.

 

The Company’s business involves risks of liability claims for content of material, which could adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Risks Related to Our Securities and the Offering

 

Investing in the Shares is a highly speculative investment and could result in the loss of your entire investment. There is no guarantee you will have a positive return on your investment.

 

No active trading market for the Shares currently exists, and an active trading market may not develop.

 

Future sales and issuances of our securities could result in dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders. As our initial public offering price is substantially higher than our net tangible book value per share, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution.

 

Newsmax Inc. may issue shares of preferred stock that would have a liquidation preference to its Common Stock., and other rights that holders of our Common Stock do not have.

 

Following the closing of this Offering, a majority of Newsmax Inc.’s voting stock will be owned by a small number of owners.

 

We cannot predict the effect our dual-class structure may have on the price of our securities.

 

Newsmax Inc. expects to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, expects to qualify for and intends to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

 

NYSE may delist our Shares from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our Shares and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

 

The market price of our Class B Common Stock may be volatile and fluctuate substantially, which could result in substantial losses for purchasers of our Class B Common Stock in this offering.

 

We intend to register additional shares of our Class B Common Stock, which may result in diminution to the value of the Shares offered hereby. Future sales of our Class B Common Stock may cause the market price of our Class B Common Stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

 

This Offering is being conducted on a “best efforts” basis and we may not be able to execute our growth strategy if the $75,000,000 maximum is not sold.

 

Using a credit card to purchase shares may impact the return on your investment as well as subject you to other risks inherent in this form of payment.

 

5

 

 

General Risk Factors

 

If we are successful in listing our securities on NYSE, we will incur increased costs as a result of being a public reporting company, and our board of directors will be required to devote substantial time to oversight of new compliance requirements and corporate governance practices.

 

Upon becoming a public company, we may qualify as a smaller reporting company within the meaning of the Exchange Act and an emerging growth company, and may take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to smaller reporting companies and emerging growth companies, as applicable. If we take advantage of such exemptions, our securities may be less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.

 

We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Company Information

 

Newsmax Media was incorporated as Sequoia Digital Corporation in the State of Nevada in 1998. In 1999, Newsmax Media changed its name from Sequoia Digital Corporation to Newsmax.com, Inc. In 2001, Newsmax Media changed its name from Newsmax.com, Inc. to Newsmax Media, Inc. In 2006, Newsmax Media became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NMX Holdings, LLC. In 2014, Newsmax Media changed its state of domicile from Nevada to Delaware and consummated a corporate reorganization in which the members of NMX Holdings, LLC exchanged their membership interests in NMX Holdings, LLC for capital stock of Newsmax Media.

 

In 2024, Newsmax Media consummated a corporate reorganization. Newsmax Inc. was formed as a new holding company that owns all of the outstanding shares of the operating company, Newsmax Media. The stockholders of Newsmax Media exchanged their shares of capital stock in Newsmax Media for the same class and number of shares in Newsmax Inc. Subsequently, Newsmax Media changed its state of domicile from Delaware to Florida. As a result of this reorganization, Newsmax Inc. became the direct holding company and the sole shareholder of Newsmax Media. Newsmax Media’s ownership of its subsidiaries was not affected or changed as a result of this reorganization.

 

The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, and its telephone number is (561) 686-1165. Newsmax Media’s website is Newsmax.com.

 

6

 

 

The Offering

 

Securities Offered:   Maximum of 15,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock.
     
Offering Price per Share   $5.00 per share of Class B Common Stock.
     
Minimum Investment   The minimum subscription is $[1,000], or [200] shares of Class B Common Stock. However, the Company may waive the minimum subscription amount in its sole discretion.
     
Best Efforts Offering   There is no minimum number of shares of Class B Common Stock that we must sell in order to conduct a closing in this Offering.
     
Shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Offering   78,478,594 shares of Class A Common Stock, after giving effect to the Recapitalization and the Forward Stock Split.
     
Shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding after the Offering  

78,478,594 shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

After giving effect to the Offering and assuming the Company sells the maximum offering amount of Class B Common Stock in the Offering and the Offering is completed on March 31, 2025, the total outstanding Class A Common Stock will represent approximately 32.9% of the total outstanding Common Stock of the Company and 83.1% of the total voting power of all Common Stock issued and outstanding.

     
Shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Offering   Prior to the closing of this Offering and prior to the consummation of the Recapitalization, we expect that the number of our Existing Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding will be zero. If any options to purchase Class B Common Stock of the Company are exercised prior to the closing of this Offering, then the number of issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock will be based on the options exercised.  
     
Shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding after the Offering  

160,011,969 shares of Class B Common Stock, consisting of 145,011,969 shares of Class B Common Stock issued upon the Recapitalization and up to 15,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock offered hereby, assuming the Company sells the maximum offering amount of Class B Common Stock in the Offering.

 

After giving effect to the Offering and assuming the Company sells the maximum offering amount of Class B Common Stock in the Offering and the Offering is completed on March 31, 2025, the total outstanding Class B Common Stock will represent approximately 67.1% of the total outstanding Common Stock of the Company and 16.9% of the total voting power of all Common Stock issued and outstanding.

     
Use of Proceeds   If we raise the maximum amount contemplated in this Offering, we estimate our net proceeds, after deducting estimated Offering expenses of approximately $6,625,000, will be approximately $68,375,000. We intend to use the proceeds from this Offering for general corporate purposes including the costs of this Offering. See the “Use of Proceeds” section of this Offering Circular for details on our intended use of proceeds from this Offering.
     
Risk Factors   Investing in our securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the information set forth in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 10 before deciding to invest in our securities.
     
Selling Agent   We have engaged Digital Offering to serve as our lead selling agent to assist in the placement of our Class B Common Stock in this Offering on a “best efforts” basis. In addition, Digital Offering may engage one or more sub-agents or selected dealers to assist in its marketing efforts. See “Plan of Distribution” for further details.

 

 

7

 

 

Selling Agent Warrant  

We have agreed to issue to Digital Offering warrants to purchase such number of Shares equal to 1.5% of the total number of Shares sold in this Offering at an exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price of the Shares sold in this Offering (subject to adjustments). The Agent Warrant will be exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing from the date that is 6 months after the commencement date of sales in this Offering and expiring on the fifth anniversary of the commencement date of sales in this Offering. The Agent Warrant will have a cashless exercise provision and will provide for registration rights with respect to the registration of the Shares underlying the Agent Warrant.

     
Lock-up  

Except as described below, our officers, directors and certain of our stockholders have agreed, or will agree, with Digital Offering, subject to certain exceptions, that, without the prior written consent of Digital Offering, they will not, directly or indirectly, during the period of six months following the closing of this Offering, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of the Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by them or with respect to which they have or hereafter acquire the power of disposition; or enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

     
Termination of the Offering   This Offering will terminate at the earlier of: (1) the date on which the maximum offering amount has been sold, (2) the date which is one year after this Offering has been qualified by the Commission and (3) the date on which this Offering is earlier terminated by us in our sole discretion.
     
Proposed Listing   We intend to apply to have our Class B Common Stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NMAX.” If the Class B Common Stock is not approved for listing on NYSE, we will not complete the Offering contemplated hereby.

 

 

8

 

 

Summary Financial Data

 

The following tables summarize certain financial data regarding our business and should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this Offering Circular and the information under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Our summary financial data as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are derived from our audited and unaudited financial statements included elsewhere in this Offering Circular. All financial statements included in this Offering Circular are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The summary financial information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. The financial statements contained elsewhere fully represent our financial condition and operations; however, they are not indicative of our future performance.

 

   Year Ended
December 31,
   Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
Statements of Operations Data  2023   2022   2024   2023 
Revenue  $135,276,027   $135,311,692   $79,826,377   $59,331,195 
Cost of revenues   79,455,996    76,376,790    41,404,791    38,156,621 
Gross profit  $55,820,031   $58,934,902   $38,421,586   $21,174,574 
General and administrative expenses   (100,915,301)   (78,409,190)   (94,016,060)   (59,988,007)
Other income/(expense), net   3,336,654    (442,892)   102,187   (14,194)
Income tax expense   (18,550)   (19,206)   (20,960)   (24,444)
Net loss  $(41,777,166)  $(19,936,386)  $(55,513,247)  $(38,852,071)

 

   December 31,   June 30, 
Balance Sheet Data  2023   2022   2024 
Cash  $6,037,211   $4,046,045   $6,651,963 
Investments   1,221,585    7,393,808    1,035,974 
Accounts receivable, net   21,971,756    18,736,832    22,975,614 
Inventory   3,834,706    3,833,833    2,762,231 
Other current assets   2,351,159    8,455,652    3,502,454 
Property, plant & equipment   8,029,457    9,863,788    6,993,097 
Other non-current assets   28,163,957    14,540,640    24,951,776 
Total assets  $71,609,831   $66,870,598   $68,873,109 
                
Current liabilities   51,847,951    34,113,956    100,880,766 
Long-term liabilities   43,345,976    14,657,252    41,422,324 
Total liabilities  $95,193,927   $48,771,208   $142,303,090 
                
Convertible and redeemable preferred stock   126,018,101    123,466,294    127,290,509 
                
Stockholders’ Deficit   (149,602,197)   (105,366,904)   (200,720,490)
Total liabilities, convertible and redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit  $71,609,831   $66,870,598   $68,873,109 

 

 

9

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our Class B Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. The SEC requires that we identify risks that are specific to our business and our financial condition. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and the other information in this Offering Circular before investing in our securities. Our business and results of operations could be seriously harmed by any of the following risks. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, revenue and future prospects could be materially adversely affected and you could lose all or part of your investment in the Shares. In such case, the value of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Related to Our Business, Operations and Our Industry

 

We have incurred losses in prior periods, may not be profitable in the future, and our plans to maintain and increase liquidity may not be successful.

 

Our ability to achieve profitability will depend upon our ability to generate and sustain substantially increased revenues. We may continue to incur operating losses in the future as we execute our growth strategy. The likelihood that we will generate net income in the future must be considered in light of the difficulties facing the television broadcasting and content publication industry as a whole, economic conditions and the competitive environment in which we operate. Our operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties, and we may not achieve sufficient revenues to sustain or increase profitability. In addition, we may be unable to successfully achieve or maintain our growth strategy and may need to raise additional capital to fund our future operations.

 

Changes in consumer behavior and evolving technologies and distribution platforms may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The ways in which consumers view content and technology and business models in the Company’s industry continue to rapidly evolve and new distribution platforms and increased competition from new entrants and emerging technologies have added to the complexity of maintaining predictable revenue streams. Technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior as consumers seek more control over when, where and how they consume content and have affected advertisers’ options for reaching their target audiences. Consumer preferences have evolved towards digital services and other subscription services and there has been a substantial increase in the availability of programming with reduced advertising or without advertising at all. Examples include the convergence of television telecasts and digital delivery of programming to televisions and other devices, video-on-demand platforms, user-generated content sites, and simultaneous streaming of telecast content that allows viewers to consume content on demand and in remote locations while avoiding traditional advertisements or subscription payments. In addition, consumers are increasingly using time-shifting and advertising-blocking technologies that enable them to fast-forward or circumvent advertisements. Substantial use of these technologies could impact the attractiveness of Newsmax Media’s programming to advertisers and adversely affect our advertising revenues.

 

Changes in consumer behavior and technology have also had an adverse impact on traditional MVPDs that deliver Newsmax Media’s broadcast and cable networks to consumers. Consumers are increasingly turning to alternative offerings, including Subscription Video on Demand (“SVOD”) and Advertising Video on Demand (“AVOD”) services and mobile and social media platforms, which has contributed to industry-wide declines in subscribers to traditional MVPD services over the last several years. These declines are expected to continue and possibly accelerate in the future. If consumers increasingly favor alternative offerings over traditional MVPD subscriptions, Newsmax Media may experience a decline in viewership and ultimately demand for the programming on its traditional linear networks, which could lead to lower affiliate fee and advertising revenues. Changing distribution models may also negatively impact Newsmax Media’s ability to negotiate affiliation agreements on favorable terms, which could have an adverse effect on Newsmax Media’s business, financial condition or results of operations, including a decline in advertising revenues if one or more MVPDs declines to renew an affiliation agreement with Newsmax Media.

 

10

 

 

If Newsmax Media fails to protect and exploit the value of its content while responding to, and developing new technology and business models to take advantage of, technological developments and consumer preferences, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Declines in advertising expenditures could cause the Company’s revenues and operating results to decline significantly in any given period or in specific markets.

 

Newsmax Media derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising, and its ability to generate advertising revenues depends on a number of factors. The strength of the advertising market can fluctuate in response to the economic prospects of specific advertisers or industries, advertisers’ spending priorities and the economy in general. In addition, pandemics, natural and other disasters, acts of terrorism, and political uncertainties or hostilities can also lead to a reduction in advertising expenditures as a result of economic uncertainty, disrupted programming and services or reduced advertising spots due to pre-emptions.

 

Major events, such as the state, congressional and presidential elections cycles also may cause Newsmax Media’s advertising revenues to vary substantially from year to year. Political advertising expenditures are impacted by the ability and willingness of candidates and political action campaigns to raise and spend funds on advertising and the competitive nature of the elections affecting viewers in markets featuring our programming. Moreover, regulatory or other third-party intervention impacting where and when advertisements may be placed may result in a decline in our advertising revenues.

 

Advertising expenditures may also be affected by changes in consumer behavior and evolving technologies and platforms. There is increasing competition for the leisure time of audiences and demand for Newsmax Media’s programming as measured by ratings points is a key factor in determining advertising rates. In addition, as described above, newer technologies and platforms are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences. Some of these technologies and platforms allow users to view programming from a remote location or on a time-delayed basis and provide users the ability to fast-forward, rewind, pause and skip programming and advertisements, which could negatively affect the attractiveness of the Company’s offerings to advertisers. The pricing and volume of advertising may also be affected by shifts in spending toward digital and mobile offerings, which can deliver targeted advertising more promptly, from traditional media, or toward newer ways of purchasing advertising, some or all of which may not be as beneficial to Newsmax Media as traditional advertising methods. Newsmax Media also generates advertising revenues through its OTT platforms.

 

The market for OTT advertising campaigns is relatively new and evolving and if this market develops slower or differently than we expect, it could adversely affect our advertising revenues.

 

A decrease in advertising expenditures, reduced demand for Newsmax Media’s programming could lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Advertising revenue is largely dependent on audience measurement, which can be difficult to measure.

 

Because advertising sales largely depend on audience measurement, they could be negatively affected if measurement methodologies do not accurately reflect actual viewership levels. Although Nielsen’s statistical sampling method is the primary measurement methodology used for Newsmax Media’s linear television advertising sales, Newsmax Media measures and monetizes its digital platforms based on a combination of internal and third-party data. A consistent, broadly accepted measure of multiplatform audiences across the industry remains to be developed. Although we expect multiplatform measurement innovation and standards to benefit us as the video advertising market continues to evolve, we are still partially dependent on third parties to provide these solutions.

 

Seasonal fluctuations in advertising activity could have a material impact on our revenue, cash flow and operating results.

 

Historically, our advertising revenues have been subject to seasonality and cyclicality as a result of the impact of state, congressional and presidential election cycles. We have experienced relatively higher revenues and cash flow during years when congressional and presidential elections are held, with relatively lower revenues and cash flow in the years between these events, when interest in national political news is lower. Our historical revenue growth has masked the impact of seasonality, but if our growth rate declines or seasonal spending becomes more pronounced, seasonality could have a material impact on our revenue, cash flow and operating results from period to period.

 

Because Newsmax Media derives a significant portion of its revenues from a limited number of distributors, the failure to enter into or renew affiliation and carriage agreements on favorable terms, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Newsmax Media depends on affiliation and distribution arrangements that enable it to reach a large percentage of households through MVPDs and third party-owned television stations. The inability to enter into or renew MVPD arrangements on favorable terms, or at all, or the loss of carriage on MVPDs’ basic programming tiers could reduce the distribution of Newsmax Media’s owned and operated television stations and broadcast and cable networks, which could adversely affect Newsmax Media’s revenue estimates from affiliate fees and its ability to sell national and local advertising time. The loss of favorable MVPD packaging, positioning, pricing or other marketing opportunities could also negatively impact Newsmax Media’s revenue estimates from affiliate fees. These risks are exacerbated by consolidation among traditional MVPDs, their increased vertical integration into the cable or broadcast network business and their use of alternative technologies to offer their subscribers access to local broadcast network programming, which have provided traditional MVPDs with greater negotiating leverage. In addition, if Newsmax Media and an MVPD reach an impasse in contract renewal negotiations, Newsmax Media’s networks and owned and operated television stations could become unavailable to the MVPD’s subscribers (i.e., “go dark”), which, depending on the length of time and the size of the MVPD, could have a negative impact on Newsmax Media’s revenues from affiliate fees and advertising.

 

11

 

 

Newsmax Media also depends on the maintenance of affiliation agreements and license agreements with third party-owned television stations to distribute the Newsmax TV. Consolidation among television station group owners could increase their negotiating leverage and reduce the number of available distribution partners. There can be no assurance that these affiliation and license agreements will be renewed in the future on terms favorable to Newsmax Media. The inability to enter into affiliation or licensing arrangements with third-party owned television stations on favorable terms could reduce distribution of Newsmax TV and the inability to enter into such affiliation or licensing arrangements for Newsmax TV on favorable terms could adversely affect Newsmax Media’s affiliate fee revenues and its ability to sell national advertising time.

 

In addition, Newsmax Media has arrangements through which it makes its content available for viewing through third-party online video platforms. If these arrangements are not renewed on favorable or commercially reasonable terms or at all, it could adversely affect the Company’s revenues and operating results.

 

Changes to Newsmax Media’s existing content and services could fail to attract traffic, viewers and advertisers or fail to generate revenue.

 

Newsmax Media may introduce significant changes to our existing content. The success of our new content depends substantially on consumer tastes and preferences that change in often unpredictable ways. If this new content fails to engage traffic and advertisers, we may fail to generate sufficient revenue or operating profit to justify our investments, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected. In addition, we have launched and expect to continue to launch strategic initiatives, which do not directly generate revenue but which we believe will enhance our attractiveness to traffic and advertisers. In the future, we may invest in new content, products, services, and initiatives to generate revenue, but there is no guarantee these approaches will be successful or that the costs associated with these efforts will not exceed the revenue generated. If Newsmax Media’s strategic initiatives do not enhance our ability to monetize our existing content or enable us to develop new approaches to monetization, we may not be able to maintain or grow our revenue or recover any associated development costs and our operating results could be adversely affected.

 

Newsmax Media’s businesses operate in a highly competitive industry.

 

Newsmax Media competes with other companies for high-quality content to reach large audiences and to generate advertising revenue. Newsmax Media also competes for distribution on MVPDs and other third-party digital platforms. Newsmax Media’s ability to attract viewers and advertisers and obtain favorable distribution depends in part on its ability to provide popular programming and adapt to new technologies and distribution platforms, which are increasing the number of content choices available to audiences. The consolidation of advertising agencies, distributors and television service providers also has increased their negotiating leverage and made competition for audiences, advertising revenue, and distribution more intense. Competition for audiences and/or advertising comes from a variety of sources, including broadcast television networks; cable television systems and networks; Internet-delivered platforms such as live streaming, SVOD and AVOD services and mobile, gaming and social media platforms; audio programming; and print and other media. Other television stations or cable networks may change their formats or programming, a new station or new network may adopt a format to compete directly with Newsmax Media’s stations or networks, or stations or networks might engage in aggressive promotional campaigns. Increased competition in the acquisition of programming may also affect the scope of rights we are able to acquire and the cost of such rights, and the future value of the rights we acquire or retain cannot be predicted with certainty. Entering into or renewing contracts for programming rights or acquiring additional rights may result in increased costs to Newsmax Media. There can be no assurance that revenue from acquired rights contracts will exceed Newsmax Media’s costs for the rights, as well as the other costs of producing and distributing the programming. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that Newsmax Media will be able to compete successfully in the future against existing or potential competitors or that competition or consolidation in the marketplace will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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In addition, with respect to our digital offerings, competition for traffic and engagement with our content, products and services is intense. Newsmax Media competes against many companies to attract and engage traffic, including companies that have greater financial resources and larger user bases, and companies that offer a variety of Internet and mobile device-based content, products and services. As a result, Newsmax Media’s competitors may acquire and engage traffic at the expense of the growth or engagement of our traffic, which would negatively affect Newsmax Media’s business. Newsmax Media believes that its ability to compete effectively for traffic depends upon many factors both within and beyond its control, including, but not limited to:

 

the popularity, usefulness and reliability of Newsmax Media’s content compared to that of its competitors;

 

the timing and market acceptance of Newsmax Media’s content;

 

the continued expansion and adoption of Newsmax Media’s content;

 

Newsmax Media’s ability, and the ability of its competitors, to develop new content and enhancements to existing content and to attract, develop and retain talent;

 

the frequency, relative prominence and appeal of the advertising displayed by Newsmax Media or its competitors;

 

public perceptions about the predominance of certain political viewpoints on our platform, regardless of whether those perceptions are accurate;

 

changes mandated by, or that we elect to make to address, legislation, regulatory constraints or litigation, including settlements and consent decrees, some of which may have a disproportionate impact on us;

 

the costs of developing and procuring new content, relative to those of its competitors;

 

acquisitions or consolidation within our industry, which may result in more formidable competitors; and

 

Newsmax Media’s reputation and brand strength relative to its competitors.

 

Newsmax Media also faces significant competition for advertiser spending. Newsmax Media competes against online and mobile businesses and traditional media outlets, such as television, radio and print, for advertising budgets. In determining whether to buy advertising, our advertisers will consider the demand for our content, demographics of our traffic, advertising rates, results observed by advertisers, and alternative advertising options. The increasing number of digital media options available, through social networking tools and news aggregation websites, has expanded consumer choice significantly, resulting in traffic fragmentation and increased competition for advertising. In addition, some of our larger competitors have substantially broader content, product or service offerings than us and leverage their relationships based on other products or services to gain additional share of advertising budgets. Newsmax Media will need to continue to innovate and improve the monetization capabilities of its websites and mobile products in order to remain competitive. Newsmax Media believes that its ability to compete effectively for advertiser spend depends upon many factors both within and beyond its control, including, but not limited to:

 

the size and composition of its user base relative to those of its competitors;

 

Newsmax Media’s ad targeting capabilities, and those of its competitors;

 

Newsmax Media’s ability, and the ability of its competitors, to adapt its model to the increasing power and significance of influencers to the advertising community;

 

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the timing and market acceptance of its advertising content and advertising products, and those of its competitors;

 

Newsmax Media’s marketing and selling efforts, and those of its competitors;

 

public perceptions about the predominance of certain political viewpoints on our platform, regardless of whether those perceptions are accurate;

 

the pricing for its advertising products and services relative to those of its competitors;

 

the return our advertisers receive from our advertising products and services, and those of our competitors; and

 

Newsmax Media’s reputation and the strength of its brand relative to its competitors.

 

The levels of our traffic and engagement with our brands and content are critical to Newsmax Media’ success.

 

If Newsmax Media fails to increase its traffic, or if traffic engagement or ad engagement declines, its revenue, business and operating results may be harmed. Newsmax Media’s financial performance has been and will continue to be significantly determined by its success in increasing traffic and the overall level of engagement with its content as well as increasing the number and quality of ad engagements. Newsmax Media anticipates that its traffic growth rate will slow over time as the level of our traffic increases. To the extent our traffic growth rate slows, our success will become increasingly dependent on our ability to increase levels of ad engagement on Newsmax Media. If people do not perceive our content to be useful, reliable and entertaining, Newsmax Media may not be able to attract traffic or increase the frequency of engagement on its websites and applications and the ads that it displays. There is no guarantee that Newsmax Media will not experience a similar erosion of its engagement levels as its traffic growth rate slows.

 

The inability to renew programming rights on sufficiently favorable terms, or at all, could cause Newsmax Media’s advertising and affiliate fee revenues to decline significantly in any given period or in specific markets.

 

Newsmax Media enters into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and the distribution of media programming and products, including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights and for the distribution of its programming to content distributors. Programming rights agreements, retransmission consent agreements, carriage contracts and affiliation agreements have varying durations and renewal terms that are subject to negotiation with other parties, the outcome of which is unpredictable. In addition, competition for popular programming rights that are licensed from third parties is intense, and the licenses have varying duration and renewal terms. As these contracts expire, Newsmax Media may seek renewals on favorable terms; however, third parties may outbid Newsmax Media for the rights contracts. The loss of rights or renewal on less favorable terms could impact the quality or quantity of Newsmax Media’s programs and could adversely affect Newsmax Media’s advertising and affiliate fee revenues. Upon renewal, Newsmax Media’s results could be adversely affected if escalations in programming rights costs are unmatched by increases in advertising and affiliate fee revenues. In addition, if Newsmax Media does not obtain exclusive rights to the programming it distributes, it could negatively impact Newsmax Media’s advertising and affiliate fee revenues.

 

Acceptance of Newsmax Media’s content by the public is difficult to predict, which could lead to fluctuations in revenues.

 

Revenues derived from the distribution of television content depends primarily upon its acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. Low public acceptance of Newsmax Media’s content will adversely affect Newsmax Media’s results of operations. The commercial success of our programming also depends upon the quality and acceptance of other competing programming, the growing number of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure activities, general economic conditions and their effects on consumer spending and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. Moreover, Newsmax Media must often invest substantial amounts in programming before they learn the extent to which the content will earn consumer acceptance. Competition for popular content is intense, and Newsmax Media may need to increase the price it pays for popular content rights. Newsmax Media’s failure to obtain or retain rights to popular content, or a decline in the ratings or popularity of Newsmax Media’s news television programming, which could be a result of the loss of talent or rights to certain programming, could adversely affect advertising revenues in the near term and, over a longer period of time, adversely affect affiliate fee revenues

 

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Damage to our brand or reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company’s brands, particularly the Newsmax Media brand, are among its most valuable assets. Newsmax Media believes that its brand image, awareness and reputation strengthen its relationship with consumers and contribute significantly to the success of its business. Maintaining, further enhancing and extending our brands may require us to make significant investments in marketing, programming or new products, services or events; however, these investments may not be successful. Newsmax Media may introduce new programming that is not popular with its consumers and advertisers, which may negatively affect its brands. To the extent its content, in particular its live news programming, is not compelling to consumers, our ability to maintain a positive reputation may be adversely impacted. Governmental scrutiny and fines and significant negative claims or publicity regarding Newsmax Media or its operations, content, products, management, employees, practices, advertisers, business partners and culture, including individuals associated with content we create or license, may damage Newsmax Media’s reputation and brands, even if such claims are untrue. Furthermore, to the extent our marketing, customer service and public relations efforts are not effective or result in negative consumer reaction, our ability to maintain a positive reputation may likewise be adversely impacted. If Newsmax Media is not successful in maintaining or enhancing the image or awareness of its brands, or if its reputation is harmed for any reason, it could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company’s strategic investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies presents many risks, and the Company may not realize the financial and strategic goals it had contemplated, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company has invested in, and expects to continue investing in, new businesses, products, services and technologies that complement, enhance or expand its current businesses or otherwise offer it growth opportunities. Such strategic investments may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including insufficient revenues from an investment to offset any new liabilities assumed and expenses associated with the investment; a failure of the investment to perform as expected, meet financial projections or achieve strategic goals; unidentified issues not discovered in its due diligence that could cause the Company not to realize anticipated benefits or to incur unanticipated liabilities; the diversion of management attention from current operations; and compliance with new regulatory regimes. Because investments are inherently risky and their anticipated benefits or value may not materialize, the Company’s investments may adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We face risks, such as unforeseen costs and potential liability in connection with content we acquire, produce, license and/or distribute through our service.

 

As a distributor of content, Newsmax Media may face potential liability for negligence, copyright and trademark infringement, or other claims based on the nature and content of materials that its acquires, produces, licenses and/or distributes. Newsmax Media may also face potential liability for content used in promoting its service, including marketing materials. Newsmax Media devotes significant resources toward the development, production, marketing and distribution of original programming. Newsmax Media believes that original and exclusive programming can help differentiate its service from other offerings, enhance its brand and otherwise attract and retain members. To the extent Newsmax Media’s programming does not meet its expectations, in particular, in terms of costs, viewing and popularity, Newsmax Media’s business, including the brand and results of operations may be adversely impacted. Further, negotiations or renewals related to the entertainment industry collective bargaining agreements have, and in the future, could negatively impact timing and costs associated with our productions. Newsmax Media contracts with third parties related to the development, production, marketing and distribution of our original programming. Newsmax Media may face potential liability or may suffer significant losses in connection with these arrangements, including, but not limited to, if such third parties violate applicable law, become insolvent or engage in fraudulent behavior. To the extent Newsmax Media creates and sells physical or digital merchandise relating to its programming, and/or license such rights to third parties, Newsmax Media could become subject to product liability, intellectual property or other claims related to such merchandise. Newsmax Media may decide to remove content from its service, not to place licensed or produced content on its service or discontinue or alter production of original content if Newsmax Media believes such content might not be well received by its viewers, is prohibited by law, or could be damaging to its brand or business.

 

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To the extent Newsmax Media does not accurately anticipate costs or mitigate risks, including for content that it obtains but ultimately does not appear on or is removed from its service, or if Newsmax Media becomes liable for content it acquires, produces, licenses and/or distributes, its business may suffer. Litigation to defend these claims could be costly and the expenses and damages arising from any liability or unforeseen production risks could harm the results of the Company’s operations. The Company may not be indemnified against claims or costs of these types and the Company may not have insurance coverage for these types of claims.

 

Newsmax Media’s future growth depends in part on the acceptance and growth of OTT advertising and OTT advertising platforms.

 

Many advertisers continue to devote a substantial portion of their advertising budgets to traditional advertising, such as linear TV, radio, and print, and to advertising through digital and social media platforms. While Newsmax TV generates revenues from linear TV and distribution fees paid by MVPDs, a core segment of Newsmax Media’s business is OTT advertising. As such, the future growth of Newsmax Media’s business depends in part on the growth of OTT advertising and on advertisers increasing their spend on advertising on its network. Although traditional TV advertisers have showed growing interest in OTT advertising, Newsmax Media cannot be certain that their interest will continue to increase or that they will not revert to traditional TV advertising, especially if the Company’s customers no longer stream TV or significantly reduce the amount of TV they stream. If advertisers or their agency relationships do not perceive meaningful benefits of OTT advertising, the market may develop more slowly than Newsmax Media expects, which could adversely impact its operating results and materially impact a core segment of its business.

 

If the rate of decline in the number of subscribers to traditional MVPD services increases or these subscribers shift to other services or bundles that do not include Newsmax TV, there may be a material negative effect on Newsmax Media’s affiliation revenues once established.

 

During the last few years, the number of subscribers to traditional MVPD services in the U.S. has been declining, and the rate of decline has increased in recent periods. If traditional MVPD service offerings are not attractive to consumers due to pricing, increased competition from OTT services, increased dissatisfaction with the quality of traditional MVPD services, poor economic conditions or other factors, more consumers may (i) cancel their traditional MVPD service subscriptions or choose not to subscribe to traditional MVPD services, (ii) elect to instead subscribe to OTT services, which in some cases may be offered at a lower price-point and may not include our programming networks or (iii) elect to subscribe to smaller bundles of programming which may not include our programming networks. If the rate of decline in the number of traditional MVPD service subscribers increases or if subscribers shift to OTT services or smaller bundles of programming that do not include Newsmax Media’s programming networks, such a shift may have a material negative effect on Newsmax Media’s revenues.

 

The Company’s success depends on its ability to improve and scale its technical and data infrastructure and respond and adapt to changes in technology and consumer behavior.

 

The Company’s ability to attract and retain its users is dependent upon the reliable performance and increasing capabilities of its products and its underlying technical and data infrastructure. As the Company invests in its array of products and its digital business grows in size, scope and complexity, the Company must continue to invest in maintaining, integrating, improving and scaling its technical infrastructure. The Company’s failure to do so effectively, or any significant disruption in its service, could damage the Company’s reputation, result in a potential loss or ineffective monetization of users, and adversely affect its financial results.

 

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Newsmax Media relies on a number of partners to make its service available on their devices.

 

Newsmax Media currently offers viewers the ability to receive streaming content through a host of internet-connected devices, including TVs, digital video players, TV set-top boxes and mobile devices. Newsmax Media has agreements with various cable, satellite, and telecommunications operators to make its service available through the TV set-top boxes of these service providers, some of which may compete directly with Newsmax Media or have investments in competing streaming content providers. In many instances, Newsmax Media’s agreements also include provisions by which the partner bills consumers directly for the Newsmax service or otherwise offers services or products in connection with offering its service. If partners or other providers do a better job of connecting consumers with content they want to watch, for example through multi-service discovery interfaces, Newsmax Media’s service may be adversely impacted. Newsmax Media intends to continue to broaden its relationships with existing partners and to increase its capability to stream its channels to other platforms and partners over time. If Newsmax Media is not successful in maintaining existing and creating new relationships, or if the Company encounters technological, content licensing, regulatory, business or other impediments to delivering its streaming content to its members via these devices, Newsmax Media’s ability to retain viewers and grow its business could be adversely impacted.

 

Newsmax Media’s business could be adversely affected if, upon expiration of agreements between Newsmax Media and its partners, a number of its partners do not continue to provide access to its service or are unwilling to do so on terms acceptable to Newsmax Media, which terms may include the degree of accessibility and prominence of our service. Furthermore, devices are manufactured and sold by entities and while these entities should be responsible for the devices’ performance, the connection between these devices and our service may nonetheless result in consumer dissatisfaction toward us and such dissatisfaction could result in claims against Newsmax Media or otherwise adversely impact Newsmax Media’s business. In addition, technology changes to Newsmax Media’s streaming functionality may require that partners update their devices, or may lead Newsmax Media to stop supporting the delivery of Newsmax Media’s service on certain legacy devices. If partners do not update or otherwise modify their devices, or if we discontinue support for certain devices, Newsmax Media’s service and viewers’ use and enjoyment could be negatively impacted.

 

Newsmax Media’s traffic growth, engagement, and monetization depend in part upon effective operation within and compatibility with operating systems, networks, devices, web browsers and standards, including mobile operating systems, networks, and standards that it does not control.

 

Newsmax Media makes its content available across a variety of operating systems and through websites. Newsmax Media is dependent on the compatibility of its content with popular devices, streaming tools, desktop and mobile operating systems, connected TV systems, and web browsers that it does not control, such as Mac OS, Windows, Android, iOS, Chrome and Firefox. Any changes in such systems, devices or web browsers that degrade the functionality of its content or give preferential treatment to competitive content could adversely affect usage of its content.

 

A significant portion of Newsmax Media’s traffic accesses Newsmax Media’s content and services through mobile devices and, as a result, Newsmax Media’s ability to grow traffic, engagement and advertising revenue is increasingly dependent on its ability to generate revenue from content viewed and engaged with on mobile devices. A key element of its strategy is focusing on mobile devices and connected TV app, and Newsmax Media expects to continue to devote significant resources to the creation and support of developing new and innovative mobile and connected TV products, services and app. Newsmax Media is dependent on the interoperability of its content and its app with popular mobile operating systems, streaming tools, networks and standards that Newsmax Media does not control, such as the Android and iOS operating systems. Newsmax Media may not be successful in maintaining or developing relationships with key participants in the mobile and connected TV industries or in developing content that operates effectively with these technologies, systems, tools, networks, or standards. Any changes in such systems, or changes in its relationships with mobile operating system partners, handset and connected TV manufacturers, or mobile carriers, or in their terms of service or policies that reduce or eliminate our ability to distribute our content, impair access to our content by blocking access through mobile devices, make it difficult to readily discover, install, update or access Newsmax Media’s content and app on mobile devices and connected TVs, give preferential treatment to competitive, or their own, content or app, limit our ability to measure the effectiveness of branded content, or charge fees related to the distribution of our content or app could adversely affect the consumption and monetization of our content on mobile devices. Additionally, if the number of platforms for which Newsmax Media develops its product expands, it will result in an increase in its operating expenses. In the event that it is more difficult to access its content or use its app and services, particularly on mobile devices and connected TVs, or if its traffic chooses not to access its content or use its app on their mobile devices and connected TVs or chooses to use mobile products or connected TVs that do not offer access to our content or its app, or if the preferences of its traffic require Newsmax Media to increase the number of platforms on which its products are made available to its traffic, Newsmax Media’s traffic growth, engagement, ad targeting and monetization could be harmed and its business and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

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New technologies have been developed that are able to block certain online advertisements or impair Newsmax Media’s ability to serve advertising, which could harm its operating results.

 

New technologies have been developed that could block or obscure the display of or targeting of Newsmax Media’s content. Additionally, some providers of consumer mobile devices and web browsers have implemented, or announced plans to implement, means to make it easier for Internet users to prevent the placement of cookies or to block other tracking technologies, which could, if widely adopted, result in the use of third-party cookies and other methods of online tracking becoming significantly less effective. An increase in the use of such new technologies could result in our inability to generate additional income from advertisements, which could harm our financial and operating results.

 

A financial crisis or deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Concerns over global economic conditions, instability in the banking sector, stock market volatility, energy costs, geopolitical issues, inflation and U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate increases in response, the availability and cost of credit, and slowing of economic growth in the United States and fears of a recession have contributed and may continue to contribute to economic uncertainty and diminished expectations for the global economy. Factors that affect economic conditions include the rate of unemployment, the level of consumer confidence, changes in consumer spending habits, political and sociopolitical uncertainties and potential changes in trade relationships between the U.S. and other countries. The Company also faces risks associated with the impact of weak economic conditions on advertisers, affiliates, suppliers, wholesale distributors, retailers, insurers and others with which it does business. There was uncertainty during 2023 with potential economic downturns or recessions in parts of the United States and globally, which continues into 2024 with global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars. Due to uncertainty in inflation, we may continue to see global, industry-wide supply chain disruptions and widespread shortages of labor, materials and services. We will also continue to monitor the impacts of inflation and commodity price volatility and the effects on our business, including to our customers and our partners.

 

The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern requires that we obtain sufficient funding to finance our operations.

 

If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we may have to liquidate our assets and may receive less than the value at which those assets are carried on our audited financial statements, and it is likely that investors will lose all or a part of their investment. If we seek additional financing to fund our business activities in the future and there remains substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, investors or other financing sources may be unwilling to provide additional funding to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

 

The loss of key personnel, including talent, could disrupt the management or operations of the Company’s business and adversely affect its revenues.

 

The Company’s business depends upon the continued efforts, abilities and expertise of its Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Ruddy, and other key employees and news personalities. The Company believes that the unique combination of skills and experience possessed by its executive officers would be difficult to replace and that the loss of its executive officers could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including the impairment of the Company’s ability to execute successfully its business strategy. Additionally, the Company employs or independently contracts with several news personalities with significant, loyal audiences. News personalities are sometimes significantly responsible for the ranking of programming on a television station or cable network and, therefore, a significant influence on the ability of the station or network to sell advertising. The Company’s broadcast television channel delivers programming with highly regarded on-air talent who are important to attracting and retaining audiences for the distributed news content. There can be no assurance that these news personalities will remain with us or retain their current appeal, or that the costs associated with retaining this and new talent will be favorable or acceptable to us. If the Company fails to retain or attract these personalities and talent or they lose their current audiences or advertising partners, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

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The Company could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges for up-front costs related to programming.

 

The Company performs an annual impairment assessment of its recorded up-front costs. The Company also continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as the prevailing conditions in the capital markets, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of those assets, as well as other investments and other long-lived assets. Any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenue and/or the expected popularity of our programming could lead to a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units. A downward revision in the fair value of a reporting unit, programming rights, investments or long-lived assets could result in a non-cash impairment charge. Any such charge could be material to the Company’s reported net earnings.

 

Adverse publicity or negative public perception regarding particular ingredients or products or the nutraceuticals industry in general could adversely affect the financial performance of those portions of the Subsidiaries’ nutraceuticals business, Medix Health.

 

Purchasing decisions made by consumers of our nutraceuticals may be affected by adverse publicity or negative public perception regarding particular ingredients or products or the nutraceuticals industry in general. This negative public perception may include publicity regarding the risks, efficacy, legality or quality of particular ingredients or products in general or of other companies or our products or ingredients specifically. Negative public perception may also arise from regulatory investigations, regardless of whether those investigations involve Medix Health. Medix Health is highly dependent upon consumers’ perception of the safety and quality of products that contain Medix Health’s ingredients as well as similar products distributed by other companies. Thus, the mere publication of reports asserting that such products may be harmful could have a material adverse effect on us, regardless of whether these reports are scientifically supported. Publicity related to dietary supplements may also result in increased regulatory scrutiny of our industry. Adverse publicity may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

The nutraceuticals industry is highly competitive, and Medix Health’s failure to compete effectively could adversely affect its market share, financial condition, and future growth.

 

The industry of nutraceutical and wellness-related supplements and products we produce is highly competitive with respect to price, brand and product recognition and new product introductions. Several of Medix Health’s competitors are larger, more established and possess greater financial, personnel, distribution and other resources. Medix Health faces competition from large nationally known manufacturers, private label brands and many smaller manufacturers of dietary and nutrition supplements; and in the mass-market distribution channel from manufacturers, major private label manufacturers and others. Private label brands at mass-market chains represent substantial sources of income for these merchants and the mass-market merchants often support their own labels at the expense of other brands. As such, the growth of Medix Health’s current and planned products within the nutraceutical industry are highly competitive and uncertain. If Medix Health cannot compete effectively, Medix Health may not be profitable.

 

Any interruption to Medix Health’s distribution channels for its planned products or in its warehousing facilities could adversely affect its sales and results of operations.

 

Any interruption to Medix Health’s distribution channels for Medix Health’s products for any reason, such as disruption of distribution channels as a result of weather, terrorism or acts of war, fire, earthquake, or other national disaster, a work stoppage or other labor-related disruption, could adversely affect Medix Health’s sales and results of operations. Additionally, if there is any unexpected interruption to our warehousing facilities, for any reason, such as loss of certifications or licenses, as a result of weather, terrorism or acts of war, fire, earthquake, or other national disaster, a work stoppage or other labor-related disruption, electrical outages, or other events, it could result in significant reductions to our sales and margins and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The purchase of many of Medix Health’s nutraceutical products are discretionary and may be negatively impacted by adverse trends in the general economy and make it more difficult for Medix Health to generate revenues.

 

Medix Health’s business is affected by general economic conditions since Medix Health’s current and planned products are discretionary and Medix Health depends, to a significant extent, upon a number of factors relating to discretionary consumer spending. These factors include economic conditions and perceptions of such conditions by consumers, employment rates, the level of consumers’ disposable income, business conditions, interest rates, consumer debt levels and availability of credit. Consumer spending on Medix Health’s current and planned products may be adversely affected by changes in general economic conditions. Medix Health’s operating results are impacted by the health of the North American economies. Medix Health’s business and financial performance may be adversely affected by current and future economic conditions, such as a reduction in the availability of credit, financial market volatility or recession. Additionally, we may experience difficulties in scaling our operations to react to economic pressures in the United States.

 

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The Subsidiaries’ nutraceuticals business, Medix Health, is subject to inherent risks relating to product liability and personal injury claims, its quality control processes may fail to detect issues in the ingredients used in its products and the Company’s product liability insurance may be insufficient to cover possible claims against us which would adversely affect Medix Health’s operating results.

 

Medix Health sells nutraceuticals for human consumption or contact. These products involve risks such as contamination or spoilage, tampering, defects, and other adulteration. If the consumption or use of Medix Health’s products causes product damage, injury, illness, or death, we may be subject to liability, including class action lawsuits and other civil and governmental litigation. We are also subject to product liability claims involving products containing diacetyl and related chemicals. While Medix Health is covered by product liability insurance, the costs relating to any product liability claims could be substantial, and its insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses related to any product liability claims. From time to time, we or Medix Health’s customers may withdraw or recall products in the event of contamination, product defects, or perceived quality problems. If Medix Health’s customers withdraw or recall products related to ingredients that we provide to them, as has occurred in the past, they may make claims against us.

 

Newsmax Inc.’s principal asset is its ownership interest in Newsmax Media and the revenue generated by such asset may not be sufficient to pay our expenses or dividends or make distributions or loans to enable us to pay dividends on the Shares or any of our other capital stock.

 

Newsmax Inc. has no direct operations and no significant assets other than its ownership of Newsmax Media. We depend on Newsmax Media for payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations. If we are successful in completing this Offering and become a public reporting company, we will depend on Newsmax Media to pay our expenses as a publicly traded company and to pay any dividends with respect to our capital stock. The financial condition and operating requirements of Newsmax Media may limit our ability to obtain cash from Newsmax Media. The earnings from, or other available assets of, Newsmax Media might not be sufficient to pay dividends or make distributions or loans to enable us to pay any dividends on the Shares or satisfy our other financial obligations.

 

We invest our cash on hand in various financial instruments which are subject to risks that could adversely affect our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

 

We invest our cash in a variety of financial instruments, principally government bonds, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit and other marketable securities. All of these investments are subject to credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risk. Such risks, including the failure or severe financial distress of the financial institutions that hold our cash, cash equivalents and investments, may result in a loss of liquidity, impairment to our investments, realization of substantial future losses, or a complete loss of the investments in the long-term, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

 

Taxing authorities may successfully assert that we should have collected or in the future should collect sales and use, value added or similar taxes, and any such assessments could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Sales and use, value added and similar tax laws and rates vary greatly by jurisdiction. Certain jurisdictions in which we do not collect such taxes may assert that such taxes are applicable or that our presence in such jurisdictions is sufficient to require us to collect taxes, which could result in tax assessments, penalties and interest, and we may be required to collect such taxes in the future. Such tax assessments, penalties and interest or future requirements may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Further, in June 2018, the Supreme Court held in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. that states could impose sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state sellers even if those sellers lack any physical presence within the states imposing the sales taxes. Under the Wayfair decision, a person requires only a “substantial nexus” with the taxing state before the state may subject the person to sales tax collection obligations therein. An increasing number of states (both before and after the publication of the Wayfair decision) have considered or adopted laws that attempt to impose sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state sellers. The Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision has removed a significant impediment to the enactment and enforcement of these laws, and it is possible that states may seek to tax out-of-state sellers on sales that occurred in prior tax years, which could create additional administrative burdens for us, put us at a competitive disadvantage if such states do not impose similar obligations on our competitors, and decrease our future sales, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to Cybersecurity, Piracy, Privacy and Data Protection

 

The degradation, failure or misuse of the Subsidiaries’ network and information systems and other technology could cause a disruption of services or improper disclosure of personal data or other confidential information, resulting in increased costs, liabilities or loss of revenue.

 

Cloud services, content delivery and other networks, information systems and other technologies that the Subsidiaries or their vendors or other partners use, including technology systems used in connection with the production and distribution of our content (the “Systems”), are critical to the Subsidiaries’ business activities, and shutdowns or disruptions of, and cybersecurity attacks on, the Systems pose increasing risks. Disruptions to the Systems, such as computer hacking and phishing, theft, computer viruses, ransomware, worms or other destructive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks or other malicious activities, as well as power outages, natural or other disasters (including extreme weather), terrorist activities or human error, may affect the Systems and could result in disruption of our services, misappropriation, misuse, alteration, theft, loss, leakage, falsification, and accidental or premature release or improper disclosure of confidential or other information, including intellectual property and personal data (of third parties, employees and users of our streaming services and other digital properties) contained on the Systems. While the Subsidiaries continue to develop, implement and maintain security measures seeking to prevent unauthorized access to or misuse of the Systems, such efforts are costly, require ongoing monitoring and updating and may not be successful in preventing these events from occurring given that the techniques used to access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently and become more sophisticated and targeted. In addition, the Subsidiaries’ recovery and business continuity plans may not be adequate to address any cybersecurity incidents that occur. The Subsidiaries’ high profile programming and their extensive news coverage of elections, sociopolitical events and public controversies subject the Subsidiaries to heightened cybersecurity risks. Although no cybersecurity incident has been material to the Subsidiaries’ businesses as of the date of this Offering Circular, we expect to continue to be subject to cybersecurity threats and there can be no assurance that we will not experience a material incident. Any cybersecurity incidents which result in the unauthorized access to or acquisition, use, or disclosure of personal information could result in a disruption of our operations, customer or advertiser dissatisfaction, damage to our reputation or brands, regulatory investigations, claims, lawsuits or loss of customers or revenue, and we may also be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and laws and regulations protecting personal data and may be required to expend significant resources to defend, remedy and/or address any incidents. The Subsidiaries may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate them for any losses that may occur, and in any event, insurance coverage would not address the reputational damage that could result from a security incident.

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Technological developments may increase the threat of content piracy and signal theft and limit the Subsidiaries’ ability to protect their intellectual property rights.

 

Content piracy and signal theft present a threat to the Subsidiaries’ revenues from products and services, including television shows, cable and other programming. The Subsidiaries seek to limit the threat of content piracy as well as cable and direct broadcast satellite programming signal theft; however, policing unauthorized use of the Subsidiaries’ products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult, and the steps taken by the Subsidiaries may not in every case prevent infringement. Developments in technology, including digital copying, file compression technology, growing penetration of high-bandwidth Internet connections, increased availability and speed of mobile data networks, and new devices and applications that enable unauthorized access to content, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to access, duplicate, widely distribute and store high-quality pirated material. In addition, developments in software or devices that circumvent encryption technology and the falling prices of devices incorporating such technologies increase the threat of unauthorized use and distribution of direct broadcast satellite programming signals and the proliferation of user-generated content sites and live and stored video streaming sites, which deliver unauthorized copies of copyrighted content, including those emanating from other countries in various languages, may adversely impact the Subsidiaries’ businesses. The proliferation of unauthorized distribution and use of the Subsidiaries’ content could have an adverse effect on the Subsidiaries’ businesses and profitability because it reduces the revenue that the Subsidiaries could potentially receive from the legitimate sale and distribution of their products and services.

 

The Subsidiaries take a variety of actions to combat piracy and signal theft, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry associations, but the protection of the Company’s intellectual property rights depends on the scope and duration of the Subsidiaries’ rights as defined by applicable laws in the U.S. and abroad and how those laws are construed. If those laws are interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of the Subsidiaries’ rights or if existing laws are changed, the Subsidiaries’ ability to generate revenue from intellectual property may decrease or the cost of obtaining and enforcing our rights may increase. A change in the laws of one jurisdiction may also have an impact on the Subsidiaries’ overall ability to protect their intellectual property rights across other jurisdictions. The Subsidiaries’ efforts to enforce their rights and protect their products, services and intellectual property may not be successful in preventing content piracy or signal theft. Further, while piracy and the proliferation of piracy-enabling technology tools continue to escalate, if any laws intended to combat piracy and protect intellectual property are repealed, weakened or not adequately enforced, or if the applicable legal systems fail to evolve and adapt to new technologies that facilitate piracy, we may be unable to effectively protect our rights and the value of our intellectual property may be negatively impacted, and our costs of enforcing our rights could increase.

 

The Company is subject to complex laws, regulations, rules, industry standards, and contractual obligations related to privacy and personal data protection, which are evolving, inconsistent and potentially costly.

 

The Company is subject to U.S. federal and state laws, as well as laws from other countries, relating to the collection, use, disclosure, and security of personal information. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”), imposes broad obligations on businesses’ collection, use, handling, and disclosure of personal information of California residents and imposes fines for noncompliance. The potential effects of this legislation are far-reaching and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and incur substantial costs and expenses in compliance and potential ligation efforts.  In addition to California, other states have passed or introduced similar privacy legislation, including Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Delaware, Utah, and Texas. We cannot yet determine the impact that these future laws and regulations may have on our business. In addition, the FTC and state attorneys general and other regulators have made privacy and data security an enforcement focus.

 

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The E.U. and other countries also have privacy and data security legislation, with significant penalties for violations, that apply to certain of the Company’s operations. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) prohibits the transfer of personal data to countries outside of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) such as the United States, which are not considered by the European Commission to provide an adequate level of data protection. Switzerland has adopted similar restrictions. Although there are legal mechanisms to allow for the transfer of personal data from the EEA and Switzerland to other countries, including the United States, they are subject to legal challenges and uncertainty about compliance with EU data protection and security laws remains. Such mechanisms may not be available or applicable with respect to the personal data processing activities necessary to research, develop, and market our products and services. For example, ongoing legal challenges in Europe to the mechanisms allowing companies to transfer personal data across national borders could result in further limitations on the ability to engage in cross-border data transfers, particularly if governments are unable or unwilling to reach new or maintain existing agreements that support such transfers. The GDPR allows EU member states to make additional laws and regulations further limiting the processing of genetic, biometric, health data, or other personal data. Failure to comply with these laws, where applicable, can result in the imposition of significant regulatory fines and penalties of up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover (revenue).

 

Further, following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU and the expiry of the transition period, from January 1, 2021, we must comply with the GDPR as implemented in the UK, which together with the amended United Kingdom Data Protection Act 2018 (together, the “UK GDPR”), retains in large part the GDPR in UK national law. The UK GDPR mirrors the fines under the GDPR, e.g., the Company could be fined up to the greater of €20 million/17.5 million pounds or 4% of global turnover under each regime. The relationship between the UK and the EU in relation to certain aspects of data protection law remains unclear, and it is unclear how UK data protection laws and regulations will develop in the medium- to longer-term following the UK government’s recent consultation on proposals for wide-ranging reform to the UK GDPR, and how data transfers to and from the UK will be regulated in the long term after expiry of the EU-UK adequacy decision in June 2025. These changes may lead to additional compliance costs and could increase the Company’s overall risk exposure.

 

Security breaches and other network and information systems disruptions could affect our ability to conduct our business effectively and damage our reputation.

 

The Company’s systems store and process confidential subscriber, employee and other sensitive personal and Company data, and therefore maintaining the Company’s network security is of critical importance. In addition, the Company relies on the technology and systems provided by third-party vendors (including cloud-based service providers) for a variety of operations.

 

The Company regularly faces attempts by malicious actors to breach its security and compromise its information technology systems. These attackers may use a blend of technology and social engineering techniques (including denial of service attacks, phishing attempts intended to induce our employees and users to disclose information or unwittingly provide access to systems or data, and other techniques) to disrupt service or exfiltrate data. Information security threats are constantly evolving, increasing the difficulty of detecting and successfully defending against them. The Company and the third parties with which it works with may be more vulnerable to the risk from activities of this nature as a result of operational changes such as significant increases in remote working. As of the date of this Offering Circular, no incidents have had, either individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

In addition, the Company’s systems, and those of the third parties with which it works with and on which it relies, may be vulnerable to interruption or damage that can result from the effects of natural disasters or climate change (such as increased storm severity and flooding); fires; power, systems or internet outages; acts of terrorism; pandemics (such as COVID-19); or other similar events.

 

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The Company has implemented controls and taken other preventative measures designed to strengthen its systems against such incidents and attacks, including measures designed to reduce the impact of a security breach at the Company’s third-party vendors. Efforts to prevent hackers from disrupting our service or otherwise accessing our systems are expensive to develop, implement and maintain. These efforts require ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated, and may limit the functionality of or otherwise negatively impact our products, services and systems. Although the costs of the controls and other measures we have taken to date have not had a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, the costs and effort to respond to a security breach and/or to mitigate any security vulnerabilities that may be identified in the future could be significant.

 

There can also be no assurance that the actions, measures and controls the Company has implemented will be effective against future attacks or be sufficient to prevent a future security breach or other disruption to its network or information systems, or those of its third-party providers, and our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Such an event could result in a disruption of our services, improper disclosure of personal data or confidential information, or theft or misuse of our intellectual property, all of which could harm its reputation, require us to expend resources to remedy such a security breach or defend against further attacks, divert management’s attention and resources or subject us to liability under laws that protect personal data, or otherwise adversely affect our business. While the Company maintains cyber risk insurance, the costs relating to any data breach could be substantial, and its insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses related to any future breaches of its systems, and in any event, insurance coverage would not address the reputational damage that could result from a security incident.

 

The Company is subject to payment processing risk.

 

The Company accepts payments through third parties using a variety of different payment methods, including credit and debit cards and direct debit. The Company relies on third parties’ systems as well as its own internal systems to process payments. Acceptance and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain certifications, rules, regulations and industry standards. To the extent that there are disruptions in its or third-party payment processing systems, errors in charges made to subscribers, material changes in the payment ecosystem such as large re-issuances of payment cards by credit card issuers, and/or changes to rules, regulations or industry standards concerning payment processing, we could experience increased costs and/or be subject to fines and/or civil liability, which could harm our reputation and adversely impact the Company’s revenue, operating expenses and results of operations.

 

In addition, the Company has experienced, and from time to time may continue to experience, fraudulent use of payment methods for subscriptions to its digital products. If the Company is unable to adequately control and manage this practice, it could result in inaccurately inflated subscription figures used for internal planning purposes and public reporting, which could adversely affect our ability to manage our business and harm its reputation. If the Company is unable to maintain its fraud and chargeback rate at acceptable levels, its card approval rate may be impacted and card networks could impose fines and additional card authentication requirements, or terminate its ability to process payments which would impact its business and results of operations as well as result in negative consumer perceptions of the Company’s brand. The Company has taken measures to detect and reduce fraud but these measures may not be effective and may need to be continually improved as fraudulent schemes become more sophisticated. These measures may add friction to its subscription processes, which could adversely affect our ability to add new subscribers.

 

The termination of the Company’s ability to accept payments on any major payment method would significantly impair its ability to operate its business, including its ability to add and retain subscribers and collect subscription and advertising revenues, and would adversely affect the results of its operations.

 

Defects, delays or interruptions in the cloud-based hosting services we utilize could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and operating results.

 

The Company currently utilizes third-party subscription-based software services as well as public cloud infrastructure services to provide solutions for many of its computing and bandwidth needs. Any interruptions to these services generally could result in interruptions in service to its subscribers and advertisers and/or the Company’s critical business functions, notwithstanding any business continuity or disaster recovery plans or agreements that may currently be in place with some of these providers. This could result in unanticipated downtime and/or harm to our operations, reputation and operating results. A transition of these services to different cloud providers would be difficult to implement and cause us to incur significant time and expense. In addition, if hosting costs increase over time and/or if the Company requires more computing or storage capacity as a result of subscriber growth or otherwise, its costs could increase disproportionately.

 

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Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Matters

 

Changes in U.S. communications laws or other regulations, including restrictions on programming and content, may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company is subject to a variety of regulations in the jurisdictions in which its businesses operate. In general, the television broadcasting and traditional MVPD industries in the U.S. are highly regulated by federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies. Our program services and online properties are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including those relating to issues such as content regulation, user privacy and data protection, and consumer protection.  Further, the United States Congress, the FCC and state legislatures currently have under consideration, and may in the future adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters, including technological changes and measures relating to network neutrality, privacy and data security, which could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations and ownership of the Company’s media properties. Any restrictions on political or other advertising may adversely affect the Company’s advertising revenues. In addition, some policymakers maintain that traditional MVPDs should be required to offer a la carte programming to subscribers on a network by network basis or “family friendly” programming tiers. Unbundling packages of program services may increase both competition for carriage on distribution platforms and marketing expenses, which could adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company’s cable networks. The threat of regulatory action or increased scrutiny that deters certain advertisers from advertising or reaching their intended audiences could adversely affect advertising revenue. Similarly, new federal or state laws or regulations or changes in interpretations of federal or state law or in regulations imposed by the U.S. government could require changes in the operations or ownership of our business and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company could be subject to significant tax liabilities and our ability to use our net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.

 

The Company is subject to taxation in U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws, regulations, practices or the interpretations thereof (including changes in legislation currently being considered) could affect the Company’s results of operations. Judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and accruals for taxes. In addition, transactions occur during the ordinary course of business or otherwise for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.

 

Tax returns are routinely audited, tax-related litigation or settlements may occur, and certain jurisdictions may assess income tax liabilities against the Company. The final outcomes of tax audits, investigations, and any related litigation could result in materially different tax recognition from our historical tax provisions and accruals. These outcomes could conflict with private letter rulings, opinions of counsel or other interpretations provided to the Company. If these matters are adversely resolved, the Company may be required to recognize additional charges to its tax provisions and pay significant additional amounts with respect to current or prior periods or our taxes in the future could increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $112 million, which may be utilized by us subject to certain limitations. If the NOLs are not utilized, the federal NOL carryforwards will expire in various amounts beginning in 2031. In 2006, the Company had a more than 50% ownership change and, therefore, is subject to Section 382 NOL limitation of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC” or “Internal Revenue Code”). IRC Section 382 limits the Company’s utilization of its NOL to an annual amount after a more than 50% ownership change. It is anticipated that all NOLs subject to the IRC Section 382 limitations will be available to be utilized in future years.

 

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An “ownership change” could limit our ability to utilize tax loss and credit carryforwards to of set future taxable income.

 

Our ability to use tax attributes to offset future taxable income may be significantly limited if we experience an “ownership change,” as discussed below. Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC” or “Internal Revenue Code”), and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department, we may carry forward or otherwise utilize the tax attributes in certain circumstances to offset any current and future taxable income and thus reduce our federal income tax liability, subject to certain requirements and restrictions. To the extent that the tax attributes do not otherwise become limited, we believe that we will have available a significant amount of tax attributes in future years, and therefore the tax attributes could be a substantial asset to us. However, if we experience an “ownership change,” as defined in Section 382 of the IRC, our ability to use the tax attributes may be substantially limited, and the timing of the usage of the tax attributes could be substantially delayed, which could therefore significantly impair the value of that asset.

 

Newsmax Media and the other Subsidiaries may be, and in the past have been, subject to unfavorable litigation that could require it to pay significant amounts, lead to onerous operating procedures or have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Newsmax Media is subject, from time to time, to a number of lawsuits, including claims relating to competition, intellectual property rights, alleged libel or defamation, employment and labor matters, personal injury and property damage, free speech, customer privacy, regulatory requirements, and advertising, marketing and selling practices. Greater constraints on the use of arbitration to resolve certain of these disputes could adversely affect our business. The Company also spends substantial resources complying with various regulatory and government standards, including any related investigations and litigation. The Company may incur significant expenses defending any such suit or government charge and may be required to pay amounts or otherwise change our operations in ways that could adversely impact its businesses, results of operations or financial condition.

 

For example, on August 10, 2021, Dominion, an election technology company, filed a complaint against Newsmax Media in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware for defamation in connection with Newsmax Media’s coverage of the 2020 Presidential election, seeking up to $1.6 billion in compensatory damages as well as punitive damages.

 

While Newsmax Media is vigorously defending the Dominion suit, an unfavorable outcome in the matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In addition, on November 3, 2021, Smartmatic, another election technology company, filed a complaint against Newsmax Media in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware for defamation, seeking compensatory, consequential and punitive damages to be determined at trial. Newsmax Media reached a settlement agreement with Smartmatic on September 26, 2024, pursuant to which all claims will be released by Smartmatic for consideration, including a cash amount of $40 million payable over time and the issuance of a five year cash exercise warrant to purchase 2,000 shares of Series B preferred stock at an exercise price of $5,000 per share. Management believes the settlement with Smartmatic will, subject to the payment of all consideration in a timely manner, eliminate future legal expenses the Company would have expected to bear related to this suit, which could have included costly appellate legal actions and other matters.

 

Additionally, in 2023, a counterparty to a commercial agreement with Newsmax asserted various legal contractual and non-contractual claims against Newsmax, including breach of contract claims. In March of 2023, Newsmax and the counterparty entered into a settlement agreement to resolve these claims prior to the commencement of any litigation against Newsmax. In addition, the parties also entered into an amendment to their commercial agreement. As of November 30, 2024, and pursuant to the payment schedule associated with this settlement agreement, the Company has a total of $34.6 million remaining to be paid over time.

 

The Company expects to finance the settlement payments through existing cash on hand, cash generated by the Company from current and future revenue, as well as proceeds from this offering and future equity offerings. While management believes the Company will be able to raise the capital necessary to finance the settlement payments, there is no assurance that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts, on a timely basis or on reasonable terms acceptable to us, if at all.

 

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Failures to comply with or changes in U.S. or foreign laws or regulations may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company is subject to a variety of laws and regulations, both in the U.S. and/or in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Company, the Company and/or its partners operate, including laws and regulations relating to intellectual property, content regulation, user privacy, data protection, anticorruption, repatriation of profits, tax regimes, quotas, tariffs or other trade barriers, currency exchange controls, operating license and permit requirements, restrictions on foreign ownership or investment, anticompetitive conduct, export and market access restrictions, and exceptions to and limitations on copyright and censorship, among others.

 

The television broadcasting and cable programming industries in the U.S. are highly regulated by U.S. federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies.

 

The Company’s businesses could be adversely affected by new laws and regulations, changes in existing laws, changes in interpretations of existing laws by courts and regulators and the threat that additional laws or regulations may be forthcoming, as well as our ability to enforce our legal rights. The Company could be required to change or limit certain of business practices, which could impact its ability to generate revenues. The Company could also incur substantial costs to comply with new and existing laws and regulations, or substantial fines and penalties or other liabilities if the Company fails to comply with such laws and regulations.

 

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

 

The Company’s business may suffer if the Company cannot protect its intellectual property.

 

The Company’s business depends on its intellectual property, including its valuable brand, content, services and internally developed technology. The Company believes the protection and monetization of its proprietary trademarks and other intellectual property are critical to its continued success and its competitive position. Unauthorized parties have unlawfully misappropriated the Company’s brand, content, services, technology and other intellectual property or may attempt to do so, and the measures the Company has taken to protect and enforce its proprietary rights may not be sufficient to fully address or prevent all third-party infringement.

 

The Internet, combined with advancements in technology, has made unauthorized copying and wide dissemination of unlicensed content easier, including by anonymous foreign actors. At the same time, enforcement of our intellectual property rights has become more challenging. As the Company’s business and the presence and impact of bad actors become more global in scope, the Company may not be able to protect its proprietary rights in a cost-effective manner in other jurisdictions. In addition, intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which the Company’s products and services are distributed or made available through the Internet.

 

If the Company is unable to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights, the Company may not succeed in realizing the full value of its assets, and its business, brand and profitability may suffer. In addition, if the Company is required to resort to litigation in the United States or elsewhere to enforce its intellectual property rights, such litigation may be costly and time consuming.

 

The Company has been, and may be in the future, subject to claims of intellectual property infringement that could adversely affect its business.

 

The Company periodically receives claims from third parties alleging violations of their intellectual property rights. To the extent the Company gains greater public recognition and scale worldwide, and publishes more content on its own platforms and third-party platforms (like social media), the likelihood of receiving claims of infringement may rise. Defending against intellectual property infringement claims against us can be time-consuming, expensive to litigate or settle and a diversion of management attention. In addition, litigation regarding intellectual property rights is inherently uncertain due to the complex issues involved, and the Company may not be successful in defending itself in such matters.

 

If successful, third-party intellectual property infringement claims may require the Company to enter into royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms, use more costly alternative technology, alter how it presents its content to its users, alter certain of its operations and/or otherwise incur substantial monetary liability. The occurrence of any of these events as a result of these claims could result in substantially increased costs or otherwise adversely affect our business. For claims against us, insurance may be insufficient or unavailable, and for claims related to actions of third parties, either indemnification or remedies against those parties may be insufficient or unavailable.

 

The Company’s business involves risks of liability claims for content of material, which could adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

As a distributor of media content, we may face potential liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials distributed. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against producers and distributors of media content. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity and prospects.

 

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Risks Related to our Securities and the Offering

 

Investing in the Shares is a highly speculative investment and could result in the loss of your entire investment.

 

A purchase of the Shares offered in this Offering is significantly speculative and involves significant risks. The Shares offered in this Offering should not be purchased by any person who cannot afford the loss of his, her or its entire purchase price. The business objectives of Newsmax Inc. are also speculative, and Newsmax Inc. may be unable to satisfy its objectives. As such, each prospective investor in the Shares should read these risk factors and all of the transaction documents carefully and consult with their attorney, business advisor and/or investment advisor before investing in the Shares.

 

No active trading market for the Shares currently exists, and an active trading market may not develop.

 

Prior to this Offering, there has not been an active trading market for our Shares. If an active trading market for our Shares does not develop following this Offering, you may not be able to sell your Shares quickly or at the market price. Our ability to raise capital to continue to fund operations by selling the Shares and our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using Shares as consideration may also be impaired. The initial public offering price of our Shares will be determined by negotiations between us and the Selling Agent and may not be indicative of the market prices of our Shares that will prevail in the trading market.

 

Future sales and issuances of our securities could result in dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders.

 

In order to expand its business, Newsmax Inc. may raise funds again in the future, either by offerings of securities or through borrowing from banks or other sources. We may sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in more than one transaction, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. In addition, debt financing, if available, could include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take certain actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, or declaring dividends and may require us to grant security interests in our assets. 

 

There is no guarantee you will have a positive return on your investment.

 

There can be no assurance that investors in this Offering will realize a return on investment or that investors will not lose their entire investment. For this reason, each investor should read this Offering Circular and all exhibits carefully and should consult with their own attorney and business/tax advisor prior to making any investment decision.

 

Newsmax Inc. does not intend to pay cash dividends on its capital stock in the foreseeable future.

 

Except for dividends paid to holders of shares of the Company’s preferred stock upon the conversion of such preferred stock upon the completion of this Offering, Newsmax Inc. has never declared or paid cash dividends on its capital stock. We intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our securities in the foreseeable future.

 

Newsmax Inc. may issue shares of preferred stock that would have a liquidation preference to its common stock. 

 

Newsmax Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation currently authorize the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock. The board of directors may issue shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval, and such shares may be issued with such rights, preferences, and limitations as may be determined by the board of directors. The rights of the holders of common stock, including holders of our shares that are currently outstanding or will be issued in this Offering, will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of any holders of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. We presently have no commitments or contracts to issue any shares of preferred stock; However, authorized and unissued preferred stock could delay, discourage, hinder or preclude an unsolicited acquisition of Newsmax Inc., could make it less likely that stockholders receive a premium for their shares as a result of any such attempt, and could adversely affect the market prices of, and the voting and other rights, of the holders of outstanding shares of the common stock.

 

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Following the closing of this Offering, a majority of Newsmax Inc.’s voting stock will be owned by a small number of owners.

 

Prior to the Offering, Newsmax Inc.’s officers, directors, and stockholders who own 10% or more of, Newsmax Inc.’s securities collectively own directly or indirectly a majority of the voting stock of, Newsmax Inc. Following the Closing of this Offering, the Chief Executive Officer of, Newsmax Inc., Christopher Ruddy, will hold 58,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Each share of Class A Common Stock gives the holder ten votes per share. Each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. Accordingly, Mr. Ruddy will hold approximately 83.1% of the voting stock of the Company. As a result, Newsmax Inc.’s officers, directors, and stockholders who own 10% or more of Newsmax Inc.’s securities and collectively own directly or indirectly a majority of the voting stock of Newsmax Inc. prior to this Offering will continue to collectively own directly or indirectly a majority of the voting stock of Newsmax Inc. after this Offering. Subject to fiduciary duties owed to Newsmax Inc.’s other owners or investors under Florida law, in the case of Newsmax Inc.’s officers and directors, these stockholders will continue to be able to exercise significant influence over matters requiring owner approval such as mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of Newsmax Inc.’s assets, including the election of directors or managers and approval of significant company transactions, and will have significant control over Newsmax Inc.’s management and policies after this Offering. These control persons may have interests that are different from yours. For example, they may support proposals and actions with which you may disagree. The continued concentration of ownership of Newsmax Inc.’s voting securities after this Offering could delay or prevent a change in control of Newsmax Inc. or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of Newsmax Inc., which in turn could reduce the price potential investors are willing to pay for Newsmax Inc.

 

We cannot predict the effect our dual-class structure may have on the price of our securities.

 

We cannot predict whether our dual-class structure will result in a lower or more volatile market price of our Shares, adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. For example, certain index providers have announced and implemented restrictions on including companies with multiple-class share structures in certain of their indices. In July 2017, FTSE Russell announced that it would require new constituents of its indices to have greater than 5% of the company’s voting rights (aggregated across all of its equity securities, including those that are not listed or trading) in the hands of public stockholders. Pursuant to the FTSE Russell, this 5% minimum voting rights requirement only applies to companies assigned a Developed market nationality within the FTSE Equity Country Classification scheme, and, based upon the FTSE Equity Country Classification Interim Announcement published on March 30, 2023, the United States is assigned a Developed market nationality within the FTSE. In addition, in July 2017, the S&P Dow Jones announced that it would no longer admit companies with multiple-class share structures to certain of its indices; however, in October 2022, the S&P Dow Jones announced that it was conducting a consultation with market participants on the multiple share class eligibility methodology requirement via a survey that closed on December 15, 2022. Subsequently, the S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that, effective as of April 17, 2023, companies with multiple share class structures will be considered eligible for the S&P Composite 1500 and its component indices, including the S&P 500, the S&P MidCap 400 and the S&P SmallCap 600, if they meet all other eligibility criteria. Also in 2017, MSCI, a leading stock index provider, opened public consultations on its treatment of no-vote and multi-class structures and temporarily barred new multi-class listings from certain of its indices; however, in October 2018, MSCI announced its decision to include equity securities “with unequal voting structures” in its indices. Additionally, MSCI announced that the securities of companies exhibiting unequal voting structures will be eligible for addition to the MSCI ACWI IMI and other relevant indexes effective March 1, 2019. Currently, MSCI offers the MSCI World Voting Rights-Adjusted Index. This index specifically includes voting rights in the weighting criteria and construction methodology and aims to better align constituent weights with economic rights and voting power, while continuing to represent the performance of a broad opportunity set. The dual-class structure of our Common Stock may make us ineligible for inclusion in certain indices and, as a result, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that attempt to passively track those indices would not invest in the Shares. In addition, it is unclear what effect, if any, such policies will have on the valuations of publicly-traded companies excluded from such indices, but it is possible that they may adversely affect valuations, as compared to similar companies that are included. Due to the dual-class structure of our Common Stock, we may be excluded from certain indices and we cannot assure you that other stock indices (including NYSE) will not take similar actions. Given the sustained flow of investment funds into passive strategies that seek to track certain indices, exclusion from certain stock indices may preclude investment by many of these funds and could make our Shares less attractive to other investors. As a result, the market price of the Shares may be adversely affected.

 

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Newsmax Inc. expects to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, expects to qualify for and intends to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

 

Upon completion of this Offering, Newsmax Inc. expects that its founder, together with his affiliates, will hold a majority of the voting power of Newsmax Inc.’s Common Stock. As a result, Newsmax Inc. expects to be a controlled company within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, a group or another company is a controlled company and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:

 

a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors as defined under the rules of the exchange;

 

the nominating and governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities;

 

the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and

 

the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and governance committee and compensation committee.

 

As a result, holders of Newsmax Inc.’s Common Stock may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the rules of the NYSE.

 

NYSE may delist our Shares from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our Shares and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

 

We intend to apply to have the Shares listed on NYSE on or promptly after the date of this Offering Circular. Although after giving effect to this Offering we expect to meet the minimum initial listing standards set forth in the NYSE listing standards, we cannot assure you that the Shares will be, or will continue to be, listed on NYSE in the future. In order to continue listing the Shares on NYSE, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and stock price levels and must maintain a minimum number of holders of Shares.

 

If NYSE delists the Shares and we are not able to list the Shares on another national securities exchange, a reduction in some or all of the following may occur, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our stockholders:

 

the liquidity of the Shares;

 

the market of the Shares;

 

our ability to obtain financing for the continuation of our operations;

 

the number of investors that will consider investing in the Shares;

 

the number of market makers in the Shares;

 

the availability of information concerning the trading prices and volume of the Shares; and

 

the number of broker-dealers willing to execute trades in the Shares.

 

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The market price of our Class B Common Stock may be volatile and fluctuate substantially, which could result in substantial losses for purchasers of our Class B Common Stock in this offering.

 

The market price of the Shares is likely to be highly volatile and may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors, including the following:

 

regulatory or legal developments in the United States;

 

inability to obtain additional funding;

 

failure to meet or exceed financial projections we provide to the public;

 

failure to meet or exceed the estimates and projections of the investment community;

 

changes in the market valuations of companies similar to ours;

 

announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic collaborations, joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors;

 

additions or departures of key personnel;

 

sales of the Shares by us or our stockholders in the future;

 

trading volume of the Shares;

 

general economic, industry and market conditions;

 

natural or manmade disasters which could significantly disrupt our operations; and

 

the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section.

 

Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our Shares will trade. In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. If there is extreme market volatility and trading patterns in our Shares, it may create several risks for investors, including the following:

 

the market price of our Shares may experience rapid and substantial increases or decreases unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance, financial condition or prospects, which may make it more difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of the Shares;

 

if our future market capitalization reflects trading dynamics related to our actual or expected operating performance, financial performance, or Offering Circular, purchasers of the Shares could incur substantial losses as prices decline once the level of market volatility has abated; and

 

if the future market price of the Shares declines, investors may be unable to resell their Shares at or above the price at which they acquired them. We cannot assure you that the market of the Shares will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future, in which case you could incur substantial losses.

 

Broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political, regulatory and market conditions, may negatively affect the market price of the Shares, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, the Shares may be more thinly traded than securities of larger, more established media companies and, as a result of this lack of liquidity, sales of relatively small quantities of shares of the Shares by our stockholders may disproportionately influence the price of the Shares. The market price of the Shares may decline below the initial public offering price, and you may lose some or all of your investment.

 

Newsmax Inc. will have broad discretion in the use of proceeds from this Offering and may not use them effectively.

 

Newsmax Inc.’s management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this Offering, including for any of the currently intended purposes described in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds.” Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine Newsmax Inc.’s use of the net proceeds from this Offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. Newsmax Inc. may not apply its cash from this Offering in ways that ultimately increases the value of any investment in Newsmax Inc.’s securities or enhances stockholder value. Newsmax Inc. may choose to use the proceeds in a manner that you do not agree with, and you will have no recourse. The failure by Newsmax Inc.’s management to apply the net proceeds from this Offering effectively could harm the Company’s business. Pending their use, Newsmax Inc. may invest the net proceeds from this Offering in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments and government securities. These investments may not yield a favorable return to Newsmax Inc.’s stockholders. If Newsmax Inc. does not invest or apply its cash in ways that enhance stockholder value, Newsmax Inc. may fail to achieve expected financial results, which may, among other things, negatively impact its ability to raise capital (including through an initial public offering of its securities), invest in or expand its business, acquire products and services, or continue its operations.

 

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We have previously granted anti-dilution rights in the form of preemptive rights to certain holders of our capital stock.

 

We have previously granted anti-dilution rights in the form of preemptive rights to certain holders of our capital stock. As such, at any time we intend to issue additional shares of our stock that would dilute such holders, they would first have the right to acquire additional shares to maintain their pro rata ownership in Newsmax Inc. As a result, upon future issuances of securities by Newsmax Inc., investors in this Offering may experience more substantial dilution than other stockholders.

 

As our initial public offering price is substantially higher than our net tangible book value per share, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution.

 

If you purchase Shares in this Offering, you will pay more for your Shares than the amount paid by our existing stockholders for their shares on a per share basis. As a result, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value per share in relation to the price that you paid for your Shares. We expect the dilution as a result of the offering to be $        . Share to new investors purchasing our Shares in this Offering. In addition, you will experience further dilution to the extent that we issue Shares upon the exercise of any warrants, including the Agent Warrant issued in this Offering, or exercise of stock options under any stock incentive plans. See “Dilution” for a more complete description of how the value of your investment in our Shares will be diluted upon completion of this Offering.

 

We intend to register additional shares of our Class B Common Stock, which may result in diminution to the value of the Shares offered hereby.

 

Promptly upon closing of this Offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC to register for resale additional shares of our Class B Common Stock that are issued upon conversion of our outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock automatically converts into shares of Class B Common Stock upon the closing of an initial public offering, which this Offering qualifies as. The market price of shares of our Class B Common Stock could decline as a result of substantial sales of our Class B Common Stock, particularly sales by directors, executive officers and significant stockholders. Further, the registration of the sale of shares of our Class B Common Stock may create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” whereby a large number of shares of our Class B Common Stock become available for sale or the perception in the market that holders of a large number of shares of our Class B Common Stock intend to sell their shares. The existence of an overhang and the anticipation of such sales, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, could cause the market price of our Class B Common stock to fall. It could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale or equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.

 

Future sales of our Class B Common Stock may cause the market price of our Class B Common Stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

 

Except as described below, our officers, directors and certain of our stockholders have agreed, or will agree, with Digital Offering, subject to certain exceptions, that, without the prior written consent of Digital Offering, they will not, directly or indirectly, during the period from six months following the closing of this Offering, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of the Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by them or with respect to which they have or hereafter acquire the power of disposition; or enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise. At any time after the expiration of the lock-up period, the holders of such shares of our Class B Common stock will be able to sell some or all of such shares pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-1 that we intend to file promptly upon the closing of this Offering. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class B Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class B Common Stock and may make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares of Class B Common Stock at a time and price that investors deem appropriate.

 

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Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws will have anti-takeover effects that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control, which may cause our stock price to decline.

 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws, and Florida law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if closing such a transaction would be beneficial to our stockholders. Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorizes our board of directors to create and issue rights entitling our shareholders to purchase shares of our stock or other securities. The ability of our board to establish the rights and issue substantial amounts of preferred stock without the need for shareholder approval may delay or deter a change in control of us.

 

Provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws, and Florida law could also have the effect of discouraging potential acquisition proposals or making a tender offer or delaying or preventing a change in control, including changes a stockholder might consider favorable. Such provisions may also prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management. In particular, our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws, and Florida law, as applicable, among other things:

 

require advance notice for shareholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of shareholders of not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders;

 

permit only the Chairperson of the board of directors or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, or the Secretary of the Company upon the written request of the holders of record of not less than a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, to call a special meeting of the stockholders; and

 

provide that stockholders may amend any provisions of the Amended and Restated Bylaws by obtaining the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company.

 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will designate the courts located in Palm Beach County as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputed with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.

 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the courts located in Palm Beach County, Florida will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any shareholder to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Company or its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the Florida Business Corporation Act (“FBCA”) or the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or the amended and restated bylaws of the Company (the “Amended and Restated Bylaws”) or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Company or its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under U.S. federal securities laws, including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. However, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder and, accordingly, we cannot be certain that a court would enforce such provision. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation described in the preceding sentences. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Certain recent initial public offerings of companies with relatively small public floats have experienced extreme volatility that was seemingly unrelated to the underlying performance of Newsmax Inc. The shares may experience rapid and substantial price volatility, and price decline, which may make it difficult for prospective investors to assess what we believe to be the value of the Shares.

 

In addition to the general volatility risks discussed in this Offering Circular, the Shares may be subject to rapid and substantial price volatility and/or a decline in market price. We may experience extreme stock price volatility unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance, financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of the Shares. Recently, there have been instances of extreme stock price run-ups followed by rapid price declines and strong stock price volatility with a number of recent initial public offerings, especially among companies with relatively small public floats. As we anticipate having a relatively small public float, the Shares may experience greater stock price volatility, extreme price run-ups, rapid declines in the price, lower trading volume, large spreads in bid and asked prices, and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies. The aspects of the trading in the Shares may be unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance, financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the value of the Shares. Because of the low public float and the absence of any significant trading volume, the reported prices may not reflect the price at which an investor would be able to sell Shares if it wants to sell any Shares or buy Shares if it wishes to buy Shares.

 

If the trading volumes of the Shares is low, persons buying or selling in relatively small quantities may easily influence the price of the Shares. A low volume of trades could also cause the price of the Shares to fluctuate greatly, with large percentage changes in price occurring in any trading day session. Broad market fluctuations and general economic and political conditions may also adversely affect the market price of the Shares. The volatility also could adversely affect the ability of Newsmax Inc. to issue additional shares of Common Stock or any other securities and the ability to obtain stock market based financing in the future.

 

This Offering is being conducted on a “best efforts” basis and we may not be able to execute our growth strategy if the $75,000,000 maximum is not sold. 

 

If you invest in our Class B Common Stock and less than all of the offered shares of our Class B Common Stock are sold, the risk of losing your entire investment will be increased. We are offering our Class B Common Stock on a “best efforts” basis and we can give no assurance that all of the offered Class B Common Stock will be sold. If less than $75,000,000 of Shares are sold, we may be unable to fund all the intended uses described in this Offering Circular from the net proceeds anticipated from this Offering without obtaining funds from alternative sources or using working capital that we generate. Alternative sources of funding may not be available to us at what we consider to be a reasonable cost, and the working capital generated by us may not be sufficient to fund any uses not financed by Offering net proceeds.  No assurance can be given to you that any funds will be invested in this Offering other than your own.

 

This is a fixed price offering and the fixed offering price may not accurately represent the current value of us or our assets at any particular time. Therefore, the purchase price you pay for our shares may not be supported by the value of our assets at the time of your purchase.

 

This is a fixed price offering, which means that the offering price for the Shares is fixed and will not vary based on the underlying value of our assets at any time.  Our board of directors has determined the offering price in its sole discretion without the input of an investment bank or other third party.  The fixed offering price for the Shares has not been based on appraisals of any assets we own or may own, or of our Company as a whole, nor do we intend to obtain such appraisals.  Therefore, the fixed offering price established for the Shares may not be supported by the current value of our Company or our assets at any particular time.

 

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Using a credit card to purchase shares may impact the return on your investment as well as subject you to other risks inherent in this form of payment.

 

Investors in this Offering may have the option of paying for their investment with a credit card, which is not usual in the traditional investment markets. Transaction fees charged by your credit card company (which can reach 5% of transaction value if considered a cash advance) and interest charged on unpaid card balances (which can reach almost 25% in some states) add to the effective purchase price of the Shares you buy. The cost of using a credit card may also increase if you do not make the minimum monthly card payments and incur late fees. Using a credit card is a relatively new form of payment for securities and will subject you to other risks inherent in this form of payment, including that, if you fail to make credit card payments (e.g. minimum monthly payments), you risk damaging your credit score and payment by credit card may be more susceptible to abuse than other forms of payment. Moreover, where a third-party payment processor is used, as in this Offering, your recovery options in the case of disputes may be limited. The increased costs due to transaction fees and interest may reduce the return on your investment.

 

The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy issued an Investor Alert dated February 14, 2018, entitled: Credit Cards and Investments – A Risky Combination, which explains these and other risks you may want to consider before using a credit card to pay for your investment.

 

Delay in transfer of Shares from the transfer agent to your broker; Shares will not be able to be traded until received and cleared by your broker

 

If you purchased your Shares online, your Shares will be held at the transfer agent in book entry. After the Class B Common Stock is listed on the NYSE, you will be able to deposit any shares you purchased with a broker. Until you deposit your Shares in a brokerage account, the transfer agent will maintain the record of your ownership. Once you deposit your Shares with a broker, the broker will maintain that record. The transfer request must originate from your broker. The timing of the transfer varies from broker to broker and the Shares may take several days to transfer. During such time the trading shares may experience rapid and substantial price volatility, and price decline and you will not be able to trade until your broker receives and clears your shares for trading.

 

General Risk Factors

 

The absence of security analytical reports or the existence of negative security analytical reports may have an adverse effect on the public market price and volume of Shares.

 

Any trading market for the Shares may be influenced by whether or not any analytical research reports are published about us. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by securities industry analysts. If no securities industry analysts commence coverage of us, the market price and market trading volume of the Shares could be negatively affected. In the event we are covered by analysts, and one or more of such analysts downgrade our securities, or otherwise reports on us unfavorably, or discontinues coverage of us, the market price and market trading volume of the Shares could be negatively affected.

 

If we are successful in listing our securities on NYSE, we will incur increased costs as a result of being a public reporting company, and our board of directors will be required to devote substantial time to oversight of new compliance requirements and corporate governance practices.

 

If we are able to successfully list our securities on NYSE, we would become a public reporting company. As a public company listed in the United States, we would incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we do not incur as a private company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of NYSE, and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on public companies, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure controls and procedures and corporate governance practices. Our board of directors, management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, which in turn could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors.

 

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These rules and regulations may be subject to varying interpretations due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices.

 

Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a “smaller reporting company” (as such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) which would allow us to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements that we will be required to file with the SEC. We cannot predict if investors will find the Shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find the Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the Shares, and our share price may be lower or more volatile.

 

Upon becoming a public company, we may qualify as a smaller reporting company within the meaning of the Exchange Act and an emerging growth company, and may take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to smaller reporting companies and emerging growth companies, as applicable. If we take advantage of such exemptions, our securities may be less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.

 

If we qualify as a smaller reporting company, among other things, we would not be required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, may avail ourself to scaled executive compensation disclosures and could provide two years of audited financial statements, instead of three years in our filings with the SEC. Furthermore, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the 1933 Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We cannot predict if investors will find the Shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find the Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the Shares and our stock price may be more volatile. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company and/or a smaller reporting company.

 

We currently have limited accounting personnel and IT personnel focused on cybersecurity with the background in public company accounting, reporting and compliance. We will have to add personnel and devote personnel and financial resources to meet our reporting and disclosure obligations as a publicly listed company.

 

We have been a private company with limited operating scale. As of the date of this Offering Circular, we do not have the appropriate accounting personnel to adequately execute our accounting processes and other supervisory resources with which to address our internal control over financial reporting and IT personnel to ensure compliance with cybersecurity disclosure requirements imposed by the SEC. If we are successful in completing this Offering and become a public reporting company, we may need to hire additional personnel and put in place protocols necessary to implement appropriate accounting policies, processes and controls, and privacy and cybersecurity policies, to address the anticipated change in the scale of our operations. However, we cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, and actions we plan to take in the future, will be sufficient to prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses in our controls.

 

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We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that public reporting companies maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. As such, public reporting companies are required to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. This assessment will include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by management in a company’s internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that results in more than a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act also generally requires an attestation from an issuer’s independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. However, for as long as Newsmax Inc. remains an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act, it may take advantage of the exemption permitting us not to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement.

 

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. The material weaknesses are as follows:

 

  Lack of adequate policies and procedures to support the operation of the Company’s business processes and internal control framework, including monitoring activities. In addition, the Company has not documented risk assessment procedures to set suitable objectives, identify relevant business risks, assess fraud risk, and develop associated responses to those risks. This includes designing appropriate business process controls in each of the following business cycles: revenue (including evaluation of new and modified contracts for proper accounting), period-end reporting, procure to pay, asset management, treasury, impairment assessment, and income tax, as well as the analysis of significant and unusual transactions.

 

Evidence is not maintained to support the review and approval of the complete population of journal entries including maintaining appropriate segregation of duties.

 

Evidence is not maintained to support that certain controls were appropriately designed and implemented to ensure timely reporting of complete and accurate financial information. Specifically, the Company lacked evidence over review of subledgers and account reconciliations to ensure timely detection of material misstatements in financial statement balances and the related footnote disclosures in each of the following business cycles: revenue, period-end reporting, procure to pay, asset management, and treasury.

 

Management did not fully design, implement and monitor general information technology controls in the areas related to privileged access, provisioning, terminations, user access review, vulnerability assessment and backup recovery controls and segregation of duties for systems supporting substantially all of the Company’s internal control processes. These ineffective information technology controls contributed to (i) improper segregation of duties among certain business process controls and (ii) ineffective data validation of spreadsheets and system-generated reports.

 

We are committed to remediating the material weaknesses described above and continuing remediation efforts during 2024. We intend to initiate and implement several remediation measures including, but not limited to, hiring additional accounting staff with the requisite background and knowledge, engaging third parties to assist in complying with the accounting and financial reporting requirements related to significant and complex transactions as well as adding personnel to assist Newsmax Inc. with formalizing its business process, accounting policies and internal control documentation, strengthening supervisory reviews by our management team, and evaluating the effectiveness of our internal controls. While our efforts are ongoing, we plan to take additional steps to remediate the material weaknesses, improve our financial reporting systems, and implement new policies, procedures, and controls. However, we cannot be certain that our efforts will successfully remediate our material weaknesses.

 

Subsequent to filing the initial Form 1-A, an error was identified to the Company’s financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The error was in the calculation of earnings (loss) per share, where inception-to-date cumulative dividends on preferred stock were incorrectly applied to the numerator instead of current period cumulative dividends on preferred stock for the years in question. This miscalculation overstated the loss per share and required a restatement to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The error resulted from a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, we face additional risks and uncertainties, including potential litigation and a potential loss of investor confidence. The Company is committed to implementing enhanced controls to address this deficiency and prevent similar issues in the future.

 

Newsmax Inc.’s future compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may require that it incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. Newsmax Inc. may not be able to complete it evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. During the evaluation and testing process, if Newsmax Inc. identifies one or more material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, it may be unable to assert that its internal control over financial reporting is effective. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit Newsmax Inc.’s ability to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If Newsmax Inc. is unable to conclude that its internal control over financial reporting is effective after it becomes a public reporting company, it could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of its financial reports, the value of the Shares could decline, and it could be subject to sanctions or investigations by regulatory authorities. Failure to remediate any material weakness in Newsmax Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies, could also restrict Newsmax Inc.’s future access to the capital markets.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Offering Circular contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this document and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

 

While we believe we have identified material risks, these risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Offering Circular describe additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

 

Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this Offering Circular to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations, and we do not intend to do so.

 

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

  current or future financial performance;
     
  management’s plans and objectives for future operations;
     
  uncertainties associated with product research and development;
     
  uncertainties associated with dependence upon the actions of government regulatory agencies;
     
  product plans and performance;
     
  management’s assessment of market factors; and
     
  statements regarding our strategy and plans.

 

We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Offering Circular.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Assuming a maximum raise of $75,000,000, we estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares in this Offering will be approximately $68,375,000, after deducting underwriting commissions and estimated Offering expenses. The following table sets forth a breakdown of our estimated use of our gross proceeds as we currently expect to use them, assuming the sale of, respectively, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the Shares.

 

   Assumed Percentage of Shares Sold 
   25%   50%   75%   100% 
Gross proceeds  $18,750,000   $37,500,000   $56,250,000   $75,000,000 
Selling agent commissions  $1,312,500   $2,625,000   $3,937,500   $5,250,000 
Other offering expenses  $1,375,000   $1,375,000   $1,375,000   $1,375,000 
Net proceeds  $16,062,500   $33,500,000   $50,937,500   $68,375,000 
                     
Talent and programming  $6,246,528   $13,027,778   $19,809,028   $26,590,278 
Marketing  $2,677,083   $5,583,333   $8,489,583   $11,395,833 
Distribution and digital expansion  $2,677,083   $5,583,333   $8,489,583   $11,395,833 
Working capital and capital expenditures  $4,461,806   $9,305,556   $14,149,306   $18,993,056 
Total use of net proceeds  $16,062,500   $33,500,000   $50,937,500   $68,375,000 

 

We believe that the expected net proceeds from this Offering and our existing cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, although we cannot assure you that this will occur.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this Offering for our own general and corporate expenses. We may, in our sole discretion, make capital contributions to Newsmax Media from time to time to fund working capital needs and business initiatives. Such working capital needs may include costs related to talent and programming, marketing, distribution and digital expansion, as well as the payment of amounts under the settlement agreement entered into between Newsmax and a commercial counterparty in March 2023. In the ordinary course of business, Newsmax Media expects to evaluate the acquisition of, investment in or in-license of complementary products, technologies or businesses, and could use a portion of the net proceeds from this Offering for such activities; however, Newsmax Media currently does not have any agreements, arrangements, or commitments with respect to any potential acquisition, investment or license.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we and the Selling Agent are offering the Shares on a “best efforts” basis and are not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Shares in this Offering. As such, we and the Selling Agent may sell less than the maximum number of Shares offered hereby, and Newsmax Inc. may receive net proceeds of less than $68,375,000. In the event that Newsmax Inc. receives less than $68,375,000  in net proceeds, it will reduce its contributions to Newsmax Media, which in turn will reduce its expenditures in the above-referenced areas, which may cause Newsmax Media’s business to grow more slowly, or not at all.

 

The expected use of the net proceeds from this Offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans, financial condition and business conditions. Predicting the cost to be used in Newsmax Inc. and the Subsidiaries’ businesses can be difficult and the amounts and timing of their actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors including the status of our development efforts, sales and marketing activities and the amount of cash generated or used by our operations. We may find it necessary or advisable to use portions of the proceeds for other purposes. As a result, Newsmax Inc.’s management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this Offering.

 

Pending Newsmax Inc.’s use of the net proceeds from this Offering, Newsmax Inc. intends to invest the net proceeds in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments, and government securities.

 

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DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE

 

Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Shares. The initial public offering price has been determined by negotiation between us and Digital Offering. The principal factors considered in determining the initial public offering price include:

 

  the information set forth in this Offering Circular and otherwise available to Digital Offering;

 

  our history and prospects and the history of and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

 

  our past and present financial performance;

 

  our prospects for future earnings and the present state of our development;

  

  an assessment of our management;

 

  the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this Offering;

 

  the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common stock of generally comparable companies; and

 

  other factors deemed relevant by Digital Offering and us.

 

We intend to price the Offering prior to its qualification pursuant to Rule 253(b).

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

To date, we have not paid any dividends on our Existing Common Stock and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of dividends on the Common stock is at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions or such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. We currently expect to use all available funds to finance the future development and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of June 30, 2024 on:

 

  an actual basis; and
     
  as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of 38,262 shares of Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to the Private Placement at a purchase price of $5,000 per share, as of January 31, 2025, after deducting underwriting commissions and other expenses in connection with the Private Placement; and
     
  as further adjusted to give effect to (i) the sale of 15,000,000 shares of our Class B Common Stock in this Offering, assuming the Offering is completed on March 31, 2025, representing the maximum offering amount, or $75,000,000, at a public offering price of $5.00 per share, and our receipt of the estimated $68,375,000 in net proceeds from this Offering, after deducting underwriting commissions and other expenses in connection with this Offering; (ii) the Recapitalization and (iii) the Forward Stock Split.

 

You should read this capitalization table together with “Use of Proceeds,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Offering Circular.

 

   At June 30, 2024 
   Actual   As Adjusted for Private Placement   As Further Adjusted for Maximum Offering 
             
Cash and cash equivalents  $6,651,963   $173,870,359   $242,611,742 
                
Convertible and Redeemable Preferred Stock  $127,290,509   $127,290,509   $- 
                
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):               
Existing Class A Common Stock  $10   $10   $5.8 
Existing Class B Common Stock  $-   $-   $12 
Preferred Stock  $5,667,362   $109,251,843   $- 
Treasury Stock  $(14,622,222)  $(14,622,222)  $(14,622,222)
Additional paid-in capital  $18,056,702   $18,056,702   $389,434,059 
Accumulated deficit  $(209,822,342)  $(209,822,342)  $(209,822,342)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)  $(200,720,490)   (97,136,009)   164,989,512 
                
Total capitalization  $(73,429,981)  $30,154,500   $164,989,512 

 

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DILUTION

 

If you invest in our Class B Common Stock, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our Class B Common Stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock immediately after this Offering.

 

In order to more meaningfully present the dilutive impact to the investors in this Offering, we have calculated the pro forma net tangible book value and pro forma net tangible book value per share giving effect to the Private Placement, the Recapitalization and the Forward Stock Split. As of June 30, 2024, our pro forma net tangible book value was $69,567,528, and our pro forma net tangible book value per share was $0.48. Net tangible book value per share represents our total tangible assets, which are total assets less our right of use assets and other noncurrent assets, less our total liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock.

 

Dilution represents the difference between the amount per share paid by investors in this Offering and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of Common Stock after the Offering. The following table illustrates the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors as of June 30, 2024, assuming the issuance of 38,262 shares of Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to the Private Placement, at a purchase price of $5,000 per share, as adjusted to give effect to the sale of shares of our Class B Common Stock in this Offering, representing the maximum offering amount, or $75,000,000, at a public offering price of $5.00 per share, and our receipt of the estimated $68,375,000 in net proceeds from this Offering, after deducting underwriting commissions.

 

Offering price per share  $5.00 
      
Pro forma tangible book value per share at June 30, 2024  $0.48 
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this Offering  $0.38 
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this Offering  $0.86 
Dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors  $4.14 

 

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BUSINESS

 

Corporate History

 

Newsmax Inc. is a holding company that owns 100% of the equity interests of its operating company Newsmax Media. Newsmax Media and the other Subsidiaries operate the businesses described in this Offering Circular.

 

Newsmax Media was incorporated as Sequoia Digital Corporation in the State of Nevada in 1998. In 1999, Newsmax Media changed its name from Sequoia Digital Corporation to Newsmax.com, Inc. In 2001, Newsmax Media changed its name from Newsmax.com, Inc. to Newsmax Media, Inc. In 2006, Newsmax Media became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NMX Holdings, LLC. In 2014, Newsmax Media changed its state of domicile from Nevada to Delaware and consummated a corporate reorganization in which the members of NMX Holdings, LLC exchanged their membership interests in NMX Holdings, LLC for capital stock of Newsmax Media.

 

In 2024, Newsmax Media consummated a corporate reorganization. Newsmax Inc. was formed as a new holding company that owns all of the outstanding shares of the operating company, Newsmax Media. The stockholders of Newsmax Media exchanged their shares of capital stock in Newsmax Media for the same class and number of shares in Newsmax Inc. Subsequently, Newsmax Media changed its state of domicile from Delaware to Florida. As a result of this reorganization, Newsmax Inc. became the direct holding company and the sole shareholder of Newsmax Media. Newsmax Media’s ownership of its subsidiaries was not affected or changed as a result of this reorganization.

 

Private Placement

 

In June 2024, the Company launched an offering of its Series B Preferred Stock in a Private Placement. The initial offering is for up to 30,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $5,000 per share for a base offering amount of $150,000,000, with the option to expand up to 45,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for an offering amount of $225,000,000. As of January 31, 2025, the Company has sold 38,262 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in the Private Placement, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $175,331,715. 

 

Overview of the Business

 

Newsmax Media is a television broadcaster and multi-platform content publisher that produces original news and editorial content for consumers through various media outlets, including through its TV news channels, digital and print publications, its popular website Newsmax.com and affiliated sites, its syndicated radio show and podcasts and other platforms in order to sell advertising to third-party marketers as well as offering paid subscriptions to more than a dozen digital and print products sold by Newsmax Media. Newsmax Media content is carried by all major linear cable and satellite pay TV platforms, MVPDs for the Newsmax channel, and most OTT streaming platforms for its free, ad-supported television (“FAST”) channel Newsmax2, making Newsmax Media content available to over 100 million homes in the U.S. In addition, international companies have licensed Newsmax Media’s channels and brands for regional, national and local television and digital media purposes. Certain licensing agreements currently in place have allowed Newsmax Media’s partners to provide cable television and digital news under the Newsmax Media brand to viewers in several European countries, including Republic of Serbia, Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Albania.

 

Newsmax Media operates several business lines through its subsidiaries and divisions, creating a synergistic effect on audience growth, revenues and customer acquisition. These business lines are grouped into 2 separate reportable segments which consist of Broadcasting and Digital:

 

  Broadcasting - The broadcast segment of the Company’s business produces and licenses news, business news and lifestyle content for distribution primarily through multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) including cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite operators and telecommunication companies, primarily in the United States, generating revenues through (1) placement of advertisements on our broadcast content, (2) subscriptions to our broadcast content, and (3) affiliate fees from the MVPDs. The components of Broadcasting are as follows:

 

Newsmax Broadcasting LLC provides programming through two channels, Newsmax, its linear cable channel available on pay TV services, and Newsmax2, its free streaming channel, with both offering 24/7 television news and informational programming channel which is distributed through both cable and digital streaming platforms.

 

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Newsmax Radio LLC provides programming through a syndicated radio show as well as widely-available podcasts. These podcasts include “The Newsmax Daily with Tony Marino,” a talk show with radio personality Gerry Callahan and “Greg Kelly Reports” with its TV host Greg Kelly.

 

Digital - The digital segment generates revenues through (1) online advertising, including online display, email advertising, other online placements and print advertisements, (2) subscriptions, including our collection of specialized health and financial newsletters, Newsmax Magazine and four online membership programs, and (3) e-commerce, primarily through our subsidiaries that sell nutraceuticals and nonfiction books on political, financial and health-related topics. The components of Digital are as follows:

 

Humanix Publishing LLC is a print and e-book publishing house that publishes books in the areas of politics, health, personal finance, history, religion and current affairs. Under Newsmax ownership, Humanix Publishing has published approximately 100 titles, including a New York Times bestseller. The Subsidiaries use published books as free premiums when offering subscriptions to their publications, including Newsmax Magazine and their health and financial newsletters.

 

Medix Health, LLC offers and sells 22 nutraceutical products. Medix Health’s products are aimed at Newsmax Media’s core demographic of consumers and cross-sold through Newsmax Media’s health newsletters. These supplements have been certified as compliant with current good manufacturing practices by The Natural Products Association and are typically formulated by medical doctors who also write and edit Newsmax Media’s health newsletters. Newsmax Media retains all intellectual property rights to the supplement formulations created for Medix Health. The natural supplements seek to help customers alleviate pain, reduce blood glucose, prevent heart disease, improve energy and mental acuity, and, in general, improve overall wellness. All Medix Health supplements are manufactured at third-party manufacturing facilities that are FDA registered and meet current Good Manufacturing Practices standards. All Medix Health supplements are offered online and usually come with a recurring subscription program.

 

  Newsmax Digital Advertising handles advertising and marketing offers and sales to third party companies and agencies associated with our digital segment. Newsmax Digital Advertising sells placements for display and native website ads, email sponsorships in Newsmax News Alerts, sponsorships for SMS/text and push notification, print ads for our magazine, inserts for our newsletters and podcast offerings.

 

Newsmax Publications publishes and manages Newsmax Media’s paid subscription business. This subsidiary currently publishes Newsmax Magazine, five health newsletters including Health Radar, Dr. Crandall’s Heart & Health; The Blaylock Wellness Report; financial newsletters including The Dividend Machine, High Income Factor and Financial Intelligence Report, and Newsmax Platinum, our online publication. This subsidiary has over 300,000 subscribers to its paid publications.

 

ROI Media Strategies LLC provides media buying and strategy services to third party companies and agencies, helping small companies to market their offerings across all channels of marketing, including email, broadcast, podcasts, digital, and print.

 

Crown Atlantic Insurance LLC is an insurance agency licensed in 50 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia with an emphasis on life insurance and retirement solutions. The Subsidiaries expect to use the firm for the purposes of marketing annuities, life insurance and other insurance offerings across their platforms.

 

Newsmax Media’s Operating Segments

 

Newsmax Media’s business operations are conducted through two main operating segments, Broadcasting and Digital. In 2023 Broadcasting represented 68.6% of total revenues and Digital represented 31.4% of total revenues. Between the two main operating segments, total revenue for Newsmax Media has grown from $41.8 million in 2019 to $135.3 million in 2023.

 

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Broadcasting

 

The broadcasting segment of Newsmax Media’s business produces and licenses news, business news and lifestyle content for distribution through both MVPDs and free OTT streaming platforms. Newsmax Media creates, broadcasts and distributes content using a hybrid distribution strategy that also utilizes linear cable for pay TV services. Newsmax Media’s linear channel, Newsmax, is offered to cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite operators, telecommunication companies and internet television providers, primarily in the United States.

 

Newsmax Media also offers Newsmax2, a 24/7 FAST channel offering news and opinion shows across platforms, including Samsung, Vizio, LG, Xumo, Roku, Pluto, and others. Newsmax Media generates revenues from license fees paid by MVPDs for its linear Newsmax channel on a per subscriber basis and also derives revenues from advertising sales made for both its linear channel and for its FAST channel. According to Kagan, Fox News, CNN, CNBC, Fox Business and MSNBC have average monthly affiliate fees per subscriber equal to $2.52, $1.30, $0.64, $0.39 and $0.38, respectively. Given that Newsmax Media has audience numbers equal to or better than such competitors, Newsmax Media sees the potential for significant revenue growth in this area.

 

Newsmax Media strives to produce high-quality television programming for distribution to build viewership and audience loyalty, increase television revenue through license fees and advertising revenue to sustain long-term growth within targeted demographic groups, predominantly viewers (and readers) who are 45 years of age or older, which is the largest demographic group in the nation, holding more than 70% of the nation’s disposable income. Newsmax Media’s strategy is to maximize the distribution, ratings and profit potential of its television programming. Newsmax Media seeks to extend its content distribution across all platforms, including linear cable, OTT and FAST channels, which provide promotional platforms for Newsmax Media’s television content and serve as additional outlets for advertising revenue. Newsmax Media’s goal is to reach its target audience wherever and whenever they are consuming content, as well as reaching new audiences, including broadband-only, “cord cutters” and “cord nevers.” Audience ratings and audience engagement are key drivers of advertising revenue and demand on the part of cable television operators, direct-to-home satellite operators, telecommunication service providers, and other content distributors who deliver Newsmax Media’s content to their viewers. Newsmax Media’s television advertisement sales have increased by 395% compared to 2020 ($14.6 million to $72.2 million). According to MediaRadar, the combined television advertising revenue of Fox News, CNN and MSNBC decreased by 10% from 2022 to 2023, while Newsmax Media’s television advertisement sales revenue grew by 6%.

 

In 2023, Newsmax Broadcasting launched its streaming service, Newsmax+, and, as of the date of this Offering Circular, had approximately 220,000 viewers subscribed for the subscription service paying $50 or more per year. Newsmax+ offers subscribers the ability to watch the Newsmax and Newsmax2 channels at any time using apps found on their home TV, phone or tablet devices. The service also offers licensed and original documentaries, movies, series and news specials. The subscription price for Newsmax+ varies depending on whether a subscribed viewer choses an annual or a monthly subscription, with annual subscriptions costing less than monthly subscriptions.

 

Digital

 

The Newsmax Media digital platform includes Newsmax.com and affiliated websites, which together draw more than five million unique monthly visitors, more than five million email opt-in subscribers, approximately seven million subscribers to its push mobile and SMS text messaging alerts, and upwards of 16 million social media followers on its social media platforms including Facebook (over 4.7 million), X (over 2.7 million), YouTube (approximately 2.2 million), Truth Social (over 2.1 million), Instagram (approximately 1.9 million), Rumble (approximately 1.2 million), Gettr (over 995,000), Threads (over 175,000), TikTok (over 55,000), LinkedIn (approximately 72,000) and Telegram (over 6,700). Newsmax Media’s print and digital magazine, Newsmax Magazine, has approximately 300,000 monthly readers and the Newsmax app has been downloaded over 10 million times. Newsmax Media estimates that its digital advertisement sales will increase from $19.1 million in 2022 to an estimated $23.5 million in 2024.

 

The digital segment generates revenues through (1) online advertising, including online display, paid content placement on the Newsmax.com homepage, email advertising, other online placements and print advertisements, (2) subscriptions, including for its streaming service Newsmax+ as well as a collection of 10 specialized health and financial newsletters, Newsmax Magazine and four online membership programs, and (3) e-commerce.

 

Newsmax Media’s websites and apps provide live and/or on-demand streaming of network-related programming to allow video subscribers of Newsmax Media’s participating distribution partners to view content via the Internet.

 

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Newsmax Media’s Competitive Strengths

 

Fast-growing news network with an established brand and loyal audience that is valued by advertisers.

 

Newsmax Media has established itself as a premium news brand with loyal audience across multiple platforms, including linear cable MVPDs, OTT streaming, digital and print. With recent key talent acquisitions and a management team poised to drive continued growth, Newsmax Media has established itself as a news service that has consistently gained new viewers and retained existing viewers. Newsmax Media reaches over 52 million viewers regularly through its several proprietary platforms and social media accounts. The Newsmax cable news network reaches approximately 21 million viewers, according to Nielsen. Newsmax also has an exclusive television audience as Nielsen reports that approximately five million viewers watched Newsmax but never tuned into Fox News, and over two million viewers watched Newsmax but never tuned into Fox, CNN or MSNBC. The Newsmax channel is carried by major cable and satellite distributors in the U.S., including, but not limited to, DirecTV, Dish, Comcast/Xfinity, Charter/Spectrum and Verizon. Further, Newsmax’s OTT streaming channel, Newsmax2, reaches an estimated 17 million Americans regularly through its distributors, which includes major streaming platforms such as Roku, Samsung, Vizio, Xumo and Pluto. A survey conducted by YouGov/The Economist found that Newsmax was among the most trusted news brands in cable television.

 

Unlike competitors, Newsmax Media has potential for growth in both linear and virtual MVPD platforms.

 

Linear TV is primarily driven by live sports, news and events, and as media companies continue to focus on expanding their streaming service offerings, news consumption has risen in importance, thereby enhancing the value of the Newsmax channel and Newsmax Media. While the audience for paid MVPDs is shrinking, Newsmax as an upstart channel continues to witness paid distribution growth while still having the potential for adding more homes. In April 2024, one of the network’s major cable distributors added Newsmax into approximately five million additional customer homes, bringing the Newsmax channel’s distribution to over 50 million paid homes across the U.S. As other major cable competitors like CNN and Fox News see shrinking paid distribution footprints, Newsmax continues to grow while offering the potential for additional distribution growth.

 

Newsmax Media is a significant player in OTT streaming.

 

Newsmax Media was an early player in the emerging FAST channel platforms. Newsmax Media originally offered its main Newsmax channel to such platforms for free, in exchange for a share of advertising revenue. However, on November 1, 2023, as a result of the renewal of MVPD license agreements, the Newsmax channel was no longer available free to FAST channel platforms. Instead, Newsmax Media moved to replace the Newsmax channel with Newsmax2, a 24/7 news channel that provides news programming, documentaries and opinion programs. Also on November 1, 2023, Newsmax Media launched Newsmax+, its free streaming service. Subscribers are offered annual subscriptions at $49.99 or monthly subscriptions at $4.99. The Newsmax+ service offers access to Newsmax, Newsmax2, program archives, news specials and documentaries.

 

Newsmax Media has an extensive digital presence, giving it an advantage over new television news competitors.

 

Newsmax Media began digital media operations in September of 1998. For 25 years, Newsmax Media has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, including its popular website, opt-in email database, SMS and app push notifications, customer and subscriber databases, and more than 16 million social media followers. Newsmax Media has a regular digital reach of over 17 million Americans per month. Newsmax Media uses these digital platforms to successfully drive audiences to its linear cable channel, its smartphone app, Newsmax2 and its streaming service Newsmax+. At the same time, Newsmax Media has used its large television and social media audiences to continue to grow its digital properties and, in turn, their databases. Few cable and TV channels have the ability to directly message with their audiences like Newsmax Media, giving Newsmax Media a TV-digital ecosystem that constantly generates viewers and visitors while growing company revenues through advertising and subscriptions.

 

Newsmax Media has a mixed revenue business model, reducing the impact of advertising declines, recession and other economic impacts.

 

While most competitors rely solely on cable license fees and advertising, Newsmax Media has a revenue model utilizing multiple streams of income. In addition to cable license fees and linear television advertising, Newsmax Media accrues revenues through OTT streaming advertising, subscriptions to its Newsmax+ service, subscriptions to its online and print publication, books published in print, audio and e-book formats, digital and web advertising, print advertising, podcasting and radio advertising revenue, and sales from its extensive line of nutraceuticals.

 

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Clearly identified target demographic of subscribers with high disposable income and brand loyalty.

 

Newsmax Media has established itself as a leading cable network, with a consistent audience and subscribers with brand loyalty. With a target audience of viewers aged 45 and above, Newsmax Media’s content has resonated with this traditionally underserved audience. As Newsmax Media’s share of the cable news audience continues to grow, Newsmax Media has attracted an affluent audience with a higher than average household income, making Newsmax Media an attractive and valuable platform for advertisers.

 

Attractive financial profile with high revenue visibility and profitability and multiple levers for near-term growth.

 

Newsmax Media’s significant investments in the broadcasting segment has fueled strong revenue growth and created significant potential for growth across traditional and digital platforms both domestically and internationally. In addition to the continued growth in linear cable television advertising, Newsmax TV has multiple revenue streams that it expects to continue to mature over the next several years. Growth in OTT and diversification of Newsmax Media’s content services will allow Newsmax Media to generate revenue both as a premium subscription-based service and as a FAST service on OTT platforms. Opportunities for international distribution also present additional potential to monetize the Newsmax TV service.

 

Newsmax Media’s Goals and Strategies

 

Maintain and enhance leading position in news and other content production.

 

Newsmax Media has been a leader in digital news and with the continued growth of its television service, plans to continue to invest in talent acquisition and programming that we expect to raise the profile and visibility of Newsmax Media to a broader audience. With expanded content offerings, Newsmax Media plans to expand its reach and value to audiences through traditional platform and direct-to-consumer services.

 

Increase revenue growth through the continued delivery of premium content.

 

Newsmax Media will continue to focus on creating high-quality content delivered through diversified publishing platforms that offers value to its audience, advertisers and distribution partners. As a live linear content service, Newsmax Media seeks to offer a unique perspective and voice that resonates with audiences across those platforms and further develop a dedicated and loyal audience.

 

Expand television and digital distribution offerings, increasing complementary sources of revenues.

 

Newsmax Media’s key goals are to maximize its subscriber penetration on traditional cable platforms, growing its subscription base for Newsmax+, increasing audiences for its news channels, develop its footprint in international markets - all while creating additional revenue opportunities through advertising sales. Newsmax Media will also further develop its delivery strategies on emerging content and social platforms to increase interaction with its audience.

 

Newsmax Media’s Competition

 

Cable network programming is a highly competitive business. Cable networks compete for content, distribution, viewers and advertisers with a variety of media, including broadcast television networks; cable television systems and networks; internet-delivered platforms such as live streaming, mobile, gaming and social media platforms; audio programming; and print and other media. Important competitive factors include the prices charged for programming, the quantity, quality and variety of programming offered, the accessibility of such programming, the ability to adapt to new technologies and distribution platforms, quality of user experience and the effectiveness of marketing efforts.

 

Newsmax Media’s primary competition comes from the cable networks FOX News, CNN, HLN, MSNBC and NewsNation. Newsmax Media also competes for viewers and advertisers within a broad spectrum of television networks, including other non-news cable networks and free-to-air broadcast television networks. Newsmax Media also faces competition online from Foxnews.com, CNN.com, Politico.com, WashingtonExaminer.com, NBCNews.com, NYTimes.com, CNBC.com, Bloomberg.com and The Wall Street Journal Online, among others.

 

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Newsmax Media’s programming also competes for the sale of advertising with other television networks, including broadcast, cable, local networks, and other content distribution outlets for their target audiences and the sale of advertising. Newsmax Media’s success in selling advertising is a function of the size and demographics of our audiences, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of our audience, the perceived quality of the network and the content, the brand appeal of the network, ratings as determined by third-party research companies, prices charged for advertising and overall advertiser demand in the marketplace.

 

Newsmax Media’s networks and digital products also compete for their target audiences with all forms of content and other media provided to viewers, including broadcast, cable and local networks, streaming services, pay-per-view and VOD services, online activities and other forms of news, information and media entertainment.

 

Governmental Regulation

 

Privacy and Information Regulation

 

The laws and regulations governing the collection, use and transfer of consumer information are complex and rapidly evolving, particularly as they relate to the Company’s digital businesses. Federal and state laws and regulations affecting the Company’s online services, websites, and other business activities include: the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which prohibits websites and online services from collecting personally identifiable information online from children under age 13 without prior parental consent; the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, which regulates, among other things, the distribution of unsolicited commercial emails, or “spam”; the Video Privacy Protection Act, which prohibits the knowing disclosure of information that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific video materials from a “video tape service provider;” the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which restricts certain marketing communications, such as text messages and calls, without explicit consent; the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which regulates the collection, handling, disclosure, and use of certain personal information by companies that offer consumers financial products or services, imposes notice obligations, and provides certain individual rights regarding the use and disclosure of certain information; and the CCPA, as amended by the CPRA which took effect on January 1, 2023. The CCPA imposes broad obligations on the collection, use, handling and disclosure of personal information of California residents. For example, subject to certain exceptions, the CCPA provides individual rights for Californians, including to access, delete, and to restrict the “sale” of personal information; the CPRA amendment added new privacy protections, including the right of California residents to correct inaccurate personal information that a business has about them, and the right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information collected about them. The CPRA amendment requires that a business’ collection, use, retention, and sharing of a consumer’s personal information be “reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the purposes for which the personal information was collected or processed, or for another disclosed purpose that is compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected, and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes.

 

A number of privacy and data security bills that address the collection, maintenance and use of personal information, breach notification requirements and cybersecurity are pending or have been adopted at the state and federal level, which would impose additional obligations on businesses. In addition to California, other states have passed or introduced similar privacy legislation, including Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Delaware, Utah, and Texas. In addition, the FTC and state attorneys general and other regulators have made privacy and data security an enforcement focus. Other federal and state laws and regulations also may be adopted that impact our digital services, including those relating to oversight of user-generated content.

 

Foreign jurisdictions also have implemented and continue to introduce new privacy and data security laws and regulations, that apply to certain of the Subsidiaries’ operations. It is possible that our current data protection policies and practices may be deemed inconsistent with new legal requirements or interpretations thereof, and could result in the violation of these new laws and regulations. The EU General Data Protection Regulation and UK General Data Protection Regulation, in particular, regulates the collection, use and security of personal data and restricts the trans-border flow of such data. Other countries, including Canada, Australia, China, and Mexico, also have enacted data protection legislation.

 

The Company monitors and considers these laws and regulations, particularly with respect to the design and operation of digital content services and legal and regulatory compliance programs. These laws and regulations and their interpretation are subject to change, and could result in increased compliance costs, claims, financial penalties for noncompliance, changes to business practices, including with respect to tailored advertising, or otherwise impact the Subsidiaries’ businesses. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in significant monetary fines and other penalties, private litigation, require us to expend significant resources to defend, remedy and/or address, and harm our reputation, even if we are not ultimately responsible for the violation.

 

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Intellectual Property

 

The Subsidiaries’ intellectual property assets include: copyrights in television programming and other publications, websites and technologies; trademarks, trade dress, service marks, logos, slogans, sound marks, design rights, symbols, characters, names, titles and trade names, domain names; trade secrets and know how; and licenses of intellectual property rights of various kinds. The Subsidiaries derive value from these assets through the production, distribution and/or licensing of its television programming to domestic and international cable and satellite television services, video-on-demand services, operation of websites, and through the sale of products, such as collectible merchandise, apparel, books and publications, among others.

 

The Subsidiaries devote significant resources to protecting their intellectual property, relying upon a combination of copyright, trademark, unfair competition, trade secret and other laws and contract provisions. There can be no assurance of the degree to which these measures will be successful in any given case. Policing unauthorized use of the Subsidiaries’ products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken may not in every case prevent the infringement by unauthorized third parties of the Subsidiaries’ intellectual property. The Subsidiaries seeks to limit that threat through a combination of approaches, including offering legitimate market alternatives, deploying digital rights management technologies, pursuing legal sanctions for infringement, promoting appropriate legislative initiatives and international treaties and enhancing public awareness of the meaning and value of intellectual property and intellectual property laws. Piracy, including in the digital environment, continues to present a threat to revenues from products and services based on intellectual property.

 

Third parties may challenge the validity or scope of the Subsidiaries’ intellectual property from time to time, and such challenges could result in the limitation or loss of intellectual property rights. Even if not valid, such claims may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources that could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations.

 

Employees

 

As of the date of this Offering Circular, the Subsidiaries employed approximately 400 full-time employees. In the ordinary course of business and consistent with industry practice, the Subsidiaries also employ freelance and temporary contract workers who provide important production and broadcast support services. The vast majority of the Subsidiaries’ workforce is based in the United States. All of the Subsidiaries’ employees are employed by Newsmax Media.

 

Key human capital initiatives include:

 

Recruitment and Diversity

 

The Subsidiaries hire and promote people based on their experience, ability and accomplishments without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or other personal identifiers. The Subsidiaries seek personnel with diverse talents from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, and support, encourage, and develop their colleagues to show innovation and leadership in their roles. The Subsidiaries believe that diversity in views, experiences and backgrounds contributes to a strong internal culture and improves external programming. We believe such diversity enables us to be more reflective of the audiences we reach and enhances our ability to create news, sports, and entertainment programming that serves all viewers across the country. A diverse and inclusive workplace is not merely a strategy or business objective; it is fundamentally woven in the fabric of the Company. This commitment begins with our approach to talent recruitment across all of our disciplines and extends to the way we nurture our colleagues’ careers. The Subsidiaries posts their respective job listings internally and externally because they believe this is one of the best tools to reach the widest pool of experienced candidates.

 

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Employee Compensation and Benefits

 

The Subsidiaries invest in their respective people through competitive pay and benefits, as well as flexibility and support to balance work and personal demands. Providing equal pay for equal work, without regard to gender or other protected characteristics, is imperative for the Company.

 

The Subsidiaries also seek to provide generous benefits that support their employees’ health, wellness, and financial stability through their benefit plans. Full-time employees of the Subsidiaries are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance, with access to telemedicine and pharmacy benefits, and its freelance employees who work a minimum number of hours are eligible for a medical plan. Eligible employees may participate in flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and qualified transportation expense accounts. The Subsidiaries also provide employees with a health advocate service, with experts who support employees and their eligible family members in navigating a wide range of health and insurance-related issues. Full-time employees of the Subsidiaries are eligible to receive paid holidays, paid time off, and to participate in Newsmax Media’s matching 401(k) savings plan.

 

The Company believes offering its employees the tools necessary for a healthy work-life balance empowers them to thrive in our modern workforce. To that end, the Company’s policies allow eligible individuals the opportunity to work remotely in appropriate circumstances. All benefits provided to the Subsidiaries’ employees are provided by Newsmax Media.

 

Workplace Civility and Unity

 

The Company is committed to fostering a working environment of trust for all employees, in which people do their best work. Harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and threats to health and safety all undermine our working environment of trust and make it harder for people to excel. Therefore, it is the Company’s policy to provide a safe work environment free from this or any other unlawful conduct.

 

Creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination and harassment begins at the highest leadership level of the Company and is embedded throughout our policies and practices. Newsmax Media’s employee handbook creates our framework for addressing complaints and taking remedial measures as needed. Company employees are required to engage in interpersonal training programs that foster a strong, positive work environment.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is subject from time to time to a number of lawsuits, including claims relating to competition, intellectual property rights, alleged libel or defamation, employment and labor matters, personal injury and property damage, free speech, customer privacy, regulatory requirements, and advertising, marketing and selling practices. Except as set forth below, the Company is currently not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results. For more information, see “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Matters”.

 

On August 10, 2021, Dominion Voting Systems Corporation, Inc. or certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Dominion”), an election technology company, filed a complaint against Newsmax Media in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware for defamation in connection with our coverage of the 2020 Presidential election, seeking up to $1.6 billion in compensatory damages as well as punitive damages. 

 

Discovery in the Dominion cases, including depositions and expert discovery, remains ongoing. At this time, a trial in the Dominion lawsuit is not expected to commence until 2025. Newsmax Media believes that it offered balanced and fair coverage in the dispute over the 2020 elections and the Dominion case is without merit and it has and will continue to vigorously defend against such suit.

 

As of the date of this Offering Circular, Newsmax is unable to predict the final outcome of the Dominion matter and cannot reasonably estimate the amount of its liability, if any. However, an unfavorable outcome in the Dominion matter could have a material adverse effect on Newsmax’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In addition, on November 3, 2021, Smartmatic USA Corp. or certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Smartmatic”), another election technology company, filed a complaint against Newsmax Media in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware for defamation, seeking compensatory, consequential and punitive damages to be determined at trial.

 

Newsmax Media reached a settlement agreement with Smartmatic on September 26, 2024, pursuant to which all claims will be released by Smartmatic for consideration, including a cash amount of approximately $40 million payable over time and the issuance of a five year cash exercise warrant to purchase 2,000 shares of Series B preferred stock at an exercise price of $5,000 per share. Management believes the settlement with Smartmatic will, subject to the payment of all consideration in a timely manner, eliminate future legal expenses the Company would have expected to bear related to this suit, which could have included costly appellate legal actions and other matters.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

 

Newsmax Inc. does not currently own any property. Newsmax Inc.’s principal executive offices are located at 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487. Newsmax Media leases approximately 50,000 square feet at its principal executive offices pursuant to a Lease Agreement dated August 28, 2013 between Newsmax Media and 750 Park of Commerce Drive LLC which expires on November 30, 2025.

 

Newsmax Media sublets certain premises located at 805 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022 pursuant to that certain Agreement of Sublease, dated as of July 22, 2019, by and between Meredith Corporation and Newsmax Media that expires on December 30, 2026.

 

Newsmax Media leases two floors which represents approximately 47,000 square feet of space at 805 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022 pursuant to that certain Indenture of Lease, dated as of July 26, 2021, by and between 805 Third New York LLC and Newsmax Media which expires on December 31, 2026.

 

Newsmax Media leases a portion of a building located at 362 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33415 pursuant to that certain Lease Agreement, dated as of September 7, 2021, by and between Airport Logistics Park, LLC and Newsmax Media which expires on March 31, 2029.

 

Newsmax Media leases certain office premises in the Westory Building located at 607 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004, pursuant to that certain Office Lease Agreement, dated as of October 4, 2021, by and between REEP-OFC Westory DC LLC and Newsmax Media. The lease expires on November 30, 2026, subject to Newsmax Media’s right to extend the term of such lease for an additional five years.

 

Newsmax Inc. believes that its facilities are adequate to meet its needs for the immediate future, and that, should it be needed, suitable space will be available to accommodate any such expansion of operations.

 

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

 

The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with the sections entitled “Summary Financial Data,” “Business,” and our audited and unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and other information included elsewhere in this Offering Circular. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Offering Circular. Additionally, our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in any future period.

 

Overview of the Company’s Business

 

Founded in 1998 as a digital media brand, Newsmax entered the cable news market in 2014. Since then, the network has had an astonishing rise, climbing into the top tier of cable channels, and is now the fourth highest-rated cable news channel in the United States, just behind CNN. According to Nielsen, Newsmax was the only cable news channel to see ratings growth across all dayparts in 2023, with prime-time up 42% in total viewers. Q1 2024 also saw an impressive 137% rise in prime-time ratings, compared to the same period last year.

 

The Company has developed a significant audience, reaching over 40 million Americans each month through its television broadcasts and multi-platform content, and has demonstrated remarkable growth with revenues up 332% since 2019.

 

In June 2024, a Reuters global survey of media found Newsmax was one of the nation’s “top news brands,” identifying the network as one of only 12 major media outlets Americans are turning to regularly.

 

Newsmax Inc. is a holding company that owns 100% of the equity interests of its operating company Newsmax Media and the other Subsidiaries operate the businesses described in this Offering Circular, and none of those businesses are operated by Newsmax Inc.

 

Newsmax Media is a television broadcaster and multi-platform content publisher that produces original news and editorial content for consumers through various media outlets, including through its TV news channels, digital and print publications, its popular website Newsmax.com and affiliated sites, its syndicated radio show and podcasts and other platforms in order to sell advertising to third-party marketers as well as offering paid subscriptions to more than a dozen digital and print products sold by Newsmax Media. Newsmax Media content is carried by all major linear cable and satellite pay TV platforms, or MVPDs for the Newsmax channel, and most over the top (“OTT”) streaming platforms for its free ad-supported streaming television service (“FAST”) channel Newsmax2, making Newsmax Media content available to over 100 million homes in the U.S. In addition, international companies have licensed Newsmax Media’s channels and brand for regional, national and local television and digital media purposes. Certain licensing agreements currently in place have allowed Newsmax Media’s partners to provide cable television and digital news under the Newsmax Media brand to viewers in several European countries, including Republic of Serbia, Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Albania.

 

Newsmax Media operates several business lines through its subsidiaries and divisions, creating a synergistic effect on audience growth, revenues and customer acquisition. These business lines are grouped into 2 separate reportable segments which consist of Broadcasting and Digital:

 

  Broadcasting - The broadcast segment of the Company’s business produces and licenses news, business news and lifestyle content for distribution primarily through multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) including cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite operators and telecommunication companies, primarily in the United States, generating revenue through (1) placement of advertisements on our broadcast content, (2) subscriptions to our broadcast content, and (3) affiliate fees from the MVPDs. The components of Broadcasting are as follows:

 

Newsmax Broadcasting LLC provides programming through two channels, Newsmax, its linear cable channel available on pay TV services, and Newsmax2, its free streaming channel, with both offering 24/7 television news and informational programming channels which are distributed through both cable and digital streaming platforms.

 

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Newsmax Radio LLC provides programming through a syndicated radio show as well as widely-available podcasts. These podcasts include “The Newsmax Daily with Tony Marino,” a talk show with radio personality Gerry Callahan and “Greg Kelly Reports” with its TV host Greg Kelly.

 

Digital - The digital segment generates revenues through (1) online advertising, including online display, email advertising, other online placements and print advertisements, (2) subscriptions, including our collection of specialized health and financial newsletters, Newsmax Magazine and four online membership programs, and (3) e-commerce, primarily through our subsidiaries that sell nutraceuticals and nonfiction books on political, financial and health-related topics. The components of Digital are as follows:

 

Humanix Publishing LLC is a print and e-book publishing house that publishes books in the areas of politics, health, personal finance, history, religion and current affairs. Under Newsmax ownership, Humanix Publishing has published approximately 100 titles, including a New York Times bestseller. The Subsidiaries use published books as free premiums when offering subscriptions to their publications, including Newsmax Magazine and their health and financial newsletters.

 

Medix Health, LLC offers and sells 22 nutraceutical products. Medix Health’s products are aimed at Newsmax Media’s core demographic of consumers and cross-sold through Newsmax Media’s health newsletters. These supplements have been certified as compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices by The Natural Products Association and are typically formulated by medical doctors who also write and edit Newsmax Media’s health newsletters. Newsmax Media retains all intellectual property rights to the supplement formulations created for Medix Health. The natural supplements seek to help customers alleviate pain, reduce blood glucose, prevent heart disease, improve energy and mental acuity, and, in general, improve overall wellness. All Medix Health supplements are manufactured at third-party manufacturing facilities that are FDA registered and meet current Good Manufacturing Practices standards. All Medix Health supplements are offered online and are usually purchased as part of a recurring subscription program.

 

  Newsmax Digital Advertising handles advertising and marketing offers and sales to third party companies and agencies associated with our digital segment. Newsmax Digital Advertising sells placements for display and native website ads, email sponsorships in Newsmax News Alerts, sponsorships for SMS/text and push notification, print ads for our magazine, inserts for our newsletters, and podcast offerings.

 

Newsmax Publications publishes and manages Newsmax Media’s paid subscription business. This subsidiary currently publishes Newsmax Magazine, five health newsletters including Health Radar, Dr. Crandall’s Heart & Health; The Blaylock Wellness Report; financial newsletters including The Dividend Machine, High Income Factor and Financial Intelligence Report, and Newsmax Platinum, our online publication. This subsidiary has over 300,000 subscribers to its paid publications.

 

ROI Media Strategies LLC provides media buying and strategy services to third party companies and agencies, helping small companies to market their offerings across all channels of marketing, including email, broadcast, podcasts, digital, and print.

 

Crown Atlantic Insurance LLC is an insurance agency licensed in 50 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia with an emphasis on life insurance and retirement solutions. Newsmax Media’s subsidiaries use Crown Atlantic Insurance LLC for the purposes of marketing annuities, life insurance and other insurance offerings across their platforms.

 

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Growth Strategies and Outlook

 

Maintain and enhance leading position in news and other content production.

 

Newsmax Media has been a leader in digital news and with the continued growth of its television service, plans to continue to invest in talent acquisition and programming that we expect to raise the profile and visibility of Newsmax Media to a broader audience. With expanded content offerings, Newsmax Media plans to expand its reach and value to audiences through traditional platform and direct-to-consumer services.

 

Increase revenue growth through the continued delivery of premium content.

 

Newsmax Media will continue to focus on creating high-quality content delivered through diversified publishing platforms that offers value to its audience, advertisers and distribution partners. As a live linear content service, Newsmax Media seeks to offer a unique perspective and voice that resonates with audiences across those platforms and further develop a dedicated and loyal audience.

 

Expand television and digital distribution offerings, increasing complementary sources of revenues.

 

Newsmax Media’s key goals are to maximize its subscriber penetration on traditional cable platforms, growing its subscription base for Newsmax+, increasing audiences for its news channels, develop its footprint in international markets - all while creating additional revenue opportunities through advertising sales. Newsmax Media will also further develop its delivery strategies on emerging content and social platforms to increase interaction with its audience.

 

Newsmax, as a relatively new network, has potential for additional distribution growth, and growth of its advertising and affiliate fee revenue, which is a new revenue stream in 2023. Linear TV is primarily driven by live sports, news and events, and as media companies continue to focus on expanding their streaming service offerings, news consumption has risen in importance.

 

Trends and Other Factors Impacting Our Performance

 

The Company’s broadcast segment derives the majority of its revenues from advertising. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company generated revenues of approximately $79.8 million, of which 61.5% was generated from advertising in the broadcast and digital segments, 16.8% was generated from affiliate fee revenue, 16.3% was generated from subscriptions for publications including Newsmax+ and 5.4% was generated from other lines of business which are primarily ecommerce sales of nutraceuticals, books and licensing fees.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company generated revenues of $135.3 million, of which approximately 79.3% was generated from advertising in the broadcast and digital segments, approximately 13.4% was generated from subscriptions for publications including Newsmax+, approximately 5.5% was generated from other lines of business which are primarily ecommerce sales of nutraceuticals, books and licensing fee and approximately 1.8% was generated from affiliate fees.

 

Affiliate fees are a new revenue stream that started in November 2023 that primarily include (i) monthly subscriber-based license and retransmission consent fees paid by programming distributors that carry the Newsmax channel. The Company’s revenues are impacted by rate changes, changes in the number of subscribers to MVPD’s and changes in the expenditures by advertisers. In addition, advertising revenues are subject to seasonality and cyclicality as a result of the impact of state, congressional and presidential election cycles.

 

The cable network programming and television industries continue to evolve rapidly, with changes in technology leading to alternative methods for the delivery and storage of digital content. These technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior as consumers now have more control over when, where and how they consume content. Consumer preferences have evolved toward lower cost alternatives, including direct-to-consumer offerings. These changes in technologies and consumer behavior have contributed to declines in the number of subscribers to MVPD services, and these declines are expected to continue and possibly accelerate in the future.

 

At the same time, technological changes have increased advertisers’ options for reaching their target audiences. There has been a substantial increase in the availability of content with reduced advertising or without advertising at all. As consumers switch to digital consumption of video content, there is still to be developed a consistent, broadly accepted measure of multiplatform audiences across the industry. Furthermore, the pricing and volume of advertising may be affected by shifts in spending from more traditional media and toward digital and mobile offerings, which can deliver targeted advertising more promptly, or toward newer ways of purchasing advertising.

 

The Company operates in a highly competitive industry and its performance is dependent, to a large extent, on the impact of changes in consumer behavior as a result of new technologies, the sale of advertising, the maintenance, renewal and terms of its carriage, affiliation and content agreements and programming rights, the popularity of its content, general economic conditions (including financial market conditions), the Company’s ability to manage its businesses effectively, and its relative strength and leverage in the industry. For more information, see “Risk Factors.”

 

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Components of our Results of Operations

 

Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” the Company recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods are services.

 

Advertising Revenue

 

Advertising revenue is derived from the sale of advertising on the Company’s cable television, email database, in the Company’s magazine and related publications, or on the Company’s website. Revenue related to the sale of advertising in the broadcast segment is recognized at the time of broadcast. Revenue related to the Company's digital segment is recognized when display or other digital advertisements record impressions on the various digital media. Each advertisement insertion order is determined to be a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied at the point in time when such advertisements are published/aired. The Company records revenue from contracts that are entered into between the Company and its customers, primarily advertising agencies and direct advertisers, at the amount charged for the services. Advertising contracts, which are generally short-term, are billed monthly for the services provided during the month, with payments due shortly thereafter. Cash payments received prior to services rendered result in deferred revenue, which is then recognized as revenue when the advertising time or space is actually provided.

 

The Company enters into agreements with over-the-top distribution platforms to distribute the Company’s news channel. Pursuant to the Company’s distribution agreements, advertising revenues are earned based on an allocation of the fee determined by the number of impressions received. These contracts represent a single performance obligation recognized over time under the series guidance. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of the content over the course of an over-the-top distribution agreement term based on time elapsed, as this best depicts the simultaneous consumption and delivery of the services. The Company bills OTT customers monthly over the life of the contract. The Company has an unconditional right to receive payment of the amount billed generally within 30 days from the invoice date. The invoiced amount to be received is recorded in accounts receivable on the balance sheets.

 

Affiliate Fee Revenue

 

The Company generates affiliate fee revenue from agreements with MVPDs for cable network. Affiliate fee revenue is recognized as we continuously make the programming available to the customer over the term of the agreement. For contracts with affiliate fees based on the number of the affiliate’s subscribers, revenues are recognized based on the contractual rate multiplied by the estimated number of subscribers each period. Affiliate contracts are generally multi-year contracts billed monthly with payments due shortly thereafter.

 

Subscription Revenue

 

The Company sells magazines to consumers through subscriptions. Each subscription is determined to be a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied over the term of the subscription, normally one (1) to five (5) years. Payments for subscriptions received in advance of the publication are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income over the term, as this best represents the transfer of control of the services to the consumer. The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis.

 

In 2023, the Company launched Newsmax+ which is a subscription service that provides the Company’s broadcast content directly to consumers either on a monthly or annual basis. Monthly subscriptions are recognized as income in the month it was earned. Annual subscriptions are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income over the term of the contract each month.

 

Product sales

 

Product sales are derived from the sales of books, audio and video, dietary supplements, television production and distribution, and other items advertised on the Company’s website. Supplement, books, media and other product sales are recognized at the point in time control transfers to the customer, which is when the product is shipped. Allowances are considered for estimated returns and refunds at the point in time when revenue is recognized. The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis.

 

As a practical expedient, the Company recognizes any incremental costs of obtaining contracts as expense as the amortization period is considered to be a year or less. As a practical expedient, the Company accounts for shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as costs to fulfill the promise to transfer the associated products.

 

Shipping and Handling Cost

 

Amounts billed to third-party customers for shipping and handling are included as a component of revenue. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included as a component of cost of products sold.

 

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Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of revenues consists primarily of compensation-related expenses and costs incurred for the publishing of editorial, promotional, and news content across all platforms, as well as amounts due to third party websites and platforms to fulfil customers’ advertising campaigns. Web hosting and advertising serving platform costs are also included in cost of services. Cost of product sold consists primarily of cost of inventory sold, fulfillment costs and compensation.

 

General and Administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expense consists of compensation-related expenses for corporate employees. Also, it consists of expenses for advertising, facilities, professional services fees, insurance costs, legal or other corporate costs, and other general overhead costs.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses and doubtful accounts. The Company’s allowance for credit losses consists of losses expected based on known credit issues with specific customers as well as a general expected credit loss allowance based on relevant information, including historical loss rates, current conditions, and reasonable economic forecasts that affect collectability.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory consists of promotional items, books and supplements and is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. The Company also reduces the carrying value of inventories for items identified as excess, obsolete, or slow-moving based on customer demand and other economic factors.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Amounts incurred for advertising costs with third parties are expensed as incurred.

 

Defamation and Disparagement Claims

 

From time to time, the Company is subject to lawsuits alleging defamation or disparagement. These include lawsuits filed by Smartmatic USA Corp. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Smartmatic”) and Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Dominion”) filed during 2021. The Smartmatic complaint sought an unspecified amount of damages while the Dominion complaint is seeking $1.6 billion in damages. On September 26, 2024, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Smartmatic pursuant to which the parties agreed to resolve the lawsuits among them. The Company agreed to pay a settlement of approximately $40 million payable over time and granted a five year cash exercise warrant to purchase 2,000 shares of Series B preferred stock at an exercise price of $5,000 per share, which is included in Other corporate matters in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and recorded as accrued expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2024. 

 

Results of Operations

 

Six months ended June 30, 2024, versus six months ended June 30, 2023

 

The results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Offering Circular. The following table sets forth our results of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023:

 

   Six months ended
June 30,
         
   2024   2023   $ Change   % Change 
                 
Revenues                
Service Revenues                
Advertising  $49,108,845   $47,060,773   $2,048,072    4.4 
Subscription   12,972,385    8,883,528    4,088,857    46.0 
Affiliate fee   13,445,240    2,237    13,443,003    600,938.9 
Other   1,383,000    148,338    1,234,662    832.3 
Product Sales   2,916,907    3,236,319    (319,412)   (9.9)
Total revenues  $79,826,377   $59,331,195   $20,495,182    34.5 
Cost of revenues   41,404,791    38,156,621    3,248,170    8.5 
Gross profit  $38,421,586   $21,174,574    17,247,012    81.5 
General & administrative   94,016,060    59,988,007    34,028,053    56.7 
Other, net   (102,187)   14,194    (116,381)   (819.9)
Loss before income tax expense  $(55,492,287)  $(38,827,627)  $(16,664,660)   (42.9)
Income tax expense   20,960    24,444    (3,484)   (14.3)
Net loss  $(55,513,247)  $(38,852,071)  $(16,661,176)   (42.9)

 

55

 

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased by approximately $20.5 million, or 34.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. Affiliate fee revenues increased by approximately $13.4 million due to significant new contractual relationships starting, principally in November 2023. Subscription revenue increased by approximately $4.1 million due to the launch of Newsmax+ streaming service that started in November 2023 but was offset by reductions in publication subscriptions due to decreased new customer acquisition. Product Sales decreased by approximately $0.3 million due to lower nutraceutical sales as a result of decreased new customer acquisition. Advertising revenue increased by approximately $2.0 million due to higher linear cable and satellite advertising revenue due to higher Nielsen ratings but was offset by reductions in OTT revenue resulting from the launch of Newsmax 2 in November 2023.

 

Cost of revenues

 

Cost of revenues increased by approximately $3.2 million, or 8.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was due to increased headcount, programming and production costs on our main Newsmax TV channel as well as investment into Newsmax 2 for OTT to build out the programming to better monetize Newsmax 2 on FAST channels. These increases were offset by reductions in distribution and carriage costs of approximately $1.9 million and approximately $0.8 million in royalty and product fulfillment costs for the period.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit increased by approximately $17.2 million, or 81.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. Gross profit as a percent of revenues increased to 48.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from 35.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Gross profit increased mainly due to the addition of affiliate fee and Newsmax+ revenue streams.

 

General and Administrative Expense

 

General and administrative expense increased by approximately $34.0 million or 56.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to certain litigation expenses, and related fees, for specific proceedings including the recent settlement with Smartmatic that the Company has determined are infrequent and unusual in terms of their magnitude. Also increasing were administrative and marketing headcount, Nielsen fees, travel expense, sales commissions, recruiting fees and depreciation for equipment purchases for continued buildout of our infrastructure and coverage of major new events. These increases were offset by reductions in marketing for new subscriber acquisitions and TV promotion using web and radio advertising and bad debt expense.

 

For the six months ended June 2023, the Company capitalized upfront costs associated with a business agreement with a commercial counterparty amounting to $41,250,000. The Company has identified indicators that the carrying value of these upfront costs may not be fully recoverable. As a result, the Company’s broadcast segment recognized impairment of the upfront cost for the six months ended June 2023 of $23.9 million in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. There was no impairment recognized for the six months ended June 2024.

 

Other, net

 

Other, net expense decreased by approximately $0.1 million, or 819.9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to increases in unrealized gains on marketable securities offset by decreases in interest and dividend income as well as an increase in interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

 

Segment Analysis

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s Revenues and Segment EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023:

  

   2024   2023   $ Change   % Change 
Revenues                
Broadcasting  $59,710,252   $38,864,769   $20,845,483    53.6 
Digital   20,116,125    20,466,426    (350,301)   (1.7)
Total revenues  $79,826,377   $59,331,195   $20,495,182    34.5 

 

56

 

 

   2024   2023   $ Change   % Change 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA                
Broadcasting  $7,604,775   $(8,711,294)  $16,316,069    187.3 
Digital   (2,499,802)   (2,320,394)   (179,408)   (7.7)
Adjusted EBITDA4   $5,104,973   $(11,031,688)  $16,136,661    146.3 

 

Broadcasting

 

   2024   2023   $ Change   % Change 
Revenues                
Advertising  $39,535,301   $38,714,199   $821,102    2.1 
Subscription   5,347,149    -    5,347,149    - 
Affiliate fee   13,445,240    2,237    13,443,003    600.938.9 
Other   1,382,562    148,333    1,234,229    832.1 
Total revenues  $59,710,252   $38,864,769   $20,845,483    53.6 
Cost of revenues   30,768,228    26,736,495    4,031,733    15.1 
Gross profit  $28,942,024   $12,128,274    16,813,750    138.6 
General & administrative   21,337,249    20,839,568    497,681    2.4 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA5   $7,604,775   $(8,711,294)  $16,316,069    187.3 

 

Broadcast Revenues increased by $20.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, due to affiliate fee revenue of approximately $13.4 million, which attributed to significant new contractual relationships starting principally in November 2023, advertising revenue of approximately $0.8 million due to higher ratings and pricing, subscription revenue of approximately $5.3 million from Newsmax+ which launched in November 2023 and licensing revenue of approximately $1.2 million.

 

Broadcast Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase in gross profit driven by the addition of affiliate fee revenue which did not require a significant increase in expense. Other factors that affected segment adjusted EBITDA are increased headcount, programming and production costs on our main Newsmax TV channel as well as investment into Newsmax 2 for OTT to build out the programming to better monetize Newsmax 2 on FAST channels. These increases were offset by reductions in distribution and carriage costs of approximately $1.9 million, OTT transmission expense of approximately $0.34 million, marketing for TV promotion of approximately $2.0 million and bad debt expense of approximately $0.39 million for the period.

  

Digital

 

   2024   2023   $ Change   % Change 
Revenues                
Advertising  $9,573,544   $8,346,574   $1,226,970    14.7 
Subscription   7,625,236    8,883,528    (1,258,292)   (14.2)
Product Sales   2,916,907    3,236,319    (319,412)   (9.9)
Other   438    5    433    8,660.0 
Total revenues  $20,116,125   $20,466,426   $(350,301)   (1.7)
Cost of revenues   10,636,563    11,420,126    (783,563)   (6.9)
Gross profit  $9,479,562   $9,046,300    433,262    4.8 
General & administrative   11,979,364    11,366,694    612,670    5.4 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA6   $(2,499,802)  $(2,320,394)  $(179,408)   (7.7)

 

 

4 For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
5 For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
6 For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

 

57

 

 

Digital Revenues decreased by $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, due to decreases in subscription revenue and ecommerce nutraceutical sales as a result of decreased marketing for new customer acquisitions which were offset by increased advertising revenue due to higher page views and CPM’s associated with the news cycle.

 

Digital Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to six months ended June 30, 2023, due to lower subscription costs due to lower subscription volume offset by increased headcount and sales commissions on advertising revenue and professional fees and in rent expense.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2024 versus six months ended June 30, 2023

 

The following table reconciles Net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023:

 

   2024   2023 
Net loss  $(55,513,247)  $(38,852,071)
Add          
Depreciation   1,625,093    1,615,398 
Interest, net   (5,299)   (86,038)
Asset impairment   -    23,928,360 
Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities   (128,574)   8,663 
Other corporate matters   

59,074,354

    2,237,987 
Other, net   31,686    91,569 
Income tax expense   20,960    24,444 
Adjusted EBITDA7   $5,104,973   $(11,031,688)

 

Results of Operations

 

Fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022

 

The results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Offering Circular. The following table sets forth our results of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

   2023   2022   $ Change   % Change 
                 
Revenues                
Service Revenues                
Advertising  $107,322,024   $105,917,207   $1,404,817    1.3 
Subscription   18,080,467    19,101,773    (1,021,306)   (5.4)
Affiliate fee   2,410,039    -    2,410,039      
Other   1,027,151    648,708    378,443    58.3 
Product Sales   6,436,346    9,644,004    (3,207,658)   (33.3)
Total revenues  $135,276,027   $135,311,692   $(35,665)   (0.0)
Cost of revenues   79,455,996    76,376,790    3,079,206    4.0 
Gross profit  $55,820,031   $58,934,902    (3,114,871)   (5.3)
General & administrative   100,915,301    78,409,190    22,506,111    28.7 
Other, net   (3,336,654)   442,892    (3,779,546)   (853.4)
Loss before income tax expense  $(41,758,616)  $(19,917,180)  $(21,841,436)   (109.7)
Income tax expense   18,550    19,206    (656)   (3.4)
Net loss  $(41,777,166)  $(19,936,386)  $(21,840,780)   (109.6)

 

 

7 For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below

 

58

 

 

Revenues

 

Revenues were flat for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Subscription revenue declined by approximately $1.0 million due to decreased marketing for new customer acquisition. Product Sales decreased by $3.2 million due to decreased book sales, as we did not have a best-selling book in 2023 and lower nutraceutical sales as a result of decreased new customer acquisition. Advertising revenue increased by $1.4 million due to higher linear cable and satellite advertising revenue due to rise in Nielsen ratings. This was offset by reductions in OTT revenue resulting from the launch of Newsmax 2 in the fourth quarter of 2023, which allowed us to begin to collect affiliate fees. Affiliate fee revenue is a new revenue stream in 2023 as the Company begins to collect fees from MVPDs for its content on the main Newsmax TV channel on cable and satellite systems which brought in approximately $2.4 million of revenue for 2023.

 

Cost of revenues

 

Cost of revenues increased by approximately $3.1 million, or 4.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due to increased headcount, programming and production costs on our main Newsmax TV channel as well as investment into Newsmax 2 for OTT to allow the company to begin to collect affiliate fee revenue.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit decreased by approximately $3.1 million, or 5.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Gross profit as a percent of revenues declined to 41.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 43.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022. Gross profit percent decreased mainly due to increased cost of revenues as outlined above.

 

General and Administrative Expense

 

General and administrative expense increased by approximately $22.5 million or 28.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to a $23.9 million impairment of the capitalized upfront costs associated with a business agreement with a commercial counterparty along with increases in marketing analytics for TV, increased payroll and benefit expense, consulting fees, rent expenses and legal fees. These increases were offset by reduced marketing for new subscriber acquisitions using direct mail, radio and web advertising.

 

Other, net

 

Other, net expense decreased by approximately $3.8 million, or 853.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to income tax credits and unrealized gains on securities.

 

Fiscal 2023 versus Fiscal 2022

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s Revenues and Segment EBITDA for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022:

  

   2023   2022   $ Change   % Change 
Revenues                
Broadcasting  $92,680,683   $86,530,364   $6,150,319    7.1 
Digital   42,595,344    48,781,328    (6,185,984)   (12.7)
Total revenues  $135,276,027   $135,311,692   $(35,665)   0.0 

 

    2023     2022     $ Change     % Change  
Segment Adjusted EBITDA                        
Broadcasting   $ (7,722,782 )   $ (5,874,790 )   $ (1,847,992 )     (31.5 )
Digital     (2,653,753 )     (8,714,002 )     6,060,249       69.5  
Adjusted EBITDA8    $ (10,376,535 )   $ (14,588,792 )   $ 4,212,257       28.9  

 

 

8 For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

 

59

 

 

Broadcasting

 

   2023   2022   $ Change   % Change 
Revenues                
Advertising  $88,343,596   $86,188,214   $2,155,382    2.5 
Subscription   901,215    -    901,215    - 
Affiliate fee   2,410,039    -    2,410,039    - 
Other   1,025,833    342,150    683,683    199.8 
Total revenues  $92,680,683   $86,530,364   $6,150,319    7.1 
Cost of revenues   57,552,788    52,793,122    4,759,666    9.0 
Gross profit  $35,127,895   $33,737,242    1,390,653    4.1 
General & administrative   42,850,677    39,612,032    3,238,645    8.2 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA  $(7,722,782)  $(5,874,790)  $(1,847,992)   (31.5)

 

Broadcast Revenues increased for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, due to affiliate fee revenue of approximately $2.4 million, which is a new revenue stream that began in Q4 2023, advertising revenue of approximately $2.2 million due to higher ratings and pricing, subscription revenue of approximately $0.9 million from Newsmax+ which launched in late 2023 and licensing revenue of approximately $0.7 million.

 

Broadcast Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, due to increased headcount, programming and production costs on our main Newsmax TV channel as well as investment into Newsmax 2 for OTT to allow the company to begin to collect affiliate fee revenue and increased bad debt expense. These were offset by reductions of approximately $4.8 million in marketing and distribution fees.

 

Digital

 

   2023   2022   $ Change   %  Change 
Revenues                
Advertising  $18,978,428   $19,728,993   $(750,565)   (3.8)
Subscription   17,179,252    19,101,773    (1,922,521)   (10.1)
Product Sales   6,436,346    9,644,004    (3,207,658)   (33.3)
Other   1,318    306,558    (305,240)   (99.6)
Total revenues  $42,595,344   $48,781,328   $(6,185,984)   (12.7)
Cost of revenues   21,903,208    23,583,668    (1,680,460)   (7.1)
Gross profit  $20,692,136   $25,197,660    (4,505,524)   (17.9)
General & administrative   23,345,889    33,911,661    (10,565,772)   (31.2)
Segment Adjusted EBITDA9   $(2,653,753)  $(8,714,001)  $6,060,248    3.8 

 

Digital Revenues decreased for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, due to decreases in subscription revenue and ecommerce nutraceutical sales as a result of decreased marketing for new customer acquisitions and decreases in ecommerce books sales as we did not have a NY Times best seller in 2023 as we did in 2022.

 

Digital Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, due to reductions in cost of revenues of approximately $1.7 million, which were primarily for fulfillment and product costs due to lower sales volume, as well as decreased marketing expense for new customer acquisition of approximately $9.8 million and $.8 million reduction in professional expenses. These reductions offset the $6.2 million decrease in revenue.

 

Fiscal 2023 versus Fiscal 2022

 

The following table reconciles Net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
Net loss  $(41,777,166)  $(19,936,386)
Add          
Depreciation   3,164,254    2,560,830 
Interest, net   (104,299)   (281,372)
Asset impairment   23,928,359    - 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities   (46,318)   519,664 
Other corporate matters   7,626,122    2,324,666 
Other, net   (3,186,037)   204,600 
Income tax expense   18,550    19,206 
Adjusted EBITDA10   $(10,376,535)  $(14,588,792)

 

 

9 For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
10 For a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

 

 

60

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company has approximately $6.7 million of cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024. The Company’s primary sources of liquidity include cash on hand and cash generated from operations which are highly dependent upon the state of the advertising markets, consumer spending and other conditions, many of which are beyond the Company’s control.

 

The Company has a $9,000,000 bank line of credit. The line bears interest at the greater of (i) one percent (1.000%) or (ii) the Prime Rate minus seventy five hundredths percent (-0.750%). The line of credit expired in October 2024, at which time, the Company renewed for an additional year. The Company was in compliance with certain financial covenants imposed by the line of credit agreement as of June 30, 2024. At June 30, 2024, the outstanding balance was $500,000 and the interest rate on the line of credit was 7.75%.

 

The principal uses of cash that affect the Company’s liquidity position include the following: operational expenditures including production costs; marketing and promotional expenses; expenses related to broadcasting the Company’s programming; employee and facility costs; capital expenditures; income taxes, interest payments and legal fees and settlements.

 

In June 2024, the Company issued a Private Placement Memorandum (the “PPM”) to potential investors, aiming to raise capital through the sale of its Series B Preferred Stock in a Private Placement. The initial offering is for up to 30,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $5,000 per share for a base offering amount of $150,000,000, with the option to expand up to 45,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for an offering amount of $225,000,000. The PPM was distributed to accredited investors as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. It outlines various risk factors associated with the investment, including market risk, operational risk, and regulatory risk. Detailed terms and conditions related to the offering, such as pricing, minimum investment requirements, and subscription procedures, are included in the memorandum. As of January 31, 2025, the Company has sold 38,262 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock from the PPM, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $175,331,715.

 

On September 26, 2024, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Smartmatic pursuant to which the parties agreed to resolve the lawsuits among them. The Company agreed to pay a settlement of approximately $40 million payable over time and granted a five year cash exercise warrant to purchase 2,000 of Series B preferred stock at an exercise price of $5,000 per share.

 

The Company believes these sources of liquidity are sufficient to meet its business operating requirements and its capital expenditures for the next 12 months.

 

Convertible Preferred Stock

 

Convertible Preferred Stock as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (41,034 and 11,034 total shares authorized, respectively, and all classes are $0.001 par value per share) is as follows:

 

   Issued and Outstanding as of 
Class  June 30,
2024
   December 31,
2023
 
Series A   611    611 

Series A (with redemption rights)

   35    35 
Series A-1   1,222    1,222 
Series A-2   2,647    2,647 
Series A-3   1,060    1,060 
Series B   1,897    - 
    7,472    5,575 

 

The shares of Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, and Series A-3 Preferred Stock accrue an annual dividend rate of 5.0% on the price per share. Dividends accrue quarterly and are payable when and if declared and only upon the occurrence of a liquidity event. The holders of shares Series A-1, A-2 and A-3 Preferred Stock also have the right to designate members to the Company’s board of directors, demand registration rights and limited approval rights. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has not recognized an accrual for unpaid dividends on Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, and Series A-3 Preferred Stock which amount to $28,611,252 and $25,723,781, respectively. Included in these amounts are dividends that have been accreted to the preferred stock being measured at its maximum redemption value (See Note 13 to the June 30, 2024 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this registration statement).

 

The shares of Series B Preferred Stock accrue an annual dividend rate of 7.0% on the price per share. Dividends accrue daily and are payable when and if declared by the board of directors, or upon the occurrence of a liquidity event. The holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock do not have voting rights. Series B Preferred Stock is classified in permanent equity because redemption is within control of the Company. Accumulated and unpaid dividends on Series B Preferred stock was $12,713 as of June 30, 2024.

 

The shares of Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, Series A-3, and Series B Preferred Stock have preference over dividends payable with respect to Existing Common Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Existing Common Stock unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on the shares of Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, Series A-3, and Series B Preferred Stock.

 

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The Preferred Stockholders have liquidation rights over holders of Existing Common Stock in the event of a liquidation in an amount equal to their respective price per share. The shares of Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2 and Series A-3 Preferred Stock have conversion rights to convert into shares of Existing Class A Common Stock. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock have conversion rights to convert to shares of Existing Class B Common Stock. See “Description of Capital Stock” for details of the conversion terms.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

As of June 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents balance was approximately $6.7 million and as of November 30, 2024 cash and cash equivalents was approximately $51.5 million. Cash and cash equivalents consist of interest-bearing deposit accounts and money market accounts managed by third-party financial institutions, and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less. The existing cash and cash equivalents, along with projected cash flows, are sufficient to fund our liquidity needs for the next 12 months. At this time, we do not anticipate the need to raise additional capital.

 

The following table shows our cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the stated periods:

 

   Six months ended
June 30,
 
   2024   2023 
Net cash provided by (used in):        
Operating activities  $(7,429,387)  $(6,456,198)
Investing activities   (108,503)   5,815,686 
Financing activities   7,935,636    - 

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $7.43 million and was primarily due to a net loss and decreases in deferred revenue and accounts payable offset by depreciation and increase in accrued expenses.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $6.46 million and was primarily due to a net loss offset by loss on asset impairment, depreciation, increase in accounts payable and decrease in accounts receivable and prepaid distribution.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $0.11 million primarily due to an increase in the sale of investments offset by purchases of fixed assets.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $5.82 million primarily due to an increase in the sale of investments offset by purchases of fixed assets.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $7.94 million primarily due to a proceeds received from issuance of convertible notes.

 

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and general and administrative expenses and does not include depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net, impairment charges, unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, other corporate matters (consisting primarily of certain litigation expenses, and related fees, for specific proceedings that the Company has determined are infrequent and unusual in terms of their magnitude), other, net, and income tax expense.

 

Management believes that information about Adjusted EBITDA assists all users of the Company’s financial statements by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income, thus providing insight into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results. Adjusted EBITDA provides management, investors and equity analysts a measure to analyze the operating performance of the Company’s business and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors’ data, although historical results, including Adjusted EBITDA, may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors, including customer tastes and preferences).

 

Adjusted EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In addition, this measure does not reflect cash available to fund requirements and excludes items, such as depreciation and amortization and impairment charges, which are significant components in assessing the Company’s financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2024, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments related to credit provisions, fair value of the derivative liability, fair value of the warrant liability and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience as well as various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting estimates, among others, reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

 

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Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The Company’s allowance for credit losses consists of losses expected based on known credit issues with specific customers as well as a general expected credit loss allowance based on relevant information, including historical loss rates, current conditions, and reasonable economic forecasts that affect collectability. The accounts receivables balances consisted of the following as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

 

   June 30,
2024
   December 31,
2023
 
Accounts receivable  $25,245,422   $25,579,689 
Allowance for credit losses   (2,269,808)   (3,607,933)
Accounts receivable, net  $22,975,614   $21,971,756 

 

Accounts receivable balances charged off against the allowance were $0.88 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and $0.04 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Changes in the assumptions used to calculate the allowance for credit losses can have a material impact on our financial results.

 

The allowance for credit losses as of June 30, 2024, was $2.3 million, representing approximately 8.99% of total accounts receivable which represents a decrease compared to the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023, which was $3.6 million or 14.1% of total accounts receivable. If actual customer defaults exceed our estimates by 1%, we would expect an additional $247 thousand in credit losses, which could materially affect our financial results.

 

Other Assets

 

For the year ended December 2023, the Company capitalized a separate payment obligation of $41.3 million associated with a commercial counterparty to resolve various claims. The Company accounted for the payment as a reduction to the transaction price in accordance with the guidance in ASC 606-10-32-25 and 26 and is amortizing the asset as a contra-revenue item. In connection with the signing of this agreement, the Company identified indicators that the carrying value of these upfront costs were not fully recoverable based on estimated cash flows related to the customer relationship. As a result, the Company’s broadcast segment recognized impairment of the upfront cost during 2023 of $23.9 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company evaluates these other assets for impairment each reporting period based upon its estimate of recoverability of the asset. Recoverability of the asset is based upon estimated cash flows including reductions for direct and allocable costs attributable to the underlying business arrangement. The estimation of future cash flows used to assess the recoverability of other assets is highly sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, such as expected consideration and allocation of expenses directly attributable to the underlying business arrangement.

 

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Embedded Derivatives

 

Embedded derivatives that are required to be bifurcated from the underlying host instruments are accounted for and valued as a separate financial instrument.

 

These embedded derivatives are bifurcated, accounted for at their estimated fair value, which is based on certain estimates and assumptions, and presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized as a component of other expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

Warrant Liabilities

 

Warrant liabilities are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and are remeasured at each financial reporting date with any changes in fair value being recognized in change in fair value of warrant liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

 

Income Taxes

 

Significant management estimates and judgments are involved to determine the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowances.

 

An assessment is performed on a quarterly basis to determine the likelihood of realizing deferred tax assets. This assessment includes evaluating positive and negative evidence, such as: (i) creation and timing of future taxable income associated with the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets; (ii) expiration of net operating losses; and (iii) historical amounts of income or losses. Based on this assessment, valuation allowances are utilized to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent necessary to result in an amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future periods.

 

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, forecasted financial conditions and results of operations in future periods, as well as results of audits and examinations of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

 

JOBS Act Accounting Election

 

Newsmax is an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. Newsmax intends to elect to adopt new or revised accounting standards under private company adoption timelines. Accordingly, the timing of our adoption of new or revised accounting standards will not be the same as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies or that have opted out of using such extended transition period. See “Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company” for further discussion.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Newsmax is exposed to certain market risks as part of our ongoing business operations.

 

Credit Risk

 

The Company is exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We place cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions with high credit standing and excess cash in marketable investment grade debt securities. We are exposed to credit risk on accounts receivable in the event of default by a customer. We bill our customers under customary payment terms and review customers for credit worthiness. The term between invoicing and payment due date is not significant.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are exposed to interest rate risk on our balances of cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $6.0 million, consisting of investments in interest-bearing money market accounts for which the fair market value would be affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. However, due to the short-term maturities and the low-risk profile of our investments, an immediate 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair market value of our cash and cash equivalents.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

The following table presents information with respect to our executive officers and directors as of the date of this Offering Circular:

 

Name  Age  Position at Newsmax Inc.  Position at Newsmax Media
Officers:         
Christopher Ruddy  60  Chief Executive Officer  Chief Executive Officer
Darryle Burnham  60  Chief Financial Officer  Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Brown  55  N/A  Chief Operating Officer
          
Directors:         
Christopher Ruddy  59  Director  Chief Executive Officer and Director
Nancy G. Brinker  77  Director  N/A
Christopher N. Cox  45  Director  N/A

 

Christopher Ruddy is the Chief Executive Officer and is a member of the board of directors of Newsmax Inc. and Newsmax Media. Mr. Ruddy founded Newsmax Media in 1998. Prior to founding Newsmax, Mr. Ruddy worked as a journalist at the New York Post and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Mr. Ruddy was recognized in Multichannel News’ “News Titans”: Top 10 People to Know in TV News in 2017, and by Newsweek as one of America’s top 20 most influential news media personalities. Mr. Ruddy served as a member of the Knight Foundation’s Commission on Trust, Media and American Democracy and previously as a member of Dr. Henry Kissinger’s Counsel for the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Mr. Ruddy holds a bachelor of arts summa cum laude from St. John’s University and a master’s degree in public policy from the London School of Economics. Mr. Ruddy has also been a Media Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Mr. Ruddy’s experience and proven success in news media, well qualifies him to serve as a member of our board of directors and our Chief Executive Officer and adds significant strategic and business expertise.

 

Darryle Burnham is the Chief Financial Officer of Newsmax Inc. and of Newsmax Media. Mr. Burnham has been with Newsmax Media since 2008. Prior to joining Newsmax Media, Mr. Burnham was Director of Finance and Operations at CopperCom Inc., Corporate Treasurer for Sleepmaster LLC (dba Serta Mattress) and Finance Manager of Procurement for Scientific Atlanta, Inc. (acquired by Cisco Systems in 2005). Mr. Burnham holds a bachelor of science degree from Florida Atlantic University and studied computer information systems at Lynn University.

 

Andrew Brown is the Chief Operating Officer of Newsmax Media. Mr. Brown joined Newsmax Media in 2012 as director of operations for Humanix Publishing. In October 2014, Mr. Brown was promoted to Chief Operations Officer at Newsmax Media. Mr. Brown is responsible for the day-to-day operations and oversees the operational infrastructure, IT and facilities. Prior to Newsmax, Mr. Brown was the production director at Scribe Inc., overseeing all aspects of workflow and technology. He also served as a software product manager at Managing Editor Inc., responsible for newspaper and magazine software, and was an editor at The Commercial Dispatch. Mr. Brown earned a bachelor of science degree from Mississippi State University.

 

Non-Employee Directors

 

Nancy Goodman Brinker is the founder of The Promise Fund and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Ms. Brinker was also United States Ambassador to Hungary from 2001 to 2003 and Chief of Protocol of the United States from 2007 to the end of the George W. Bush administration. In 2011, she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control by the World Health Organization. For her work on breast cancer research, Time magazine named Ms. Brinker to its 2008 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Ms. Brinker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in August 2009. Ms. Brinker is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has received numerous accolades for her global work, including the prestigious Mary Woodard Lasker Award for Public Service, the Champions of Excellence Award presented by the Centers for Disease Control, the Porter Prize presented by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the Forbes Trailblazer Award, Ladies Home Journal’s “100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century”, and the Anti-Defamation League Americanism Award. In 2015, Ms. Brinker was inducted to the National Women’s Hall of Fame and in 2016 she received the Order of Lincoln Award – Illinois’ highest honor for professional achievement and public service. We believe that Ms. Brinker’s extensive experience and record of achievement in public service provide her with the qualification to serve as a director.

 

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Christopher Nixon Cox is an American lawyer based in New York. He is the only child of Tricia Nixon Cox and Edward F. Cox, and grandson of President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon. Mr. Cox also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Lightswitch Capital, a private equity fund investing in biotech companies. He has been involved in private equity transactions for over two decades. Previously, Mr. Cox was a corporate associate at the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, where he worked in the Private Equity Group, and recently, Mr. Cox was Vice Chairman of BrightSphere Investment Group. Mr. Cox graduated from Princeton University with an A.B. in Politics and received his J.D. from NYU School of Law. We believe that Mr. Cox’s experience in business, law and corporate transactions provide him with the qualification to serve as a director.

  

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships between any of our directors, director nominees or executive officers.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

None of our directors, director nominees or officers has, in the past ten years, filed bankruptcy, been convicted in a criminal proceeding or named in a pending criminal proceeding, been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree of any court permanently or temporarily enjoining him or her from any securities activities, or any other disclosable event required by Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.

 

Director Independence

 

Our board of directors has determined that, and are considered “independent directors” under the NYSE listing rules, which is defined generally as a person other than an executive officer or employee of the Company who does not have a relationship that, in the option of the board of directors, would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

 

Our Board of Directors

 

Following this Offering, our board of directors will consist of five members. Our board of directors is generally responsible for the oversight of corporate risk in its review and deliberations relating to our activities. Risk is inherent in every business. As is the case in virtually all businesses, we face a number of risks, including operational, economic, financial, legal, regulatory, and competitive risks. Our management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face. Our board of directors, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management.

 

In its oversight role, our board of directors’ involvement in our business strategy and strategic plans plays a key role in its oversight of risk management, its assessment of management’s risk appetite, and its determination of the appropriate level of enterprise risk. Our board of directors receives updates at least quarterly from senior management and periodically from outside advisors regarding the various risks we face, including operational, economic, financial, legal, regulatory, and competitive risks. Our board of directors also risks relating to various developments such as acquisitions, debt and equity offerings, and new service offerings.

 

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For so long as the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock continue to hold at least 50% of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock purchased by them on April 16, 2019, the holders of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock are entitled to nominate one director to serve on Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors. For so long as the holders of Series A-2 Preferred Stock continue to hold at least 50% of the shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock purchased by them on July 3, 2019, the holders of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock are entitled to nominate two directors to serve on Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors. For so long as the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock continue to hold at least 50% of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock purchased by them on July 16, 2020, the holders of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock are entitled to nominate one director to serve on Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors.

 

Board Committees

 

Following this Offering, our board of directors will have an Audit Committee. The Audit will have a written charter, which will be available on our corporate website, Newsmax.com.

 

Audit Committee

 

Upon the consummation of this Offering, our audit committee will consist of, and with serving as chair. Our board of directors have affirmatively determined that, and each meet the definition of “independent director” under the NYSE rules, and that they meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3. Each member of our audit committee meets the financial literacy requirements of the NYSE rules. In addition, our board of directors has determined that will qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, The audit committee responsibilities include:

 

  overseeing the compensation and work of and performance by our independent registered public accounting firm and any other registered public accounting firm performing audit, review or attestation services for us;
     
  engaging, retaining and terminating our independent registered public accounting firm and determining the terms thereof;
     
  assessing the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm;
     
  evaluating whether the provision of permitted non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence;
     
  reviewing and discussing the audit results, including any comments and recommendations of the independent registered public accounting firm and the responses of management to such recommendations;
     
  reviewing and discussing the annual and quarterly financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;
     
  producing a committee report for inclusion in applicable Commission filings;
     
  reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and procedures;
     
  establishing procedures regarding the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received regarding the accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and conducting or authorizing investigations into any matters within the scope of the responsibility of the audit committee;
     
  reviewing transactions with related persons for potential conflict of interest situations and
     
  Reviewing and assessing annually the audit committee’s performance and the adequacy of its charter.

 

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Code of Ethics

 

Prior to the closing of this Offering, we will adopt a written code of business conduct and ethics that will apply to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The full text of our code of business conduct and ethics will be posted on our corporate website and is filed as an exhibit to this Offering Circular. We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of our code of business conduct and ethics, or waivers of these provisions, on our corporate website or in filings under the Exchange Act.

 

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Article Nine of Newsmax Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation provides that Newsmax Inc. shall, to the fullest extent legally permissible under the provisions of the FBCA, as the same may be amended and supplemented, indemnify any person who was or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civi1, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of Newsmax Inc.) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director or officer of Newsmax Inc., against expenses (including attorney’s fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any 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 Newsmax Inc., and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. Pursuant to Newsmax Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation, such indemnification or advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, Section 607.0850 of the FBCA, shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an indemnified party may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement or resolution adopted by Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors.

 

Article Seven of Newsmax Inc.’s Bylaws provides that to the fullest extent permitted under the law of the State of Florida, Newsmax Inc. shall have the power to indemnify, and shall indemnify, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of Newsmax Inc.) by reason of the fact that the person is or was serving at the request of Newsmax Inc. as a director, officer, employee or agent of Newsmax Inc., 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 Newsmax Inc., and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

In addition to the foregoing, each of Newsmax Inc. and Newsmax Media carry a directors and officers insurance policy that covers certain liabilities of their respective officers and directors arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.

 

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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following section describes our compensation program for 2024 and the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other two most highly compensated executive officers (each, a “Named Executive Officer” or “NEO”) during 2024. For 2024, the following individuals were our Named Executive Officers:

 

Christopher Ruddy, Chief Executive Officer

 

Darryle Burnham, Chief Financial Officer

 

Andrew Brown, Chief Operating Officer

 

Detailed information on the compensation for our NEOs is presented in the following tables and accompanying narrative.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table presents the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each of our NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Name and Principal Position  Year   Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)
   Stock awards
($)
   Option Awards
($) (3)
   Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($)
   Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings   All Other Compensation
($) (2)
   Total
($)
 
(a)  (b)   (c)   (d)   (e)   (f)   (g)   (h)   (i)   (j) 
Christopher Ruddy
Chief Executive Officer (1)
  2024   $373,077   $275,000   $     0   $0   $       0   $       0   $265,462   $913,539 
Darryle Burnham
Chief Financial Officer
  2024   $357,000   $0   $0   $100,000   $0   $0   $32,453   $489,453 
Andrew Brown
Chief Operating Officer
  2024   $175,396   $0   $0   $25,000   $0   $0   $8,707   $209,103 

  

(1)All amounts listed in this table for Mr. Ruddy include a portion of compensation and expense reimbursement paid to Crown Reserve LLC, an entity wholly owned by Mr. Ruddy.

 

(2)

Amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of equity awards granted to the named executive officers, computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s, or FASB’s, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 718. Additional information regarding the assumptions made in calculating the grant date for the value of the equity awards reported in this column will be provided in the notes to the consolidated financial statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

(3)For 2024, all other compensation for each NEO includes the following:

 

Name   Car and
Auto
Insurance
Payment
($)
    Tax Gross
Up
($)
    Apartment
Reimbursement
    Personal
Liability
Insurance
Premium
$
    Life
Insurance
Payments
    401(k)
Match
    Total
($)
 
Christopher Ruddy (1)    $ 27,298     $     48,790     $ 124,771     $ 799     $ 46,746     $ 17,058     $ 265,462  
Darryle Burnham (2)    $ 13,018     $ 2,449     $       0     $       0     $       0     $ 16,986     $ 32,453  
Andrew Brown   $       0     $       0     $       0     $       0     $       0     $ 8,707     $ 8,707  

 

(1)We pay directly Mr. Ruddy’s car lease payments and auto insurance, provide matching contributions under the terms of our 401(k) plan and pay a portion of various life insurance and other personal liability insurance premiums. In addition, prior to August 1, 2024 we reimbursed Mr. Ruddy for the costs of his apartment in New York City, which was used by Mr. Ruddy when he worked out of our New York City office. Starting on August 1, 2024, we leased our own apartment in New York City as a corporate apartment, the use of which we provide to Mr. Ruddy when he is working out of our New York City office.

 

(2)We reimburse Mr. Burnham’s car lease payments (and provide a tax gross up to cover certain taxes due by Mr. Burnham as a result of such reimbursement) and provide matching contributions under the terms of our 401(k) plan.

 

(3)We provide Mr. Brown matching contributions under the terms of our 401(k) plan.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table provides information regarding awards held by each of our Named Executive Officers that were outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and reflecting the anticipated Forward Stock Split. There were no other equity awards held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2024.

 

   Option Awards  Stock Awards
Name  Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable (1)  Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable  Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised earned options (#)  Option exercise price
($)
  Option expiration date  Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#)  Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)  Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#)  Equity incentive plan awards; Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($)
(a)  (b)  (c)  (d)  (e)  (f)  (g)  (h)  (i)  (j)
Darryle Burnham   44,381    0            0   $30,539.29   6/8/2031   0    0    0    0 
    37,210    0    0    36,308.56   6/29/2033   0    0    0    0 
Andrew Brown   11,095    0    0   $30,539.29   6/8/2031   0    0    0    0 
    9,336    0    0    36,308.56   6/29/2033   0    0    0    0 

 

(1)All option awards were fully vested on December 31, 2024.

 

Employment Agreements

 

We have entered into the following employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers:

 

Christopher Ruddy

 

In June 2024, we entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Mr. Ruddy, pursuant to which Mr. Ruddy serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ruddy’s employment agreement provides for a base salary of $400,000 and provides that he will be eligible for annual merit-based increases of such salary or cost-of-living increases at the discretion of our board of directors (the “Board”). The Board shall also determine any bonus opportunities or other compensation to be provided to Mr. Ruddy.

 

Mr. Ruddy is eligible to participate in our benefit plans, including but not limited to, group hospitalization, health, life, disability, travel or accident insurance, equity incentive plan, retirement income or pension plan, 401(k) plan or other present or future group employee benefit plan or program for which executives are or will become eligible. Mr. Ruddy is entitled to accumulate twenty-seven (27) days of PTO per year (provided, that if at the end of each calendar year, Mr. Ruddy has more than ten (10) PTO days accrued and unused, then the Company shall pay him the value of such excess PTO days in cash during the first payroll run of the new calendar year), and is also entitled to receive (i) reimbursement for insurance expenses associated with personal liability, personal liability umbrella and life insurances in which an affiliate of Mr. Ruddy (or his trust) is the beneficiary; (ii) reimbursement for car expenses (including, but not limited to lease and insurance payment); and (iii) a housing allowance for all expenses in connection with an apartment located in New York, NY to be used at his sole discretion, including for travel to our offices in New York, NY (and a tax gross-up to cover any taxes resulting from such expenses and such tax gross-up).

 

Pursuant to Mr. Ruddy’s employment agreement, in the event that his employment is terminated by the Company without cause, or if he resigns for “good reason,” he will be entitled to (i) severance compensation in an amount equal to 24 months of his then-current base salary; (ii) any bonuses earned, but not yet paid for any completed full fiscal year or calendar quarter immediately preceding the termination date; (iii) continuation of health benefits for a period of 24 months and (iv) payout of his accrued vacation.

 

In the event that Mr. Ruddy’s employment is terminated by reason of his death or disability, the Company shall pay him (or his estate, as applicable) a payout for his accrued vacation.

 

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Darryle Burnham

 

In June 2024, we entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Mr. Burnham, pursuant to which Mr. Burnham serves as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Burnham’s employment agreement provides for a base salary of $357,000 and provides that he will be eligible for annual merit-based increases of such salary or cost-of-living increases at the discretion of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall also determine any bonus opportunities or other compensation to be provided to Mr. Burnham.

 

Mr. Burnham is eligible to participate in our benefit plans, including but not limited to, group hospitalization, health, life, disability, travel or accident insurance, equity incentive plan, retirement income or pension plan, 401(k) plan or other present or future group employee benefit plan or program for which executives are or will become eligible. Mr. Burnham is entitled to accumulate twenty-seven (27) days of PTO per year (provided, that if at the end of each calendar year, Mr. Burnham has more than ten (10) PTO days accrued and unused, then the Company shall pay him the value of such excess PTO days in cash during the first payroll run of the new calendar year), and is also entitled to receive reimbursement for lease payments for a vehicle approved by the Company.

 

Pursuant to Mr. Burnham’s employment agreement, in the event that his employment is terminated by the Company without cause, or if he resigns for “good reason,” he will be entitled to (i) severance compensation in an amount equal to 24 months of his then-current base salary; (ii) any bonuses earned, but not yet paid for any completed full fiscal year or calendar quarter immediately preceding the termination date; (iii) continuation of health benefits for a period of 24 months and (iv) payout of his accrued vacation.

 

In the event that Mr. Burnham’s employment is terminated by reason of his death or disability, the Company shall pay him (or his estate, as applicable) a payout for his accrued vacation.

 

Andrew Brown

 

Mr. Brown is not employed by us pursuant to any employment agreement. In the event that Mr. Brown’s employment is terminated by reason for any reason, we are not obligated to pay any amounts to him as severance compensation or benefits.

 

Annual Incentives

 

Our compensation program for Named Executive Officers and other executive officers includes eligibility for annual cash bonuses. The annual bonuses are discretionary and are paid, if at all, based on our performance and the applicable executive’s performance. Generally, the Board determines bonuses for Mr. Ruddy and Mr. Ruddy, as the CEO, determines the amount of bonuses for our other NEOs. With respect to 2024, our Board in view of our performance last year, awarded Mr. Ruddy a discretionary bonus in the amount set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above, and Mr. Ruddy determined that that no discretionary bonuses shall be paid to our other NEOs with respect to 2024.

 

Long-Term Incentives

 

Equity-based awards are a variable element of compensation that allows us to reward our NEOs for their sustained contributions to the Company. Equity awards reward performance and continued employment by a NEO, with associated benefits to the Company of attracting and retaining employees. We believe that equity-based compensation, including but not limited to stock options and restricted stock, will provide NEOs with a strong link to long-term corporate performance and the creation of shareholder value.

 

On May 22, 2024, the Board approved the Company’s assumption of the Newsmax Media, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and certain stock option awards granted thereunder. Under the Plan, 240 shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock are available for grant.

 

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The Company may grant incentive stock options (or “ISOs”), non-statutory stock options or restricted stock to participants under the Plan. The Plan will terminate upon the expiration of a 10 year term, and awards issued thereunder shall expire as provided in the award agreement with respect thereto.

 

In connection with this Offering, the Board expects to adopt our 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”), for future awards to eligible directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. We expect that our 2025 Plan will be effective upon the approval of our shareholders, which is expected to occur prior to the Offering.

 

Other Benefits

 

We offer standard health, dental, life and disability insurance benefits, as well as a 401(k) plan with a company match, to our NEOs, on the same terms and conditions as provided to all eligible employees. We do not offer a deferred compensation plan or pension plan.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following Director Compensation Table sets forth the compensation of our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

 

Name   Fees earned or paid in cash
($)(1) 
    Stock awards
($)
    Option awards
($) (2) 
    Non-equity incentive plan compensation
($)
    Nonqualified deferred compensation earnings
($)
    All other compensation
($)
    Total
($)
 
(a)   (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)  
Shaun Doherty(3)    $       0             0             0             0             0             0     $       0  
Christopher Cox   $       0             0             0             0             0             0     $       0  
Nancy Brinker   $       0             0     $ 25,000             0             0             0     $ 25,000  

  

(1)We did not pay any cash fees to our non-employee directors in 2024.

 

(2) On January 1, 2024, we granted a stock option award with respect to 0.69 shares (9,336 shares reflecting the anticipated Forward Stock Split) of the Company’s Class B Common Stock to Ms. Brinker, which vests in full on January 1, 2025. The amount shown above reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of such award computed in accordance with FASB’s ASC Topic 718. Other than this stock option award to Ms. Brinker, our non-employee directors hold no other equity incentive awards. Additional information regarding the assumptions made in calculating the grant date for the value of the equity awards reported in this column will be provided in the notes to the consolidated financial statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

(3)Mr. Doherty resigned from the Board effective January 30, 2024.

 

Narrative to Director Compensation Table

 

We do not currently have a non-employee director compensation policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our non-employee directors were paid such amounts for their services as was determined by the Board from time to time. In addition. each director or member of a committee of the Board may be reimbursed for expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board or committee thereof, as applicable.

 

Following the completion of this Offering, we intend to adopt a non-employee director compensation policy pursuant to which our non-employee directors will be eligible to receive cash compensation and equity awards for service on our Board and committees thereof.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of January 31, 2025 by:

 

each of our named executive officers;

 

each of our directors and director nominees;

 

all of our current and proposed directors and named executive officers as a group; and

 

each stockholder known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our Common Stock.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Shares of Common Stock that may be acquired by an individual or group within 60 days of January 31, 2025, pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants or conversion of preferred stock or convertible debt, are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table. Percentage of ownership prior to the Offering is based on 223,490,563 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, consisting of 78,478,594 shares of Class A Common Stock and 145,011,969 shares of Class B Common Stock, following the Recapitalization and the Forward Stock Split, and assumes the issuance of 38,262 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in the Private Placement as of January 31, 2025. Percentage of ownership after the Offering is based on 238,490,563 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, consisting of 78,478,594 shares of Class A Common Stock and 160,011,969 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding, following the Recapitalization and the Forward Stock Split, and assumes the issuance of 38,262 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in the Private Placement, the issuance of the maximum number of Shares in this Offering and the completion of the Offering by March 31, 2025. See “Description of Capital Stock” for details of the conversion terms for the Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, Series A-3 and Series B Preferred Stock.

 

Except as indicated in footnotes to this table, we believe that the stockholders named in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown to be beneficially owned by them, based on information provided to us by such stockholders. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each director and executive officer listed is: c/o Newsmax Inc., 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.

 

 

   Shares of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Prior to
Offering(1) 
   % of Total
Voting
Power
   Shares of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned After
Offering(3) 
   % of Total
Voting
Power
 
Name of  Class A   Class B   Before   Class A   Class B   After 
Beneficial Owner  Shares   %   Shares   %   Offering(2)    Shares   %   Shares   %   Offering(2)  
Directors and Executive Officer:                                        
Christopher Ruddy, Director and Chief Executive Officer (4)    78,478,594    100%   -        *    84.4%   78,478,594    100%   -    *    83.1%
Darryle Burnham, Chief Financial Officer   -    *    81,591(5)     *    *    -    *    81,591     *     * 
Nancy G. Brinker, Director   -    *    9,336(6)    *    *    -    *    9,336    *    * 
Christopher N. Cox, Director   -    *    -    *    *    -    *    -    *    * 
Andrew Brown, Chief Operating Officer   -    *    20,431(7)     *    *    -    *    20,431]    *     * 
                                                   
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (5 persons) 5% or Greater Stockholders:   78,478,594    100%   111,358    *    84.4%   78,478,594    100%   111,358    *    83.1%
Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007(4)    78,478,594    100%   -    *    84.4%   78,478,594    100%   -    *    83.1%
Conyers Investments LLC (8)    -    *    39,635,726    27.3%   4.3%   -    *-    39,635,726    24.8%   4.2%
Ekwatoria Enterprises Inc. (9)    -    *    7,310,158    5.0%   *    -    *-    7,310,158    4.6%   * 
Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC (10)(11)    -    *    34,699,111    23.9%   3.7%   -    *-    34,699,111    21.7%   3.7%

 
*Indicates beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

 

(1) Based on 223,490,563 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, consisting of 78,478,594shares of Class A Common Stock and 145,011,969 shares of Class B Common Stock, following the Recapitalization and the Forward Stock Split, and assumes the issuance of 38,262 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in the Private Placement as of January 31, 2025.

 

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(2) The holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to ten votes for each share of Class A Common Stock held of record, and the holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Class B common Stock held of record, on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders.
(3) Based on 238,490,563 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, consisting of 78,478,594shares of Class A Common Stock and 160,011,969 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding, respectively, following the Recapitalization and the Forward Stock Split, and assumes the issuance of 38,262 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in the Private Placement and the issuance of the maximum number of Shares in this Offering.
(4) The 78,478,594 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by Christopher Ruddy are held by the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (the “Trust”). Mr. Ruddy is the trustee of the Trust and is deemed to beneficially own the shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Trust and has sole voting and dispositive powers over its shares. The business address of the Trust is 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.
(5) Consists of 81,591 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options.
(6) Consists of 9,336 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of an option.
(7) Consists of 20,431 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options.
(8) Conyers Investments LLC is a Connecticut limited liability company. [●] is deemed to beneficially own the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Conyers Investments LLC and has sole voting and dispositive powers over its shares. Conyers Investments LLC’s business address is 777 S. Flagler Drive, #1001 East, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.
(9) Ekwatoria Enterprises, Inc. is a California corporation. Vadim Shulman, as the sole director of Ekwatoria Enterprises, Inc., may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Ekwatoria Enterprises, Inc. Ekwatoria Enterprises, Inc.’s business address is 310 Donald Douglas Loop N., Suite 205, Santa Monica, California 90405.
(10) Naples Investment Holdco LLC (“Holdco”) is a Delaware limited liability company. Heritage Investments Limited Partnership (“Heritage Investments LP”) is the sole member of Holdco. Heritage GP Limited (“Heritage GP”) is the general partner of Heritage Investments LP. Heritage Investment Holdings Limited (“Holdings Limited”) serves as the sole director of Heritage GP. GTCS Directors Limited (“GTCS Directors”) serves as the sole director of Holdings Limited and Heritage Holdings Bare Trust (“Heritage Trust”) is the sole member of Holdings Limited. GTCS Nominees Limited (“GTCS Nominee”) serves as trustee of the Heritage Trust and Sheikh Sultan bin Jassim Al-Thani is the sole beneficiary of the Heritage Trust. Each of Heritage Investments LP, Heritage GP, Holdings Limited, GTCS Directors, Heritage Trust, GTCS Nominee and Sheikh Sultan bin Jassim Al-Thani may be deemed to beneficially own the shares owned directly by Holdco. The principal business address of each of the persons and entities named in this footnote is 13a St George Street, London, United Kingdom, W1S 2FQ.
(11) Naples Investment Holdco LLC granted to the Trust a proxy pursuant to which the Trust may vote all of the shares of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock on matters submitted to stockholder vote, subject to certain exceptions, including, but not limited to, the right to appoint one director to the Company’s board of directors. The proxy terminates upon an initial public offering of Newsmax Inc., which this Offering qualifies as.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

We have not been a party during our years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 to any transactions in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described elsewhere in this Offering Circular.

 

Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions

 

Our audit committee charter will require that our audit committee review and approve in advance any related party transaction. This covers, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which we were or are to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including, without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by us of a related person. All of the transactions described in this section occurred prior to the creation of our audit committee and the adoption of this policy, and, as such, they were not conducted on an arms’ length basis.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

 

Prior to the consummation of this Offering, we intend to file a post-qualification amendment to this Offering, so that we may file a registration statement on Form 8-A in connection with our plans to list the Shares on NYSE.

 

As of the date of this Offering Circular and prior to the consummation of the Recapitalization, the authorized capital stock of Newsmax Inc. consists of (A) 80,000 shares of Existing Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which (i) 20,000 shares have been designated Existing Class A Common Stock and (ii) 60,000 shares have been designated Existing Class B Common Stock, and (B) 65,929.44 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001, of which (i) 646 shares have been designated Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) 1,223 shares have been designated Series A-1 Preferred Stock, (iii) 2,647 shares have been designated Series A-2 Preferred Stock, (iv) 1,413.44 shares have been designated Series A-3 Preferred Stock and (v) 60,000 shares have been designated as Series B Preferred Stock.

 

Upon the consummation of the Recapitalization, the authorized capital stock of Newsmax Inc. will consist of (A) [____] shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which (i) [____] shares will be designated Class A Common Stock and (ii) [____] shares will be designated Class B Common Stock.

 

CAPITAL STOCK PRIOR TO THE RECAPITALIZATION

 

Existing Common Stock

 

Existing Class A Common Stock

 

Each holder of Newsmax Inc.’s Existing Class A Common Stock is entitled to a pro rata share of dividends made to holders of Existing Common Stock. Cash dividends shall be paid at the sole discretion of Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors. The holders of Existing Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by Newsmax Inc.’s stockholders. The Existing Class A Common Stock does not provide for cumulative voting with respect to the election of Newsmax Inc.’s directors or any other matter. As of the date of this Offering Circular, there were 6,069.67 shares of Newsmax Inc.’s Existing Class A Common Stock outstanding.

 

Existing Class B Common Stock

 

Each holder of Newsmax Inc.’s Existing Class B Common Stock is entitled to a pro rata share of dividends made to holders of Existing Common Stock. Cash dividends shall be paid at the sole discretion of Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors. The holders of Existing Class B Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by Newsmax Inc.’s stockholders, except as required under applicable law. As of the date of this Offering Circular, there were no shares of Newsmax Inc.’s Existing Class B Common Stock outstanding.

 

In accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement of Newsmax Inc. (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), holders of Existing Class B Common Stock have piggyback registration rights in the event Newsmax Inc. proposes to file a registration under the Securities Act. Subject to certain exceptions, Newsmax Inc. shall give written notice of such proposed filing to holders of Existing Class B Common Stock as soon as practicable (but no later than 15 days) before the anticipated filing date, and shall offer each holder the opportunity to register such number of shares of Existing Class B Common Stock as such holder may request.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Series A Preferred Stock

 

Newsmax Inc. has designated 646 shares of its preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Newsmax Inc.’s Existing Class A Common Stock at any time at the option of the holder. Newsmax Inc. has the option to force the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock at any time on or after the earlier of (i) a merger, initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as), acquisition or other liquidity event or (ii) the fifth anniversary of the original issue date. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Existing Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) $22,500 per share of Series A Preferred Stock being converted divided by (y) $22,500, subject to adjustment in the event Newsmax Inc. issues additional shares of Existing Common Stock. Dividends for shares of Series A Preferred Stock are only payable upon a liquidity event or when dividends are declared on Existing Common Stock of Newsmax Inc.

 

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Series A-1 Preferred Stock

 

Newsmax Inc. has designated 1,222 shares of its preferred stock as Series A-1 Preferred Stock. Shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Newsmax Inc.’s Existing Class A Common Stock at any time at the election of the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock will automatically convert upon (i) an initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as) or (ii) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock. The shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are convertible into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Existing Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) $20,450.57 per share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock being converted, plus, upon the written consent of the holder, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable divided by (y) $20,450.57, subject to adjustment in the event Newsmax Inc. issues additional shares of Existing Common Stock.

 

For so long as the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock continue to hold at least 50% of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock purchased by them on April 16, 2019 (the “Series A-1 Ownership Threshold”), the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock (and the director designated by the Series A-1 Preferred Stock holders) have approval rights with respect to certain actions and transactions of Newsmax Inc., including the liquidation of Newsmax Inc. and effecting any amendments to the Certificate of Designation, Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws of Newsmax Inc. that would materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock.

 

For so long the Series A-1 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock are entitled to nominate one director to serve on Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors.

 

An annual dividend rate of 5.0% accrues quarterly on the Series A-1 Preferred Stock.

 

For so long as the Series A-1 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock shall have the right, but not the obligation, any time between April 16, 2026, and April 16, 2028, to deliver to Newsmax Inc. a notice that the holders desire to sell all of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock then held by them in exchange for an amount equal to the price paid by the holders for the Series A-1 Preferred Stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A-1 Preferred Stock. If Newsmax Inc. does not elect to purchase the Series A-1 Preferred Stock that the holders desire to sell within 120 days after delivery of the holders’ notice, then the holders shall have the right to sell all, but not less than all, of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock they offered to sell, to a third party reasonably acceptable to Newsmax Inc. If the holders are unable to sell the Series A-1 Preferred Stock within 12 months, then within the following 12-month period Newsmax Inc. will be required to either (i) redeem the Series A-1 Preferred Stock held by the holders in exchange for an amount equal to the price paid by the holders for the Series A-1 Preferred Stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, or (ii) consummate a sale of Newsmax Inc.

 

For so long as the Series A-1 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock have a right of first refusal on the sale of shares by the Chris Ruddy Revocable Trust, if such shares were not previously purchased by Newsmax Inc.

 

The holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock have a tag-along right on sales of stock by the Trust. Pursuant to this right, if the Trust elects to sell shares of Newsmax Inc. to a third-party, the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock have the right to convert their Series A-1 Preferred Stock to Existing Class A Common Stock and sell their pro-rata portion of Existing Class A Common Stock proposed to be sold by the Trust at the same price and on the same terms received by the Trust in such transaction.

 

In addition, the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock have the right to sell their shares to Newsmax Inc. if certain regulatory requirements are triggered.

 

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Series A-2 Preferred Stock

 

Newsmax Inc. has designated 2,647 shares of its preferred stock as Series A-2 Preferred Stock. Shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Existing Class A Common Stock at any time at the election of the holders of Series A-2 Stock. Each share of Series A-2 Preferred Stock will automatically convert upon (i) an initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as) or (ii) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock. The shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock are convertible into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Existing Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) $18,890.95 per share of Series A-2 Preferred Stock being converted, plus, upon the written consent of the holder, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable divided by (y) $18,890.95, subject to adjustment in the event Newsmax Inc. issues additional shares of Existing Common Stock.

 

For so long as the holders of Series A-2 Preferred Stock continue to hold at least 50% of the shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock purchased by them on July 3, 2019 (the “Series A-2 Ownership Threshold”), the holders of Series A-2 Preferred Stock have approval rights with respect to certain actions and transactions of Newsmax Inc., including (a) the liquidation of Newsmax Inc., (b) effecting any amendments to the Certificate of Designation, Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws of Newsmax Inc. that would materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, (c) incurrence of indebtedness by Newsmax Inc. above a certain threshold, and (d) in connection with the reclassification, alteration or amendment of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, or Existing Common Stock in respect of the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Newsmax Inc., the payment of dividends or rights of redemption or voting.

 

For so long as at Series A-2 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock are entitled to nominate two directors to serve on Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors.

 

An annual dividend rate of 5.0% accrues quarterly on the price per share paid for the Series A-2 Preferred Stock.

 

For so long as the Series A-2 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of Series A-2 Preferred Stock have a right of first refusal on the sale of shares by the Trust, if such shares were not previously purchased by Newsmax Inc. or the holders of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock.

 

The holders of Series A-2 Preferred Stock have a tag-along right on sales of stock by the Trust. Pursuant to this right, if the Trust elects to sell shares of Newsmax Inc. to a third-party, the holders of Series A-2 Preferred Stock have the right to convert their Series A-2 Preferred Stock to Existing Class A Common Stock and sell their pro-rata portion of Existing Class A Common Stock proposed to be sold by the Trust at the same price and on the same terms received by the Trust in such transaction.

 

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Series A-3 Preferred Stock

 

Newsmax Inc. has designated 1,413.44 shares of its preferred stock as Series A-3 Preferred Stock. Shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Newsmax Inc.’s Existing Class A Common Stock at any time at the election of the holder of Series A-3 Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A-3 Preferred Stock will automatically convert upon (i) an initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as) or (ii) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock. The shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock are convertible into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Existing Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) $23,619 per share of Series A-3 Preferred Stock being converted, plus, upon the written consent of the holder, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable divided by (y) $23,619, subject to adjustment in the event Newsmax Inc. issues additional shares of Existing Common Stock.

 

For so long as the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock continue to hold at least 50% of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock purchased by them on July 16, 2020 (the “Series A-3 Ownership Threshold”), the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock (and the director designated by the Series A-3 Preferred Stock holders) have approval rights with respect to certain actions and transactions of Newsmax Inc., including (a) the liquidation of Newsmax Inc., (b) effecting any amendments to the Certificate of Designation, Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws of Newsmax Inc. that would materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock, (c) incurrence of indebtedness by Newsmax Inc. above a certain threshold, and (d) in connection with the reclassification, alteration or amendment of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, or Existing Common Stock in respect of the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Newsmax Inc., the payment of dividends or rights of redemption or voting.

 

For so long as at Series A-3 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock are entitled to nominate one director to serve on Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors.

 

An annual dividend rate of 5% accrues quarterly on the price per share paid for the Series A-3 Preferred Stock.

 

For so long as the Series A-3 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock shall have the right, but not the obligation, any time between July 16, 2027, and July 16, 2029, to deliver to Newsmax Inc. a notice that the holders desire to sell all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock then held by them in exchange for an amount equal to the price paid by the holders for the Series A-3 Preferred Stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A-3 Preferred Stock. If Newsmax Inc. does not elect to purchase the Series A-3 Preferred Stock that the holders desire to sell within 120 days after delivery of the holders’ notice, then the holders shall have the right to sell all, but not less than all, of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock they offered to sell, to a third party reasonably acceptable to Newsmax Inc. If the holders are unable to sell the Series A-3 Preferred Stock within 12 months, then within the following 12-month period, Newsmax Inc. will be required to either (i) redeem the Series A-3 Preferred Stock held by the holders in exchange for an amount equal to the price paid by the holders for the Series A-1 Preferred Stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A-3 Preferred Stock, or (ii) consummate a sale of Newsmax Inc.

 

For so long as the Series A-3 Ownership Threshold is met, the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock have a right of first refusal on the sale of shares by the Trust, if such shares were not previously purchased by Newsmax Inc.

 

The holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock have a tag-along right on sales of stock by the Trust. Pursuant to this right, if the Trust elects to sell shares of Newsmax Inc. to a third-party, the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock have the right to convert their Series A-3 Preferred Stock to Existing Class A Common Stock and sell their pro-rata portion of Existing Class A Common Stock proposed to be sold by the Trust at the same price and on the same terms received by the Trust in such transaction.

 

The holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock have the right to sell their shares to Newsmax Inc. if certain regulatory requirements are triggered. Newsmax Inc. does not expect that the regulatory requirements will be triggered or that this repurchase right will become effective.

 

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In connection with the purchase of Series A-3 Preferred Stock from Newsmax Inc., the Series A-3 Preferred Stock holders executed and delivered to Newsmax Inc. and the Trust proxies pursuant to which, subject to certain exceptions, such holders gave the Trust the right to vote the Series A-3 Preferred Stock held by such holders from the date of the applicable proxy and until the earlier of (a) Newsmax Inc.’s initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as), (b) five years from the date of the applicable proxy, (c) the closing of an issuance of voting securities by Newsmax Inc. in which (A) Newsmax Inc. raises $5,000,000 or more in one transaction from a single investor and (B) such investor does not execute a proxy pursuant to which such investor grants to the Trust the right to vote the newly issued voting securities, or (d) such time that Christopher Ruddy no longer exercises sole and dispositive voting power on behalf of the Trust.

 

Series B Preferred Stock

 

Newsmax Inc. has authorized a maximum of 60,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock have no voting rights. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock shall be convertible into shares of Existing Class B Common Stock (a) at the option of the holder, at any time after the original issue date of such Share, or (b) automatically upon (w) the closing of an initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as), (x) the closing of a qualified financing, (y) the closing of a qualified sale, or (z) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, in each case, into the number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Existing Class B Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference of such shares of Series B Preferred Stock being converted plus any accrued but unpaid dividends payable on such shares divided by (ii) the conversion price as of the time of the conversion. In the event of a conversion, the conversion price of a share of Series B Preferred Stock will initially equal $50,740.47; provided that, the conversion price for purposes of (i) converting shares of Series B Preferred Stock upon an initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as) shall equal 75% of the price per share or deemed price per share sold to the public in the initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as), and (ii) converting shares of Series B Preferred Stock upon the consummation of a qualified financing shall be 75% of the price per share sold by Newsmax Inc. in such financing. The conversion price (other than the conversion price specified in the proviso above) will be subject to adjustments as provided in the Certificate of Designation.

 

The shares of Series B Preferred Stock will accrue an annual dividend rate of 7.0% on the price per share. The dividend on the shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall accrue annually, beginning from the date of the issuance of the shares, and will accrue until the conversion of the shares. Dividends will be payable (entirely or partially) in cash when, as, and if declared by Newsmax Inc.’s board of directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a Liquidity Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), conversion or sale occurs prior to the end of a year, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial year. Dividends on the shares of Series B Preferred Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of any junior equity of Newsmax Inc.

 

The original conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock (other than the conversion prices referenced in the proviso of the “Conversion Price” definition) will be subject to adjustment for any forward or reverse share split, share dividend or recapitalization affecting the Existing Class B Common Stock. Additionally, until the completion of an initial public offering (which this Offering qualifies as), the conversion price (other than the conversion prices referenced in the proviso of the “Conversion Price” definition) will be subject to a weighted average adjustment in the event that Newsmax Inc. issues additional equity securities at a purchase price less than the then current conversion price for the shares of Series B Preferred Stock, except that no adjustment will be made for certain exempt issuances such as equity securities issued as dividends or distributions in respect of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock or any other series of preferred shares of Newsmax Inc.; equity securities issued by reason of a dividend, share split, subdivision or other distribution of common shares of Newsmax Inc.; common shares of Newsmax Inc. or options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, Newsmax Inc. or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by Newsmax Inc.; common shares of Newsmax Inc. or convertible securities issued upon the exercise of options or common shares of Newsmax Inc. issued upon the conversion or exchange of convertible securities of Newsmax Inc.; common shares of Newsmax Inc., options or convertible securities issued in connection with a debt financing transaction, or to lessors; common shares of Newsmax Inc., options or convertible securities issued to suppliers or third party service providers in connection with the provision of goods or services; common shares of Newsmax Inc., options or convertible securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by merger, purchase of shares or assets, or other reorganization; other issuances that in aggregate do not exceed 2% of the outstanding capital stock of Newsmax Inc.; or in any transaction in which the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares waive their anti-dilution rights, all as further described in the Certificate of Designation.

 

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CAPITAL STOCK UPON THE CONSUMMATION OF THE RECAPITALIZATION

 

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation that will be filed upon the closing of this Offering, the existing Common Stock of the Company will be recapitalized into Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. See “Recapitalization Transactions” for a description of the Recapitalization.

 

Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock

 

Except with respect to voting rights as described below, shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will have the same rights and powers, rank equally, share ratably and be identical in all respects and as to all matters.

 

Voting

 

Each holder of Class A Common Stock will be entitled to ten votes for each share of Class A Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Each holder of Class B Common Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Class B Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or as provided by law, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall (a) at all times vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, (b) be entitled to notice of any shareholders’ meeting in accordance with the Amended and Restated Bylaws, and (c) be entitled to vote upon such matters and in such manner as may be provided by applicable law.

 

Dividends

 

Shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be treated equally, identically and ratably, on a per share basis, with respect to any dividends or distributions as may be declared and paid from time to time by our board of directors; provided, however, that in the event a dividend is paid in the form of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock (or rights to acquire such shares), then holders of Class A Common Stock will receive shares of Class A Common Stock (or rights to acquire such shares, as the case may be) and holders of Class B Common Stock will receive shares of Class B Common Stock (or rights to acquire such shares, as the case may be), with holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock receiving, on a per share basis, an identical number of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as applicable.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

Subject to any preferential or other rights of any holders of Preferred Stock then outstanding (if any), upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Newsmax Inc., whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be entitled to receive ratably, on a per share basis, all assets of Newsmax Inc. available for distribution to its shareholders unless disparate or different treatment of the shares of each such class with respect to distributions upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up is approved in advance by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock of Newsmax Inc., voting together as a single class.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our board of directors will be authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, to fix the designation, vesting, powers (including voting powers), preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights (and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof) of the shares of each such series and to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any such series. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may also be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock of Newsmax Inc., voting together as a single class.

 

Selling Agent Warrant

 

Upon the closing of this Offering, there will be up to shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Agent Warrant. See “Plan of Distribution—Selling Agent’s Warrants” below for a description of the selling agent’s warrants.

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE UPON EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

 

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws limit the liability of our officers and directors and provide that we will indemnify our officers and directors, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by the FBCA. In addition to the foregoing, each of Newsmax Inc. and Newsmax Media carry a directors and officers insurance policy that covers certain liabilities of their respective officers and directors arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers. See “Management – Indemnification of Directors and Officers” for additional information. Prior to this Offering, we will enter into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers.

 

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaw Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws include several anti-takeover provisions that may have the effect of encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include:

 

Advance Notice Requirements. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with regard to shareholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of shareholders. These procedures provide that notice of shareholder proposals must be timely and given in writing to the corporate Secretary of Newsmax Inc. In general, to be considered timely, notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders. The notice must contain the information required by the Amended and Restated Bylaws and applicable securities laws and regulations, including information regarding the proposal and the shareholder making such proposal.

 

Special Meetings of Shareholders. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called by only by (a) the Chairperson of the board of directors or the Chief Executive Officer of Newsmax Inc. or (b) the corporate Secretary of Newsmax Inc. upon the written request of the holders of record of not less than a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of Newsmax Inc., voting together as a single class, proposing a proper matter for shareholder action under the FBCA at such special meeting.

 

Exclusive Forum Provision. Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provides that the Florida state courts located in Palm Beach County shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any shareholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Newsmax Inc., (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of Newsmax Inc. to Newsmax Inc. or Newsmax Inc.’s shareholders, (c) any action asserting a claim against Newsmax Inc. or its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the FBCA or the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or the Amended and Restated Bylaws or (d) any action asserting a claim against Newsmax Inc. or its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or Securities Act.

 

This choice of forum provision may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees. In addition, this forum selection provision may impose additional litigation costs on shareholders in pursuing the claims identified above, particularly if the shareholders do not reside in or near the State of Florida. Alternatively, a court could find these provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in respect of one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, which may require us to incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

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Amendment of the Amended and Restated Bylaws. Our shareholders may amend any provisions of the Amended and Restated Bylaws by obtaining the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock of Newsmax Inc. (a “Majority Vote”), voting together as a single class; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, (i) no vote of the holders of the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock voting separately as a class shall be required to obtain a Majority Vote; and (ii) no separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock or any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Certificate of Designation designating a series of Preferred Stock, shall be required to obtain a Majority Vote.

 

Preferred Stock. Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorizes our board of directors to create and issue rights entitling our shareholders to purchase shares of our stock or other securities. The ability of our board to establish the rights and issue substantial amounts of preferred stock without the need for shareholder approval may delay or deter a change in control of us.

 

Florida Takeover Statute

 

The FBCA contains certain provisions which may affect the ability of a party to acquire control of the Company.

 

Control Share Acquisition Statute

 

The control share acquisition statute, Section 607.0902 of the FBCA, generally provides that in the event that a person acquires voting shares of the Company which would have more than 20% of the voting power of all of the shares of the Company, such acquired shares have only such voting rights as are accorded the shares before the control-share acquisition only to the extent granted by resolution approved by the shareholders of the Company (excluding shares held by the person acquiring the control shares or any officers of the Company or any employees who are also directors of the Company).

 

Certain acquisitions of shares are exempt from these rules, such as shares acquired pursuant to the laws of intestate succession or pursuant to a gift or testamentary transfer, pursuant to a merger or share exchange effected in compliance with the FBCA if the Company is a party to the agreement or pursuant to an acquisition of shares of the Company if the acquisition has been approved by the board of directors of the Company before the acquisition.

 

A Florida corporation may provide in articles or bylaws that the corporation is not subject to these provisions, but our articles of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended, do not currently exempt the Company from these provisions. Absent such an exclusion, these provisions of the FBCA generally apply to any Florida corporation which has:

 

1.One hundred or more shareholders;

 

2.Its principal place of business, its principal office, or substantial assets within Florida; and

 

3.Either (i) more than 10% of its shareholders resident in Florida; (ii) more than 10% of its shares owned by residents of Florida; or (iii) one thousand shareholders resident in Florida.

 

Transfer Agent

 

The transfer agent for our Class B Common Stock is Equity Stock Transfer.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

The Company is offering up to 15,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock on a “best efforts” basis at a price of $5.00 per share. There is no minimum number of shares of Class B Common Stock that we must sell in order to conduct a closing in this Offering.

 

The Company intends to market the Shares in this Offering using both online and offline means. Online marketing may take the form of contacting potential investors through electronic media, television broadcast advertising and posting our Offering Circular or “testing the waters” materials on an online investment platform. All advertising will direct investors to the online investment platform. This Offering Circular will be furnished to prospective investors via download from the Company’s website (www.newsmaxinvestor.com) on a landing page that relates to the offering.

 

The Offering will terminate at the earliest of the date at which the maximum offering amount has been sold, one year from the date upon which the Commission qualifies the Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular forms a part or the date at which the Offering is earlier terminated by the Company, in its sole discretion.

 

The Company intends to complete one closing in this Offering. After the closing, funds tendered by investors will be available to the Company.

 

Engagement Agreement with Digital Offering

 

We are currently party to an engagement agreement dated May 31, 2024, with Digital Offering. Digital Offering has agreed to act as our lead managing selling agent for the Offering. Digital Offering has made no commitment to purchase all or any part of the Shares but has agreed to use its best efforts to sell such Shares in the Offering. As such, Digital Offering is an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act. Digital Offering is under no obligation to purchase any of the Shares or arrange for the sale of any specific number or dollar amount of Shares. The term of the engagement agreement will continue until the earlier to occur of: (a) the date that either party gives the other at least ten (10) days written notice of the termination of the engagement agreement, which termination may occur with or without cause, (b) December 31, 2024, and (c) the date that the Offering is consummated (such applicable date, the “Termination Date”). The engagement agreement provides that Digital Offering may engage other Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) member broker-dealers that are registered with the Commission to participate as soliciting dealers for this Offering. We refer to these other broker-dealers as soliciting dealers or members of the selling group. Upon engagement of any such soliciting dealer, Digital Offering will be permitted to re-allow all or part of its fees and expense allowance as described below. Such soliciting dealer will also be entitled to receive the benefits of our engagement agreement with Digital Offering, including the indemnification rights arising under the engagement agreement upon their execution of a soliciting dealer agreement with Digital Offering that confirms that such soliciting dealer is so entitled. As of the date hereof, we have been advised that Digital Offering has retained DealMaker Securities LLC and R.F. Lafferty & Co Inc. to participate in this Offering as soliciting dealers. We will not be responsible for paying any placement agency fees, commissions or expense reimbursements to any soliciting dealers retained by Digital Offering. None of the soliciting dealers is purchasing any of the Shares in this Offering or is required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Shares but will instead arrange for the sale of Shares to investors on a “best efforts” basis, meaning that they need only use their best efforts to sell the Shares. In addition to the engagement agreement, we plan to enter into a definitive selling agency agreement with Digital Offering prior to the commencement of the offering.

 

Offering Expenses

 

We are responsible for all offering fees and expenses, including the following: (i) fees and disbursements of our legal counsel, accountants, and other professionals we engage; (ii) fees and expenses incurred in the production of offering documents, including design, printing, photograph, and written material procurement costs; (iii) all filing fees, including those charged by FINRA; (iv) all of the legal fees related to FINRA clearance; and (v) costs relating to background checks of the Company’s officers and directors (in the specific invoiced amount of $950, which amount has already been paid by us and will not be exceeded). We have also agreed to reimburse Digital Offering for up to $100,000 in legal expenses, $25,000 of which we have already paid. The $25,000 payment for legal fees already made will be reimbursed to us to the extent not actually incurred, in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(a).

 

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Reimbursable Expenses in the Event of Termination

 

In the event the Offering does not close, or the selling agency agreement is terminated for any reason, we have agreed to reimburse Digital Offering for its legal fees not to exceed $100,000.

 

Other Expenses of the Offering

 

The Lead Selling Agent has engaged DealMaker Securities LLC as a soliciting dealer to assist in the placement of the Shares in those states where it is registered to undertake such activities, including soliciting potential investors on a best efforts basis.

 

Selling Agents’ Commission

 

We have agreed that the definitive selling agency agreement will provide for us to pay a commission of 7.0% of the gross proceeds received by us in the offering, which shall be allocated by Digital Offering to members of the selling group and soliciting dealers in its sole discretion (we sometimes refer to Digital Offering and such members and dealers collectively as the “Selling Agents”).

 

The following table shows the total commissions payable to Digital Offering on a per-share basis in connection with this offering, assuming a fully subscribed offering.

 

   Per Share 
Public offering price  $5.00 
Digital Offering commission (7.0%)*  $

0.35

 
Proceeds, before expenses, to us, per share  $

4.65

 

 

*Assuming a fully subscribed offering, Digital Offering would receive total cash commissions of $5,250,000.

 

Selling Agent’s Warrants

 

Upon the closing of the Offering, we have agreed to issue the Agent Warrant to the Selling Agents to purchase a number of Shares equal to 1.5% of the total number of Shares sold in the Offering. The Agent Warrant will be exercisable commencing six months after the date of commencement of sales in this Offering (in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1)) and will be exercisable until the fifth anniversary of the date of commencement of sales in the offering. The exercise price for the Agent Warrant will be the amount that is 25% greater than the public offering price, or $6.25 per share. The Agent Warrant will not be redeemable. The Agent Warrant will provide for cashless exercise in the event there is not a qualified offering statement covering the shares underlying the Agent Warrant, and immediate “piggyback” registration rights, with a duration of seven years from the date of commencement of sales in the offering (in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D)), with respect to the registration of the shares of Class B Common Stock underlying the warrants. We have qualified the Shares underlying the Agent Warrant in this Offering. Under certain circumstances, we may enter into an agreement with the Selling Agents to provide the Selling Agents with a demand registration right. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(B)-(D), under any such agreement, the Selling Agents shall not be entitled to more than one demand registration right and the duration of this registration right shall not exceed five years from the effective date of the related registration statement.

 

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The Agent Warrant and the Shares underlying the Agent Warrant have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(e)(1) of FINRA. The Selling Agents or permitted assignees under such rule, may not exercise, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the Agent Warrant or the Shares underlying the Agent Warrant, nor will the Selling Agents or permitted assignees engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the Agent Warrant or the underlying Shares for a period of 180 days from the date of commencement of sales in the Offering, except that they may be transferred, in whole or in part, by operation of law or by reason of our reorganization, or to any Selling Agent or selected dealer participating in the Offering and their officers, partners or registered representatives if the Agent Warrant or the underlying Shares so transferred remain subject to the foregoing lock-up restrictions for the remainder of the time period. The Agent Warrant will provide for adjustment in the number and price of such warrants (and the Shares underlying such Agent Warrant) to prevent dilution in the event of a stock dividend, stock split or other reclassification of the Shares.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

Except as described below, our officers, directors, and certain of our stockholders have agreed, or will agree, with Digital Offering, subject to certain exceptions, that, without the prior written consent of Digital Offering, they will not, directly or indirectly, during the period of six months following the closing of this Offering, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of the Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by them or with respect to which they have or hereafter acquire the power of disposition; or enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of the Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

 

The lock-up agreement does not apply, in our case, to securities issued pursuant to existing employee benefit plans or securities issued upon exercise of options. In the case of our officers, directors and director nominees, the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph do not apply to:

 

  transactions relating to shares of Common Stock acquired in open market transactions after the completion of this Offering; provided that, no filing by any party under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with such transfer;
     
  exercises of stock options or equity awards granted pursuant to an equity incentive or other plan or warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock or other securities (including by cashless exercise to the extent permitted by the instruments representing such stock options or warrants so long as such cashless exercise is effected solely by the surrender of outstanding stock options or warrants to us and our cancellation of all or a portion thereof to pay the exercise price), provided that in any such case the securities issued upon exercise shall remain subject to the provisions of the agreement;
     
 

transfers of shares of Common Stock or other securities to us in connection with the vesting or exercise of any equity awards granted pursuant to an equity incentive or other plan to the extent, but only to the extent, as may be necessary to satisfy tax withholding obligations pursuant to our equity incentive or other plans;

     
  pursuant to an order of a court or regulatory agency;
     
  any transfer of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock that occurs by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order or in connection with a divorce settlement;

 

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  any distributions or transfers without consideration of shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock to limited partners, members, stockholders or affiliates of the undersigned, or to any partnership, corporation or limited liability company controlled by the undersigned or by a member of the immediate family of the party to the agreement;
     
  any transfer made in connection with the sale or other bona fide transfer in a single transaction of all or substantially all of the undersigned’s capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other similar equity interests, as the case may be, or all or substantially all of the undersigned’s assets, in any such case not undertaken for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by the agreement;
     
  the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, for the transfer of shares of our Common Stock, provided that such plan does not provide for the transfer of our Common Stock during the lock-up period;
     
  transfers to any investment fund or other entity controlled by, or under common control or management with, the party to the agreement; or
     
  transfers of shares of our Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our Common Stock pursuant to a qualifying bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction made to all holders of our Common Stock.

 

Exchange Listing

 

We intend to apply to NYSE to list shares of our Class B Common Stock under the symbol “NMAX” on the NYSE. Although we believe that we currently meet the NYSE initial listing standards, prior to the start of this Offering, neither we nor Digital Offering can guarantee that the NYSE will approve our listing application. If the Shares are not approved for listing on NYSE, we will not complete the Offering contemplated hereby. Assuming our NYSE listing application is approved, our Class B Common Stock will not commence trading on the NYSE until each of the following conditions is met: (i) this Offering is successfully terminated; (ii) we have filed a post-qualification amendment to the Offering Statement, which post-qualification amendment is qualified by the Commission; and (iii) we have filed a registration statement on Form 8-A, which Form 8-A has been declared effective by the Commission. Pursuant to applicable rules under Regulation A, the Form 8-A will not become effective until the Commission qualifies the post-qualification amendment. We intend to file the post-qualification amendment and request its qualification promptly following the closing of this Offering in order that the Form 8-A may become effective as soon as practicable. Even if our NYSE application is approved, we may continue marketing this Offering until the maximum amount of securities has been subscribed for, after which we will have a single closing of all investments in the Offering. Exchange trading of our Class B Common Stock on the NYSE will not commence until after the Offering has closed. No assurance can be given that our application to list on the NYSE will be approved or that an active trading market for our Class B Common Stock will develop.

 

Pricing of the Offering

 

Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Shares. The initial public offering price has been determined by negotiation between us and Digital Offering. The principal factors considered in determining the initial public offering price include:

 

  the information set forth in this offering circular and otherwise available to Digital Offering;

 

  our history and prospects and the history of and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

 

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  our past and present financial performance;

 

  our prospects for future earnings and the present state of our development;

 

  the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering;

 

  the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded Class B Common Stock of generally comparable companies; and

 

  other factors deemed relevant by Digital Offering and us.

 

We intend to price the offering prior to its qualification pursuant to Rule 253(b).

 

Indemnification

 

We have agreed to indemnify the Selling Agent, its affiliates and controlling persons and members of the selling group against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. If we are unable to provide this indemnification, we will contribute to the payments the Selling Agent, its affiliates and controlling persons as may be required to make in respect of these liabilities.

 

Our Relationship with the Lead Selling Agent

 

The Selling Agent and its affiliates are engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The Selling Agent and its affiliates may in the future perform various financial advisory and investment banking services for us, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

 

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, Digital Offering and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the Company. Digital Offering and its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

Investment Limitations if We Do Not Obtain a Listing on a National Securities Exchange

 

As set forth in Title IV of the JOBS Act, there would be no limit on how many shares an investor may purchase if this Offering results in a listing of our Class B Common Stock on the NYSE or other national securities exchange. However, our Class B Common Stock may not be listed on the NYSE upon the initial qualification of this Offering by the Commission. Additionally, we cannot provide any assurance that our application to list on the NYSE will be approved.

 

For individuals who are not accredited investors, if we are not listed on the NYSE, no sale may be made to you in this offering if the aggregate purchase price you pay is more than 10% of the greater of your annual income or net worth (please see below under “How to Calculate Net Worth”). Different rules apply to accredited investors and non-natural persons. Before making any representation that your investment does not exceed applicable thresholds, we encourage you to review Rule 251(d)(2)(i)(C) of Regulation A. For general information on investing, we encourage you to refer to www.investor.gov.

 

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Because this is a Tier 2, Regulation A offering, most investors in the case of trading on the over-the-counter markets must comply with the 10% limitation on investment in this Offering. The only investors in this Offering exempt from this limitation, if our Class B Common Stock is not listed on the NYSE, are “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act (each, an “Accredited Investor”). If you meet one of the following tests you should qualify as an Accredited Investor:

 

(i)  You are a natural person who has had individual income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years, or joint income with your spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of these years, and have a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year;

 

(ii)  You are a natural person and your individual net worth, or joint net worth with your spouse, exceeds $1,000,000 at the time you purchase Shares (please see below under “How to Calculate Net Worth”);

 

(iii)  You are an executive officer or general partner of the issuer or a director, executive officer or general partner of the general partner of the issuer;

 

(iv)  You are a holder in good standing of the General Securities Representative license (Series 7), the Private Securities Offerings Representative license (Series 82), and the Licensed Investment Adviser Representative (Series 65), each as issued by FINRA;

 

(v)  You are a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or are an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, a corporation or similar business trust or a partnership, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the shares of Class B Common Stock, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

(vi)  You are a bank or a savings and loan association or other institution as defined in the Securities Act, a broker or dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act, an insurance company as defined by the Securities Act, an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”), or a business development company as defined in that act, any Small Business Investment Company licensed by the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 or a private business development company as defined in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940;

 

(vii)  You are an entity (including an Individual Retirement Account trust) in which each equity owner is an accredited investor;

 

(viii)  You are a trust with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, your purchase of Shares is directed by a person who either alone or with his purchaser representative(s) (as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act) has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that he is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment, and you were not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the shares of Class B Common Stock;

 

(ix)  You are a plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, if such plan has assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

(x)  You are a Commission or state-registered investment adviser or a federally exempt reporting adviser;

 

(xi)  You are a Rural Business Investment Company as defined in section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act;

 

(xii)  You are an entity not listed above that that owns “investments,” in excess of $5 million and that was not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the securities offered; or

 

(xiii)  You are an Investor that certifies that (A) it is a “family office” as defined in Rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (i) with at least $5 million in assets under management, (ii) not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered and (iii) whose investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment or (B) that it is a “family client” as defined in Rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1, of a family office meeting the criteria specified above.

 

90

 

 

This Offering will start on or after the date that the Offering is qualified by the Commission and will terminate on the earliest of the date at which the maximum offering amount has been sold, one year from the date upon which the Commission qualifies the Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular forms a part and the date at which the Offering is earlier terminated by the Company, in its sole discretion.

 

Procedures for Subscribing

 

Escrow Accounts

 

Except with respect to investors who are clients of DealMaker Securities LLC, or Other Broker-Dealers (as defined below) with clearing agreements in place, investors will be required to deposit their funds to the Enterprise Bank & Trust Escrow Account or the Wilmington Trust Escrow Account. The Company intends to complete one closing of this Offering. Any such funds that Enterprise Bank & Trust or Wilmington Trust receives shall be held in escrow until the closing of the Offering or such other time as mutually agreed between the Company and Digital Offering, and then used to complete securities purchases, or returned if this Offering fails to close. All subscribers will be instructed by the Company or its agents to transfer funds by wire or ACH transfer directly to the applicable escrow account established for this Offering.

 

Other Procedures for Subscribing

 

Syndicate members clears through various clearing firms as do other broker-dealers who may participate in this Offering. We refer to such other broker-dealers that clear through their respective clearing firms and who may participate in this Offering as Other Broker-Dealers. Other Broker-Dealers with clearing agreements shall provide the Selling Agents with executed subscription agreements and delivery sheets from their customers and shall settle the transaction with the Selling Agents through DTC at closing. In the event that the Company does not qualify or list on the NYSE, soliciting dealers who are unable to participate in an over-the-counter security may withdraw their subscriptions prior to closing.

 

Prospective investors investing through Other Broker-Dealers will acquire Shares through book-entry order by opening an account with an Other Broker-Dealer, or by utilizing an existing with an Other Broker-Dealer. In each such case, the account will be an account owned by the investor and held at the clearing firm of such Other Broker-Dealer, as the clearing firm for the exclusive benefit of such investor. The investor will also be required to complete and submit a subscription agreement. Subscriptions for Shares acquired through an account at an Other Broker-Dealer can be processed online at https://form.jotform.com/243243545255152 or provided directly by the Broker-Dealers. Subscriptions will be effective only upon our acceptance, and we reserve the right to reject any subscription in whole or in part.

 

Our transfer agent is Equity Stock Transfer, LLC. Our transfer agent will record and maintain records of the shares of Class B Common Stock issued of record by us, including shares issued of record to the Depositary Trust Corporation, which we refer to as the DTC, or its nominee, Cede & Co., for the benefit of broker-dealers, including the clearing firms. The clearing firm, as the clearing firm, will maintain the individual stockholder beneficial records for accounts at Other Broker-Dealers. All other investors that participate through the Enterprise Bank & Trust Escrow Account or the Wilmington Trust Escrow Account shall have their shares held at Equity Stock Transfer in digital book entry. Such shares may be transferred to the investor’s outside brokerage account by requesting their outside broker dealer to effect such transfer. Request for transfer may only be made by the outside broker dealer of the investor.

 

91

 

 

You may not subscribe to this Offering prior to the date this Offering is qualified by the Commission, which we will refer to as the qualification date. Before the qualification date, you may only make non-binding indications of your interest to purchase securities in the Offering. For any subscription agreements received after the qualification date, we have the right to review and accept or reject the subscription in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason. If rejected, we will return all funds to the rejected investor within ten business days. If accepted, the funds will remain in the applicable escrow account until we determine to have the closing of the offering and the funds in escrow will then be transferred into our general account.

 

Non-U.S. investors may participate in this Offering by depositing their funds in the escrow account held at Enterprise Bank & Trust or Wilmington Trust Escrow Account, as applicable; any such funds that Enterprise Bank & Trust or Wilmington Trust receives shall be held in escrow until the closing of this Offering or such other time as mutually agreed between the Company and the Selling Agents, and then used to complete securities purchases, or returned if this Offering fails to close.

 

DealMaker Securities LLC

 

Investors who invest through DealMaker Securities LLC may subscribe through newsmaxinvest.com by tendering funds by wire, credit, or debit card or ACH transfer to the escrow account to be set up at Enterprise Bank & Trust. Tendered funds will remain in escrow until the closing has occurred. Upon closing, funds tendered by investors will be made available to the Company for its use. The Company will not cover credit card fees on behalf of investors.

 

Procedures for subscribing directly through the Company’s website

 

The subscription procedure is summarized as follows:

 

1.Go to the newsmaxinvestor.com website and click on the “Invest Now” button;

 

2.Complete the online investment form;

 

3.Deliver funds directly by wire, debit card, credit card or electronic funds transfer via ACH to the specified escrow account;

 

4.Once funds or documentation are received an automated AML check will be performed to verify the identity and status of the investor;

 

5.Once AML is verified, investor will electronically receive, review, execute and deliver to us subscription agreement. Investors will be required to complete a subscription agreement in order to invest. For so long as we are not listed on the NYSE, the subscription agreement will include a representation by the investor to the effect that, if the investor is not an “accredited investor” as defined under securities law, the investor is investing an amount that does not exceed the greater of 10% of his or her annual income or 10% of your net worth (excluding the investor’s principal residence).

 

Right to Reject Subscriptions

 

After we receive your complete, executed subscription agreement (forms of which are attached to the Offering Statement, of which this Offering Circular forms a part, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2) and the funds required under the subscription agreement have been transferred to the Enterprise Bank & Trust Escrow Account, the Wilmington Trust Escrow Account or such other selected dealer designated escrow account, we have the right to review and accept or reject your subscription in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason. We will return all monies from rejected subscriptions immediately to you, without interest or deduction.

 

92

 

 

Acceptance of Subscriptions

 

Upon our acceptance of a subscription agreement, we will countersign the subscription agreement and issue the Shares at closing. Once you submit the subscription agreement and it is accepted, you may not revoke or change your subscription or request your subscription funds. All accepted subscription agreements are irrevocable.

 

Under Rule 251 of Regulation A, unless a company’s offered securities are listed on a national securities exchange, non-accredited, non-natural person investors are subject to the investment limitation and may only invest funds which do not exceed 10% of the greater of the purchaser’s revenue or net assets (as of the purchaser’s most recent fiscal year end). As a result, for so long as our Class B Common Stock is not listed on the NYSE, non-accredited, natural person may only invest funds in our Class B Common Stock which do not exceed 10% of the greater of the purchaser’s annual income or net worth (please see below on how to calculate your net worth).

 

How to Calculate Net Worth

 

For the purposes of calculating your net worth, it is defined as the difference between total assets and total liabilities. This calculation must exclude the value of your primary residence and may exclude any indebtedness secured by your primary residence (up to an amount equal to the value of your primary residence). In the case of fiduciary accounts, net worth and/or income suitability requirements may be satisfied by the beneficiary of the account or by the fiduciary, if the fiduciary directly or indirectly provides funds for the purchase of the Shares.

 

In order to purchase the Shares and prior to the acceptance of any funds from an investor, for so long as our Class B Common Stock is not listed on the NYSE, an investor in our Class B Common Stock will be required to represent, to the Company’s satisfaction, that he or she is either an accredited investor or is in compliance with the 10% of net worth or annual income limitation on investment in this offering.

 

No Minimum Offering Amount

 

There is no minimum offering amount in this Offering and we may close on any funds that we receive. Potential investors should be aware that there can be no assurance that any other funds will be invested in this Offering other than their own funds.

 

No Selling Security Holders

 

No securities are being sold for the account of security holders; all net proceeds of this Offering will go to the Company.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The Company has engaged Equity Stock Transfer, LLC, a registered transfer agent with the SEC, who will serve as transfer agent to maintain stockholder information on a book-entry basis.

 

93

 

 

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Future sales of substantial amounts of Class B Common Stock in the public market after this Offering could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities. We are unable to estimate the number of shares of Class B Common Stock that may be sold in the future.

 

Prior to the closing of this Offering and prior to the consummation of the Recapitalization, we expect that the number of shares of Existing Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding will be zero. If any options to purchase Existing Class B Common Stock of the Company are exercised prior to the closing of this Offering, then the number of issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock will be based on the options exercised. 2,957 shares of Existing Class B Common Stock will be issued upon the automatic conversion of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock upon the completion of the Offering.

 

Selling Stockholder Resale Prospectus

 

Promptly upon closing of this Offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Resale S-1”) with the SEC to register for resale additional shares of our Class B Common Stock that are issued upon conversion of our outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock into Existing Class B Common Stock and recapitalized into shares of Class B Common Stock. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock automatically converts into shares of Existing Class B Common Stock upon the closing of an initial public offering, which this Offering qualifies as.

 

Rule 144

 

Affiliate Resales of Restricted Securities

 

Affiliates of ours must generally comply with Rule 144 if they wish to sell any shares of our Class B Common Stock in the public market, whether or not those shares are “restricted securities.” “Restricted securities” are any securities acquired from us or one of our affiliates in a transaction not involving a public offering. Prior to filing of the Resale S-1, all shares of Class B Common Stock issued pursuant to the Recapitalization are considered to be restricted securities. The shares of our Class B Common Stock sold in this Offering are not considered to be restricted securities.

 

Non-Affiliate Resales of Restricted Securities

 

Any person or entity who is not an affiliate of ours and who has not been an affiliate of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale is only required to comply with Rule 144 in connection with sales of restricted shares of our Class B Common Stock. Subject to the lock-up agreements described above, those persons may sell shares of our Class B Common Stock that they have beneficially owned for at least one year without any restrictions under Rule 144 immediately following the effective date of the Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular is a part.

 

Further, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular is a part, a person who is not an affiliate of ours at the time such person sells shares of our Class B Common Stock, and has not been an affiliate of ours at any time during the three months preceding such sale, and who has beneficially owned such shares of our Class B Common Stock, as applicable, for at least six months but less than a year, is entitled to sell such shares so long as there is adequate current public information, as defined in Rule 144, available about us.

 

Resales of restricted shares of our Class B Common Stock by non-affiliates are not subject to the manner of sale, volume limitation or notice filing provisions of Rule 144, described above.

 

Rule 701

 

Rule 701 generally allows a stockholder who purchased shares of our Class B Common Stock pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours during the immediately preceding 90 days to sell such shares in reliance upon Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation, or notice provisions of Rule 144.

 

Rule 701 also permits affiliates of ours to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this Offering Circular before selling such shares pursuant to Rule 701 and until expiration of the lock-up period described below.

 

Equity Incentive Awards

 

We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act after the closing of this Offering to register the shares of Class B Common Stock that are issuable pursuant to our Plan. The registration statement is expected to be filed and become effective as soon as practicable after the completion of this Offering. Accordingly, shares registered under the registration statement will be available for sale in the open market following its effective date, subject to Rule 144 volume limitations and the lock-up arrangements described below, if applicable.

 

94

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES LIABILITIES

 

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, subject to the provisions of Florida law, contain provisions that allow the Company to indemnify any person against liabilities and other expenses incurred as the result of defending or administering any pending or anticipated legal issue in connection with service to us if it is determined that person acted in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed was in the best interest of the Company. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors that provide our executive officers and directors with contractual rights to indemnification, and expense advancement and reimbursement, to the fullest extent permitted under the laws of the State of Florida in effect from time to time, subject to certain exceptions contained in those agreements.

 

95

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this Offering Circular will be passed upon for us by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton of New York, New York.

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Newsmax Media, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included in this Offering Statement, have been audited by BDO USA, P.C., independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the Commission an Offering Statement on Form 1-A under the Securities Act with respect to the Shares that we are offering. This Offering Circular, which constitutes a part of the Offering Statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the Offering Statement or the exhibits and schedules filed with the Offering Statement. For further information about us and the Shares, we refer you to the Offering Statement and the exhibits and schedules filed with the Offering Statement. Statements contained in this Offering Circular regarding the contents of any contract or other document that is filed as an exhibit to the Offering Statement are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Offering Statement. You can read our Commission filings, including the Offering Statement, at the Commission’s website which contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the Commission. The address of the website is www.sec.gov.

 

Upon the consummation of this Offering, assuming that we have filed a Form 8-A, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act. These periodic reports, proxy and other information will be available for inspection at the website of the Commission referred to above. You may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with, or furnished to, the Commission. We also maintain a website at Newsmax.com. The inclusion of our website address in this Offering Circular is an inactive textual reference only. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this Offering Circular or the Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular forms a part. Investors should not rely on any such information in deciding whether to purchase the Shares.

 

The Offering Statement is also available on our website at Newsmax.com. After the completion of this Offering, you may access these materials at the foregoing website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on the website is not a part of this Offering Circular and the inclusion of the website address in this Offering Circular is an inactive textual reference only.

 

We may supplement the information in this Offering Circular by filing a supplement with the SEC. You should read all the available information before investing.

 

96

 

 

Newsmax Inc.

Index to Audited Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

  Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations (As Restated) F-4
Consolidated Statements of Convertible and Redeemable Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7

 

Newsmax Inc.

Index to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

 

  Page
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets F-27
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income F-28
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Convertible and Redeemable Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit F-29
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-30
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  F-31

 

F-1

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Newsmax Media, Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Newsmax Media, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, convertible and redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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.

 

Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements  

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the 2023 and 2022 financial statements have been restated to correct a misstatement.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

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

 

Emphasis of Matter – Ongoing Litigation

 

As described in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company is a defendant in lawsuits filed during 2021 by Smartmatic USA Corp. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Smartmatic”) and Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Dominion”). An unfavorable outcome in either or both lawsuits may have material adverse effects on the Company’s continuing operations, cash flows and liquidity, and financial position. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

 

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.

 

Miami, Florida

 

September 3, 2024, except for the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 2 and Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is December 13, 2024

 

F-2

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2022

 
ASSETS        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents  $6,037,211   $4,046,045 
Investments   1,221,585    7,393,808 
Accounts receivable, net   21,971,756    18,736,832 
Inventories, net   3,834,706    3,833,833 
Prepaid distribution   722,651    5,069,663 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,628,508    3,385,989 
Total current assets   35,416,417    42,466,170 
           
Property and equipment, net   8,029,457    9,863,788 
Right of use asset, operating lease   10,565,899    13,749,762 
Other asset   16,812,180    - 
Security deposits   785,878    790,878 
Total assets  $71,609,831   $66,870,598 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $19,606,959   $15,038,354 
Accrued expenses   2,419,837    2,349,709 
Accrued payroll   1,453,444    1,169,191 
Accrued distribution   1,898,593    1,093,795 
Lease liability, operating lease   3,670,598    3,447,811 
Lease liability, finance lease   169,055    87,607 
Line of credit   500,000    - 
Settlement liability   7,279,412    - 
Deferred revenue   14,850,053    10,927,489 
Total current liabilities   51,847,951    34,113,956 
           
Long-term liabilities:          
Lease liability, operating lease, net of current portion   7,880,413    11,440,232 
Lease liability finance lease, net of current portion   185,393    - 
Settlement liability, net of current portion   32,158,126    - 
Deferred revenue, net of current portion   3,122,044    3,217,020 
Total liabilities   95,193,927    48,771,208 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)          
Convertible and redeemable preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 11,034 shares authorized; and 5,575 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022   126,018,101    123,466,294 
           
Stockholders’ deficit          
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; 10,070 shares issued and 6,070 outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022   10    10 
Treasury stock, 4,000 shares at cost, respectively   (14,622,222)   (14,622,222)
Additional paid-in capital   18,056,702    18,056,702 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   -    (93,680)
Accumulated deficit   (153,036,687)   (108,707,714)
Total stockholders’ deficit   (149,602,197)   (105,366,904)
Total liabilities, convertible and redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit  $71,609,831   $66,870,598 

 

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

 

F-3

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Years Ended December 31,

 

   2023   2022 
Revenues:        
Service revenue  $128,839,681   $125,667,688 
Product revenue   6,436,346    9,644,004 
Total revenues   135,276,027    135,311,692 
           
Cost of services   74,488,412    70,620,153 
Cost of products sold   4,967,584    5,756,637 
Gross profit   55,820,031    58,934,902 
           
General and administrative expenses:          
Personnel costs   26,460,464    24,450,457 
Advertising costs   16,981,894    29,867,525 
Professional fees   12,713,736    7,295,727 
Rent and utilities   5,935,762    5,135,161 
Depreciation   3,164,254    2,560,830 
Asset impairment   23,928,359    - 
Other   11,730,832    9,099,490 
Total general and administrative expenses   100,915,301    78,409,190 
           
Loss from operations   (45,095,270)   (19,474,288)
           
Other income (expense), net:          
Interest and dividend income   143,760    296,704 
Interest expense   (39,461)   (15,332)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities   46,318    (519,664)
Other, net   3,186,037    (204,600)
Total other income (expense), net   3,336,654    (442,892)
           
Net loss before income taxes   (41,758,616)   (19,917,180)
           
Income tax expense   18,550    19,206 
Net loss  $(41,777,166)  $(19,936,386)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale debt investments, net of income tax   93,680    (93,680)
Comprehensive loss  $(41,683,486)  $(20,030,066)
           
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted   6,070    6,070 
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (as restated)   (7,837)   (4,238)

 

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

 

F-4

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 and 2022

 

   Convertible and Redeemable
Preferred Stock
   Common Stock   Treasury Stock   Additional
Paid-In
   Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
    Accumulated   Total
Stockholders’
 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Income (Loss)   Deficit   Deficit 
Balance, December 31, 2021   5,575   $120,914,487    6,070   $10    4,000   $(14,622,222)  $18,056,702   $     —   $(86,219,521)  $(82,785,031)
                                                   
Other comprehensive loss                               (93,680)       (93,680)
                                                   
Dividends accretion       2,551,807                            (2,551,807)   (2,551,807)
                                                   
Net loss                                   (19,936,386)   (19,936,386)
                                                   
Balance,  December 31, 2022   5,575    123,466,294    6,070    10    4,000    (14,622,222)   18,056,702    (93,680)   (108,707,714)   (105,366,904)
                                                   
Other comprehensive income                               93,680        93,680 
                                                   
Dividends accretion       2,551,807                             (2,551,807)   (2,551,807)
                                                   
Net loss                                   (41,777,166)   (41,777,166)
                                                   
Balance,  December 31, 2023   5,575   $126,018,101    6,070   $10    4,000   $(14,622,222)  $18,056,702   $   $(153,036,687)  $(149,602,197)

 

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

 

F-5

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended December 31,

 

   2023   2022 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:        
Net loss  $(41,777,166)  $(19,936,386)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   3,673,715    2,560,830 
Asset impairment   23,928,359    - 
Bad debts   2,554,615    (7,675)
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment   (46,318)   519,664 
Non-cash lease expense   3,289,699    2,500,059 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
(Increase) decrease in assets:          
Accounts receivable   (5,789,539)   3,129,529 
Inventory   (873)   (1,297,191)
Prepaid distribution   4,347,012    4,340,519 
Prepaid expenses   1,757,481    (469,116)
Other asset   (41,250,000)   - 
Security deposits   5,000    (118,229)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:          
Accounts payable   4,568,605    6,820,264 
Accrued expenses   1,159,179    (2,009,386)
Customer deposits   -    (33,287)
Lease liabilities   (3,442,868)   (2,237,005)
Settlement liability   39,437,538    - 
Deferred revenue   3,827,588    (1,078,403)
Net cash used in operating activities   (3,757,973)   (7,315,813)
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Purchase of investments   -    (4,957,441)
Sale of investments   6,312,221    5,241,218 
Purchase of property and equipment   (990,525)   (5,884,807)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   5,321,696    (5,601,030)
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Proceeds from line of credit   500,000    - 
Principal payment under finance lease obligation   (72,557)   - 
Net cash provided by operating activities   427,443    - 
           
Net change in cash   1,991,166    (12,916,843)
Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning   4,046,045    16,962,888 
Cash and cash equivalents – Ending  $6,037,211   $4,046,045 
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:          
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities  $132,978   $6,325,607 
Interest paid  $24,964   $15,332 

 

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

 

F-6

 

 

NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS

 

Nature of Business

 

Newsmax Media, Inc. (the “Company”), a Nevada Corporation, was incorporated on July 15, 1998, and registered on August 20, 1998, as a foreign corporation in the State of Florida. During 2014, the Company changed its state of domicile from Nevada to Delaware. In connection with the change, the NMX Holdings, LLC entity was dissolved.

 

The Company is a multi-platform media company that provides original news and lifestyle content using a mixed-revenue model that derives income from its linear cable television and over-the-top (“OTT”) news channels, websites, proprietary database, publishing products and eCommerce products. The Company uses original news and editorial content to draw large numbers of readers to its media outlets in order to sell advertising, print and online information products. The Company’s business operations are conducted through two operating segments, Broadcast and Digital.

 

Broadcast

 

The broadcast segment of the Company’s business produces and licenses news, business news and lifestyle content for distribution primarily through multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) including cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite operators and telecommunication companies, primarily in the United States.

 

The Company creates and broadcasts content and distributes such content using a hybrid distribution strategy of linear cable, free OTT channels and free ad-supported streaming television services (“FAST”) channels. The broadcast segment generates revenues from (1) linear TV channels, primarily through advertising sales, (2) OTT and FAST channels, primarily through revenue derived from third-party advertising in connection with services accessed through websites, apps and digital media players, (3) affiliate revenue earned through MDVPs broadcasting the Company’s content to their paid subscribers, and (4) subscription revenue earned via the Company’s new Newsmax+ subscription program which users can sign up to receive the Company’s content directly.

 

Digital

 

The digital segment generates revenues through (1) online advertising, including online display, email advertising, other online placements and print advertisements, (2) subscriptions, including our collection of specialized health and financial newsletters, Newsmax Magazine and four online membership programs, and (3) e-commerce, primarily through our subsidiaries that sell nutraceuticals and nonfiction books on political, financial and health-related topics.

 

The Company also distributes content through its websites and social media accounts, apps, email and newsletters. The Company’s websites and apps provide live and/or on-demand streaming of network-related programming to allow video subscribers of the Company’s participating distribution partners to view Company content via the Internet.

 

F-7

 

 

NOTE 2. Restatement of previously issued consolidated financial statements

 

Subsequent to the issuance of these consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, management identified an error to the loss per share calculation which resulted in a restatement to these consolidated financial statements. Management also identified an immaterial revision, which is reflected in these restated consolidated financial statements.

 

Loss Per Share Restatement

 

In the original calculation for loss per share, the inception-to-date cumulative dividends on preferred stock were incorrectly used for each year, which overstated the loss per share. This error has been corrected to only include the current period cumulative dividends on preferred stock.

 

Other Immaterial Revision

 

The Company also identified advertising revenue in the amounts of $661,729 and $639,463 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, that was incorrectly reported as other service revenue. This revision has no impact on total revenues and net loss and was deemed immaterial. Since the Company is restating the December 31, 2023 and 2022 consolidated financial statements, advertising revenue and other service revenue in these consolidated financial statements have been revised for these amounts.

 

Impact of Restatement on Audited Financial Statements

 

The effects of the restatement on our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, including the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements are set forth as follows:

 

Statements of Operations

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 2023 
   As Previously Reported   Adjustments   As Restated 
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  $(11,120)  $3,283   $(7,837)

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 2022 
   As Previously Reported   Adjustments   As Restated 
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  $(6,568)  $2,330   $(4,238)

 

The previously reported disclosure in Note 16 was restated as follows:

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 2023 
   As Previously Reported   Adjustments   As Restated 
Basic and diluted loss per share:            
Numerator:            
Net loss  $(41,777,166)  $-   $(41,777,166)
Cumulative dividends on preferred stock   25,723,781    (19,932,974)   5,790,807 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders  $(67,500,947)  $19,932,974   $(47,567,973)
Denominator:               
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted   6,070    -    6,070 
Per share:               
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  $(11,120)  $3,283   $(7,837)

 

F-8

 

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 2022 
   As Previously Reported   Adjustments   As Restated 
Basic and diluted loss per share:            
Numerator:            
Net loss  $(19,936,385)  $-   $(19,936,385)
Cumulative dividends on preferred stock   19,932,974    (14,142,167)   5,790,807 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders  $(39,869,359)  $14,142,167   $(25,727,192)
Denominator:               
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted   6,070    -    6,070 
Per share:               
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  $(6,568)  $2,330   $(4,238)

 

NOTE 3. summary of significant accounting policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Newsmax Media, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries Medix Health, LLC (“Medix”), Crown Atlantic Insurance, LLC (“Crown”), Newsmax Broadcasting, LLC (“Broadcasting”), Humanix Publishing, LLC (“Humanix”), ROI Media Strategies (“ROI”) and Newsmax Radio LLC (“Radio”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management are used for, but not limited to, the allowance for credit losses, carrying value of other assets, and realizability of deferred income taxes.

 

F-9

 

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications were not material.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all investments purchased with original maturities of three (3) months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

 

Investments

 

Marketable securities

 

The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with ASC Topic 321, Investments - Equity Securities. ASC Topic 321 requires companies to measure equity investments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss). The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends on securities are included in non-operating income (expense).

 

The fair market value of marketable equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. See Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements, for additional information regarding the valuation of marketable equity securities.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $313,285 and $302,064, respectively, of the Company’s marketable securities are held in a brokerage firm owned by a shareholder of the Company.

 

Available-for-sale debt instruments

 

The Company classifies investments in fixed income securities as available-for-sale debt investments. The Company’s available-for-sale debt investments primarily consist of certificates of deposits. These available-for-sale debt investments are held in the custody of a major financial institution. A specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of available-for-sale debt investments sold. These investments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these investments are included within other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The Company classifies investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” the Company recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods are services. The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis.

 

Service revenue

 

Service revenue is primarily derived from the Company’s original news and lifestyle content, using a mixed-revenue multi-platform model that derives income from digital, linear and over-the-top (“OTT”) news channels, websites, proprietary database, publishing and video subscription services. The Company uses original news, syndicated services and editorial content to draw consumers to its media outlets in order to sell advertising, license fees and video, print and online information services. The Company earns revenue through contractual allocations of fees based on impressions received or subscriber counts. 

 

F-10

 

 

During 2023, the Company entered into a business agreement with a commercial counterparty to obtain a future economic benefit wherein the Company agreed to pay quarterly installments over a period of time and has therefore capitalized these payments as an upfront cost recorded within Other Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the capitalized costs of the asset is recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreement as contra revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense amounted to $509,460 during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

The Company’s service revenue is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31,

 

   2023   2022 
         
Advertising revenue  $107,322,024   $105,917,207 
Affiliate fee revenue   2,410,039    - 
Subscription revenue   18,080,467    19,101,773 
Other   1,027,151    648,708 
Total  $128,839,681   $125,667,688 

 

Advertising revenue

 

Advertising revenue is derived from the sale of advertising on the Company’s cable television, email database, in the Company’s magazine and related publications, or on the Company’s website. Revenue related to the sale of advertising in the broadcast segment is recognized at the time of broadcast. Revenue related to the Company's digital segment is recognized when display or other digital advertisements record impressions on the various digital media. Each advertisement insertion order is determined to be a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied at the point in time when such advertisements are published/aired. The Company records revenue from contracts that are entered into between the Company and its customers, primarily advertising agencies and direct advertisers, at the amount charged for the services. Advertising contracts, which are generally short-term, are billed monthly for the services provided during the month, with payments due shortly thereafter. Cash payments received prior to services rendered result in deferred revenue, which is then recognized as revenue when the advertising time or space is actually provided.

 

The Company enters into agreements with over-the-top distribution platforms to distribute the Company’s news channel. Pursuant to the Company’s distribution agreements, advertising revenues are earned based on an allocation of the fee determined by the number of impressions received. These contracts represent a single performance obligation recognized over time under the series guidance. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of the content over the course of an over-the-top distribution agreement term based on time elapsed, as this best depicts the simultaneous consumption and delivery of the services. The Company bills OTT customers monthly over the life of the contract. The Company has an unconditional right to receive payment of the amount billed generally within 30 days from the invoice date. The invoiced amount to be received is recorded in accounts receivable on the balance sheets.

 

Affiliate fee revenue

 

The Company generates affiliate fee revenue from agreements with MVPDs for cable networks. Affiliate fee revenue is recognized as we continuously make the programming available to the customer over the term of the agreement. For contracts with affiliate fees based on the number of the affiliate’s subscribers, revenues are recognized based on the contractual rate multiplied by the estimated number of subscribers each period. Affiliate contracts are generally multi-year contracts billed monthly with payments due shortly thereafter.

 

Subscription revenue

 

The Company sells magazines to consumers through subscriptions. Each subscription is determined to be a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied over the term of the subscription, normally one (1) to five (5) years. Subscriptions received in advance of the publication are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income on a straight line basis over the term, as this best represents the transfer of control of the services to the consumer.

 

F-11

 

 

During 2023, the Company launched Newsmax+ which is a subscription service that provides the Company’s content directly to consumers either on a monthly or annual basis. Monthly subscriptions are recognized as income in the month it was earned. Annual subscriptions are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income over the term of the contract each month.

 

The Company’s deferred subscription revenue balances are shown below along with the corresponding revenue recognized from the prior period:

 

   2023   2022 
Deferred subscription revenue, current portion  $14,558,386   $10,927,489 
Deferred subscription revenue, net of current portion   3,122,044    3,217,020 
Total deferred subscription revenue  $17,680,430   $14,144,509 
           
Revenue recognized in the period from:          
Amounts included in deferred subscription revenue at the beginning of the period  $10,927,489   $11,874,071 

 

Other

 

Other primarily includes revenue generated from the Company’s content licensing agreements and revenue from production and agency services. Revenue from content licensing agreements is recognized when the content is made available under the content licensing agreements. Production services are recognized as the services are delivered. In the instances when the Company is acting as an agent, the revenue recognized is only the service fee or commission associated with the respective advertising.

 

Deferred revenue related to licensing agreements amounts to $291,667 and $0 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively.

 

Product revenue

 

Product sales are derived from the sales of books, audio and video, dietary supplements, and other items advertised on the Company’s website. Supplement, books, media and other product sales are recognized at the point in time control transfers to the customer, which is when the product is shipped. Allowances are considered for estimated returns and refunds at the point in time when revenue is recognized. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the refund liability was $701,025 and $599,413, respectively and is classified as a reduction in accounts receivable. Product revenue is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:

 

   2023   2022 
Supplement sales  $5,799,859   $6,673,966 
Books, media and other product sales   2,657,571    4,665,549 
Product returns and allowances   (2,021,084)   (1,695,511)
Total  $6,436,346   $9,644,004 

 

Practical expedient

 

As a practical expedient, the Company recognizes any incremental costs of obtaining contracts as expense as the amortization period is considered to be a year or less.

 

As a practical expedient, the Company accounts for shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as costs to fulfill the promise to transfer the associated products.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Amounts billed to third-party customers for shipping and handling are included as a component of revenue. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included as a component of cost of products sold. Shipping and handling charges recorded as revenue amounted to $360,084 and $469,961 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

F-12

 

 

Cost of Services

 

Cost of services consists primarily of compensation-related expenses and costs incurred for the publishing of editorial, promotional, and news content across all platforms, as well as amounts due to third party websites and platforms to fulfil customers’ advertising campaigns. Web hosting and advertising serving platform costs are also included in cost of services.

 

Cost of Products Sold

 

Cost of product sold consists primarily of cost of inventory sold, fulfillment costs and compensation.

 

General and Administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expense consists of compensation-related expenses for corporate employees. Also, it consists of expense for advertising, facilities, professional services fees, insurance costs, and other general overhead costs.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

 

Accounts receivable is presented net of an allowance for credit losses of $3,607,933 and $1,042,468 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses and doubtful accounts. The Company’s allowance for credit losses is estimated based on historical loss rates, current conditions, reasonable economic forecasts that affect collectability, and known credit issues with specific customers.

 

   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Beginning Balance  $1,042,468   $1,035,083 
Provision   2,608,156    167,294 
Accounts written off   (42,691)   (159,909)
Total  $3,607,933   $1,042,468 

 

Inventory

 

Inventory consists of promotional items, books and supplements and is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. The Company also reduces the carrying value of inventories for items identified as excess, obsolete, or slow-moving based on customer demand and other economic factors.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company continually evaluates factors, events and circumstances that include, but are not limited to, historical and projected operating performance of the Company, specific industry trends and general economic conditions to assess whether the remaining estimated useful lives of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. When such factors, events or circumstances indicate that long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company uses an estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the remaining lives of the long-lived assets in measuring their recoverability. The Company measures asset impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the asset.

 

Leases 

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.  The standard is based on the principle that entities should recognize assets and liabilities arising from leases. The new standard’s primary change is the requirement for entities to recognize a lease liability for payments and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset representing the right to use the leased asset during the term on most operating lease arrangements. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2022.

 

At the inception of an arrangement, the Company determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease based on the unique facts and circumstances present. Operating lease liabilities are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term and adjusted for lease incentives. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable and the Company currently does not have any outstanding borrowings. As such, the Company estimates its incremental borrowing rate based on the rate it would incur to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Options to extend or terminate a lease are included in the calculation of the lease term to the extent that the option is reasonably certain of exercise. 

 

F-13

 

 

The Company elected the package of practical expedients which permits the Company to not reassess under the new standard the prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, or initial direct costs The Company has made a policy election to exclude short-term leases, those with an original term of less than twelve months, from recognition and measurement under ASC 842. As such, the Company has not recognized an ROU asset or lease liability for these leases. 

 

The Company adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective method as of the adoption date. The Company’s operating lease portfolio primarily includes real estate and office equipment.

 

As a result of adoption of ASC 842, the Company recorded operating lease right-of-use assets of approximately $9.9 million and a lease liability of approximately $10.8 million on January 1, 2022.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company computes depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated economic useful lives or the remaining term of the lease.

 

Other Assets

 

During 2023, the Company capitalized a separate payment obligation of $41.3 million associated with a commercial counterparty to resolve various claims. The Company accounted for the payment as a reduction to the transaction price in accordance with the guidance in ASC 606-10-32-25 and 26 and is amortizing the asset as a contra-revenue item. In connection with the signing of this agreement, the Company identified indicators that the carrying value of these upfront costs were not fully recoverable based on estimated cash flows related to the customer relationship. As a result, the Company’s broadcast segment recognized impairment of the upfront cost during 2023 of $23.9 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company evaluates these other assets for impairment each reporting period based upon its estimate of recoverability of the assets. Recoverability of the assets is based upon estimated cash flows including reductions for direct and allocable costs attributable to the underlying business arrangement.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company carries certain assets and/or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company applies accounting guidance that defines fair value as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Fair value measurements under the accounting guidance are classified based on the following fair value hierarchy:

 

Level 1:Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2:Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. We use inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, and other similar data, which are obtained from quoted market prices, independent pricing vendors, or other sources, to determine the ultimate fair value of assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3:Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount for which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll and accrued distribution approximate fair value.

 

F-14

 

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to operating losses carried forward as well as differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which also are recognized for operating losses that are available to offset future federal income taxes. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state jurisdictions. The recording of a deferred tax asset assumes the realization of such asset in the future. Otherwise, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the asset to its estimated net realizable value. If management determines that the Company may not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset is charged to income tax expense in the period the determination is made. Management considers all positive and negative evidence including attribute carrybacks, reversing taxable temporary differences, future pretax income, and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the estimated net realizable value of tax assets and the corresponding need for any related valuation allowances. ASC 740 requires a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, a full valuation allowance was required.

 

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, a two-step approach is utilized to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon tax authority examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon the ultimate settlement. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has no liabilities for uncertain tax positions. The Company continually evaluates expiring statutes of limitations, audits, proposed settlements, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings. The open tax years subject to U.S. federal tax examinations with respect to the Company’s operations are 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Amounts incurred for advertising costs with third parties are expensed as incurred. Total advertising costs expensed for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $16,981,894 and $29,867,525, respectively.

 

Mezzanine Equity

 

The Company has issued convertible redeemable preferred stock instruments that the Company has determined are financial instruments with both equity and debt characteristics and are classified as mezzanine equity in the consolidated financial statements. The Company reassesses whether the instrument is currently redeemable or probable to become redeemable in the future as of each reporting date, in which, if the instrument meets either criteria, the Company will recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period.

 

To assess classification, the Company reviews all features of the instruments, including mandatory redemption features and conversion features that may be substantive. All financial instruments that are classified as mezzanine equity are evaluated for embedded derivative features by evaluating each feature against the nature of the host instrument (e.g., more equity-like or debt-like). The Company has evaluated the convertible redeemable preferred stock and determined that its nature is that of an equity host and no material embedded derivatives exist that would require bifurcation on our consolidated balance sheets.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic and diluted loss per share is computed as net loss available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, all dilutive securities have been excluded as their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on loss per share. The number of securities whose conversion would result in an incremental number of shares that would be included in determining the weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share if their effect was not antidilutive was 5,629 and 5,619 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

F-15

 

 

CARES Act

 

Under the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) signed into law on March 27, 2020 and the subsequent extension of the CARES Act, businesses were eligible for various credits to provide financial relief such as the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), Paid Sick and Family Leave Credits and Employment Tax Deferral credits. In 2023, the Company filed and collected $3,803,683 in tax credits under the CARES Act during the year ended December 31, 2023 which is recorded within other, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-3, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The guidance amended reporting of credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities to require that credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down.

 

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on a modified retrospective basis. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require, among other things, financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected as compared to previous GAAP which delayed recognition until it was probable a loss had been incurred. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”) to enhance transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 requires greater standardization and disaggregation of categories within an entity’s tax rate reconciliation disclosure, as well as disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction, among other requirements. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2023-09 is effective on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this ASU on its income tax disclosures.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU will require public entities to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment will also be required to provide the new disclosures and all the disclosures required under ASC 280. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the disclosures within our consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company accounts for its investments at fair value and classifies these assets within the fair value hierarchy (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3).

 

Assets subject to fair value measurements are as follows:

 

   As of December 31, 2023 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets                
Investments:                
Equity securities  $1,221,585   $-   $-   $1,221,585 
Total assets  $1,221,585   $-   $-   $1,221,585 

 

   As of December 31, 2022 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets                
Investments:                
Equity securities  $2,966,135   $-   $-   $2,966,135 
Fixed income investments   -    4,427,673    -    4,427,673 
Total assets  $2,966,135   $4,427,673   $-   $7,393,808 

 

F-16

 

 

NOTE 5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Major classes of property and equipment at December 31 are as follows:

 

   Estimated Useful    
   Lives  2023   2022 
            
Furniture and fixtures  7 years  $1,979,368   $1,976,800 
Computer, office and production equipment  3-8 years   10,968,569    9,864,104 
Leasehold improvements  Lesser of useful life or term of lease   10,178,386    10,066,773 
Fixed assets not yet placed in service  N/A   14,417    191,000 
       23,140,740    22,098,677 
Less: Accumulated depreciation      (15,111,283)   (12,234,889)
      $8,029,457   $9,863,788 

 

Depreciation of property and equipment amounted to $3,164,254 and $2,560,830 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Included in property and equipment are finance lease assets of $391,524 and $0 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

NOTE 6. LEASES

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and liabilities are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets within the Right of use asset, net, and Operating lease liability, current portion and net of current portion. Finance lease assets are included in Property and equipment, net and Finance lease liability, current portion and net of current portion.

 

Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for its leases, as the implicit rate in the lease is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located. Operating lease assets also include any prepaid lease payments and lease incentives. The lease terms include periods under options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. The Company generally uses the base, non-cancelable, lease term when determining the lease assets and liabilities. Under the short-term lease exception provided within ASC 842, the Company does not record a lease liability or right-of-use asset for any leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less at commencement.

 

F-17

 

 

Below is a summary of the weighted-average discount rate and weighted-average remaining lease term for the Company’s leases:

 

Other supplemental information:  2023   2022 
Operating leases:        
Weighted average of remaining lease term   3    4 
Weighted average discount rate   4.33%   4.30%
Finance leases:          
Weighted average of remaining lease term   2    - 
Weighted average discount rate   12.09%   - 

 

Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term within operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Finance lease expense is recognized over the lease term within interest expense and amortization in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s total operating and finance lease expense all relate to lease costs and amounted to $5,071,357 and $4,310,289 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

   Operating   Finance   Total 
             
2024  $4,055,515   $180,683   $4,236,198 
2025   4,101,131    164,245    4,265,376 
2026   3,177,649    70,617    3,248,266 
2027   596,266    -    596,266 
2028   285,403    -    285,403 
Thereafter   71,506    -    71,506 
Total lease payments  $12,287,470   $415,545   $12,703,015 
Less: imputed interest   (736,459)   (61,097)   (797,556)
Present value of operating lease liability  $11,551,011   $354,448   $11,905,459 

 

NOTE 7. Line of credit

 

The Company has a $9,000,000 bank line of credit. The line bears interest at the greater of (i) one percent (1.000%) or (ii) the Prime Rate minus seventy five hundredths percent (-0.750%). The line of credit expires in October 2024 with any outstanding balances due by that date. The line of credit contains customary covenants, representations and events of default. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. At December 31, 2023, the outstanding balance was $500,000. As of December 31, 2023 the interest rate on the line of credit was 7.75%

 

The Company’s line of credit fair value approximates carrying value due to the variable market-based interest rate.

 

NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES

 

The components of income tax expense related to its operations are as follows at December 31:

 

   2023   2022 
Current Income Tax:        
Federal  $-   $- 
State   18,550    19,206 
           
Deferred Income Tax:          
Federal   -    - 
State   -    - 
Total income tax expense  $18,550   $19,206 

 

F-18

 

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21%, for the years ending December 31, as follows:

 

   2023   2022 
U.S. federal income tax rate   21.00%   21.00%
State and local taxes   5.77    - 
Rate changes   (0.22)   0.09 
Permanent adjustments   (0.34)   (0.18)
Deferred adjustments   0.48    - 
Valuation allowance   (26.73)   (26.33)
Prior year true-ups   -    5.32 
Effective tax rate   (0.04)%   (0.10)%

 

The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities that have been presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are as follows at December 31:

 

   2023   2022 
Deferred tax assets:        
Accounts receivable  $-   $303,800 
Inventory   319,369    241,950 
Charitable contribution carryover   77,138    58,104 
Net operating loss carryover   28,779,924    25,001,402 
Lease liabilities   3,186,883    4,338,726 
Accrued vacation   205,073    - 
Capital loss carryforward   34,337    - 
Intangible assets   32,451    31,264 
Accrued expenses   439,487    257,272 
Retention credit   43,490    43,490 
Returns and allowances   1,151,442    17,353 
Settlement liability   10,880,678    - 
Short-term investments   -    38,382 
Total deferred tax assets  $45,150,272   $30,331,743 
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Unrealized gain on marketable securities  $(82,045)  $(45,864)
Right of use assets   (2,915,094)   (4,007,004)
Property and equipment   (1,013,409)   (916,106)
Other asset   (4,638,422)   - 
Other   (1,966)   - 
           
Total deferred tax liabilities   (8,650,936)   (4,968,974)
           
Valuation allowance   (36,499,336)   (25,362,769)
           
Net deferred tax assets  $-   $- 

 

F-19

 

 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $111,909,394 and $97,888,233 respectively, in federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, and $103,707,626 and $84,131,934 respectively, in state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, which expire starting in the year 2031. In 2006, the Company had a more than 50% ownership change and, therefore, is subject to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382 NOL limitation. IRC Section 382 limits the Company’s utilization of its NOL to an annual amount after a more than 50% ownership change. The Company anticipates that all NOLs subject to the IRC Section 382 limitations will be available to be utilized in future years.

 

The valuation allowance increased by $11,136,567 for the year ended December 31, 2023. This change was primarily driven by increases in net operating loss carryovers, settlement liabilities, and other assets.

 

The valuation allowance increased by $6,993,056 for the year ended December 31, 2022. This change was primarily driven by increases in net operating loss carryovers, lease liabilities, and right of use assets. ASC 740 requires a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, a full valuation allowance was required.

 

NOTE 9. Segment information

 

The Company has two operating segments: (1) Broadcasting and (2) Digital, which also qualify as reportable segments. In accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” the operating segments reflect how the chief operating decision maker, which the Company defines as the chief executive officer, assesses the performance of each operating segment and determines the appropriate allocations of resources to each segment. We continually review our operating segment classifications to align with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment operating incomes before interest, net, taxes, other, net, depreciation and amortization, or Segment Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Due to the integrated nature of these operating segments, estimates and judgements are made in allocating certain assets, revenues and expenses.

 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and general and administrative expenses and does not include depreciation, interest, net, asset impairment, unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, other corporate matters, other, net and income tax expense. Other corporate matters represent certain litigation expenses, and related fees, for specific proceedings that the Company has determined are infrequent and unusual in terms of their magnitude. Management believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company’s business segments because it is the primary measure used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources to the Company’s business.

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s Revenues and Segment Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
Revenues        
Broadcasting  $92,680,683   $86,530,364 
Digital   42,595,344    48,781,328 
Total revenues  $135,276,027   $135,311,692 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA          
Broadcasting  $(7,722,782)  $(5,874,790)
Digital   (2,653,753)   (8,714,002)
Depreciation   (3,164,254)   (2,560,830)
Interest, net   104,299    281,372 
Asset Impairment   (23,928,359)   - 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities   46,318    (519,664)
Other corporate matters   (7,626,122)   (2,324,666)
Other, net   3,186,037    (204,600)
Loss before income tax expense   (41,758,616)   (19,917,180)
Income tax expense   18,550    19,206 
Net loss  $(41,777,166)  $(19,936,386)

 

F-20

 

 

Revenues by Segment by Component

 

   2023   2022 
Broadcast        
Advertising  $88,343,596   $86,188,214 
Subscription   901,215    - 
Affiliate fee   2,410,039    - 
Other   1,025,833    342,150 
Total Broadcast revenues   92,680,683    86,530,364 
Digital          
Advertising   18,978,428    19,728,993 
Subscription   17,179,252    19,101,773 
Product sales   6,436,346    9,644,004 
Other   1,318    306,558 
Total Digital revenues   42,595,344    48,781,328 
Total revenues  $135,276,027   $135,311,692 

 

   2023   2022 
Assets        
Broadcast  $47,951,217   $31,823,870 
Digital   23,658,613    35,046,728 
Total assets  $71,609,830   $66,870,598 

 

   2023   2022 
Depreciation        
Broadcast  $2,511,218   $1,925,149 
Digital   653,036    635,681 
Total depreciation  $3,164,254   $2,560,830 

 

   2023   2022 
Capital expenditures        
Broadcast  $709,326   $4,489,427 
Digital   281,199    1,395,380 
Total capital expenditures  $990,525   $5,884,807 

 

F-21

 

 

NOTE 10. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISKS

 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, short-term investments available for sale and accounts receivable. Management believes the financial risks associated with these financial instruments are minimal.

 

The Company places its cash, and its short-term investments with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has $5,257,372 and $3,735,858, respectively, above the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses due to this policy.

 

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base, thus spreading the trade credit risk. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. The Company performs credit evaluations of its commercial customers but generally does not require collateral to support accounts receivable.

 

No single customer accounted for over 10% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues during either of the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. No single customer accounted for over 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023. One customer had accounts receivable that represented 10.3% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2022.

 

NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (“firm commitments”) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. The following table summarizes the Company’s material firm commitments for contracts that run through 2026 as of December 31, 2023:

 

   Payments due by Period 
   Total   2024   2025   2026 
Distribution agreements  $3,125,600   $2,757,837   $367,763   $- 
Other commitments   12,241,550    7,607,383    3,490,000    1,144,167 
Total commitments and contractual obligations  $15,367,150   $10,365,220   $3,857,763   $1,144,167 

 

Distribution Agreements

 

The Company has entered into several Affiliation/Distribution Agreements with the MVPDs. These agreements typically have a five-year term beginning as early as December 2014 and ending as late as May 2025. The Company is required to make payments under such agreements which have payment terms that are generally over a three-to-four-year period and as such will shift between accrued distribution fees or prepaid distribution fees.

 

Other Commitments

 

The Company has entered into several other contractual commitments over the next three years ending in November 2026 primarily related to talent costs and other service agreements.

 

F-22

 

 

NOTE 12. LEGAL

 

Legal Matters

 

From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims, lawsuits, and disputes with third parties, actions involving allegations of discrimination or breach of contract incidental to the ordinary operations of the business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of consolidated operations or consolidated cash flows. The Company accrues for loss contingencies that are probable and reasonably estimable. The Company generally does not accrue for legal costs expected to be incurred with a loss contingency until those services are provided.

 

Defamation and Disparagement Claims

 

From time to time, the Company is subject to lawsuits alleging defamation or disparagement. These include lawsuits filed by Smartmatic USA Corp. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Smartmatic”) and Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Dominion”) filed during 2021. The Smartmatic complaint seeks an unspecified amount of damages while the Dominion complaint is seeking $1.6 billion in damages. The Company believes these lawsuits, including the Smartmatic and Dominion matters, are without merit and intends to defend against them vigorously. Discovery in the Smartmatic and Dominion cases, including depositions and expert discovery, remains ongoing, and summary judgment and other key motions will follow. At this time, a trial in the Smartmatic lawsuit is scheduled to commence on September 30, 2024 and a trial in the Dominion lawsuit is not expected to commence until 2025. The Company is unable to predict the final outcome of these matters and cannot reasonably estimate the amount of liability, if any. To date, the Company has not reserved any amounts for pending or future claims.  There can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these pending matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In 2023, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with a commercial counterparty for $41.3 million. As of December 31, 2023, and pursuant to the payment schedule associated with this settlement agreement, the Company has a total of $39.4 million remaining to be paid over time. The fair value of the settlement agreement as of December 31, 2023 is $30.2 million which assumes a discount rate of 9.75% and making quarterly payments for 66 months. The fair value measurement is disclosed for information purposes and is not reflected in the carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheet.

The table below represents the estimated timing of payments over the term of the agreement.

 

   As of December 31, 2023
Payments due by Period
     
   Total   2024   2025   2026   2027   2028   Thereafter 
Settlement agreement  $39,437,538   $7,279,416   $7,279,416   $7,279,416   $7,279,416   $7,279,416   $3,040,458 

 

NOTE 13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

The Company maintains a 401(k) Salary Savings Plan (the “Plan”) covering those employees who meet eligibility requirements set forth in the Plan. The matching contribution is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company’s policy is to match 100% of the first 1% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2 to 6% of employee contributions. Total expense for the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 amounted to $892,005 and $817,609, respectively.

 

F-23

 

 

NOTE 14. CONVERTIBLE AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

 

Convertible and Redeemable Preferred Stock

 

Convertible and Redeemable Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (11,034 total shares authorized and all classes are $0.001 par value per share) is as follows:

 

Series  Shares Authorized   Shares Issued and Outstanding   Per Unit Issue Price   Current Conversion Price   Liquidation Preference   Carrying Amount 
Series A   3,965    611   $22,500   $22,500   $13,747,500   $14,726,569 
Series A (with redemption rights)   35    35   $22,500   $22,500    787,500    1,246,712 
Series A-1   2,445    1,222   $20,451   $20,451    25,000,000    30,893,836 
Series A-2   3,176    2,647   $18,891   $18,891    50,000,000    50,000,000 
Series A-3   1,413    1,060   $23,619   $23,619    25,036,140    29,150,984 
    11,034    5,575             $114,571,140   $126,018,101 

 

The Company’s convertible preferred stock is classified as mezzanine equity in our consolidated financial statements as the substantive conversion features at the option of the holder precludes liability classification.

 

Voting Rights

 

Each holder of Preferred Shares has full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of common stock on an as converted basis. The holders of Series A-1, A-2 and A-3 preferred stock also have the right to designate members to the Company’s board of directors, demand registration rights and limited approval rights.

 

Dividends

 

The holders of the preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends at an annual dividend rate per share of 5% of the per-share-price. Dividends on Series A, A-1 and A-2 are payable only upon a liquidity event or if dividends are declared on common stock. Additionally, A-1 and A-2 are payable upon the conversion of Series A-1 or A-2 into common shares. Dividends on Series A-3 are only payable when and if declared on common stock, Series A-1 or Series A-2 preferred stock.

 

The preferred shares have preference over dividends payable with respect to common stock. Series A-3 has a dividend preference over Series A-1 and Series A-2.

 

No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the common stock unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on the preferred stock.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has not recognized an accrual for unpaid dividends on preferred stock which amount to $25,723,781 and $19,932,974, respectively. Included in these amounts are dividends that have been accreted to the preferred stock being measured at its maximum redemption value which is explained below.

 

F-24

 

 

Liquidation Rights

 

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, each holder of preferred stock is entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distributions to the common stockholders, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the liquidation preference price per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends payable and (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities, and other property to be distributed in respect of the Class A common stock such holder would have been entitled to received had it converted such preferred stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the liquidity event.

 

In the event of a sale of the Company, the holders of Series A-1, A-2, and A-3 preferred stock shall have the right to elect not to receive the cash payment and instead continue to hold the Series A-1, A-2, or A-3 preferred stock following the consummation of the sale of the company transaction.

 

Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of the Series A-3 Stock shall have been paid in full their full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the remaining assets of the Company legally available for distribution shall be distributed among the holders of the junior stock then outstanding, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Series A Certificate of Designation, the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation and the Series A-2 Certificate of Designation. Pursuant to those agreements, after the holders of Series A, Series A-1 and Series A-2 have been paid in full their full preferential amount, the remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the junior stock then outstanding.

 

“Junior stock” – shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock (including the Series A-1 Stock and the Series A-2 Stock) that ranks junior to the Series A-3 Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Conversion Rights

 

Preferred shares have conversion rights to convert into common stock at a rate of one share of common stock for one share of convertible preferred stock. The conversion ratio is subject to customary anti-dilution protection.

 

For the Series A-1, A-2, and A-3 preferred stock, each share of preferred stock is automatically converted into common stock at the earlier of an Initial Public Offering or the election by written consent of the holders of a majority of each respective series of shares.

 

Redemption Rights

 

Certain holders of Series A preferred stock have certain redemption rights or put rights, including the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of the preferred stock on any date commencing on and immediately following January 25, 2023, and upon certain change of control events at 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

The holders of Series A-1 preferred stock have certain redemption rights or put rights, including the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of the preferred stock on any date commencing on and immediately following April 16, 2026, and ending on April 16, 2028 at 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

The holders of Series A-3 preferred stock have certain redemption rights or put rights, including the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of the preferred stock on any date commencing on and immediately following July 16, 2027, and ending on July 16, 2029 at 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

The Company measures the preferred stock where redemption is probable at its maximum redemption value plus dividends not currently declared or paid but which will be payable upon redemption. On December 31, 2023 the Company remeasured the preferred stock following the accretion method, which resulted in the preferred stock being measured at its maximum redemption value of $126,018,101 and accretion of $10,255,392, included in Accumulated Deficit on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023. Similarly, on December 31, 2022, the preferred stock was remeasured, resulting in a maximum redemption value of $123,466,294 and accretion of $7,703,585, also included in Accumulated Deficit on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022.

 

F-25

 

 

NOTE 15. EQUITY

 

Common Stock A – As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company was authorized to issue 20,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share.

 

Common Stock B - As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company was authorized to issue 60,000 shares of common stock B, with a par value of $0.01 per share. No shares have been issued as of December 31, 2023.

 

NOTE 16. LOSS PER SHARE

 

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the basic and diluted loss per share (as restated) computations:

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Basic and diluted loss per share:        
Numerator:        
Net loss  $(41,777,166)   (19,936,385)
Cumulative dividends on preferred stock   5,790,807    5,790,807 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders  $(47,567,973)  $(25,727,192)
Denominator:          
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted   6,070    6,070 
Per share:          
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  $(7,837)  $(4,238)

 

NOTE 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On April 14, 2024, the Company consummated a corporate reorganization. Newsmax Inc. was formed as a new holding company that owns all of the outstanding shares of the operating company, Newsmax Media, Inc. The stockholders of Newsmax Media, Inc. exchanged their shares of capital stock in Newsmax Media, Inc. for the same class and number of shares in Newsmax Inc. Subsequently, Newsmax Media, Inc. changed its state of domicile from Delaware to Florida. As a result of this reorganization, Newsmax Inc. became the direct holding company and the sole shareholder of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax Media, Inc.’s ownership of its subsidiaries was not affected or changed as a result of this reorganization.

 

In June 2024, Newsmax Inc. issued a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) to potential investors, aiming to raise capital through the sale of its securities in a private placement. The initial offering is for up to 30,000 shares at $5,000 per share, with the option to expand up to 45,000 shares. Proceeds from this private placement will be used for general and corporate expenses. The PPM was distributed to accredited investors as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. It outlines various risk factors associated with the investment, including market risk, operational risk, and regulatory risk. Detailed terms and conditions related to the offering, such as pricing, minimum investment requirements, and subscription procedures, are included in the memorandum. As of September 3, 2024, the Company has closed in excess of $40M in proceeds from the PPM.

 

F-26

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

  

June 30,

2024

  

December 31,

2023

 
ASSETS        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents  $6,651,963   $6,037,211 
Investments   1,035,974    1,221,585 
Accounts receivable, net   22,975,614    21,971,756 
Inventories, net   2,762,231    3,834,706 
Prepaid distribution   276,178    722,651 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,226,276    1,628,508 
Total current assets   36,928,236    35,416,417 
           
Property and equipment, net   6,993,097    8,029,457 
Right of use asset, operating lease   8,937,087    10,565,899 
Other asset   15,283,800    16,812,180 
Security deposits   730,889    785,878 
Total assets  $68,873,109   $71,609,831 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $17,905,768   $19,606,959 
Accrued expenses   

6,088,099

    2,419,837 
Accrued payroll   1,481,816    1,453,444 
Accrued distribution   1,879,145    1,898,593 
Lease liability, operating lease   3,852,338    3,670,598 
Lease liability, finance lease   204,246    169,055 
Line of credit   500,000    500,000 
Settlement liability   47,279,412    7,279,412 
Warrant liability   6,373,757    - 
Derivative liability   2,358,376    - 
Deferred revenue   12,957,809    14,850,053 
Total current liabilities   100,880,766    51,847,951 
           
Long-term liabilities:          
Lease liability, operating lease, net of current portion   6,022,706    7,880,413 
Lease liability finance lease, net of current portion   224,172    185,393 
Settlement liability, net of current portion   32,158,126    32,158,126 
Deferred revenue, net of current portion   3,017,320    3,122,044 
Total liabilities   142,303,090    95,193,927 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)          
Convertible and redeemable preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 11,034 shares authorized; and 5,575 and 5,575 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   127,290,509    126,018,101 
           
Stockholders’ deficit          
Convertible and redeemable Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 30,000 shares authorized; and 1,897 and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   5,667,362    - 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 80,000 shares authorized; 10,070 shares issued and 6,070 outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   10    10 
Treasury stock, 4,000 shares at cost, respectively   (14,622,222)   (14,622,222)
Additional paid-in capital   18,056,702    18,056,702 
Accumulated deficit   (209,822,342)   (153,036,687)
Total stockholders’ deficit   (200,720,490)   (149,602,197)
Total liabilities, convertible and redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit  $68,873,109   $71,609,831 

  

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

 

F-27

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME For The Six Months Ended June 30,

(unaudited)

 

    2024     2023  
Revenues:            
Service revenue   $ 76,909,470     $ 56,094,876  
Product revenue     2,916,907       3,236,319  
Total revenues     79,826,377       59,331,195  
                 
Cost of services     38,485,673       34,979,306  
Cost of products sold     2,919,118       3,177,315  
Gross profit     38,421,586       21,174,574  
                 
General and administrative expenses:                
Personnel costs     14,634,413       12,772,263  
Advertising costs     8,344,979       9,922,676  
Professional fees     2,470,818       2,443,877  
Rent and utilities     2,969,458       2,931,632  
Depreciation     1,625,093       1,615,398  
Asset impairment     -       23,928,360  
Other corporate matters    

59,074,353

      2,237,987  
Other     4,896,946       4,135,814  
Total general and administrative expenses    

94,016,060

      59,988,007  
                 
Loss from operations     (55,594,474 )     (38,813,433 )
                 
Other income (expense), net:                
Interest and dividend income     53,461       89,891  
Interest expense     (48,162 )     (3,853 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities     128,574       (8,663 )
Other, net     (31,686 )     (91,569 )
Total other income (expense), net     102,187       (14,194 )
                 
Net loss before income taxes     (55,492,287 )     (38,827,627 )
                 
Income tax expense     20,960       24,444  
Net loss   $ (55,513,247 )   $ (38,852,071 )
                 
Other comprehensive income :                
Unrealized gain on available for sale debt investments, net of income tax     -       93,680  
Comprehensive loss   $ (55,513,247 )   $ (38,758,391 )
                 
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted     6,070       6,070  
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted     (9,623 )     (6,874 )

 

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

 

F-28

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(unaudited)

 

   Convertible and
Redeemable
Series A
Preferred Stock
   Common Stock   Treasury Stock   Additional
Paid-In
   Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
    Accumulated   Total
Stockholders’
 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Income (Loss)   Deficit   Deficit 
Balance, December 31, 2022   5,575   $123,466,294    6,070   $10    4,000   $(14,622,222)  $18,056,702   $(93,680)  $(108,707,714)  $(105,366,904)
                                                   
Other comprehensive loss                               93,680        93,680 
                                                   
Dividends accretion       1,265,417                            (1,265,417)   (1,265,417)
                                                   
Net loss                                   (38,852,071)   (38,852,071)
                                                   
Balance, June 30, 2023   5,575    $124,731,711    6,070    $10    4,000    $(14,622,222)   $18,056,702    $    $(148,825,202)   $(145,390,712)

 

   Convertible and
Redeemable
Series A
Preferred Stock
   Common Stock   Convertible and Redeemable
Series B
Preferred Stock
   Treasury Stock   Additional
Paid-In
   Accumulated   Total Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Deficit 
Balance, December 31, 2023   5,575   $126,018,101    6,070   $10       $    4,000   $(14,622,222)  $18,056,702   $(153,036,687)  $(149,602,197)
                                                        
Sale of preferred stock                     1,897    5,667,362                    5,667,362 
                                                        
Dividends accretion       1,272,408                                (1,272,408)   (1,272,408)
                                                        
Net loss                                       (55,513,247)   (55,513,247)
                                                        
Balance, June 30, 2024   5,575    $127,290,509    6,070    $10    1,897    $5,667,362    4,000    $(14,622,222)   $18,056,702    $(209,822,342)   $(200,720,490)

 

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

 

F-29

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Six Months Ended June 30,

(unaudited)

 

   2024   2023 
         
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net loss  $(55,513,247)  $(38,852,071)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   3,153,473    1,615,398 
Asset impairment   -    23,928,360 
Credit losses   (310,051)   83,614 
Unrealized gain on investment   (130,381)   (72,948)
Issuance of warrants as part of settlement   6,373,757    - 
Non-cash lease expense   1,706,637    1,622,109 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
(Increase) decrease in assets:          
Accounts receivable   (693,807)   2,872,876 
Inventory   1,072,475    (509,032)
Prepaid distribution   446,473    1,959,139 
Prepaid expenses   (1,597,768)   399,157 
Other asset   -    (41,250,000)
Security deposits   54,989    5,000 
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:          
Accounts payable   (1,918,363)   1,768,935 
Accrued expenses   3,677,186    (163,155)
Lease liabilities   (1,753,792)   (1,702,612)
Settlement liability   

40,000,000

    41,250,000 
Deferred revenue   (1,996,968)   523,426 
Net cash used in operating activities   (7,429,387)   (6,521,804)
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Sale of investments   315,992    6,394,073 
Purchase of property and equipment   (207,489)   (512,781)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   108,503    5,881,292 
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Proceeds from issuance of convertible stock   8,025,738    - 
Principal payment under finance lease obligation   (90,102)   - 
Net cash provided by financing activities   7,935,636    - 
           
Net change in cash   614,752    (640,512)
Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning   6,037,211    4,046,044 
Cash and cash equivalents – Ending  $6,651,963   $3,405,532 
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:          
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities  $76,708   $80,029 
Allocation from equity to derivative liability for Series B Preferred Stock  $2,358,376   $- 
Interest paid  $19,968   $3,853 
           
Non-cash transactions:          
Property and equipment acquired through accounts payable:  $217,172   $65,606 

 

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

 

F-30

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

(unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS

 

Newsmax Media, Inc. (the “Company”), a Nevada Corporation, was incorporated on July 15, 1998, and registered on August 20, 1998, as a foreign corporation in the State of Florida. During 2014, the Company changed its state of domicile from Nevada to Delaware. In connection with the change, the NMX Holdings, LLC entity was dissolved.

 

On April 14, 2024, the Company consummated a corporate reorganization. Newsmax Inc. was formed as a new holding company that owns all of the outstanding shares of the operating company, Newsmax Media, Inc. The stockholders of Newsmax Media, Inc. exchanged their shares of capital stock in Newsmax Media, Inc. for the same class and number of shares in Newsmax Inc. Subsequently, Newsmax Media, Inc. changed its state of domicile from Delaware to Florida. As a result of this reorganization, Newsmax Inc. became the direct holding company and the sole shareholder of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax Media, Inc.’s ownership of its subsidiaries was not affected or changed as a result of this reorganization.

 

The Company is a multi-platform media company that provides original news and lifestyle content using a mixed-revenue model that derives income from its linear cable television and over-the-top (“OTT”) news channels, websites, proprietary database, publishing products and eCommerce products. The Company uses original news and editorial content to draw large numbers of readers to its media outlets in order to sell advertising, print and online information products. The Company’s business operations are conducted through two operating segments, Broadcast and Digital.

 

Broadcast

 

The broadcast segment of the Company’s business produces and licenses news, business news and lifestyle content for distribution primarily through multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) including cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite operators and telecommunication companies, primarily in the United States.

 

The Company creates and broadcasts content and distributes such content using a hybrid distribution strategy of linear cable, free OTT channels and free ad-supported streaming television services (“FAST”) channels. The broadcast segment generates revenues from (1) linear TV channels, primarily through advertising sales, (2) OTT and FAST channels, primarily through revenue derived from third-party advertising in connection with services accessed through websites, apps and digital media players, (3) affiliate revenue earned through MDVPs broadcasting the Company’s content to their paid subscribers, and (4) subscription revenue earned via the Company’s new Newsmax+ subscription program which users can sign up to receive the Company’s content directly.

 

Digital

 

The digital segment generates revenues through (1) online advertising, including online display, email advertising, other online placements and print advertisements, (2) subscriptions, including our collection of specialized health and financial newsletters, Newsmax Magazine and four online membership programs, and (3) e-commerce, primarily through our subsidiaries that sell nutraceuticals and nonfiction books on political, financial and health-related topics.

 

The Company also distributes content through its websites and social media accounts, apps, email and newsletters. The Company’s websites and apps provide live and/or on-demand streaming of network-related programming to allow video subscribers of the Company’s participating distribution partners to view Company content via the Internet.

 

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Accounting

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. The balance sheet at December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

F-31

 

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Newsmax Media, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries Medix Health, LLC (“Medix”), Crown Atlantic Insurance, LLC (“Crown”), Newsmax Broadcasting, LLC (“Broadcasting”), Humanix Publishing, LLC (“Humanix”), ROI Media Strategies (“ROI”) and Newsmax Radio LLC (“Radio”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management are used for, but not limited to, the allowance for credit losses, carrying value of other assets, fair value of the derivative liability, fair value of the warrant liability, and realizability of deferred income taxes.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all investments purchased with original maturities of three (3) months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

 

Investments

 

Marketable securities

 

The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with ASC Topic 321, Investments - Equity Securities. ASC Topic 321 requires companies to measure equity investments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss). The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends on securities are included in non-operating income (expense).

 

The fair market value of marketable equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. See Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements, for additional information regarding the valuation of marketable equity securities.

 

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $0 and $313,285, respectively, of the Company’s marketable securities are held in a brokerage firm owned by a shareholder of the Company.

 

Available-for-sale debt instruments

 

The Company classifies investments in fixed income securities as available-for-sale debt investments. The Company’s available-for-sale debt investments primarily consist of certificates of deposits. These available-for-sale debt investments are held in the custody of a major financial institution. A specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of available-for-sale debt investments sold. These investments are recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these investments are included within other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The Company classifies investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” the Company recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods are services. The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis.

 

Service revenue

 

Service revenue is primarily derived from the Company’s original news and lifestyle content, using a mixed-revenue multi-platform model that derives income from digital, linear and over-the-top (“OTT”) news channels, websites, proprietary database, publishing and video subscription services. The Company uses original news, syndicated services and editorial content to draw consumers to its media outlets in order to sell advertising, license fees and video, print and online information services. The Company earns revenue through contractual allocations of fees based on impressions received or subscriber counts. 

 

F-32

 

 

During 2023, the Company entered into a business agreement with a commercial counterparty to obtain a future economic benefit wherein the Company agreed to pay quarterly installments over a period of time and has therefore capitalized these payments as an upfront cost recorded within Other Assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the capitalized costs of the asset is recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreement as contra revenue in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense amounted to $1,528,380 and $0 during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

The Company’s service revenue is comprised of the following for the six months ending June 30th,

 

   2024   2023 
         
Advertising revenue  $49,108,845   $47,060,773 
Affiliate fee revenue   13,445,240    2,237 
Subscription revenue   12,972,385    8,883,528 
Other   1,383,000    148,338 
Total  $76,909,470   $56,094,876 

 

Advertising revenue

 

Advertising revenue is derived from the sale of advertising on the Company’s cable television, email database, in the Company’s magazine and related publications, or on the Company’s website. Revenue related to the sale of advertising in the broadcast segment is recognized at the time of broadcast. Revenue related to the Company’s digital segment is recognized when display or other digital advertisements record impressions on the various digital media. Each advertisement insertion order is determined to be a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied at the point in time when such advertisements are published/aired. The Company records revenue from contracts that are entered into between the Company and its customers, primarily advertising agencies and direct advertisers, at the amount charged for the services. Advertising contracts, which are generally short-term, are billed monthly for the services provided during the month, with payments due shortly thereafter. Cash payments received prior to services rendered result in deferred revenue, which is then recognized as revenue when the advertising time or space is actually provided.

 

The Company enters into agreements with over-the-top distribution platforms to distribute the Company’s news channel. Pursuant to the Company’s distribution agreements, advertising revenues are earned based on an allocation of the fee determined by the number of impressions received. These contracts represent a single performance obligation recognized over time under the series guidance. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of the content over the course of an over-the-top distribution agreement term based on time elapsed, as this best depicts the simultaneous consumption and delivery of the services. The Company bills OTT customers monthly over the life of the contract. The Company has an unconditional right to receive payment of the amount billed generally within 30 days from the invoice date. The invoiced amount to be received is recorded in accounts receivable on the balance.

 

Affiliate fee revenue

 

The Company generates affiliate fee revenue from agreements with MVPDs for cable networks. Affiliate fee revenue is recognized as we continuously make the programming available to the customer over the term of the agreement. For contracts with affiliate fees based on the number of the affiliate’s subscribers, revenues are recognized based on the contractual rate multiplied by the estimated number of subscribers each period. Affiliate contracts are generally multi-year contracts billed monthly with payments due shortly thereafter.

 

Subscription revenue

 

The Company sells magazines to consumers through subscriptions. Each subscription is determined to be a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied over the term of the subscription, normally one (1) to five (5) years. Subscriptions received in advance of the publication are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income on a straight line basis over the term, as this best represents the transfer of control of the services to the consumer.

 

F-33

 

 

During 2023, the Company launched Newsmax+ which is a subscription service that provides the Company’s content directly to consumers either on a monthly or annual basis. Monthly subscriptions are recognized as income in the month it was earned. Annual subscriptions are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income over the term of the contract each month.

 

The Company’s deferred subscription revenue balances are shown below along with the corresponding revenue recognized from the prior period for the six months ended June 30:

 

   June 30,
2024
   December 31,
2023
 
Deferred subscription revenue, current portion  $12,666,142   $14,558,386 
Deferred subscription revenue, net of current portion   3,017,230    3,122,044 
Total deferred subscription revenue  $15,683,372   $17,680,430 

 

Deferred subscription revenue recognized in revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was $9,065,845 and $7,470,540, respectively.

 

Other

 

Other primarily includes revenue generated from the Company’s content licensing agreements and revenue from production and agency services. Revenue from content licensing agreements is recognized when the content is made available under the content licensing agreements. Production services are recognized as the services are delivered. In the instances when the Company is acting as an agent, the revenue recognized is only the service fee or commission associated with the respective advertising.

 

Deferred revenue related to licensing agreements amounts to $291,667 and $291,667 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

Product revenue

 

Product sales are derived from the sales of books, audio and video, dietary supplements, and other items advertised on the Company’s website. Supplement, books, media and other product sales are recognized at the point in time control transfers to the customer, which is when the product is shipped. Allowances are considered for estimated returns and refunds at the point in time when revenue is recognized. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the refund liability was $544,663 and $636,652, respectively and is classified as a reduction in accounts receivable. Product revenue is comprised of the following for the six months ended June 30:

 

   2024   2023 
         
Supplement sales  $2,559,037   $3,017,007 
Books, media and other product sales   670,320    1,594,273 
Product returns and allowances   (312,450)   (1,374,961)
Total  $2,916,907   $3,236,319 

 

Practical expedient

 

As a practical expedient, the Company recognizes any incremental costs of obtaining contracts as expense as the amortization period is considered to be a year or less.

 

As a practical expedient, the Company accounts for shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as costs to fulfill the promise to transfer the associated products.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Amounts billed to third-party customers for shipping and handling are included as a component of revenue. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included as a component of cost of products sold. Shipping and handling charges recorded as revenue amounted to $166,882 and $191,578 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

F-34

 

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

 

Accounts receivable is presented net of an allowance for credit losses of $2,269,808 and $3,607,933 at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses and doubtful accounts. The Company’s allowance for credit losses is estimated based on historical loss rates, current conditions, reasonable economic forecasts that affect collectability, and known credit issues with specific customers. Credit losses were $879,442 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 and $34,338 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company continually evaluates factors, events and circumstances that include, but are not limited to, historical and projected operating performance of the Company, specific industry trends and general economic conditions to assess whether the remaining estimated useful lives of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. When such factors, events or circumstances indicate that long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company uses an estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the remaining lives of the long-lived assets in measuring their recoverability. The Company measures asset impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the asset.

 

Other Assets

 

During 2023, the Company capitalized a separate payment obligation of $41.3 million associated with a commercial counterparty to resolve various claims. The Company accounted for the payment as a reduction to the transaction price in accordance with the guidance in ASC 606-10-32-25 and 26 and is amortizing the asset as a contra-revenue item. In connection with the signing of this agreement, the Company identified indicators that the carrying value of these upfront costs were not fully recoverable based on estimated cash flows related to the customer relationship. As a result, the Company’s broadcast segment recognized impairment of the upfront cost during 2023 of $23.9 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company evaluates these other assets for impairment each reporting period based upon its estimate of recoverability of the assets. Recoverability of the assets is based upon estimated cash flows including reductions for direct and allocable costs attributable to the underlying business arrangement.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company carries certain assets and/or liabilities at fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company applies accounting guidance that defines fair value as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Fair value measurements under the accounting guidance are classified based on the following fair value hierarchy:

 

  Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

  Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. We use inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, and other similar data, which are obtained from quoted market prices, independent pricing vendors, or other sources, to determine the ultimate fair value of assets or liabilities.

 

  Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount for which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll and accrued distribution approximate fair value.

 

F-35

 

 

Mezzanine Equity

 

The Company has issued convertible redeemable preferred stock instruments that the Company has determined are financial instruments with both equity and debt characteristics and is classified as mezzanine equity in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company reassesses whether the instrument is currently redeemable or probable to become redeemable in the future as of each reporting date, in which, if the instrument meets either criteria, the Company will recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period.

 

In June 2024, Newsmax Inc. issued a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) to potential investors, aiming to raise capital through the sale of its securities in a private placement. The initial offering is for up to 30,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at $5,000 per share, with the option to expand up to 45,000 shares. Proceeds from this private placement will be used for general and corporate expenses. As of December 6, 2024, the Company has closed in excess of $99,421,426 in proceeds from the PPM.

 

To assess classification, the Company reviews all features of the instruments, including mandatory redemption features and conversion features that may be substantive. All financial instruments that are classified as mezzanine equity are evaluated for embedded derivative features by evaluating each feature against the nature of the host instrument (e.g., more equity-like or debt-like). The Company has evaluated the convertible redeemable Series A, A-1, A-2, and A-3 Preferred Stock and determined that its nature is that of an equity host and no material embedded derivatives exist that would require bifurcation on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company has evaluated the convertible redeemable Series B Preferred Stock and determined that its nature is that of a debt host and an embedded derivative exists that requires bifurcation.

 

Embedded Derivatives

 

Embedded derivatives that are required to be bifurcated from the underlying host instrument are accounted for and valued as a separate financial instrument. These embedded derivatives are bifurcated, accounted for at their estimated fair value, which is based on certain estimates and assumptions, and presented separately on the consolidated statements of financial position. Changes in fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized as a component of other expense on our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value for embedded derivatives are measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs.

 

Warrant Liabilities

 

Warrant liabilities are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and are remeasured at each financial reporting date with any changes in fair value being recognized in change in fair value of warrant liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The Company evaluates the warrant under ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity. The Company assesses whether the warrant is a freestanding financial instruments and whether it meets the criteria to be classified in stockholders’ equity, or classified as a liability. The warrant did not meet the conditions to be classified in equity, and therefore the Company assessed whether it met the definition of a liability under ASC 815. The warrant met the definition of a liability and is recognized on the balance sheet at fair value.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic and diluted loss per share is computed as net loss available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, all dilutive securities have been excluded as their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on loss per share. The number of securities whose conversion would result in an incremental number of shares that would be included in determining the weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share if their effect was not antidilutive was 7,555 and 5,624 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

F-36

 

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-3, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The guidance amended reporting of credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities to require that credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down.

 

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on a modified retrospective basis. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require, among other things, financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected as compared to previous GAAP which delayed recognition until it was probable a loss had been incurred. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”) to enhance transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 requires greater standardization and disaggregation of categories within an entity’s tax rate reconciliation disclosure, as well as disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction, among other requirements. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2023-09 is effective on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company considered the effects of this ASU on its income tax disclosures and determined to have no material impact as the Company currently does not have any foreign tax positions.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU will require public entities to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment will also be required to provide the new disclosures and all the disclosures required under ASC 280. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company considered the impact of this guidance and determined to have no material impact as many of the items considered in ASU 2023-07 have been addressed.

 

NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company accounts for its investments and certain liabilities at fair value and classifies these assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3).

 

Assets subject to fair value measurements are equity securities which are classified as Level 1 which amounts to $1,035,974 and $1,221,585 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

  

Liabilities subject to fair value measurement are embedded derivatives and warrant liabilities which are classified as Level 3 which amount to $2,358,376 and $6,373,757, respectively, as of June 30, 2024.

 

F-37

 

 

NOTE 4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Major classes of property and equipment are as follows:

 

   Estimated
Useful Lives
   June 30,
2024
    December 31,
2023
 
              
Furniture and fixtures  7 years  $1,982,901   $1,979,368 
Computer, office and production equipment  3-8 years   11,481,511    10,968,569 
Leasehold improvements  Lesser of useful life or term of lease   10,178,386    10,178,386 
Fixed assets not yet placed in service  N/A   -    14,417 
       23,642,798    23,140,740 
Less: Accumulated depreciation      (16,649,701)   (15,111,283)
      $6,993,097   $8,029,457 

 

Depreciation of property and equipment amounted to $1,583,707 and $1,615,398 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Included in property and equipment are finance lease assets of $493,297 and $391,524 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

NOTE 5. LEASES

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and liabilities are included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets within the Right of use asset, net, and Operating lease liability, current portion and net of current portion. Finance lease assets are included in Property and equipment, net and Finance lease liability, current portion and net of current portion.

 

Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for its leases, as the implicit rate in the lease is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located. Operating lease assets also include any prepaid lease payments and lease incentives. The lease terms include periods under options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. The Company generally uses the base, non-cancelable, lease term when determining the lease assets and liabilities. Under the short-term lease exception provided within ASC 842, the Company does not record a lease liability or right-of-use asset for any leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less at commencement.

 

F-38

 

 

Below is a summary of the weighted-average discount rate and weighted-average remaining lease term for the Company’s leases:

 

Other supplemental information:  June 30,
2024
   December 31,
2023
 
Operating leases:        
Weighted average of remaining lease term   3    3 
Weighted average discount rate   4.31%   4.33%
Finance leases:          
Weighted average of remaining lease term   2    2 
Weighted average discount rate   12.03%   12.09 

 

Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term within operating expenses in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Finance lease expense is recognized over the lease term within interest expense and amortization in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s total operating and finance lease expense all relate to lease costs and amounted to $2,528,932 and $2,481,837 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Future minimum lease payments at June 30, 2024 were as follows:

 

   Operating   Finance   Total 
2024  $2,108,331   $120,336   $2,228,667 
2025   4,126,630    224,233    4,350,863 
2026   3,202,244    130,605    3,332,849 
2027   606,886    -    606,886 
2028   289,828    -    289,828 
Thereafter   71,506    -    71,506 
Total lease payments  $10,405,425   $475,174   $10,880,599 
Less: imputed interest   (530,381)   (46,756)   (577,137)
Present value of operating lease liability  $9,875,044   $428,418   $10,303,462 

 

NOTE 6. Line of credit

 

The Company has a $9,000,000 bank line of credit. The line bears interest at the greater of (i) one percent (1.000%) or (ii) the Prime Rate minus seventy five hundredths percent (-0.750%). The line of credit expired in October 2024 which the Company renewed for an additional year. The Company was in compliance with certain financial covenants imposed by the line of credit agreement. At June 30, 2024, the outstanding balance was $500,000 and the interest rate on the line of credit was 7.75%.

 

The Company’s line of credit fair value approximates carrying value due to the variable market-based interest rate.

 

NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES

 

Effective income tax rates for interim periods are based on the Company’s estimate of the applicable annual income tax rate. The Company’s effective income tax rate varies based upon the estimate of the Company’s annual taxable earnings and the allocation of those taxable earnings across the various states in which we operate. Changes in the annual allocation of the Company’s activity among these jurisdictions results in changes to the effective tax rate utilized to measure the Company’s income tax provision and deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was approximately 0.04% and 0.06%, respectively. This was different than the expected federal income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the company operating at a loss with a full valuation allowance. The Company had insignificant state income taxes for the six months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

F-39

 

 

NOTE 8. Segment information

 

The Company has two operating segments: (1) Broadcasting and (2) Digital, which also qualify as reportable segments. In accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” the operating segments reflect how the chief operating decision maker, which the Company defines as the chief executive officer, assesses the performance of each operating segment and determines the appropriate allocations of resources to each segment. We continually review our operating segment classifications to align with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment operating incomes before interest, net, taxes, other, net, depreciation and amortization, or Segment Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Due to the integrated nature of these operating segments, estimates and judgements are made in allocating certain assets, revenues and expenses.

 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and general and administrative expenses and does not include depreciation, interest, net, asset impairment, unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, other corporate matters, other, net and income tax expense. Other corporate matters represent certain litigation expenses, and related fees, for specific proceedings that the Company has determined are infrequent and unusual in terms of their magnitude. Management believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company’s business segments because it is the primary measure used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources to the Company’s business. 

 

The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments.

 

   For the six months ended
June 30,
 
   2024   2023 
Revenues        
Broadcasting  $59,710,252   $38,864,769 
Digital   20,116,125    20,466,426 
Total revenues  $79,826,377   $59,331,195 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA          
Broadcasting  $7,604,775   $(8,711,294)
Digital   (2,499,802)   (2,320,394)
Depreciation   (1,625,093)   (1,615,398)
Interest, net   5,299    86,038 
Impairment   -    (23,928,360)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities   128,574    (8,663)
Other corporate matters   (59,074,354)   (2,237,987)
Other, net   (31,686)   (91,569)
Loss before income tax expense   (55,492,287)   (38,827,627)
Income tax expense   20,960    24,444 
Net loss  $(55,513,247)   $(38,852,071)

 

F-40

 

 

Revenues by Segment by Component

 

   For the six months ended
June 30,
 
   2024   2023 
Broadcast        
Advertising  $39,535,301   $38,714,199 
Subscription   5,347,149    - 
Affiliate fee   13,445,240    2,237 
Other   1,382,562    148,333 
Total Broadcast revenues   59,710,252    38,864,769 
Digital          
Advertising   9,573,544    8,346,574 
Subscription   7,625,236    8,883,528 
Product sales   2,916,907    3,236,319 
Other   438    5 
Total Digital revenues   20,116,125    20,466,426 
Total revenues  $79,826,377   $59,331,195 

  

   For the six months ended
June 30,
 
   2024   2023 
Depreciation        
Broadcast  $1,313,053   $1,284,614 
Digital   312,040    330,784 
Total depreciation  $1,625,093   $1,615,398 

 

   As of
June 30,
   As of
December 31
 
   2024   2023 
Assets        
Broadcast  $45,083,075   $47,951,217 
Digital   23,790,034    23,658,614 
Total assets  $68,873,109   $71,609,831 

 

F-41

 

 

NOTE 9. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISKS

 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, short-term investments available for sale and accounts receivable. Management believes the financial risks associated with these financial instruments are minimal.

 

The Company places its cash, and its short-term investments with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has $5,757,102 and $5,257,372, respectively, above the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses due to this policy.

 

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base, thus spreading the trade credit risk. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. The Company performs credit evaluations of its commercial customers but generally does not require collateral to support accounts receivable.

No single customer accounted for over 10% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues during either of the six months ended June 30, 2024 or 2023. No single customer accounted for over 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of June 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

 

NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (“firm commitments”) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. The following table summarizes the Company’s material firm commitments for contracts that run through 2026 as of June 30, 2024:

 

   Payments due by Period 
   Total   2024   2025   2026 
Distribution agreements  $2,926,663   $2,558,900   $367,763   $- 
Other commitments   7,859,683    3,550,516    3,165,000    1,144,167 
Total commitments and contractual obligations  $10,786,346   $6,109,416   $3,532,763   $1,144,167 

 

Distribution Agreements

 

The Company has entered into several Affiliation/Distribution Agreements with the MVPDs. These agreements typically have a five-year term beginning as early as December 2014 and ending as late as May 2025. The Company is required to make payments under such agreements which have payment terms that are generally over a three-to-four-year period and as such will shift between accrued distribution fees or prepaid distribution fees.

 

Other Commitments

 

The Company has entered into several other contractual commitments over the next three years ending in November 2026 primarily related to talent costs and other service agreements.

 

F-42

 

 

NOTE 11. LEGAL

 

Legal Matters

 

From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims, lawsuits, and disputes with third parties, actions involving allegations of discrimination or breach of contract incidental to the ordinary operations of the business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position or results of unaudited condensed consolidated operations or unaudited condensed consolidated cash flows. The Company accrues for loss contingencies that are probable and reasonably estimable. The Company generally does not accrue for legal costs expected to be incurred with a loss contingency until those services are provided.

 

Defamation and Disparagement Claims

 

From time to time, the Company is subject to lawsuits alleging defamation or disparagement. These include lawsuits filed by Smartmatic USA Corp. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Smartmatic”) and Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Dominion”) filed during 2021. The Smartmatic complaint sought an unspecified amount of damages while the Dominion complaint is seeking $1.6 billion in damages. On September 26, 2024, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Smartmatic pursuant to which the parties agreed to resolve the lawsuits among them. The Company agreed to pay a settlement of approximately $40 million payable over time and granted a five year cash exercise warrant to purchase 2,000 shares of Series B preferred stock at an exercise price of $5,000 per share. Exercise of the warrant would result in the Company recognizing a $10 million increase in gross proceeds. The exercise price and the number of shares of the warrants are subject to adjustment for standard anti-dilution provisions and for subsequent Series B preferred issuance at a price lower than the then exercise price of the warrants. The Company estimated the fair value of the warrant liability using the Black Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 4.15%, fair value of the related Series B Preferred Stock of $5,000, expected volatility of 65%, expected term of 5 years, and strike price of $5,000. The fair value of the warrant liability as of June 30, 2024 is $6,373,757. The settlement expense, inclusive of the warrant, is included in other corporate matters in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The $40 million payable over time is recorded within settlement liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2024.

 

The Company continues to believe the Dominion and other pending lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend against them vigorously. Discovery in the Dominion case, including depositions and expert discovery, remains ongoing, and summary judgment and other key motions will follow. At this time, a trial in the Dominion lawsuit is not expected to commence until 2025. The Company is unable to predict the final outcome of these matters and cannot reasonably estimate the amount of liability, if any. To date, the Company has not reserved any amounts for pending or future claims.  There can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these pending matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In 2023, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with a commercial counterparty for $41.3 million. As of June 30, 2024, and pursuant to the payment schedule associated with this settlement agreement, the Company has a total of $39.4 million remaining to be paid over time. The fair value of the settlement agreement as of June 30, 2024 is $32.6 million which assumes a discount rate of 9.75% and making quarterly payments for 60 months. The fair value measurement is disclosed for information purposes and is not reflected in the carrying amount on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

The table below represents the estimated timing of payments over the term of the agreement.

 

   As of June 30, 2024
Payments due by Period
     
   Total   2024   2025   2026   2027   2028   Thereafter 
                             
Settlement agreement  $39,437,538   $6,680,185   $7,279,412   $7,279,412   $7,279,412   $7,279,412   $3,639,705 

 

NOTE 12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

The Company maintains a 401(k) Salary Savings Plan (the “Plan”) covering those employees who meet eligibility requirements set forth in the Plan. The matching contribution is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company’s policy is to match 100% of the first 1% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2 to 6% of employee contributions. Total expense for the Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 amounted to $569,061 and $475,852, respectively.

 

F-43

 

 

NOTE 13. CONVERTIBLE AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

 

Convertible and Redeemable Preferred Stock

 

Convertible and Redeemable Preferred Stock as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (41,034 and 11,034 total shares authorized, respectively, and all classes are $0.001 par value per share) is as follows:

 

June 30, 2024 
Series  Shares Authorized   Shares
Issued and Outstanding
   Per Unit
Issue Price
   Current Conversion Price   Liquidation Preference   Carrying Amount 
Series A   3,965    611   $22,500   $22,500   $13,747,500   $14,726,569 
Series A with Redemption Rights   35    35   $22,500   $22,500    787,500    1,271,644 
Series A-1 with Redemption Rights   2,445    1,222   $20,451   $20,451    25,000,000    31,517,123 
Series A-2   3,176    2,647   $18,891   $18,891    50,000,000    50,000,000 
Series A-3 with Redemption Rights   1,413    1,060   $23,619   $23,619    25,036,140    29,775,173 
Series B   30,000    1,897   $5,000   $50,741    9,485,000    5,667,362 
    41,034    7,472             $124,056,140   $132,957,871 

 

December 31, 2023 
Series  Shares Authorized   Shares
Issued and Outstanding
   Per Unit
Issue Price
   Current Conversion Price   Liquidation Preference   Carrying Amount 
Series A   3,965    611   $22,500   $22,500   $13,747,500   $14,726,569 
Series A with Redemption Rights   35    35   $22,500   $22,500    787,500    1,246,712 
Series A-1 with Redemption Rights   2,445    1,222   $20,451   $20,451    25,000,000    30,893,836 
Series A-2   3,176    2,647   $18,891   $18,891    50,000,000    50,000,000 
Series A-3 with Redemption Rights   1,413    1,060   $23,619   $23,619    25,036,140    29,150,984 
    11,034    5,575             $114,571,140   $126,018,101 

 

The Company’s convertible preferred stock is classified as mezzanine equity in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as the stock has redemption features that are outside of the issuer’s control.

 

Voting Rights

 

Each holder of Series A, series A-1, Series A-2, and Series A-3 Preferred Shares has full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of common stock on an as converted basis. The holders of Series A-1, A-2 and A-3 preferred stock also have the right to designate members to the Company’s board of directors, demand registration rights and limited approval rights. The holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock do not have voting rights.

 

Dividends

 

The holders of the Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, and Series A-3 preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends at an annual dividend rate per share of 5% of the per-share-price. Dividends on Series A, A-1 and A-2 are payable only upon a liquidity event or if dividends are declared on common stock. Additionally, A-1 and A-2 are payable upon the conversion of Series A-1 or A-2 into common shares. Dividends on Series A-3 are only payable when and if declared on common stock, Series A-1 or Series A-2 preferred stock. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock accrue an annual dividend rate of 7% on the price per share. Series B dividends accrue daily and are payable when and if declared by the board of directors.

 

The preferred shares have preference over dividends payable with respect to common stock. Series A-3 has a dividend preference over Series A-1 and Series A-2. Series B has a preference over Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, and Series A-3

 

No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the common stock unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on the preferred stock.

 

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has not recognized an accrual for unpaid dividends on Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, Series A-3, and Series B Preferred Stock which amount to $28,623,965 and $25,723,781, respectively, with the breakdown by series represented in the table below. Included in these amounts are dividends that have been accreted to the preferred stock being measured at its maximum redemption value which is explained below.

 

   As of
June 30,
   As of
December 31
 
   2024   2023 
Series A  $4,590,301   $4,221,814 
Series A with Redemption Rights   271,644    246,712 
Series A-1 with Redemption Rights   6,517,123    5,893,836 
Series A-2   12,493,151    11,246,575 
Series A-3 with Redemption Rights   4,739,033    4,114,844 
Series B   12,713    - 
   $28,623,965   $25,723,781 

 

F-44

 

 

Liquidation Rights

 

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, each holder of preferred stock is entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distributions to the common stockholders, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the liquidation preference price per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends payable and (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities, and other property to be distributed in respect of the Class A or Class B common stock such holder would have been entitled to received had it converted such preferred stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the liquidity event.

 

In the event of a sale of the Company, the holders of Series A-1, A-2, and A-3 preferred stock shall have the right to elect not to receive the cash payment and instead continue to hold the Series A-1, A-2, or A-3 preferred stock following the consummation of the sale of the company transaction.

 

Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of the Series B Stock shall have been paid in full their full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the remaining assets of the Company legally available for distribution shall be distributed among the holders of the junior stock then outstanding, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Series A Certificate of Designation, the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation, the Series A-2 Certificate of Designation, and the Series A-3 Designation. Pursuant to those agreements, after the holders of Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, and Series A-3 have been paid in full their full preferential amount, the remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the junior stock then outstanding.

 

“Junior stock” – shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock (including the Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock, Series A-2 Stock, and Series A-3 Stock) that ranks junior to the Series B Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Conversion Rights

 

Preferred Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2, and Series A-3 shares have conversion rights to convert into common stock at a rate of one share of common stock for one share of convertible preferred stock. The conversion ratio is subject to customary anti-dilution protection.

 

For the Series A-1, A-2, and A-3 preferred stock, each share of preferred stock is automatically converted into common stock at the earlier of an Initial Public Offering or the election by written consent of the holders of a majority of each respective series of shares.

 

Preferred Series B shares have conversion rights to convert into Class B common stock at a rate equal to the quotient of (i) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series B Stock being converted plus any accrued but unpaid dividends, divided by (ii) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion. The Liquidation Preference shall initially mean $5,000 per share of Series B Preferred Stock. The Conversion Price shall mean $50,740.47 per share of Series B Preferred Stock; provided, that the Conversion Price for purposes of converting the Series B Stock upon (i) an IPO shall equal 75% of the price per share or deemed price per share sold to the public in such IPO or (ii) the consummation of a Qualified Financing shall be 75% of the price per share sold by the Company in such Qualified Financing

 

The fair value of the conversion option associated with the issuance of the Convertible and Redeemable Series B Preferred Stock was estimated using a “with-and-without” method. The “with-and-without” methodology considers the value of the security on an as-is basis and then without the embedded conversion premium. The difference between the two scenarios is the implied fair value of the embedded derivative. The unobservable input is the required rate of return on the Series B. The considerable probabilities and timing of the underlying events in the valuation relate to the timing of conversions or redemptions. The embedded conversion feature is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using level 3 inputs.

 

As of June 30, 2024, this conversion embedded feature had a net fair value of $2.4 million. The conversion option is accounted for as a derivative liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Any changes in fair value in a subsequent period will be recorded to other income (expense).

 

F-45

 

 

Redemption Rights

 

Certain holders of Series A preferred stock have certain redemption rights or put rights, including the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of the preferred stock on any date commencing on and immediately following January 25, 2023, and upon certain change of control events at 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

The holders of Series A-1 preferred stock have certain redemption rights or put rights, including the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of the preferred stock on any date commencing on and immediately following April 16, 2026, and ending on April 16, 2028 at 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

The holders of Series A-3 preferred stock have certain redemption rights or put rights, including the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of the preferred stock on any date commencing on and immediately following July 16, 2027, and ending on July 16, 2029 at 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

The Company measures the preferred stock where redemption is probable at its maximum redemption value plus dividends not currently declared or paid but which will be payable upon redemption. On June 30, 2024, the Company remeasured the preferred stock following the accretion method, which resulted in the preferred stock being measured at its maximum redemption value of $127,290,509 and cumulative accretion of $11,527,800, included in Accumulated Deficit on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024. Similarly, on December 31, 2023, the preferred stock was remeasured, resulting in a maximum redemption value of $126,018,101 and cumulative accretion of $10,255,392, also included in Accumulated Deficit on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023.

 

The Series B preferred stock includes certain redemption rights that are solely in the control of the Company. The stock is recorded in permanent equity on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024.

 

NOTE 14. EQUITY

 

Common Stock A – As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company was authorized to issue 20,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share.

 

Common Stock B - As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company was authorized to issue 60,000 shares of common stock B, with a par value of $0.01 per share. No shares have been issued as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

 

NOTE 15. LOSS PER SHARE

 

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the basic and diluted per share computations:

 

   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 
   2024   2023 
Basic and diluted loss per share:        
Numerator:        
Net loss  $(55,513,247)   (38,852,071)
Cumulative dividends on preferred stock   2,900,184    2,871,606 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders  $(58,413,431)  $(41,723,677)
Denominator:          
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted   6,070    6,070 
Per share:          
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted  $(9,623)  $(6,874)

 

F-46

 

 

PART III

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

The documents listed in the Exhibit Index of this report are incorporated by reference or are filed with this report, in each case as indicated below.

 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.   Description
1.1*   Selling Agency Agreement (Engagement) between the Company and Digital Offering, LLC dated as of May 31, 2024
1.2*   Form of Selling Agency Agreement between the Company and Digital Offering, LLC
2.1*   Articles of Incorporation filed on April 15, 2024, currently in effect
2.2*   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation including the Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock filed on April 24, 2024, currently in effect
2.3*   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation including the Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock filed on April 24, 2024, currently in effect
2.4*   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation including the Certificate of Designation of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock filed on April 24, 2024, currently in effect
2.5*   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation including the Certificate of Designation of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock filed on April 24, 2024, currently in effect
2.6*   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation including the Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock filed on April 26, 2024, currently in effect
2.7*   Bylaws, currently in effect
2.8**   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, to be effective concurrently with the closing of this offering
2.9**   Amended and Restated Bylaws, to be effective immediately concurrently with the closing of this offering
3.1**   Form of Placement Agent Warrant
3.2**   Form of Selling Agent Warrant
4.1*   Form of Subscription Agreement for purchase of Series A Preferred Stock
4.2*¥    Subscription Agreement for purchase of Series A-1 Preferred Stock
4.3*   Amendment to Subscription Agreement for purchase of Series A-1 Preferred Stock
4.4*¥    Form of Subscription Agreement for purchase of Series A-2 Preferred Stock
4.5*¥    Form of Subscription Agreement for purchase of Series A-3 Preferred Stock
4.6*   Form of Amendment to Subscription Agreement for purchase of Series A-3 Preferred Stock
4.7*   Assignment and Assumption Agreement by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Newsmax Inc. dated April 29, 2024
4.8*   Assignment and Assumption Agreement by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Newsmax Inc. dated April 29, 2024
4.9*   Form of Purchase Agreement for purchase of Series B Preferred Stock
4.10*   Form of Registration Rights Agreement
4.11**   Form of Subscription Agreement for purchase of Class B Common Stock in this offering
5.1*   Proxy by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC
5.2*   Proxy by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC
5.3*   Proxy by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC
6.1*   Master Note by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and The Northern Trust Company dated October 8, 2023
6.2*+   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Christopher Ruddy dated June 3, 2024
6.3*+   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Darryle Burnham dated June 3, 2024
6.4*+   Offer Letter by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Andrew Brown dated August 13, 2012
6.5*   Form of Lock-Up Agreement (included in Exhibit 1.2)
6.6**+   Form of Equity Incentive Plan
6.7*   Form of Indemnification Agreement with Executive Officers and Directors of the Company
6.8*+   Form of Stock Option Agreement
6.9**+   Form of 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
6.9**+   Form of Stock Option Agreement (2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan)
6.9**+   Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan)
8.1**   Form of Escrow Agreement, among Newsmax Inc., Digital Offering, LLC and Wilmington Trust, National Association
8.2**   Form of Escrow Agreement, among Newsmax Inc., Dealmaker Securities LLC, Digital Offering, LLC and Enterprise Bank & Trust
11.1*   Consent of BDO USA P.C.
11.2**   Consent of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP (included in Exhibit 12.1)
12.1**   Opinion of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12.2**   Opinion of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
13.1**   “Testing the waters” materials
10.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)
99.1**   Clawback Policy

 

* Filed herewith
   
** To be filed by amendment
   
¥ Certain exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.

 

III-1

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, the issuer certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 1-A and has duly caused this Offering Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Boca Raton, Florida, on February 7, 2025.

 

NEWSMAX INC.  
   
/s/ Christopher Ruddy  
Christopher Ruddy,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

We, the undersigned directors and officers of Newsmax Inc. (the “Company”) hereby severally constitute and appoint Christopher Ruddy and Darryle Burnham, with full power of substitution, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, to do any and all things in our names in the capacities indicated below which said Christopher Ruddy and Darryle Burnham may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with this offering circular on Form 1-A, including specifically but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us in our names in the capacities indicated below, this offering circular and any and all amendments thereto; and we hereby ratify and confirm all that said Christopher Ruddy and Darryle Burnham shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the issuer in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature  
   
/s/ Christopher Ruddy  
Christopher Ruddy, Chief Executive Officer and Director  
Date: February 7, 2025  
   
/s/ Darryle Burnham  
Darryle Burnham, Chief Financial Officer  
Date: February 7, 2025  
   
/s/ Nancy G. Brinker  
Nancy G. Brinker, Director  
Date: February 7, 2025  
   
/s/ Christopher N. Cox  
Christopher N. Cox, Director  
Date: February 7, 2025  

 

 

III-2

 

Exhibit 1.1

 

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

May 31, 2024

 

Newsmax Media Inc.

 

Dear Mr. Ruddy:

 

Re:Engagement as Selling Agent

 

The purpose of this engagement letter is to outline our agreement in principle pursuant to which Digital Offering, LLC (“DO” or “Selling Agent”), will act as the lead managing selling agent and book runner, on a commercially reasonable efforts basis, in connection with a qualified primary offering by Newsmax, Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”) anticipated to be up to $75,000,000 of common stock of the Company (the common stock any other securities that may be included in the offering, collectively referred herein as the “Securities”) under Regulation A (“Regulation A”) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), on terms and conditions to be mutually agreed between the Company and the Selling Agent (the “Offering”).

 

This engagement letter states certain conditions and assumptions upon which the Offering is premised. Except as expressly provided for herein, with regard to those specific sections that are agreed to be binding, this engagement letter is not intended to be a binding legal document.

 

The terms of our agreement in principle are as follows:

 

1. The Company hereby engages DO, for the period (the “Engagement Period”) beginning on the date hereof and ending on the earliest of (a) the date that either party gives the other at least ten (10) days written notice of the termination of this Agreement, which termination may occur with or without cause, (b) December 31, 2024, and (c) the date that the Offering is closed, to act as the Company’s exclusive financial advisor and investment banker in connection with the proposed Offering (excluding any private placements or financing transactions conducted by the Company) during the Engagement Period.

 

2. DO will act as the exclusive, lead managing Selling Agent and book runner of the Offering of a selling group, subject to, among other things, completion of DO’s due diligence examination of the Company and its affiliates and the execution of a definitive selling agency agreement between the Company and DO in connection with the Offering in a form acceptable to DO and the Company (the “Selling Agency Agreement”) and other documentation that is customary with regard to an offering of the type contemplated herein.

 

-1-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

The actual size of the Offering, the precise number and type of Securities to be offered by the Company, the minimum offering amount and the offering price of the Securities shall be determined by the Company in consultation with DO. The Company shall also consult with DO regarding the capitalization of the Company (at the time of the Offering), and general market and economic conditions, a review and finalization of audited financial statements and formal financial projections of the Company. DO will, with the Company’s approval (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (i) create a selling group for the Offering comprised of broker-dealers who are registered with the SEC and members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and/or (ii) rely on soliciting dealers who are FINRA members to participate in placing a portion of the Offering.

 

3. DO shall be entitled to aggregate placement fees as described below in this Section 3, which aggregate placement fees shall be apportioned between DO and allocated by DO to members of the selling group and soliciting dealers in their sole discretion:

 

DO shall be entitled to a cash placement fee of seven percent (7.00%) of the gross proceeds received by the Company in the Offerings.

 

DO shall be entitled to a warrant fee consisting of share purchase warrants (the “Selling Agent’s Warrants”) covering a number of Securities equal to one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the total number of Securities being sold in the Offering. The Selling Agent’s Warrants will be non-exercisable for six (6) months after the date of the Closing of the Offering and will expire five years after the date of completion of sales in the Offering. The Selling Agent’s Warrants will be exercisable at a price equal to 125% of the public offering price in connection with the Offering. The Selling Agent’s Warrants shall not be redeemable. The Company will register the Common Stock underlying the Selling Agent’s Warrants under the Act and will file all necessary undertakings in connection therewith. The Selling Agent’s Warrants may not be transferred, assigned or hypothecated for a period of six (6) months following the Closing, except that they may be assigned, in whole or in part, to any successor, officer, manager, registered representative or member of DO (or to officers, managers or members of any such successor or member), and to members of the syndicate or selling group. The Selling Agent’s Warrants may be exercised as to all or a lesser number of Securities will provide for cashless exercise. The Selling Agent’s Warrants shall further provide for adjustment in the number and price of such warrants (and the Common Stock underlying such warrants) in the event of a stock dividend, stock split or other reclassification of the Common Stock.

 

4. The Company shall, as soon as practicable following the date hereof, prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and the appropriate state securities authorities, an Offering Statement on Form 1-A (the “Offering Statement”) under the Act, and an Offering Circular included therein (the “Offering Circular”) covering the Securities to be sold in the Offering. The Offering Statement (including the Offering Circular therein), and all amendments and supplements thereto, will be in form satisfactory to DO and counsel to DO and will contain such interim and other financial statements and schedules as may be required by the Act and rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. DO and its counsel shall be given a reasonable opportunity to make such review and investigation in connection with the Offering Statement and the Company as they deem desirable. DO and the Company shall mutually agree on the use of proceeds of the Offering, which shall be described in detail within the Offering Circular.

 

-2-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

5. The Offering Statement filing will include as an exhibit a proposed form of Selling Agency Agreement. The final Selling Agency Agreement will be in form satisfactory to the Company and DO and will include indemnification provisions and other terms and conditions customarily found in Selling Agency Agreements for primary public offerings. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Selling Agency Agreement shall contain customary representations and warranties of the Company and shall further provide that: (i) the Company, the Company’s directors and officers and any other holder(s) of 10.0% or more of the outstanding Securities as of the effective date of the Offering Statement (inclusive of all holders of securities exercisable for or convertible into such Securities) shall enter into customary “lock-up” agreements in favor of DO pursuant to which such persons and entities shall agree, for a period of 6 months after the Offering is completed, that they shall neither offer, issue, sell, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company without DO’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

6. Concurrently with or as soon as practicable after the filing of the Offering Statement with the Commission, the Company shall make all necessary state “blue sky” securities law filings with respect to the Securities to be sold in the Offering. The Company and DO will cooperate in obtaining the necessary approvals and qualifications in such states as DO deems necessary and/or desirable.

 

7. The Company shall be responsible for and pay all expenses relating to the Offering, including, without limitation, all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the qualification of the Securities to be sold in the Offering with the Commission and the filing of the offering materials with FINRA; if applicable all fees and expenses relating to the listing of such Securities on the OTCQB, OTCQX, Nasdaq market system, NYSE or NYSE American as the Company and DO together determine. Upon the execution of the engagement letter, the Company at its own expense will conduct background checks, by a background search firm acceptable to DO, for the Company’s senior management; all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration or qualification of such Securities; the costs of all mailing and printing of the Offering documents (including the Offering Agreement, any Blue Sky Surveys and, if appropriate, any Agreement Among Selected Dealers’ Agreement and Selling Agent’s Questionnaire), Offering Statements, Offering Circulars and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final Offering Circulars as DO may reasonably deem necessary; the costs of preparing, printing and delivering certificates representing such Securities; fees and expenses of the transfer agent for such Securities; stock transfer taxes, if any, payable upon the transfer of securities from the Company to DO; the fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants and the fees and expenses of the Company’s legal counsel and other agents and representatives. For the sake of clarity, it is understood and agreed that the Company shall be responsible for DO’s reasonable legal costs up to the amount of $100,000, of which $25,000 to be deposited with the signing of this Agreement directly to DO’s counsel (which counsel shall be subject to approval by the Company), if the Offering is consummated or if the Company terminates this Agreement or if DO terminates this Agreement as the result of the Company’s material breach of this Agreement, which breach is not cured within ten (10) days following written notice to the Company from DO of such breach up to a maximum of $100,000 of actual fees and expenses. The $25,000 payment shall be reimbursed to the Company to the extent not actually incurred, in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(a).The Company shall be solely responsible for work, fees, costs and expenses in connection with any required Blue Sky filings.

 

-3-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

8. At such time as the Company and DO are mutually satisfied that it is appropriate to commence the Offering, the final terms of the Selling Agency Agreement will be negotiated and the Company will request the Commission to qualify the Offering Statement.

 

9. The Offering shall be conditioned upon, among other things, the following:

 

(a) Satisfactory completion by DO of its due diligence investigation and analysis of: (i) the Company’s arrangements with its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, customers and suppliers and (ii) the Company’s audited historical financial statements as may be required by the Securities Act and rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder for inclusion in the Offering Statement, and approval by the DO commitment committee;

 

(b) The execution by the Company and the DO of the Selling Agency Agreement containing all applicable terms and conditions provided for in this engagement letter and for transactions of this type and acceptable to the Company;

 

(c) The Company meeting the criteria necessary for inclusion of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, Nasdaq Global Market, Nasdaq Global Select Market or the NYSE American and seeking and using its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain such listing for a period of at least three years after the Closing;

 

(d) The Company’s qualification of the Offering Statement under Regulation A (“Regulation A”) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”),

 

(e) The Company retaining an independent certified public accounting firm, which will have responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements and the financial exhibits, if any, to be included in the Offering Circular and to provide a standard “cold comfort letter” in favor of DO;

 

(f) The Company retaining a transfer agent for the Company’s Common Stock;

 

(g) The Company engaging a financial public relations firm experienced in assisting issuers in public offerings of securities and in their relations with their security holders; and

 

(h) The Company obtaining, if necessary, and maintaining a level of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance acceptable to DO).

 

-4-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

10. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and effective upon receipt if (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by email transmission, or (c) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, to the parties hereto as follows:

 

If to the Dealer-Manager:

 

Digital Offering, LLC

 

If to the Company:

  

Newsmax, Inc.

 

11. a. Sections 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, and Exhibit A attached hereto are intended be legally binding and enforceable on and against the Company and DO and will be embodied in the Selling Agency Agreement. Until the Selling Agency Agreement has been finally negotiated and signed, but subject to the sub paragraph (b) of this Section, the Company or DO may at any time terminate its further participation in the proposed transactions and the party so terminating shall have no liability to the other on account of any matters provided for herein, except that:

 

b. If the Company terminates this Agreement or if DO terminates this Agreement as the result of the Company’s material breach of this Agreement, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the Company from DO of such breach, the Company agrees to reimburse DO for, or otherwise pay and bear, the expenses and fees to be paid and borne by the Company as provided for in Paragraph 7 above and to reimburse DO for the full amount of its accountable expenses incurred to such date not to exceed the amounts set forth in Paragraph 7 above (which shall include, but shall not be limited to, all reasonable fees and disbursements of DO’s counsel, travel, lodging and other “road show” expenses, mailing, printing and reproduction expenses, and any expenses incurred by DO in conducting its due diligence) and;

 

12. The Company represents and warrants to DO that the entry into this engagement letter or the any other action of the Company in connection with the proposed Offering will not violate any existing agreement between the Company and any other Selling Agent and/or placement agent.

 

-5-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

13. The Company and DO agree that while the Company Offering Circular is being reviewed by the SEC, neither party will issue press releases or engage in any other publicity, without the other party’s prior written consent. For clarity, prior to qualification, the Company may make ordinary course dissemination of business operations press releases without pre-approval of DO.

 

14. During the Engagement Period, the Company agrees to cooperate with DO and to furnish, or cause to be furnished, to DO, any and all information and data concerning the Company, its subsidiaries and the Offering that DO deems appropriate, including, without limitation, the Company’s acquisition plans and plans for raising capital or additional financing (the “Information”). The Company shall provide DO reasonable access during normal business hours from and after the date of execution of this Agreement until the date of the Closing to all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries assets, properties, books, contracts, commitments and records and to the Company’s and its subsidiaries officers, directors, employees, appraisers, independent accountants, legal counsel and other consultants and advisors. The Company represents and warrants to DO that all Information: (i) made available by the Company to DO or its agents, representatives and any potential group or selling group member, (ii) contained in any preliminary or final Offering Circular prepared by the Company in connection with the Offering, and (iii) contained in any filing by the Company with any court or governmental regulatory agency, commission or instrumentality, will be complete and correct in all material respects and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which such statements are made. The Company further represents and warrants to DO that all such Information will have been prepared by the Company in good faith and will be based upon assumptions which, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, are reasonable. The Company acknowledges and agrees that in rendering its services hereunder, DO will be using and relying on such information (and information available from public sources and other sources deemed reliable by DO) without independent verification thereof by DO or independent appraisal by DO of any of the Company’s assets. The Company acknowledges and agrees that this engagement letter and the terms hereof are confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone other than the officers and directors of the Company and the Company’s accountants and legal counsel. Except as contemplated by the terms hereof or as required by applicable law, the Company and DO shall keep strictly confidential all non-public Information concerning the Company provided to DO. No obligation of confidentiality shall apply to Information that: (a) is in the public domain as of the date hereof or hereafter enters the public domain without a breach by DO, (b) was known or became known by DO prior to the Company’s disclosure thereof to DO, (c) becomes known to DO from a source other than the Company, and other than by the breach of an obligation of confidentiality owed to the Company, (d) is disclosed by the Company to a third party without restrictions on its disclosure or (e) is independently developed by DO.

 

15. The Company agrees that any and all decisions, acts, actions, or omissions with respect to the Offering shall be the sole responsibility of the Company, and that the performance by DO of services hereunder will in no way expose DO to any liability for any such decisions, acts, actions or omissions of the Company.

 

-6-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

16. DO reserves the right to reduce any item of its compensation or adjust the terms thereof as specified herein in the event that a determination and/or suggestion shall be made by FINRA to the effect that the Selling Agent’s aggregate compensation is in excess of FINRA rules or that the terms thereof require adjustment; provided, however, the aggregate compensation otherwise to be paid to the Selling Agent by the Company may not be increased above the amounts stated herein without the approval of the Company in writing.

 

17. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts executed and to be wholly performed therein without giving effect to its conflicts of laws principles or rules. The Company and Digital Offering agree that any dispute concerning this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration before FINRA pursuant to its arbitration rules. Arbitration will be venued in Santa Clara County, California USA (the “Agreed Forum”). Each of the Company and Digital Offering agree that the Agreed Forum is not an “inconvenient forum” for proceedings hereunder, and each hereby agree to the personal jurisdiction of the Agreed Forum and that service of process by mail to the address for such party as set forth in this letter (or such other address as a party hereto shall notify the other in writing) constitute full and valid service for such proceedings.

 

(Signature Page and Indemnification Provisions Follow)

 

-7-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

If the foregoing correctly sets forth your understanding, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement among us.

 

Accepted and agreed as of the date first written above:
     
DIGITAL OFFERING, LLC  
     
By: /s/ Gordon McBean  
  Gordon McBean  
  CEO  

 

Newsmax, Inc  
     
By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy  
Name:  Christopher Ruddy  
Title: CEO  

 

-8-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

EXHIBIT A

 

INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

 

Capitalized terms used in this Appendix shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement to which this Appendix is attached.

 

The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Digital Offering and its respective affiliates (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, including any and all Soliciting Dealers, and controlling persons (Digital Offering and each such person being an “Indemnified Party”) from and against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions, including shareholder actions, in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under any applicable federal or state law, or otherwise, which are related to or result from the performance by Digital Offering of the services contemplated by or the engagement of Digital Offering pursuant to, this Agreement and will promptly reimburse any Indemnified Party on demand for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense arising from any threatened or pending claim, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party and whether or not such claim, action or proceeding is initiated or brought by the Company. The Company will not be liable to any Indemnified Party under the foregoing indemnification and reimbursement provisions, (i) for any settlement by an Indemnified Party effected without the Company’s prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld); or (ii) to the extent that any loss, claim, damage or liability is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from Digital Offering’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

 

Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice of any intention or threat to commence an action, suit or proceeding or notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, such Indemnified Party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Indemnified Party pursuant hereto, promptly notify the Company in writing of the same; in the event that such notice is not promptly provided, and such failure to provide prompt notice prejudices the defense of such matter, the Company shall be discharged of its obligations hereunder. In case any such action is brought against any Indemnified Party and such Indemnified Party notifies the Company of the commencement thereof, the Company may elect to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, and an Indemnified Party may employ counsel to participate in the defense of any such action provided, that the employment of such counsel shall be at the Indemnified Party’s own expense, unless (i) the employment of such counsel has been authorized in writing by the Company, (ii) the Indemnified Party has reasonably concluded (based upon advice of counsel to the Indemnified Party) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other Indemnified Parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company, or that a conflict or potential conflict exists (based upon advice of counsel to the Indemnified Party) between the Indemnified Party and the Company that makes it impossible or inadvisable for counsel to the Indemnifying Party to conduct the defense of both the Company and the Indemnified Party (in which case the Company will not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the Indemnified Party), or (iii) the Company has not in fact employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the action, suit or proceeding, in each of which cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of such counsel will be at the expense of the Company; provided, further, that in no event shall the Company be required to pay fees and expenses for more than one firm of attorneys representing Indemnified Parties unless the defense of one Indemnified Party is materially different from that of another Indemnified Party subject to the same claim or action. Any failure or delay by an Indemnified Party to give the notice referred to in this paragraph shall not affect such Indemnified Party’s right to be indemnified hereunder, except to the extent that such failure or delay causes actual harm to the Company, or prejudices its ability to defend such action, suit or proceeding on behalf of such Indemnified Party.

 

-9-

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone (866) 209-1955

 

If the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is for any reason held unenforceable by an Indemnified Party, the Company agrees to contribute to the losses, claims, damages and liabilities for which such indemnification is held unenforceable (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits to the Company, on the one hand, and Digital Offering on the other hand, of the Offering as contemplated whether or not the Offering is consummated or, (ii) if (but only if) the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand and Digital Offering, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The Company agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits to the Company and Digital Offering of the Offering as contemplated shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total value received or contemplated to be received by the Company or its shareholders, as the case may be, as a result of or in connection with the Offering bear to the fees paid or to be paid to Digital Offering under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company expressly agrees that Digital Offering shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which fees paid to Digital Offering hereunder (excluding reimbursable expenses), exceeds the amount of any damages which Digital Offering has otherwise been required to pay.

 

The Company agrees that without the prior written consent of Digital Offering, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, it will not settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding in respect of which indemnification could be sought under the indemnification provisions of this Agreement (in which Digital Offering or any other Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such claim, action or proceeding), unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such claim, action or proceeding.

 

In the event that an Indemnified Party is requested or required to appear as a witness in any action brought by or on behalf of or against the Company in which such Indemnified Party is not named as a defendant, the Company agrees to promptly reimburse Digital Offering on a monthly basis for all reasonable expenses incurred by it in connection with such Indemnified Party’s appearing and preparing to appear as such a witness, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of its legal counsel.

  

If multiple claims are brought with respect to at least one of which indemnification is permitted under applicable law and provided for under this Agreement, the Company agrees that any judgment or arbitration award shall be conclusively deemed to be based on claims as to which indemnification is permitted and provided for, except to the extent the judgment or arbitrate award expressly states that it, or any portion thereof, is based solely on a claim as to which indemnification is not available.

 

 

-10-

 

 

Exhibit 1.2

 

Newsmax Inc.

 

Maximum: 15,000,000 Shares of Class B Common Stock

$0.001 par value per share

 

SELLING AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

[●], 2025

 

Digital Offering, LLC
1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651 

 

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Newsmax Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Selling Agency Agreement (this “Agreement”), to issue and sell on a “best efforts” basis up to a maximum of 15,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (“Class B Common Stock”) to investors (collectively, the “Investors”), at a purchase price of $5.00 per share (the “Purchase Price”), in an offering (the “Offering”) pursuant to Regulation A through Digital Offering, LLC (the “Selling Agent”), acting on a best efforts basis only, in connection with such sales. The shares of Class B Common Stock to be sold in the Offering are referred to herein as the “Shares.” The Shares are more fully described in the Offering Statement (as hereinafter defined).

 

The Company hereby confirms its agreement with the Selling Agent concerning the purchase and sale of the Shares, as follows:

 

1. Agreement to Act as Selling Agent

 

(a) Best Efforts Basis. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements of the Company herein contained and subject to all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Selling Agent agrees to act, on a best efforts basis only, in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company of the Shares to the Investors. Under no circumstances will the Selling Agent be obligated to underwrite or purchase any of the Shares for its own account or otherwise provide any financing.

 

(b) Selling Agent’s Commissions. The Company will pay to the Selling Agent a cash commission equal to seven percent (7.00%) (the “Cash Fee”) of the gross offering proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Shares, which shall be allocated by the Selling Agent to Dealers (as hereinafter defined) participating in the Offering, in its sole discretion.

 

(c) Selling Agent’s Warrant. The Company hereby agrees to issue to the Selling Agent (and/or its designees) a warrant to purchase a number of shares of the Class B Common Stock equal to 1.5% of the total number of Shares sold in the Offering on a Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) for the Shares (“Selling Agent’s Warrant”). Under the Selling Agent’s Warrant Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Selling Agent’s Warrant Agreement”), the Selling Agent’s Warrant shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, commencing on the date that is 180 days following the date of commencement of sales in the Offering and expiring on the five-year anniversary of the date of commencement of sales in the Offering, at an initial exercise price of $6.25 per share, which is equal to 125% of the Purchase Price of the Shares. The Selling Agent’s Warrant shall not be redeemable. The Selling Agent’s Warrant and the shares of Class B Common Stock underlying the Selling Agent’s Warrant (such shares, the “Warrant Shares”) have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(e)(1) of FINRA. The selling agent, or permitted assignees under such rule, may not exercise, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the Selling Agent’s Warrant or the Warrant Shares, nor will the selling agent or permitted assignees engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the Selling Agent’s Warrant or the Warrant Shares for a period of 180 days from commencement of sales in the Offering, except that they may be transferred, in whole or in part, by operation of law or by reason of the Company’s reorganization, or to any selling agent or selected dealer participating in the Offering and their officers, partners or registered representatives if the Selling Agent’s Warrant or the Warrant Shares so transferred remain subject to the foregoing lock-up restrictions for the remainder of such time period. The Selling Agent’s Warrant Agreement will provide for adjustment in the number and price of the Warrant Shares to prevent dilution in the event of a stock dividend, stock split or other reclassification of the Class B Common Stock and certain registration rights.

 

 

 

 

(d) Selected Dealer Agreements. The Selling Agent shall have the right to enter into selected dealer agreements with other broker-dealers participating in the Offering, in each case after good faith consultation with the Company regarding such proposed dealer (each said dealer being referred to herein as a “Dealer” and said dealers being collectively referred to herein as the “Dealers”). The Cash Fee shall be re-allowable, in whole or in part, to the Dealers. The Company will not be liable or responsible to any Dealer for direct payment of compensation to any Dealer, it being the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Selling Agent for payment of compensation to Dealers.

 

2. Delivery and Payment.

 

(a) On or after the date of this Agreement, (i) the Company, the Selling Agent and Wilmington Trust, N.A. (“Wilmington”) will enter into an Escrow Agreement substantially in the form included as an exhibit to the Offering Statement (the “Wilmington Escrow Agreement”) pursuant to which an escrow account will be established, at the Company’s expense, for Investors that participate in the Offering through the Selling Agent (the “Wilmington Escrow Account”); and (ii) the Company, the Selling Agent, Dealmaker Securities LLC and Enterprise Bank & Trust (“Enterprise Bank”) will enter into an Escrow Agreement substantially in the form included as an exhibit to the Offering Statement (the “Enterprise Bank Escrow Agreement”), pursuant to which an escrow account will be established, at the Company’s expense, for Investors that participate in the Offering through DealMaker Securities LLC (the “Enterprise Bank Escrow Account”). Each of Wilmington and Enterprise Bank are referred to herein as an “Escrow Agent” and collectively as the “Escrow Agents.” Each of the Wilmington Escrow Agreement and the Enterprise Bank Escrow Agreement are referred to herein as an “Escrow Agreement” and collectively as the “Escrow Agreements.” Each of the Wilmington Escrow Account and the Enterprise Bank Escrow Account are referred to herein as an “Escrow Account” and collectively as the “Escrow Accounts”.

 

(b) Prior to the initial Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) of the Offering and any subsequent Closing Date, (i) each applicable Investor will execute and deliver a Purchaser Questionnaire and Subscription Agreement substantially in the relevant form included as an exhibit to the Offering Statement (each, an “Investor Subscription Agreement”) to the Company and the Company will make available to the Selling Agent and the applicable Escrow Agent copies of each such Investor Subscription Agreement; (ii) each Investor will transfer to an Escrow Account funds in an amount equal to the Purchase Price per Share as shown on the cover page of the Final Offering Circular (as hereinafter defined) multiplied by the number of Shares subscribed by such Investor; (iii) subscription funds received from any Investor will be promptly transmitted to an Escrow Account in compliance with Rule 15c2-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); and (iv) each Escrow Agent will notify the Company and the Selling Agent in writing as to the balance of the collected funds in the applicable Escrow Account.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 2(b), Investors that maintain an account with a participating dealer may participate in the Offering without depositing funds with the Escrow Agent, provided such Investors maintain sufficient funds in their account with such participating dealers. At Closing, any amounts subscribed for and shares delivered will be settled broker-to-broker and credited to the Company’s account as indicated in the Initial Closing Transaction Memorandum to be prepared by the Selling Agent and provided to the Company.

 

(d) If an Escrow Agent shall have received written notice from the Company and the Selling Agent on or before 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on [●], or at such other time(s) on such other date(s) as may be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Selling Agent (each such date, a “Closing Date”), such Escrow Agent will release the balance of the Escrow Account for collection by the Company and the Selling Agent as provided in the applicable Escrow Agreement and the Company shall deliver the Shares purchased on such Closing Date to the Investors, which delivery may be made through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or via book entry with the Company’s securities registrar and transfer agent, Equity Stock Transfer (the “Transfer Agent”). The initial closing (the “Closing”) and any subsequent closing (each, a “Subsequent Closing”) shall take place at the office of the Selling Agent or such other location as the Selling Agent and the Company shall mutually agree. All actions taken at the Closing shall be deemed to have occurred simultaneously on the date of the Closing and all actions taken at any Subsequent Closing shall be deemed to have occurred simultaneously on the date of any such Subsequent Closing.

 

2

 

 

(e) If the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that the Offering will not proceed, then the Escrow Agents will promptly return the escrow funds to the Investors without interest.

 

3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants and covenants to the Selling Agent that, as of the date hereof (or, as applicable with respect to a representation or warranty set forth in this Section 3, as of such other date as may be expressly set forth therein):

 

(a) The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) an offering statement on Form 1-A (File No. [●]) (collectively, with the various parts of such offering statement, each as amended as of the Qualification Date for such part, including any Offering Circular (as defined below) and all exhibits to such offering statement, the “Offering Statement”) relating to the Shares pursuant to Regulation A (“Regulation A”) as promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), and the other applicable rules, orders and regulations (collectively referred to as the “Rules and Regulations”) of the Commission promulgated under the Act. As used in this Agreement:

 

(1) “Applicable Time” means 9:00 am (Eastern time) on the date of this Agreement;

 

(2) “Final Offering Circular” means the final offering circular relating to the Offering, including any supplements or amendments thereto, as filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation A;

 

(3) “Preliminary Offering Circular” means any preliminary offering circular relating to the Shares included in the Offering Statement pursuant to Regulation A;

 

(4) “Pricing Disclosure Materials” means the most recent Preliminary Offering Circular;

 

(5) “Qualification Date” means the date as of which the Offering Statement was or will be qualified with the Commission pursuant to Regulation A, the Act and the Rules and Regulations; and

 

(6) “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any video or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Rule 255 of the Rules and Regulations.

 

(b) The Offering Statement has been filed with the Commission in accordance with the Act and Regulation A; no stop order of the Commission preventing or suspending the qualification or use of the Offering Statement, or any amendment thereto, has been issued, and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or, to the Company’s knowledge, are contemplated by the Commission.

 

(c) The Offering Statement, at the time it became qualified, as of the date hereof, and as of each Closing Date, conformed and will conform in all material respects to the requirements of Regulation A, the Act and the Rules and Regulations.

 

(d) The Offering Statement, at the time it became qualified, as of the date hereof, and as of each Closing Date, did not and will not, contain an 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 not misleading.

 

(e) The Preliminary Offering Circular did not, as of its date, include an 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 the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; providedhowever, that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the statements included in the Preliminary Offering Circular provided by the Selling Agent expressly for use therein as described in Section 8(ii) herein.

 

3

 

 

(f) The Final Offering Circular will not, as of its date and on each Closing Date, include an 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 the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; providedhowever, that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the statements included in the Final Offering Circular provided by the Selling Agent expressly for use therein as described in Section 8(ii) herein.

 

(g) The Pricing Disclosure Materials, when considered together, did not, as of the Applicable Time, included an 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 under which they were made, not misleading, providedhowever, that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the statements included in the Pricing Disclosure Materials provided by the Selling Agent expressly for use therein as described in Section 8(ii) hereof.

 

(h) The Company is duly organized and validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida. The Company has full power and authority to conduct all the activities conducted by it, to own and lease all the assets owned and leased by it and to conduct its business as presently conducted and as described in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular, and the Company is duly licensed or qualified to do business and in good standing as a foreign organization in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the activities conducted by it or the character of the assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except, in each case, where the failure to have such power or authority or be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects, properties, management, financial position, stockholders’ equity, or results of operations of the Company (a “Material Adverse Effect”). Complete and correct copies of the articles of incorporation and of the bylaws of the Company and all amendments thereto have been made available to the Selling Agent, and no changes therein will be made subsequent to the date hereof and prior to any Closing Date, except as may be set forth in the Offering Statement or the exhibits thereto.

 

(i) [RESERVED.]

 

(j) The Company is organized in, and its principal place of business is in, the United States.

 

(k) The Company is not subject to the ongoing reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and has not been subject to an order by the Commission denying, suspending, or revoking the registration of any class of securities pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Exchange Act that was entered within five years preceding the date the Offering Statement was originally filed with the Commission.

 

(l) The Company is not, nor upon completion of the transactions contemplated herein will it be, an “investment company” or an “affiliated person” of, or “promoter” or “principal underwriter” for, an “investment company,” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). The Company is not a development stage company or a “business development company” as defined in Section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act. The Company is not a blank check company and is not an issuer of fractional undivided interests in oil or gas rights or similar interests in other mineral rights. The Company is not an issuer of asset-backed securities as defined in Item 1101(c) of Regulation AB.

 

(m) Except in each case as otherwise disclosed in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular, neither the Company, nor any predecessor of the Company; nor any other issuer affiliated with the Company; nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director or executive officer of the Company or other officer of the Company participating in the Offering; nor any beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting equity securities; nor any promoter connected with the Company, is subject to the disqualification provisions of Rule 262 of the Rules and Regulations.

 

(n) The Company is not a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Act.

 

(o) The Company has full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Escrow Agreements and perform the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement and the Escrow Agreements have each been authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and are each a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability and except for limitations on enforceability of indemnity provisions under federal and state laws.

 

4

 

 

(p) The issuance and sale of the Shares [and the Warrant Shares] have been duly authorized by the Company, and, when issued and paid for in accordance with this Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will not be subject to preemptive or similar rights other than those that have been disclosed in the Final Offering Circular. The Shares [and the Warrant Shares], when issued, will conform to their description thereof set forth in the Final Offering Circular in all material respects. The Company has sufficient authorized shares of Class B Common Stock for the issuance of the maximum number of Shares [and Warrant Shares] issuable pursuant to the Offering as described in the Final Offering Circular.

 

(q) [RESERVED.]

 

(r) [RESERVED.]

 

(s) The financial statements and the related notes included in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company as of the dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods covered thereby in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), except as may be stated in the related notes thereto. No other financial statements or schedules of the Company, any subsidiary or any other entity are required by the Act or the Rules and Regulations to be included in the Offering Statement or the Final Offering Circular. There are no off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined in Regulation S-K Item 303(a)(4)(ii)) that may have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

(t) BDO USA, P.C. (the “Accountants”), who have reported on the financial statements and schedules described in Section 1(s), are registered independent public accountants with respect to the Company as required by the Act and the Rules and Regulations and by the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The financial statements of the Company and the related notes and schedules included in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations and present fairly the information shown therein.

 

(u) Since the date of the most recent financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the Offering Statement and the most recent Preliminary Offering Circular and prior to the Closing and any Subsequent Closing, other than as described in or contemplated by the Final Offering Circular (A) there has not been and will not have been any material change in the capital stock of the Company or any change in the long-term debt of the Company or any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, set aside for payment, paid or made by the Company on any class of capital stock or equity interests, or any Material Adverse Effect, and (B) the Company has not sustained nor does it reasonably expect to sustain any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor disturbance or dispute or any action, order or decree of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except in each case as otherwise disclosed in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular.

 

(v) Since the date as of which information is given in the most recent Preliminary Offering Circular, the Company has not entered, and will not before the Closing or any Subsequent Closing enter, into any transaction or agreement, not in the ordinary course of business, that is material to the Company and has not incurred, and will not incur, any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, not in the ordinary course of business, that is material to the Company, in each case except as disclosed in the Final Offering Circular, and the Company has no plans to do any of the foregoing.

 

(w) Any real property described in the Offering Statement or the Final Offering Circular as being leased by the Company that is material to the business of the Company is held by it under valid, existing and enforceable leases, except (A) as would not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Company or (B) as would not be reasonably expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5

 

 

(x) Except as described in or contemplated by the Final Offering Circular, there are no legal, governmental or regulatory actions, suits or proceedings pending, either domestic or foreign, to which the Company is a party or to which any property of the Company is the subject, nor are there, to the Company’s knowledge, any threatened legal, governmental or regulatory investigations, either domestic or foreign, involving the Company or any property of the Company that, individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely to the Company, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or materially and adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement; to the Company’s knowledge, no such actions, suits or proceedings are threatened or contemplated by any governmental or regulatory authority or threatened by any other person or entity.

 

(y) The Company has, and at each Closing Date will have, (1) all governmental licenses, permits, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations necessary to carry on its business as presently conducted except where the failure to have such governmental licenses, permits, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (2) performed all its obligations required to be performed, and is not, and at each Closing Date will not be, in default, under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, voting trust agreement, loan agreement, bond, debenture, note agreement, lease, contract or other agreement or instrument (collectively, a “contract or other agreement”) to which it is a party or by which its property is bound or affected except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect or as disclosed in the Final Offering Circular, and, to the Company’s knowledge, no other party under any material contract or other material agreement to which it is a party is in default in any respect thereunder. The Company is not in violation of any provision of its organizational or governing documents.

 

(z) The Company has obtained all authorizations, approvals, consents, licenses, orders, registrations, exemptions, qualifications or decrees of any court or governmental authority or agency or any sub-division thereof that is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of the Shares under this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states or foreign jurisdictions or the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares or of The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) in connection with the listing thereon of the Shares.

 

(aa) [RESERVED.]

 

(bb) Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the issuance, offering or sale of the Shares, nor the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated herein (i) will conflict with, or will result in a breach of, any of the terms and provisions of, or has constituted or will constitute a default under any contract or other agreement to which the Company may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company is subject (ii) has resulted in or will result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company, or (iii) result in any violation of (1) the provisions of the organizational or governing documents of the Company, or (2) any statute or any order, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or of any court or of any federal, state or other regulatory authority or other government body having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, except in each case with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) only, as would not be reasonably expected to have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(cc) There is no document or contract of a character required to be described in the Offering Statement or the Final Offering Circular or to be filed as an exhibit to the Offering Statement which is not described or filed as required. All such contracts to which the Company is a party have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and constitute valid and binding agreements of the Company, and are enforceable against the Company in accordance with the terms thereof, subject to the effect of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability and except for limitations on enforceability of indemnity provisions under federal and state laws. None of these contracts have been suspended or terminated for convenience or default by the Company or any of the other parties thereto, and the Company has not received notice of any such pending or threatened suspension or termination.

 

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(dd) The Company and its directors, officers or controlling persons have not taken, directly or indirectly, any action intended, or which might reasonably be expected, to cause or result, under the Act or otherwise, in, or which has constituted, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

 

(ee) Other than as previously disclosed to the Selling Agent in writing (including by email), neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any person acting on behalf of the Company, has published, advertised or otherwise made or, except in consultation with the Selling Agent, will publish, advertise or otherwise make, any announcements concerning the distribution of the Shares, and the Company has not and will not conduct road shows, seminars or similar activities relating to the distribution of the Shares nor has it taken or will it take any other action for the purpose of, or that would reasonably be expected to have the effect of, preparing the market, or creating demand, for the Shares.

 

(ff) No holder of securities of the Company has rights to the registration of any securities of the Company as a result of the filing of the Offering Statement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for such rights as have been waived or as are described in the Offering Statement.

 

(gg) No labor dispute with the employees of the Company exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened, and the Company is not aware of any existing or threatened labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or contractors, except in each case as would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(hh) The Company: (i) is, and during the twelve months prior to the date of this Agreement has been, in material compliance with all federal, state and local laws, to the extent applicable, and the regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws, except for such non-compliance as would not be reasonably expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) has not, during the twelve months prior to the date of this Agreement, received notice of any ongoing claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any regulatory agency or third party alleging that any operation or activity is in material violation of any laws and has no knowledge that any such regulatory agency or third party is considering any such claim, litigation, arbitration, action, suit, investigation or proceeding; and (iii) is not a party to any corporate integrity agreement, deferred prosecution agreement, monitoring agreement, consent decree, settlement order, or similar agreements, or has any reporting obligations pursuant to any such agreement, plan or correction or other remedial measure entered into with any governmental authority, except in the case of (ii) or (iii), as would not be reasonably expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 (ii) The business and operations of the Company have been and are being conducted in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, licenses, permits, approvals, plans, authorizations or requirements relating to occupational safety and health, or pollution, or protection of health or the environment (including, without limitation, those relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes into ambient air, surface water, groundwater or land, or relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of chemical substances, pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, whether solid, gaseous or liquid in nature) of any governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality of the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof, or any foreign jurisdiction (“Environmental Laws”).

 

(jj) The Company owns, possesses, licenses or has other adequate rights to use, on reasonable terms, all patents, patent applications, trade and service marks, trade and service mark registrations, trade names, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, technology, know-how and other intellectual property necessary for the conduct of the Company’s business as now conducted (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”), except to the extent such failure to own, possess, license or have other adequate rights to use such Intellectual Property would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(kk) Except as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company (1) has timely filed all federal, state, provincial, local and foreign tax returns that are required to be filed by it through the date hereof, which returns are true and correct, or has received timely extensions for the filing thereof, and (2) has paid all taxes, assessments, penalties, interest, fees and other charges due or claimed to be due from the Company, other than (A) any such amounts being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP or (B) any such amounts currently payable without penalty or interest. There are no tax audits or investigations pending, which if adversely determined could have a Material Adverse Effect; nor to the knowledge of the Company is there any proposed additional tax assessments against the Company which could have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. No transaction, stamp, capital or other issuance, registration, transaction, transfer or withholding tax or duty is payable by or on behalf of the Selling Agent to any foreign government outside the United States or any political subdivision thereof or any authority or agency thereof or therein having the power to tax in connection with (i) the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares by the Company; (ii) the purchase from the Company, and the initial sale and delivery of the Shares to purchasers thereof; or (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any other document to be furnished hereunder.

 

(ll) On each Closing Date, all stock transfer or other taxes (other than income taxes) which are required to be paid in connection with the sale and transfer of the Shares to be issued and sold on such Closing Date will be, or will have been, fully paid or provided for by the Company and all laws imposing such taxes will be or will have been fully complied with.

 

(mm) The Company is insured with insurers with appropriately rated claims paying abilities against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary for the business in which it is engaged; all policies of insurance and fidelity or surety bonds insuring the Company or its business, assets, employees, officers and directors are in full force and effect; and there are no claims by the Company under any such policy or instrument as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; the Company has not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for and has no reason to believe that it will not be able 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 at a cost that is not materially greater than the current cost. The Company has obtained director’s and officer’s insurance in such amounts as is customary for a similarly situated company engaging in an initial public offering of securities.

 

(nn) Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company, has directly or indirectly, (1) made any unlawful contribution to any federal, state, local and foreign candidate for public office, or failed to disclose fully any contribution in violation of law, (2) made any payment to any federal, state, local and foreign governmental officer or official, or other person charged with similar public or quasi-public duties, other than payments required or permitted by the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction thereof, (3) violated or is in violation of any provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or (4) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment.

 

(oo) The operations of the Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance in all material respects 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 no material 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, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

(pp) Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions (the “Sanctions Regulations”) 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 net proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such net proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC or listed on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company, is named on any denied party or entity list administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce pursuant to the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”); and the Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the net proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such net proceeds to any person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any Sanctions Regulations or to support activities in or with countries sanctioned by said authorities, or for engaging in transactions that violate the EAR.

 

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(qq) The Company has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of the last Closing Date and 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 each Preliminary Offering Circular, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular, or such other materials as to which the Selling Agent shall have consented in writing.

 

(rr) Each employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and all stock purchase, stock option, stock-based severance, employment, change-in-control, medical, disability, fringe benefit, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, employee loan and all other employee benefit plans, agreements, programs, policies or other arrangements, whether or not subject to ERISA, that is maintained, administered or contributed to by the Company or any of its affiliates for employees or former employees, directors or independent contractors of the Company, or under which the Company has had or has any present or future obligation or liability, has been maintained in material compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code; no prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred which would result in a material liability to the Company with respect to any such plan excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption; no event has occurred (including a “reportable event” as such term is defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) and no condition exists that would subject the Company to any material tax, fine, lien, penalty, or liability imposed by ERISA, the Code or other applicable law; and for each such plan that is subject to the funding rules of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, no “accumulated funding deficiency” as defined in Section 412 of the Code has been incurred, whether or not waived, and the fair market value of the assets of each such plan (excluding for these purposes accrued but unpaid contributions) exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such plan determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions.

 

(ss) No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers of the Company, on the other, which would be required to be disclosed in the Offering Statement, the Preliminary Offering Circular and the Final Offering Circular and is not so disclosed.

 

(tt) The Company has not sold or issued any securities that would be integrated with the offering of the Shares contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to the Act, the Rules and Regulations or the interpretations thereof by the Commission or that would fail to come within the safe harbor for integration under Regulation A.

 

(uu) The Shares have been approved for listing on NYSE under the symbol “NMAX,” subject to notice of issuance.

 

(vv) Except as set forth in or contemplated by this Agreement (including in connection with any Dealer), there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person that would give rise to a valid claim against the Company or the Selling Agent for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or other like payment in connection with the offering of the Shares.

 

(ww) There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees of indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the officers or directors of the Company or any of their respective family members. The Company has not directly or indirectly extended or maintained credit, arranged for the extension of credit, or renewed any extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or executive officer of the Company or any of their respective related interests, other than any extensions of credit that ceased to be outstanding prior to the initial filing of the Offering Statement. No transaction has occurred between or among the Company and any of its officers or directors, stockholders, customers, suppliers or any affiliate or affiliates of the foregoing that is required to be described in or filed as an exhibit to the Offering Statement, the Preliminary Offering Circular, the Pricing Disclosure Materials or the Final Offering Circular and is not so described or filed.

 

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(xx) The Company has the power to submit, and pursuant to Section 13 of this Agreement, has legally, validly, effectively and irrevocably submitted, to the personal jurisdiction of each United States federal court with jurisdiction over, and Florida state court located in, Palm Beach County, Florida, U.S.A. (each, a “Florida Court”).

 

4. Agreements of the Company

 

(a) The Offering Statement has become qualified, and the Company will file the Final Offering Circular, subject to the prior approval of the Selling Agent, pursuant to Rule 253 and Regulation A, within the prescribed time period and will provide a copy of such filing to the Selling Agent promptly following such filing.

 

(b) The Company will not, during such period as the Final Offering Circular would be required by law to be delivered in connection with sales of the Shares by an underwriter or dealer in connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement (whether physically or through compliance with Rules 251 and 254 under the Act or any similar rule(s)), file any amendment or supplement to the Offering Statement or the Final Offering Circular unless a copy thereof shall first have been submitted to the Selling Agent within a reasonable period of time prior to the filing thereof and the Selling Agent shall not have reasonably objected thereto in good faith.

 

(c) The Company will notify the Selling Agent promptly, and will, if requested, confirm such notification in writing: (1) when any amendment to the Offering Statement is filed; (2) of any request by the Commission for any amendments to the Offering Statement or any amendment or supplements to the Final Offering Circular or for additional information; (3) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order preventing or suspending the qualification of the Offering Statement or the Final Offering Circular, or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or the threat thereof; (4) of becoming aware of the occurrence of any event that in the judgment of the Company makes any statement made in the Offering Statement, the Preliminary Offering Circular, the Pricing Disclosure Materials or the Final Offering Circular untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials or the Final Offering Circular in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading; and (5) of receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to any suspension of the qualification or exemption from registration of the Shares for offer and sale in any jurisdiction. If at any time the Commission shall issue any order suspending the qualification of the Offering Statement in connection with the offering contemplated hereby or in connection with sales of Class B Common Stock pursuant to market making activities by the Selling Agent, the Company will make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible moment. If the Company has omitted any information from the Offering Statement, it will use its best efforts to comply with the provisions of and make all requisite filings with the Commission pursuant to Regulation A, the Act and the Rules and Regulations and to notify the Selling Agent promptly of all such filings.

 

(d) If, at any time when the Final Offering Circular relating to the Shares is required to be delivered under the Act, the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of any event as a result of which the Final Offering Circular, as then amended or supplemented, would, in the reasonable judgment of counsel to the Company or counsel to the Selling Agent, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or the Offering Statement, as then amended or supplemented, would, in the reasonable judgment of counsel to the Company or counsel to the Selling Agent, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or if for any other reason it is necessary, in the reasonable judgment of counsel to the Company or counsel to the Selling Agent, at any time to amend or supplement the Final Offering Circular or the Offering Statement to comply with the Act or the Rules and Regulations, the Company will promptly notify the Selling Agent and will promptly prepare and file with the Commission, at the Company’s expense, an amendment to the Offering Statement and/or an amendment or supplement to the Final Offering Circular that corrects such statement and/or omission or effects such compliance and will deliver to the Selling Agent, without charge, such number of copies thereof as the Selling Agent may reasonably request. The Company consents to the use of the Final Offering Circular or any amendment or supplement thereto by the Selling Agent, and the Selling Agent agrees to provide to each Investor, prior to the Closing and, as applicable, any Subsequent Closing, a copy of the Final Offering Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto.

 

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(e) The Company will furnish to the Selling Agent and their counsel, upon request and without charge (a) one conformed copy of the Offering Statement as originally filed with the Commission and each amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, and all exhibits thereto, and (b) so long as an offering circular relating to the Shares is required to be delivered under the Act or the Rules and Regulations, as many copies of each Preliminary Offering Circular or the Final Offering Circular or any amendment or supplement thereto as the Selling Agent may reasonably request in a typeset electronic version.

 

(f) [RESERVED.]

 

(g) [RESERVED.]

 

(h) Prior to the sale of the Shares to the Investors, the Company will cooperate with the Selling Agent and its counsel in connection with the registration or qualification, or exemption therefrom, of the Shares for offer and sale under the state securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Selling Agent may reasonably request; provided, that in no event shall the Company be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.

 

(i) The Company will apply the net proceeds from the offering and sale of the Shares in the manner set forth in the Final Offering Circular under the caption “Use of Proceeds.”

 

(j) The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that the Shares are listed for trading on NYSE upon approval of the listing application filed with NYSE.

 

(k) The Company will not at any time, directly or indirectly, take any action intended, or which might reasonably be expected, to cause or result in, or which will constitute, stabilization of the price of the Shares to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Shares.

 

(l) The Company has caused each of its directors and executive officers (each, a “Lock-Up Party” and, collectively, the “Lock-Up Parties”) to deliver to the Selling Agent an executed Lock-Up Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Lock-Up Agreement”), prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

5. Representations and Warranties of the Selling Agent; Agreements of the Selling Agent. The Selling Agent hereby represents and warrants and covenants to the Company that, as of the date hereof (or, as applicable with respect to a representation or warranty set forth in this Section 5, as of such other date as may be expressly set forth therein):

 

(a) The Selling Agent is duly organized and validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Selling Agent has full power and authority to conduct all the activities conducted by it, to own and lease all the assets owned and leased by it and to conduct its business as presently conducted, and the Selling Agent is duly licensed or qualified to do business and in good standing as a foreign organization in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the activities conducted by it or the character of the assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except, in each case, where the failure to have such power or authority or be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially impair the Selling Agent’s ability to timely perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Escrow Agreements.

 

(b) The Selling Agent has full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Escrow Agreements and perform the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement and the Escrow Agreements have each been authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Selling Agent and are each a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Selling Agent enforceable against the Selling Agent in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability and except for limitations on enforceability of indemnity provisions under federal and state laws.

 

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(c) Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated herein (i) will conflict with, or will result in a breach of, any of the terms and provisions of, or has constituted or will constitute a default under any contract or other agreement to which the Selling Agent may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Selling Agent is subject (ii) has resulted in or will result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Selling Agent, or (iii) result in any violation of (1) the provisions of the organizational or governing documents of the Selling Agent, or (2) any statute or any order, rule or regulation applicable to the Selling Agent or of any court or of any federal, state or other regulatory authority or other government body having jurisdiction over the Selling Agent, except in each case with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) only, as would not be reasonably expected to, in the aggregate, materially impair the Selling Agent’s ability to timely perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Escrow Agreements.

 

(d) The Selling Agent agrees that it shall not include any “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433 under the Act) in any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication used or referred to by the Selling Agent without the prior written consent of the Company (any such issuer information with respect to whose use the Company has given its consent, “Permitted Issuer Information”), provided that “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433 under the Act) within the meaning of this Section 5 shall not be deemed to include information prepared by the Selling Agent on the basis of, or derived from, “issuer information”.

 

(e) Neither the Selling Agent nor any Dealer, nor any managing member of the Selling Agent or any Dealer, nor any director or executive officer of the Selling Agent or any Dealer or other officer of the Selling Agent or any Dealer participating in the offering of the Shares is subject to the disqualification provisions of Rule 262 of the Rules and Regulations. No registered representative of the Selling Agent or any Dealer, or any other person being compensated by or through the Selling Agent or any Dealer for the solicitation of Investors, is subject to the disqualification provisions of Rule 262 of the Rules and Regulations.

 

(f) The Selling Agent and each Dealer is a member of FINRA and each of them and their respective employees and representatives have all required licenses and registrations to act under this Agreement, and each shall remain a member or duly licensed, as the case may be, during the Offering.

 

(g) Except for Participating Dealer Agreements, no agreement will be made by the Selling Agent with any person permitting the resale, repurchase or distribution of any Shares purchased by such person.

 

(h) Except as otherwise consented to by the Company, the Selling Agent has not and will not use or distribute any written offering materials other than the Preliminary Offering Circular, Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular, and shall only distribute the most current Offering Circular (whether Preliminary or Final) as of the date of such distribution. The Selling Agent has not and will not use any “broker-dealer use only” materials with members of the public and has not and will not make any unauthorized verbal representations or verbal representations which contradict or are inconsistent with the statements made in the most current Offering Circular (whether Preliminary or Final) as of the date of such verbal representations in connection with offers or sales of the Shares.

 

6. Expenses. The Company shall be responsible for and pay all costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, including but not limited to costs and expenses of or relating to (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the Offering Statement (including each and every amendment thereto) and exhibits thereto, each Preliminary Offering Circular, the Pricing Disclosure Materials, the Final Offering Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto, including all fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel and accountants to the Company, (ii) the preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Shares (if any), (iii) furnishing (including costs of shipping and mailing) such copies of the Offering Statement (including each and every amendment thereto), each Preliminary Offering Circular, the Pricing Disclosure Materials, the Final Offering Circular, and all amendments and supplements thereto, as may be requested for use in connection with the direct placement of the Shares and market making activities of the Selling Agent, (iv) all fees and expenses in connection with listing the Shares on the NYSE including any supplemental listing application, (v) any filings required to be made by the Selling Agent with FINRA, and the fees, disbursements and other charges in connection therewith, and in connection with any required review by FINRA, (vi) the registration or qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions designated pursuant to Section 4(h), including the fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel in connection therewith, and the preparation and printing of preliminary, supplemental and final Blue Sky memoranda, (vii) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to background checks of the Company’s officers and directors, by a background search firm acceptable to the Selling Agent, (viii) the fees of counsel to the Selling Agent in connection with the Offering up to a maximum of $100,000, $25,000 of which was paid on the signing of the initial Selling Agent engagement letter dated May 31, 2024 (as amended to date, the “Engagement Letter”), (ix) all transfer taxes, if any, with respect to the sale and delivery of the Shares by the Company to the Investors, (x) fees and disbursements of the Accountants incurred in delivering the letter(s) described in Section 7(v) of this Agreement, and (xi) the fees and expenses of the Escrow Agents. The $25,000 advance payment fees of counsel of the Selling Agent shall be reimbursed to the Company to the extent not actually incurred, in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(a).

 

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7. Conditions to the Obligations of the Selling Agent. The obligations of the Selling Agent hereunder are subject to the following conditions:

 

(i) (a) No stop order suspending the qualification of the Offering Statement shall have been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose shall be pending or threatened by any securities or other governmental authority (including, without limitation, the Commission), (b) no order suspending the effectiveness of the Offering Statement or the qualification or exemption of the Shares under the securities or Blue Sky laws of any jurisdiction shall be in effect and no proceeding for such purpose shall be pending before, or threatened or contemplated by, any securities or other governmental authority (including, without limitation, the Commission), (c) any request for additional information on the part of the staff of any securities or other governmental authority (including, without limitation, the Commission) shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the staff of the Commission or such authorities and (d) after the date hereof no amendment or supplement to the Offering Statement or the Final Offering Circular shall have been filed unless a copy thereof was first submitted to the Selling Agent and the Selling Agent did not object thereto in good faith, and the Selling Agent shall have received certificates of the Company, dated as of each Closing Date and signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, to the effect of clauses (a), (b) and (c).

 

(ii) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular, (a) there shall not have been a Material Adverse Effect, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, in each case other than as set forth in or contemplated by the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular and (b) the Company shall not have sustained any material loss or interference with its business or properties from fire, explosion, flood or other casualty, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or any court or legislative or other governmental action, order or decree, which is not set forth in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular, if in the reasonable judgment of the Selling Agent any such development makes it impracticable or inadvisable to consummate the sale and delivery of the Shares to Investors as contemplated hereby.

 

(iii) Each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true and correct as of each Closing Date in all respects for those representations and warranties qualified by materiality and in all material respects for those representations and warranties that are not qualified by materiality, as if made on such date, and all covenants and agreements herein contained to be performed on the part of the Company and all conditions herein contained to be fulfilled or complied with by the Company at or prior to such Closing Date shall have been duly performed, fulfilled or complied with in all material respects.

 

(iv) The Selling Agent shall have received (a) an opinion and a negative assurance letter, each dated as of each Closing Date, of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, as corporate counsel to the Company, and (b) an opinion, dated as of each Closing Date, of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., as Florida counsel to the Company, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Selling Agent.

 

(v) At the Closing and at any Subsequent Closing, the Accountants shall have furnished to the Selling Agent a letter, dated the date of its delivery (the “Comfort Letter”), addressed to the Selling Agent, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Selling Agent, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to Selling Agent with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Offering Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Materials and the Final Offering Circular.

 

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(vi) At the Closing and at any Subsequent Closing, there shall be furnished to the Selling Agent a certificate, dated the date of its delivery, signed by each of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Selling Agent, to the effect that each signer has carefully examined the Offering Statement, the Final Offering Circular and the Pricing Disclosure Materials, and that to each of such person’s knowledge:

 

(a) (1) As of the date of each such certificate, (x) the Offering Statement does 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 and (y) neither the Final Offering Circular nor the Pricing Disclosure Materials contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits 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 and (2) no event has occurred as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Final Offering Circular in order to make the statements therein not untrue or misleading in any material respect.

 

(b) Each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement were, when originally made, and are, at the time such certificate is delivered, true and correct in all respects for those representations and warranties qualified by materiality and in all material respects for those representations and warranties that are not qualified by materiality.

 

(c) Each of the covenants required herein to be performed by the Company on or prior to the date of such certificate has been duly, timely and fully performed and each condition herein required to be complied with by the Company on or prior to the delivery of such certificate has been duly, timely and fully complied with.

 

(d) No stop order suspending the qualification of the Offering Statement or of any part thereof has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are contemplated by the Commission.

 

(e) Subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statements in the Offering Statement and in the Final Offering Circular, there has been no Material Adverse Effect.

 

(vii) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Selling Agent such certificates, in addition to those specifically mentioned herein, as the Selling Agent may have reasonably requested as to the accuracy and completeness on any Closing Date of any statement in the Offering Statement, the Preliminary Offering Circular, the Pricing Disclosure Materials or the Final Offering Circular, as to the accuracy on such Closing Date of the representations and warranties of the Company as to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, or as to the fulfillment of the conditions concurrent and precedent to the obligations hereunder of the Selling Agent.

 

(viii) The Selling Agent shall have received an executed Lock-Up Agreement from each Lock-Up Party.

 

(ix) The Shares have been approved for listing upon notice of issuance on the NYSE.

 

(x) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Selling Agent on each Closing Date satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company in its jurisdiction of organization and its good standing as a foreign entity in such other jurisdictions as the Selling Agent may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.

 

(xi) FINRA shall not have raised any objection with respect to the fairness or reasonableness of the plan of distribution, or other arrangements of the transactions, contemplated hereby.

 

(xii) On or after the Applicable Time there shall not have occurred any of the following: (a) a suspension or material limitation in trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., NYSE:MKT or NASDAQ; (b) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities declared by either Federal or New York authorities or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States; (c) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war or (d) the occurrence of any other calamity or crisis or any change in financial, political or economic conditions in the United States or elsewhere, if the effect of any such event specified in clause (c) or (d) in the judgment of the Selling Agent makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or the delivery of the Shares being delivered on any Closing Date on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Final Offering Circular.

 

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8. Indemnification.

 

(i) The Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Selling Agent and each of the Dealers, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents and each person, if any, who controls any Selling  Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each a “Selling Agent Indemnified Party”), from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities, expenses and damages (including any and all investigative, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted (whether or not such Selling Agent Indemnified Party is a party thereto)) to which any of them may become subject under the Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, liabilities, expenses or damages arise out of or are based on (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement made by the Company in Section 3 of this Agreement, (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in (1) any Preliminary Offering Circular, the Offering Statement or the Final Offering Circular or any amendment or supplement thereto, (2) the Pricing Disclosure Materials, or (3) any application or other document, or any amendment or supplement thereto, executed by the Company based upon written information furnished by or on behalf of the Company filed in any jurisdiction in order to qualify the Shares under the securities or Blue Sky laws thereof or filed with the Commission or any securities association or securities exchange (each, an “Application”), or (iii) the omission or alleged omission to state in any Preliminary Offering Circular, the Offering Statement, the Final Offering Circular or the Pricing Disclosure Materials, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any Permitted Issuer Information or any Application 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; providedhowever, that the Company will not be liable to the extent that such loss, claim, liability, expense or damage arises from the sale of the Shares in the Offering to any person or entity and is based solely on an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance on and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Selling Agent Indemnified Party through the Selling Agent expressly for use in the Offering Statement, any Preliminary Offering Circular or the Final Offering Circular, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any Application, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Selling Agent Indemnified Party consists of the information described as such in subsection (ii) below. The indemnification obligations under this Section 8(i) are not exclusive and will be in addition to any liability which the Company might otherwise have and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available at law or in equity to each Selling Agent Indemnified Party.

 

(ii) The Selling Agent will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company against any losses, claims, expenses, damages or liabilities to which the Company may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) (i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement made by the Selling Agent in Section 5 of this Agreement, (ii) arise out of or are based upon any failure or alleged failure of the Selling Agent to pay any compensation to a Dealer or Dealers, (iii) arise out of or are based solely upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Offering Statement, any Preliminary Offering Circular or the Final Offering Circular, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or (iv) arise out of or are based solely upon the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in the Offering Statement, any Preliminary Offering Circular or the Final Offering Circular or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Offering Statement, any Preliminary Offering Circular or the Final Offering Circular, or any amendment or supplement thereto, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Selling Agent Indemnified Party through the Selling Agent expressly for use therein; and will reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred. The Company acknowledges that, for all purposes under this Agreement, the statements set forth in the paragraphs under the caption “Plan of Distribution” in any Preliminary Offering Circular and the Final Offering Circular constitute the only information relating to the Selling Agent furnished in writing to the Company by the Selling Agent expressly for use in the Offering Statement, any Preliminary Offering Circular or the Final Offering Circular. In no event shall the Selling Agent indemnify the Company for any amounts in excess of the fees actually received by Selling Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(iii) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (i) or (ii) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under such subsection. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. No indemnifying party shall, without the written consent of the indemnified party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

 

(iv) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (i) or (ii) above in respect of any losses, claims, expenses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, expenses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Selling Agent on the other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under subsection (iii) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Selling Agent on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, expenses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Selling Agent on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the Offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bears to the Cash Fee received by the Selling Agent. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Selling Agent on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Selling Agent agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (iv) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (iv). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, expenses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (iv) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (iv), the Selling Agent will not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the Cash Fee received by the Selling Agent pursuant to this Agreement. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

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9. Termination.

 

(i) This Agreement may be terminated, at any time prior to the initial Closing Date, by notice to the Company from the Selling Agent, without liability on the part of the Selling Agent to the Company, if, prior to delivery and payment for the Shares, in the sole judgment of the Selling Agent: (a) there has occurred any material adverse change in the securities markets or any event, act or occurrence that has materially disrupted, or in the opinion of the Selling Agent, will in the future materially disrupt, the securities markets or there shall be such a material adverse change in general financial, political or economic conditions or the effect of international conditions on the financial markets in the United States is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Selling Agent, inadvisable or impracticable to market the Shares or enforce contracts for the sale of the Shares; (b) there has occurred any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, including without limitation as a result of terrorist activities, such as to make it, in the judgment of the Selling Agent, inadvisable or impracticable to market the Shares or enforce contracts for the sale of the Shares; (c) trading in the Shares or any securities of the Company has been suspended or materially limited; (d) trading generally on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., NYSE:MKT or NASDAQ has been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required, by any of said exchanges or by such system or by order of the Commission, FINRA, or any other governmental or regulatory authority; (e) a banking moratorium has been declared by any state or Federal authority; or (f) there has been, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Final Offering Circular, any material adverse change in the assets, properties, condition, financial or otherwise, or in the results of operations, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries considered as a whole, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business.

 

(ii) This Agreement may be terminated, at any time prior to the initial Closing Date, by notice to the Company from the Selling Agent, without liability on the part of the Selling Agent to the Company, or by notice to the Selling Agent from the Company, without liability on the part of the Company to the Selling Agent, if, in either case, prior to delivery and payment for the Shares, there has occurred a material breach of this Agreement by the Company or the Selling Agent (as applicable), which breach cannot be cured or is not cured within ten (10) days following written notice to the Company from the Selling Agent or to the Selling Agent from the Company (as applicable) of such breach.

 

(iii) If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section 9, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 6 hereof.

 

10. Notices. Notice given pursuant to any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and, unless otherwise specified, shall be mailed or delivered or electronically transmitted (i) if to the Company, at the office of the Company, Newsmax Inc., 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33487, Attention: Darryle Burnham, with copies to Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, Attention: Ariel Yehezkel or, in the case of electronic mail, to darryleb@newsmax.com, with copies to ayehezkel@sheppardmullin.com, or (ii) if to the Selling Agent, at the office of Digital Offering, LLC, 1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, Attention: Gordon McBean, with copies to Bevilacqua PLLC, 1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, Attention: Lou Bevilacqua, Esq or, in the case of electronic mail, to gmcbean@digitaloffering.com, with copies to lou@bevilacquapllc.com. Any such notice shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

11. Survival. The respective representations, warranties, agreements, covenants, indemnities and other statements of the Company and the Selling Agent set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company, any of its officers or directors, the Selling Agent or any controlling person referred to in Section 8 hereof and (ii) delivery of and payment for the Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the respective agreements, covenants, indemnities and other statements set forth in Sections 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 hereof shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

 

12. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Selling Agent, the Company and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person or entity any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement, or any provisions herein contained, this Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof being intended to be and being for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Selling Agent, the Company and their respective successors and permitted assigns and for the benefit of no other person or entity except that (i) the indemnification and contribution contained in Sections 8(i) and (iv) of this Agreement shall also be for the benefit of the directors, officers, employees and agents of the Selling Agent and any person or persons or entity or entities who control the Selling Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and (ii) the indemnification and contribution contained in Sections 8(ii) and (iv) of this Agreement shall also be for the benefit of the directors of the Company, the officers of the Company who have signed the Offering Statement and any person or persons or entity or entities who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act. No purchaser of Shares shall be deemed a successor because of such purchase. Neither party to this Agreement may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party to this Agreement, and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be deemed null and void ab initio.

 

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13. Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement, and the validity and interpretations of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Florida applicable to agreements made and to be performed in such state (without giving effect to any provisions relating to conflicts of laws). Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in the Florida Courts, and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction (except for proceedings instituted in regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any such court, as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail to such party’s address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Florida Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

The obligations of the Company pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any sum due to the Selling Agent shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than United States dollars, not be discharged until the first business day following receipt by the Selling Agent of any sum adjudged to be so due in such other currency, on which the Selling Agent may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase United States dollars with such other currency. If the United States dollars so purchased are less than the sum originally due to the Selling Agent in United States dollars hereunder, the Company agrees as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Selling Agent against such loss. If the United States dollars so purchased are greater than the sum originally due to the Selling Agent hereunder, the Selling Agent agrees to pay to the Company an amount equal to the excess of the dollars so purchased over the sum originally due to the Selling Agent hereunder.

 

14. Acknowledgement. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Selling Agent is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Company with respect to the offering of Shares contemplated hereby. Additionally, the Selling Agent is not advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether the Selling Agent has advised or is advising the Company on other matters). The Company has conferred with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Selling Agent shall have no responsibility or liability to the Company or any other person with respect thereto. The Selling Agent advises that it and its affiliates are engaged in a broad range of securities and financial services and that it or its affiliates may have business relationships or enter into contractual relationships with purchasers or potential purchasers of the Company’s securities. Any review by the Selling Agent of the Company, the transactions contemplated hereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of the Selling Agent and shall not be on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the Company. The Selling Agent shall disclose to the Company in writing any conflict or potential conflict of interest of the Selling Agent that arises or would be expected to arise in the course of the Selling Agent’s performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise in connection with the Offering.

 

15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Such execution of counterparts may occur by manual signature, electronic signature, facsimile signature, manual signature transmitted by means of facsimile transmission or manual signature contained in an imaged document attached to an email transmission, and any such execution that is not by manual signature shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manual signature.

 

16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Engagement Letter, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties hereto as to the matters covered hereby and supersedes all prior understandings, written or oral, relating to such subject matter.

 

[signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

NEWSMAX INC.

 
 
By:    
Name: Christopher Ruddy  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  
   

DIGITAL OFFERING, LLC

 
 
By:    
Name: Gordon McBean  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

[Signature Page to Selling Agency Agreement]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

[FORM OF SELLING AGENT’S WARRANT AGREEMENT]

 

(See attached.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

 

Digital Offering, LLC

1461 Glenneyre Street, Suite D

Laguna Beach, CA 92651 

  Re: Newsmax Inc. – Lock-Up Agreement

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned, a holder of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), or rights to acquire such Common Stock, of Newsmax Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), understands that Digital Offering, LLC (the “Selling Agent”), proposes to enter into a Selling Agency Agreement (the “Selling Agency Agreement”) with the Company providing for the public offering (the “Public Offering”) of shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (“Class B Common Stock”).

 

To induce the Selling Agent to continue its efforts in connection with the Public Offering, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agrees pursuant to this letter agreement (this “Agreement”) for the benefit of the Company and the Selling Agent that, without the Selling Agent’s prior written consent, the undersigned will not, during the period commencing on the qualification date of the offering circular (the “Offering Circular”) and ending 180 days following the initial closing date of the Public Offering (the “Lock-Up Period”), directly or indirectly (1) offer, pledge, assign, encumber, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, any shares of Common Stock or any securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock owned, either of record or beneficially (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), by the undersigned on the date hereof or hereafter acquired or (2) enter into any swap or other agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly announce an intention to do any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Public Offering is abandoned or does not close by September 30, 2025, the Lock-up Period shall terminate on such date.

 

The foregoing shall not apply to:

 

(i) the registration (but not the sale) of shares of Class B Common Stock pursuant to a resale registration statement expected to be filed on or following the Closing Date;

 

(ii) transactions relating to shares of Common Stock acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering; provided that, no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with such transfer;

 

(iii) (a) exercises of stock options or equity awards granted pursuant to an equity incentive or other plan or warrants to purchase shares of common stock or other securities (including by cashless exercise to the extent permitted by the instruments representing such stock options or warrants so long as such cashless exercise is effected solely by the surrender of outstanding stock options or warrants to the Company and the Company’s cancellation of all or a portion thereof to pay the exercise price), provided that in any such case the securities issued upon exercise shall remain subject to the provisions of this Agreement; (b) transfers of shares of Common Stock or other securities to the Company in connection with the vesting or exercise of any equity awards granted pursuant to an equity incentive or other plan and held by the undersigned to the extent, but only to the extent, as may be necessary to satisfy tax withholding obligations pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive or other plans;

 

(iv) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock pursuant to an order of a court or regulatory agency;

 

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(v) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock as a bona fide gift or in connection with estate planning, including, but not limited to, dispositions to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned and dispositions from any grantor retained annuity trust established for the direct benefit of the undersigned or a member of the immediate family of the undersigned, or by will or intestacy;

 

(vi) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock that occur by operation of law, including any transfer pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order or in connection with a divorce;

 

(vii) (a) any distributions or transfers without consideration of shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock to limited partners, members, stockholders or affiliates of the undersigned, or to any partnership, corporation or limited liability company controlled by the undersigned or by a member of the immediate family of the undersigned; (b) any transfer made in connection with the sale or other bona fide transfer in a single transaction of all or substantially all of the undersigned’s capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other similar equity interests, as the case may be, or all or substantially all of the undersigned’s assets, in any such case not undertaken for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this Agreement;

 

(viii) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b 5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Common Stock, provided that such plan does not provide for the transfer of Common Stock during the Lock-Up Period;

 

(ix) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock to any investment fund or other entity controlled by, or under common control or management with, the undersigned; or

 

(x) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock pursuant to a qualifying bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction made to all holders of Common Stock;

 

provided¸ however, that (a) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (v), (vii)(a) or (ix), each donee, distributee or transferee shall sign and deliver a lock-up letter agreement substantially in the form of this Agreement and (b) in the case of any transaction pursuant to clause (v), (vii)(a), (viii) or (ix), such transaction is not required to be reported during the Lock-Up Period by anyone in any public report or filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise (other than a required filing on Form 5, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G (or 13D/A or 13G/A)) and no such filing shall be made voluntarily during the Lock-Up Period. In addition, the undersigned agrees that, without the Selling Agent’s prior written consent, it will not, during the Lock-Up Period, make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

The undersigned hereby further agrees that, prior to engaging in any transaction or taking any other action that is restricted by the terms of this Agreement during the period from the date of this Agreement to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, it will give notice thereof to the Company and will not consummate such transaction or take such action unless it has received written confirmation from the Company that the Lock-Up Period has expired.

 

In furtherance of the foregoing, (1) the undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the securities described herein against the transfer of any such securities except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions, and (2) the Company, and any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the securities described herein, are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach of this Agreement.

 

2

 

 

If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) the Selling Agent agrees that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Common Stock, the Selling Agent will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company has agreed in the Selling Agency Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by the Selling Agent hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this Agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.

 

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement. The undersigned hereby waives any applicable notice requirement concerning the Company’s intention to file the Offering Statement and sell shares of Common Stock thereunder.

 

The undersigned understands that the Company and the Selling Agent are relying upon this Agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering. The undersigned further understands that this Agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

The undersigned acknowledges that whether or not the Public Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions, that any Public Offering will be made only pursuant to a Selling Agency Agreement the terms of which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Selling Agent and that there is no assurance that the Company and the Selling Agent will enter into a Selling Agency Agreement with respect to the Public Offering or that the Public Offering will be consummated.

 

This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the earliest to occur, if any, of (1) either the Selling Agent, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, advising the other in writing, prior to the execution of the Selling Agency Agreement, that they have determined not to proceed with the Public Offering, (2) termination of the Selling Agency Agreement before the sale of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Selling Agency Agreement, (3) the withdrawal of the Offering Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Public Offering, or (4) September 30, 2025, in the event that the Selling Agency Agreement has not been executed by that date.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

 

[Signature on following page]

 

3

 

 

For Individuals   For Entities
     
     
Name of Individual   Name of Entity
     
     
Signature of Individual   Signature of Authorized Person
     
   
Date   Print Name of Authorized Person
     
     
    Print Title of Authorized Person
     
   
    Date

 

 

[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]

 

 

 

Exhibit 2.1

 

Execution Version

 

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

NEWSMAX, INC.

 

FIRST: The name of this corporation is NEWSMAX INC., a Florida corporation.

 

SECOND: The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Florida is, c/o Cogency Global Inc., 115 North Calhoun Street, Suite 4, Tallahassee, FL 32301. The name of the corporation’s registered agent at such address is Cogency Global Inc. The physical and mailing address of the corporation is: 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33487.

 

THIRD: The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the laws of the State of Florida.

 

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock that the corporation is authorized to issue is (A) 80,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which (i) 20,000 shares have been designated Class A Common Stock and (ii) 60,000 shares have been designated Class B Common Stock and (B) 65,929.44 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001, of which (i) 646 shares have been designated Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 (ii) 1,223 shares have been designated Series A-1 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001, (iii) 2,647 shares have been designated Series A-2 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001, (iv) 1,413.44 shares have been designated Series A-3 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001, and (v) 60,000 shares have been designated as Class B Preferred Stock.

 

The board of directors of the corporation is hereby expressly authorized to provide, out of the unissued shares of preferred stock, for one or more series of preferred stock and, with respect to each such series, to fix the number of shares constituting such series and the voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. The powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional, or other special rights of each series of preferred stock and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding.

 

FIFTH: The name and mailing address of the incorporator are: Darryle Burnham, c/o Newsmax Media, Inc., 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33487.

 

SIXTH: The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, or repeal the bylaws.

 

SEVENTH: The election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of the corporation shall so provide.

 

EIGHTH: No director shall be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty by such director as a director, provided, that, the foregoing provisions of this Eighth Article shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director: (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 628.391 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No amendment to or repeal of this Eighth Article shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the corporation for or with respect to any acts of omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment.

 

NINTH: The corporation shall, to the fullest extent legally permissible under the provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act, as the same may be amended and supplemented, indemnify any person who was or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civi1, 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 or officer of the corporation, against expenses (including attorney’s fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in 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. Such indemnification or advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, Section 607.0850 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those Indemnified may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement or resolution adopted by the board of directors.

 

TENTH: The corporation shall not be governed by or subject to Section 607.0901 of the Florida Business Corporation Act.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the incorporator hereinbefore named, has executed, signed and acknowledged these Articles of Incorporation this 15 day of April, 2024.

 

    /s/ Darryle Burnham
    Darryle Burnham, Incorporator
     

 

 

Exhibit 2.2

 

Execution Version

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS OF
SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
NEWSMAX, INC.

 

 

 

Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the
Florida Business Corporation Act

 

 

 

NEWSMAX, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida (the “Corporation”), certifies that pursuant to authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) by Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to the provisions of Section 607.0602 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, the Board of Directors adopted and approved on April 15, 2024 the following resolution providing for the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of shares known as Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Florida, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in such series and to fix the designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors deems it advisable to, and hereby does, designate a Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and fixes and determines the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions relating to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as follows:

 

Section 1. Designation. The designation of the series of preferred stock of the Corporation is “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A Stock”).

 

Section 2. Number of Shares. The authorized number of shares of Series A Stock is 646.

 

 

 

 

Section 3. Defined Terms and Rules of Construction.

 

(a) Definitions. As used herein with respect to the Series A Stock:

 

Additional Shares of Common Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date, other than (1) the following shares of Common Stock and (2) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options and Convertible Securities (clauses (1) and (2), collectively, “Exempted Securities”):

 

(1) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend or distribution in respect of the Series A Stock;

 

(2) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split, split-up or other distribution on shares of Common Stock;

 

(3) shares of Common Stock or Options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Corporation;

 

(4) shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued upon the exercise of Options or shares of Common Stock issued upon the conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities;

 

(5) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued to banks, equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors, pursuant to a debt financing, equipment leasing or real property leasing transaction;

 

(6) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued to suppliers or third party service providers in connection with the provision of goods or services; or

 

(7) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by the Corporation by merger, purchase of substantially all of the assets or other reorganization or to a joint venture agreement.

 

Board of Directors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Business Day” shall mean a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks in New York City are open for the general transaction of business.

 

Bylaws” shall mean the Bylaws of the Corporation in effect on the date hereof, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

Capital Stock” shall mean any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (in each case however designated) stock issued by the Corporation.

 

Certificate of Designations” shall mean this Certificate of Designations relating to the Series A Stock, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on any Business Day.

 

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Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(d).

 

Conversion Rights” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.

 

Convertible Securities” shall mean any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Extraordinary Transactions” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(h).

 

Junior Stock” shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of Capital Stock that ranks junior to the Series A Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Liquidity Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5(a).

 

Liquidation Preference” shall initially mean $22,500 per share of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Option” shall mean rights, options or warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of Capital Stock or Convertible Securities.

 

Original Issue Date” of each share of Series A Stock shall mean the date on which such share of Series A Stock was issued.

 

Per-Share-Price” shall mean $22,500.

 

Person” or “person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof

 

Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Public Sale” shall mean any sale of Capital Stock to the public pursuant to an offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to the public through a broker, dealer or market maker on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 (if such rule is available) adopted under the Securities Act (or any other similar rule or rules then in effect).

 

Sale of the Corporation” shall mean the sale of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, including in one or more series of related transactions, to an independent third party or group of independent third parties pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (i) Capital Stock of the Corporation constituting a majority of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of voting securities (whether by merger, consolidation or sale or transfer) or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis.

 

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Series A Stock” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.

 

(b) Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein; (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning accorded to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States, applied on a consistent basis; (iii) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (iv) “or” is not exclusive; (v) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command; (vi) “including” means including without limitation; (vii) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; (viii) references to any Section or clause refer to the corresponding Section or clause, respectively, of this Certificate of Designations; (ix) any reference to a day or number of days, unless expressly referred to as a Business Day, shall mean the respective calendar day or number of calendar days; and (x) headings are for convenience of reference only.

 

Section 4. Dividends.

 

(a) Dividend Rate on Series A Stock. Other than as set forth in Section 4(b), holders of the Series A Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends on the Series A Stock at an annual dividend rate per share of five percent (5%) of the Per-Share-Price. Dividends will accrue quarterly and be payable only upon a Liquidity Event (as defined herein). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that a Liquidity Event occurs prior to the end of a quarter, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial quarter.

 

(b) Participation with Dividends on Common Stock. Dividends on the Class A Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of the Common Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution solely in shares of Common Stock for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 6(e) and cash in lieu of fractional shares) unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on each share of the Series A Stock in an amount equal to the assets (whether cash or property) that a holder of a share of Series A Stock would have received had such share been converted into the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which the holder would then be entitled immediately prior to the record date, distribution date or other applicable payment date with respect to such dividend or distribution. Payment of a dividend to the holders of Series A Stock under this clause (b) shall reduce (dollar for dollar) any accrued but unpaid dividends payable under clause (a) above.

 

Section 5.Liquidation Rights.

 

(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Liquidity Event. Upon any Sale of the Corporation, Public Sale, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidity Event”), the holders of the shares of Series A Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Junior Stock, to be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Liquidation Preference and (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities and other property (such securities or other property having a value equal to its fair market value as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors) to be distributed in respect of the Class A Common Stock such holder would have been entitled to receive had it converted such Series A Stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the Liquidity Event. If, upon the Liquidity Event, the assets to be distributed among the holders of Series A Stock shall be insufficient to permit payment in full to the holders of Series A Stock of the Liquidation Preference, then the entire assets of the Corporation shall be distributed ratably among such holders in proportion to the full Liquidation Preference (for holders of Series A Stock) to which they are entitled.

 

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(b) Remaining Assets. Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of Series A Stock shall have been paid in full the Liquidation Preference (for holders of Series A Stock), the remaining assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the Junior Stock then outstanding.

 

(c)Fractional Shares. The Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding fractional share of Series A Stock shall be equal to a ratably proportionate amount of the Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding share of Series A Stock.

 

Section 6.Conversion. The rights of the holders of shares of the Series A Stock and of the Corporation to convert such shares into shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Conversion Rights”), and the terms and conditions of such conversion, shall be as follows:

 

(a)Right to Convert.

 

(i) Each share of Series A Stock shall be convertible, at the option of (A) the holder thereof, at any time after the Original Issue Date or (B) at the option of the Corporation at any time upon the earlier of (x) a Liquidity Event or (y) the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Original Issue Date, in each case, into that number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(b) or (c). In connection with the conversion of shares of the Series A Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor; duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation, and in the case of a conversion at the election of the holder, together with written notice to the Corporation stating that it elects to convert the same and setting forth the name or names in which it wishes the certificate or certificates for the Class A Common Stock to be issued, and the number of shares of Series A Stock being converted.

 

(ii) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after the surrender of the certificate or certificates evidencing shares of Series A Stock for conversion at the office of the Corporation; issue to each holder of such shares, a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which it shall be entitled and, in the event that only a part of the shares evidenced by such certificate or certificates are converted, a certificate evidencing the number of shares of Series A Stock that are not converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the Close of Business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Series A Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such date and shall, with respect to such shares, have only those rights of a holder of Class A Common Stock.

 

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(b) Conversion of Series A Stock by Holder.

 

(i) Each share of Series A Stock (including, for the avoidance of doubt, fractional shares of Series A Stock) shall be convertible at any time after the Original Issue Date, at the option of the holder of record thereof, into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A Stock being converted divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(ii) Except as otherwise determined by the Corporation, no fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A Stock. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

(iii) If a conversion of Series A Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A Stock.

 

(c)Conversion of Series A Stock by the Corporation.

 

(i) At any time on or after the earlier of (A) a Liquidity Event and (B) the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Original Issue Date, the Corporation may elect to convert any or all of the then outstanding shares of Series A Stock into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A Stock being converted divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(ii) No fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A Stock, except as otherwise determined by the Corporation. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

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(iii) If a conversion of Series A Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, a Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or other transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A Stock.

 

(d) Conversion Price. The conversion price per share for the Series A Stock shall initially be equal to $22,500 (the “Conversion Price”) and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 6.

 

(e) Deemed Issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock. If the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall issue any Options or Convertible Securities (excluding Options or Convertible Securities which are themselves Exempted Securities), then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instrument relating thereto, assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, convertibility or exchangeability but without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or, in the case of Convertible Securities and Options therefor, the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, shall be deemed to be Additional Shares of Common Stock issued as of the time of such issue.

 

(f) Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock (including Additional Shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 6(c) above), without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue, then the Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

CP2 = CPl * (A+ B) +(A+ C).

 

For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:

 

CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

CPl” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding immediately prior to such issue or upon conversion or exchange of convertible securities (including the Series A Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);

 

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B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued at a price per share equal to CP1 (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CP1); and

 

C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.

 

(g)Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, or a dividend in Common Stock shall be paid in respect of the Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision or at the record date of such dividend shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such subdivision or immediately after the record date of such dividend, be proportionately reduced, and conversely, if outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased. Any adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 6(g) shall become effective at the Close of Business on the date the subdivision or combination referred to herein becomes effective.

 

(h) Reorganizations, Mergers, Consolidations or Reclassifications. In the event of any capital reorganization, any reclassification of the Capital Stock (other than a change in par value) share exchange, restructuring or the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person in which the Series A Stock remains outstanding (collectively referred to hereinafter as “Extraordinary Transactions”), the holders of the Series A Stock shall thereafter be entitled to receive, and provision shall be made therefor in any agreement relating to an Extraordinary Transaction, upon conversion of the Series A Stock, the kind and number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Corporation, or some other corporation resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger to which a holder of the number of shares of the Class A Common Stock which the Series A Stock entitled the holder thereof to convert to immediately prior to such Extraordinary Transaction would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Extraordinary Transaction; in any such case appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions herein set forth with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of the Series A Stock, to the end that the provisions set forth herein (including the specified changes and other adjustments to the Conversion Price) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any shares, other securities or property thereafter receivable upon conversion of the Series A Stock The provisions of this Section 6(h) shall similarly apply to successive Extraordinary Transactions.

 

(i) Certificate of Adjustment. In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price or the number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities issuable upon conversion of Series A Stock, the Corporation, at its expense, shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with this Certificate of Designations and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment, and shall mail such certificate, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to each registered holder of the Series A Stock at the holder’s address as shown on the Corporation’s books. The certificate shall set forth such adjustment or readjustment, showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a statement of (i) the Conversion Price at the time in effect for the Series A Stock, and (ii) the number of additional shares of Class A Common Stock and the type and amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon conversion of the Series A Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above in this Section 6(i), no certificate setting forth the adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price shall be prepared and sent if the amount of any such adjustment would be an amount less than one percent (1%) of the Conversion Price then in effect, but any such amount shall be carried forward and a certificate shall be prepared and sent with respect to such adjustment at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment that, together with such amount and any other amount or amounts so carried forward, shall aggregate an increase or decrease of one percent (1%) or more.

 

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(j) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series A Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect a conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A Stock, and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A Stock, the Corporation shall promptly seek such corporate action as may; in the opinion of its counsel; be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or such other securities to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

(k) Payment of Transfer Taxes. The Corporation shall pay all stock transfer, documentary, and stamp taxes and (which, for the absence of doubt, shall not include any income or other taxes imposed upon the profits realized by the recipient) that may be imposed in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property upon conversion of shares of Series A Stock: provided that the Corporation shall not pay any taxes or other governmental charges imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Series A Stock so converted were registered.

 

Section 7. Voting Rights.

 

(a) General. Each holder of Series A Stock shall have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of Class A Common Stock on an as- converted basis, and shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall be entitled to vote, together with the holders of Common Stock, with respect to any question upon which the holders of Common Stock have the right to vote, except as may be otherwise provided by applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by law, the holders of Series A Stock and the holders of Common Stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.

 

(b) Series A Stock. On all matters put to a vote to the holders of Common Stock, each holder of shares of Series A Stock shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which such shares of Series A Stock could be converted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 at the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to vote or, if no such record date is established, the date such vote is taken or any written consent of stockholders is solicited.

 

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Section 8.Record Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may deem and treat the record holder of any share of Series A Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 9. Notices.

 

(a) General. All notices or communications in respect of the Series A Stock shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Certificate of Designations, in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or by applicable law or regulation.

 

Section 10.Tax Withholding. The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts paid or distributed with respect to the Series A Stock such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other applicable tax law, with the making of such payment. The Corporation shall timely remit to the appropriate taxing authority any and all amounts so deducted or withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that is will not be required to deduct and withhold, and shall not deduct and withhold, any amount from any payment to the extent that; prior to making such payment, the Corporation has received appropriate documentation establishing an exemption from such withholding tax in the manner required by applicable tax law (which, as of the date hereof, in the case of U.S. federal withholding taxes with respect to a holder that is a U.S. person, shall consist of a properly completed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 establishing such exemption) from the holder of the Series A Stock.

 

Section 11. Replacement Certificates. The Corporation shall replace any mutilated certificate at the holder’s expense upon surrender of that certificate to the Corporation. The Corporation shall replace certificates that become destroyed, stolen or lost at the holder’s expense upon delivery to the Corporation of reasonably satisfactory evidence that the certificate has been destroyed, stolen or lost, together with any indemnity that may be required by the Corporation.

 

Section 12. Other Rights. The shares of Series A Stock shall not have any rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein or in the Certificate of Incorporation or as provided by applicable law and regulation.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation to be duly executed and acknowledged by its undersigned duly authorized officer this 23 day of April, 2024.

 

  NEWSMAX, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 2.3

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF
SERIES A-1 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
NEWSMAX, INC.

_______________________

 

Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the
Florida Business Corporation Act

_______________________

 

NEWSMAX, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida (the “Corporation”), certifies that pursuant to authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) by Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to the provisions of Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, the Board of Directors adopted and approved on April 15, 2024 the following resolution providing for the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of shares known as Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and preferred stock, including the series of shares designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A Stock”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Florida, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in such series and to fix the designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors deems it advisable to, and hereby does, designate a Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock and fixes and determines the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions relating to the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock as follows:

 

Section 1. Designation. The designation of the series of preferred stock of the Corporation is “Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-1 Stock”).

 

Section 2. Number of Shares. The authorized number of shares of Series A-1 Stock is 1,223.

 

Section 3. Defined Terms and Rules of Construction.

 

 

 

(a) Definitions. As used herein with respect to the Series A-1 Stock:

 

Additional Shares of Common Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date, other than (x) the following shares of Common Stock and (y) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options and Convertible Securities (clauses (x) and (y), collectively, “Exempted Securities”):

 

(1) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend or distribution in respect of the Series A Stock and Series A-1 Stock;

 

(2) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split, split-up, subdivision or other distribution on shares of Common Stock;

 

(3) shares of Common Stock or Options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Corporation representing up to 10% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, unless a higher threshold is approved by the Board of Directors, including the director designated by the purchaser of shares of Series A-1 Stock pursuant to the Naples Subscription Agreement;

 

(4) shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued upon the exercise of Options or shares of Common Stock issued upon the conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities outstanding as of the Original Issue Date (other than shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the conversion of all or any part of that certain Convertible Promissory Note issued by the Corporation in favor of Game Creek Holdings, LLC, dated as of February 14, 2019 (the “Promissory Note”));

 

(5) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued in connection with a debt financing transaction or to equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors (other than shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the conversion of all or any part of the Promissory Note);

 

(6) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued to suppliers or third party service providers in connection with the provision of goods or services; or

 

(7) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by the Corporation by merger, purchase of substantially all of the assets or other reorganization.

 

Board of Directors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

Bylaws” shall mean the Bylaws of the Corporation in effect on the date hereof, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

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Certificate of Designation” shall mean this Certificate of Designation relating to the Series A-1 Stock, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on any Business Day.

 

Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(d).

 

Conversion Rights” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.

 

Convertible Securities” shall mean any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Extraordinary Transaction” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(h).

 

IPO” shall mean the initial public offering of capital stock of the Company or any successor thereof.

 

Junior Stock” shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock that ranks junior to the Series A-1 Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Liquidity Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5(a).

 

Liquidation Preference” shall initially mean $20,450.57 per share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock.

 

Naples Subscription Agreement” shall mean that certain Subscription Agreement, by and between the Corporation and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, to be entered into in connection with the filing of this Certificate of Designation.

 

Option” shall mean rights, options or warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock or Convertible Securities.

 

Original Issue Date” shall mean the date on which the first share of Series A-1 Stock was issued.

 

Per-Share-Price” shall mean $20,450.57.

 

Person” or “person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

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Preferred Stock” shall mean the Series A Stock and the Series A-1 Stock.

 

Sale of the Corporation” shall mean the sale of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, including in one or more series of related transactions, to an independent third party or group of independent third parties pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (i) capital stock of the Corporation constituting a majority of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of voting securities (whether by merger, consolidation or sale or transfer) or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis.

 

Series A-1 Stock” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.

 

Series A Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or around the date hereof, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

(b) Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein; (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning accorded to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States, applied on a consistent basis; (iii) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (iv) “or” is not exclusive; (v) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command; (vi) “including” means including without limitation; (vii) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; (viii) references to any Section or clause refer to the corresponding Section or clause, respectively, of this Certificate of Designation; (ix) any reference to a day or number of days, unless expressly referred to as a Business Day, shall mean the respective calendar day or number of calendar days; and (x) headings are for convenience of reference only.

 

Section 4. Dividends.

 

(a) Dividend Rate on Series A-1 Stock. Other than as set forth in Section 4(b), holders of the Series A-1 Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends on the Series A-1 Stock at an annual dividend rate per share of five percent (5%) of the Per-Share-Price. Dividends will accrue quarterly and be payable in cash upon (1) a Liquidity Event (as defined herein) or (2) the conversion of the applicable share(s) of Series A-1 Stock pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6 (unless such dividends are converted pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that a Liquidity Event, conversion or sale occurs prior to the end of a quarter, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial quarter.

 

(b) Participation with Dividends on Common Stock. Dividends on the Series A-1 Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of the Common Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution solely in shares of Common Stock for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 6(e) and cash in lieu of fractional shares) unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on each share of the Series A-1 Stock in an amount equal to the assets (whether cash or property) that a holder of a share of Series A-1 Stock would have received had such share been converted into the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which the holder would then be entitled immediately prior to the record date, distribution date or other applicable payment date with respect to such dividend or distribution. Payment of a dividend to the holders of Series A-1 Stock under this Section 4(b) shall reduce (dollar for dollar) any accrued but unpaid dividends payable under Section 4(a).

 

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Section 5. Liquidation Rights.

 

(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Liquidity Event. Upon any Sale of the Corporation, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidity Event”), the holders of the shares of Series A-1 Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Junior Stock, to be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Liquidation Preference plus any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 and (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities and other property (such securities or other property having a value equal to its fair market value as determined pursuant to Section 5(f)) to be distributed in respect of the Class A Common Stock such holder would have been entitled to receive had it converted such Series A-1 Stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the Liquidity Event; provided that in the event of a Sale of the Corporation, the holders of Series A-1 Stock shall have the right to elect (within five (5) Business Days following delivery by the Corporation of a notice of a Sale of the Corporation) not to receive the cash payment referenced herein and instead continue to hold their Series A-1 Stock following the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation transaction provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A l Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction. If, upon the Liquidity Event, the assets of the Corporation to be distributed among the holders of Series A Stock and Series A-1 Stock shall be insufficient to permit payment in full to such holders the full preferential amount to which they are entitled, then the entire assets of the Corporation shall be distributed in proportion to the preferential amount each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive under this Section 5(a) and Section 5(a) of the Series A Certificate of Designation.

 

(b) Remaining Assets. Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of Series A Stock and Series A-1 Stock shall have been paid in full their full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the remaining assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the Junior Stock then outstanding.

 

(c) Fractional Shares. The Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding fractional share of Series A-1 Stock shall be equal to a ratably proportionate amount of the Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding share of Series A-1 Stock.

 

(d) Allocation of Escrow. If any portion of the consideration payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock in a Liquidity Event is placed into escrow and/or is payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock subject to contingencies, then such consideration that is not placed in escrow and not subject to any contingencies (the “Initial Consideration”) shall be allocated (i) first to pay the amounts payable under Section 5.1(a)(i) in respect to each Series A Stock and Series A-1 Stock that has not been converted or deemed converted prior to or simultaneously with such Liquidity Event (“Unconverted Holders”) and (ii) any additional consideration which becomes payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock, including consideration paid upon release from escrow or satisfaction of contingencies, shall be allocated (1) to the Unconverted Holders, if and only if the Initial Consideration previously paid to the Unconverted Holders was less than the amounts payable to the Unconverted Holders under Section 5.1(a)(i), an amount equal to such shortfall, and then (2) among the other holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Section 5(a) herein and Section 5(a) of the Series A Certificate of Designation after taking into account the previous payment of the Initial Consideration as part of the same transaction. Nothing in this Section 5(d) shall require the distribution to stockholders of anything other than proceeds of such transaction in the event of a merger or consolidation of the Corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent a holder of Series A Stock or Series A-1 Stock (i) has (A) not converted such share(s) into Class A Common Stock and (B) receives the specified amount pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5(a)(i) herein or Section 5(a)(i) of the Series A Certificate of Designation, as applicable, for such share(s), the holder of such Series A Stock or Series A-1 Stock shall not be entitled to receive any additional consideration which becomes payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock, or (ii) converted such share(s) into Class A Common Stock prior to or in connection with such Liquidity Event or otherwise elected to receive payment pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5(a)(ii) herein or Section 5(a)(ii) of the Series A Certificate of Designation, as applicable, for such share(s), such share(s) shall not be entitled to priority with respect to escrows and other contingent payments pursuant to this Section 5(d).

 

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(e) Waiver of Liquidity Event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the treatment of any transaction as a Liquidity Event under Section 5(a) may be waived by the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-1 Stock; provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A-1 Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction.

 

(f) Valuation of Consideration. In the event of a Liquidity Event, if the consideration received by the Corporation is other than cash, its value will be deemed its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as set forth in the definitive agreements governing such Liquidity Event.

 

Section 6. Conversion. The rights of the holders of shares of the Series A-1 Stock and of the Corporation to convert such shares into shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Conversion Rights”), and the terms and conditions of such conversion, shall be as follows:

 

(a) Right to Convert.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-1 Stock shall be convertible (A) at the option of the holder thereof, at any time after the Original Issue Date or (B) automatically upon (x) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-1 Stock, in each case, into that number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(b) or (c). In connection with the conversion of shares of the Series A-1 Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation, and in the case of a conversion at the election of the holder, together with written notice to the Corporation stating that it elects to convert the same and setting forth the name or names in which it wishes the certificate or certificates for the Class A Common Stock to be issued, and the number of shares of Series A-1 Stock being converted.

 

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(2) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after the surrender of the certificate or certificates evidencing shares of Series A-1 Stock for conversion at the office of the Corporation, issue to each holder of such shares, a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which it shall be entitled and, in the event that only a part of the shares evidenced by such certificate or certificates are converted, a certificate evidencing the number of shares of Series A-1 Stock that are not converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the Close of Business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Series A-1 Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such date and shall, with respect to such shares, have only those rights of a holder of Class A Common Stock.

 

(b) Optional Conversion of Series A-1 Stock by Holder.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-1 Stock (including, for the avoidance of doubt, fractional shares of Series A-1 Stock) shall be convertible at anytime after the Original Issue Date, at the option of the holder of record thereof, into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-1 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) Except as otherwise determined by the Corporation, no fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-1 Stock. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-1 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-1 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

(3) If a conversion of Series A-1 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-1 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or similar transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A-1 Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-1 Stock.

 

(c) Mandatory Conversion of Series A-1 Stock.

 

(1) Automatically upon the earlier of (A) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-1 Stock all of the then outstanding shares of Series A-1 Stock shall convert into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-1 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder thereof, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

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(2) No fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-1 Stock, except as otherwise determined by the Corporation. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-1 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-1 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

(3) If a conversion of Series A-1 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, a Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-1 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or other transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A l Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-1 Stock.

 

(d) Conversion Price. The conversion price per share for the Series A-1 Stock shall initially be equal to $20,450.57 (the “Conversion Price”) and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 6.

 

(e) Deemed Issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock. If the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall issue any Options or Convertible Securities (excluding Options or Convertible Securities which are themselves Exempted Securities), then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instrument relating thereto, assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, convertibility or exchangeability but without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or, in the case of Convertible Securities and Options therefor, the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, shall be deemed to be Additional Shares of Common Stock issued as of the time of such issue.

 

(f) Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock (including Additional Shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 6(e) above), without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue, then the Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

CP2 = CPl * (A+ B) ÷ (A+ C).

 

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For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:

 

CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

CP1” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding immediately prior to such issue or upon conversion or exchange of convertible securities (including the Series A-1 Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);

 

B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued at a price per share equal to CPI (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CP1); and

 

C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.

 

(g) Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, or a dividend in Common Stock shall be paid in respect of the Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision or at the record date of such dividend shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such subdivision or immediately after the record date of such dividend, be proportionately reduced, and conversely, if outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased. Any adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 6(g) shall become effective at the Close of Business on the date the subdivision or combination referred to herein becomes effective.

 

(h) Reorganizations, Mergers, Consolidations or Reclassifications. In the event of any capital reorganization, any reclassification of the capital stock (other than a change in par value) share exchange, restructuring or the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person in which the Series A-1 Stock remains outstanding (collectively referred to hereinafter as “Extraordinary Transactions”), the holders of the Series A-1 Stock shall thereafter be entitled to receive, and provision shall be made therefor in any agreement relating to an Extraordinary Transaction, upon conversion of the Series A-1 Stock, the kind and number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Corporation, or some other corporation resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger to which a holder of the number of shares of the Class A Common Stock which the Series A-1 Stock entitled the holder thereof to convert to immediately prior to such Extraordinary Transaction would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Extraordinary Transaction; in any such case appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions herein set forth with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of the Series A-1 Stock, to the end that the provisions set forth herein (including the specified changes and other adjustments to the Conversion Price) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any shares, other securities or property thereafter receivable upon conversion of the Series A-1 Stock. The provisions of this Section 6(h) shall similarly apply to successive Extraordinary Transactions.

 

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(i) Certificate of Adjustment. In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price or the number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities issuable upon conversion of Series A-1 Stock, the Corporation, at its expense, shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with this Certificate of Designation and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment, and shall mail such certificate, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to each registered holder of the Series A-1 Stock at the holder’s address as shown on the Corporation’s books. The certificate shall set forth such adjustment or readjustment, showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a statement of (i) the Conversion Price at the time in effect for the Series A-1 Stock, and (ii) the number of additional shares of Class A Common Stock and the type and amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon conversion of the Series A-1 Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above in this Section 6(i). no certificate setting forth the adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price shall be prepared and sent if the amount of any such adjustment would be an amount less than one percent (1%) of the Conversion Price then in effect, but any such amount shall be carried forward and a certificate shall be prepared and sent with respect to such adjustment at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment that, together with such amount and any other amount or amounts so carried forward, shall aggregate an increase or decrease of one percent (1%) or more.

 

(j) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series A-1 Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect a conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A l Stock, and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A-1 Stock, the Corporation shall promptly seek such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or such other securities to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

(k) Payment of Transfer Taxes. The Corporation shall pay all stock transfer, documentary, and stamp taxes and (which, for the absence of doubt, shall not include any income or other taxes imposed upon the profits realized by the recipient) that may be imposed in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property upon conversion of shares of Series A-1 Stock; provided that the Corporation shall not pay any taxes or other governmental charges imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Series A-1 Stock so converted were registered.

 

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Section 7. Voting Rights.

 

(a) General. Each holder of Series A-1 Stock shall have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of Class A Common Stock on an as-converted basis, and shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall be entitled to vote, together with the holders of Common Stock, with respect to any question upon which the holders of Common Stock have the right to vote, except as may be otherwise provided by applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by law, the holders of Series A-1 Stock and the holders of Common Stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.

 

(b) Series A-1 Stock. On all matters put to a vote to the holders of Common Stock, each holder of shares of Series A-1 Stock shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of Class A-1 Common Stock into which such shares of Series A-1 Stock could be converted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 at the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to vote or, if no such record date is established, the date such vote is taken or any written consent of stockholders is solicited.

 

Section 8. Waiver of Rights. Except as otherwise set forth in this Certificate of Designation, any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Series A-1 Stock set forth herein may be waived (either prospectively or retrospectively) on behalf of all holders of Series A-1 Stock and with respect to all shares of Series A-1 Stock by the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by law) of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A-1 Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.

 

Section 9. Record Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may deem and treat the record holder of any share of Series A-1 Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 10. Notices. All notices or communications in respect of the Series A-1 Stock shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Certificate of Designation, in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or by applicable law or regulation.

 

Section 11. Tax Withholding. The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts paid or distributed with respect to the Series A-1 Stock such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other applicable tax law, with the making of such payment. The Corporation shall timely remit to the appropriate taxing authority any and all amounts so deducted or withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that is will not be required to deduct and withhold, and shall not deduct and withhold, any amount from any payment to the extent that, prior to making such payment, the Corporation has received appropriate documentation establishing an exemption from such withholding tax in the manner required by applicable tax law (which, as of the date hereof, in the case of U.S. federal withholding taxes with respect to a holder that is a U.S. person, shall consist of a properly completed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 establishing such exemption) from the holder of the Series A-1 Stock.

 

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Section 12. Replacement Certificates. The Corporation shall replace any mutilated certificate at the holder’s expense upon surrender of that certificate to the Corporation. The Corporation shall replace certificates that become destroyed, stolen or lost at the holder’s expense upon delivery to the Corporation of reasonably satisfactory evidence that the certificate has been destroyed, stolen or lost, together with any indemnity that may be required by the Corporation.

 

Section 13. Other Rights. The shares of Series A-1 Stock shall not have any rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein or in the Certificate of Incorporation or as provided by applicable law and regulation.

 

* * * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation to be duly executed and acknowledged by its undersigned duly authorized officer this 23rd day of April, 2024.

 

NEWSMAX, INC.
       
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

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Exhibit 2.4

 

Execution Version

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF
SERIES A-2 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
NEWSMAX, INC.

 

 

 

Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the
Florida Business Corporation Act

 

 

 

NEWSMAX, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida (the “Corporation”), certifies that pursuant to authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) by Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to the provisions of Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, the Board of Directors adopted and approved on April 15, 2024 the following resolution providing for the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of shares known as Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and preferred stock, including the series of shares designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A Stock”) and the series of shares designated Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A-1 Stock”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Florida, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in such series and to fix the designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors deems it advisable to, and hereby does, designate a Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock and fixes and determines the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions relating to the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock as follows:

 

Section 1. Designation. The designation of the series of preferred stock of the Corporation is “Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock;” par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-2 Stock”).

 

Section 2. Number of Shares. The authorized number of shares of Series A-2 Stock is 2,647.

 

 

 

 

Section 3. Defined Terms and Rules of Construction.

 

(a) Definitions. As used herein with respect to the Series A-2 Stock:

 

Additional Shares of Common Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock issued (or deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 6(e) below) by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date, other than (x) the following shares of Common Stock and (y) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options convertible into Common Stock and Convertible Securities (clauses (x) and (y), collectively, “Exempted Securities”):

 

(1) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend or distribution in respect of the Series A -2 Stock;

 

(2) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split, split-up, subdivision or other distribution on shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock;

 

(3) shares of Common Stock or Options convertible into Common Stock issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board of Directors representing, in the aggregate, up to 10% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, unless a higher threshold is approved by the Board of Directors;

 

(4) shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued upon the exercise of Options or shares of Common Stock issued upon the conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities outstanding as of the Original Issue Date);

 

(5) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued in connection with a debt financing transaction or to equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors pursuant to transactions approved by the Board of Directors;

 

(6) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued to third party suppliers or third party service providers in connection with the provision of goods or services pursuant to transactions approved by the Board of Directors; or

 

(7) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by the Corporation by merger, purchase of substantially all of the assets or other reorganization approved by the Board of Directors and the holders of a majority of the then issued and outstanding Series A-2 stock.

 

Board of Directors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

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Bylaws” shall mean the Bylaws of the Corporation in effect on the date hereof, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Designation” shall mean this Certificate of Designation relating to the Series A-2 Stock, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Class A Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Class B Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on any Business Day.

 

Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(d).

 

Convertible Securities” shall mean any evidences of indebtedness, shares (including Preferred Stock) or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Extraordinary Transaction” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(h).

 

IPO” shall mean the initial public offering of capital stock of the Corporation or any successor thereof

 

Junior Stock” shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock that ranks junior to the Series A-2 Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Liquidity Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5(a).

 

Liquidation Preference” shall initially mean $18,890.95 per share of Series A-2 Stock. “Option” shall mean rights, options or warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock or Convertible Securities.

 

Original Issue Date” shall mean the date on which the first share of Series A-2 Stock was issued.

 

Per-Share-Price” shall mean $18,890.95.

 

Person” or “person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof

 

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Preferred Stock” shall mean the Series A Stock, the Series A-1 Stock and the Series A-2 Stock.

 

Sale of the Corporation” shall mean the sale of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, (whether structured as a sale of assets, merger, consolidation, lease, exclusive license, transfer or other disposition) including in one or more series of related transactions, to an independent third party or group of independent third parties pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (i) capital stock of the Corporation constituting a majority of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of voting securities (whether by merger, consolidation or sale or transfer) or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis.

 

Series A Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-1 Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-2 Stock” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.

 

Series A-2 Directors” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 7(c).

 

Series A Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or around the date hereof, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Series A-1 Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or around the date hereof, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement” shall mean that certain Series A-2 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 3, 2019, by and among the Corporation, Conyers Investments LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company, and the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

(b) Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein; (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning accorded to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States, applied on a consistent basis; (iii) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (iv) “or” is not exclusive; (v) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command; (vi) “including” means including without limitation; (vii) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; (viii) references to any Section or clause refer to the corresponding Section or clause, respectively, of this Certificate of Designation; (ix) any reference to a day or number of days, unless expressly referred to as a Business Day, shall mean the respective calendar day or number of calendar days; and (x) headings are for convenience of reference only.

 

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Section 4. Dividends.

 

(a) Dividend Rate on Series A-2 Stock. Other than as set forth in Section 4(b), holders of the Series A-2 Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends on the Series A-2 Stock at an annual dividend rate per share of five percent (5%) of the Per-Share-Price. Dividends will accrue quarterly and be payable in cash upon (1) a Liquidity Event (as defined herein) or (2) the conversion of the applicable share(s) of Series A-2 Stock pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6 (unless such dividends are converted pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that a Liquidity Event, conversion or sale occurs prior to the end of a quarter, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial quarter.

 

(b) Participation with Dividends on Common Stock. Dividends on the Series A-2 Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of the Common Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution solely in shares of Common Stock for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 6(e) and cash in lieu of fractional shares) unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on each share of the Series A-2 Stock in an amount equal to the assets (whether cash or property) that a holder of a share of Series A-2 Stock would have received had such share been converted into the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which the holder would then be entitled immediately prior to the record date, distribution date or other applicable payment date with respect to such dividend or distribution. Payment of a dividend to the holders of Series A-2 Stock under this Section4(b) shall reduce (dollar for dollar) any accrued but unpaid dividends payable under Section 4(a).

 

Section 5. Liquidation Rights.

 

(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Liquidity Event. Upon any Sale of the Corporation, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidity Event”), the holders of the shares of Series A-2 Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Junior Stock, to be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Liquidation Preference plus any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 or (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities and other property (such securities or other property having a value equal to its fair market value as determined pursuant to Section 5(e)) to be distributed in respect of the Class A Common Stock such holder would have been entitled to receive had it converted such Series A-2 Stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the Liquidity Even; provided that in the event of a Sale of the Corporation, the holders of Series A-2 Stock shall have the right to elect (within five (5) Business Days following delivery by the Corporation of a notice of a Sale of the Corporation) not to receive the cash payment referenced herein and instead continue to hold their Series A-2 Stock following the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation transaction provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A- 2 Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction. If, upon the Liquidity Event, the assets of the Corporation to be distributed among the holders of Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock and Series A-2 Stock shall be insufficient to permit payment in full to such holders the full preferential amount to which they are entitled, then the entire assets of the Corporation shall be distributed in proportion to the preferential amount each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive under this Section 5(a). Section 5(a) of the Series A Certificate of Designation and Section 5(a) of the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation.

 

(b) Remaining Assets. Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock and Series A-2 Stock shall have been paid in full their full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the remaining assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the Junior Stock then outstanding.

 

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(c) Fractional Shares. The Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding fractional share of Series A-2 Stock shall be equal to a ratably proportionate amount of the Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding share of Series A-2 Stock.

 

(d) Waiver of Liquidity Event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the treatment of any transaction as a Liquidity Event under Section 5(a) may be waived by the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock; provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A-2 Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction.

 

(e) Valuation of Consideration. In the event of a Liquidity Event, if the consideration received by the Corporation is other than cash, its value will be deemed its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as set forth in the definitive agreements governing such Liquidity Event.

 

Section 6. Conversion. The rights of the holders of shares of the Series A-2 Stock and of the Corporation to convert such shares into shares of Class A Common Stock, and the terms and conditions of such conversion, shall be as follows:

 

(a) Right to Convert.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-2 Stock shall be convertible (A) at the option of the holder thereof, at any time after the Original Issue Date or (B) automatically upon (x) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock, in each case, into that number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(b) or (c). In connection with the conversion of shares of the Series A-2 Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation, and in the case of a conversion at the election of the holder, together with written notice to the Corporation stating that it elects to convert the same and setting forth the name or names in which it wishes the certificate or certificates for the Class A Common Stock to be issued, and the number of shares of Series A-2 Stock being converted.

 

(2) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after the surrender of the certificate or certificates evidencing shares of Series A-2 Stock for conversion at the office of the Corporation, issue to each holder of such shares, a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which it shall be entitled and, in the event that only a part of the shares evidenced by such certificate or certificates are converted, a certificate evidencing the number of shares of Series A-2 Stock that are not converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the Close of Business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Series A-2 Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such date and shall, with respect to such shares, have only those rights of a holder of Class A Common Stock.

 

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(b) Optional Conversion of Series A-2 Stock by Holder.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-2 Stock (including, for the avoidance of doubt, fractional shares of Series A-2 Stock) shall be convertible at anytime after the Original Issue Date, at the option of the holder of record thereof, into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-2 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) Except as otherwise determined by the Corporation, no fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-2 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-2 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

(3) If a conversion of Series A-2 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-2 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or similar transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A-2 Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-2 Stock.

 

(c) Mandatory Conversion of Series A-2 Stock.

 

(1) Automatically upon the earlier of (A) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock all of the then outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock shall convert into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-2 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder thereof, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) No fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock, except as otherwise determined by the Corporation. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-2 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-2 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

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(3) If a conversion of Series A-2 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, a Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-2 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof; be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or other transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A- 2 Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-2 Stock.

 

(d) Conversion Price. The conversion price per share for the Series A-2 Stock shall initially be equal to $18,890.95 (the “Conversion Price”) and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 6.

 

(e) Deemed Issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock. If the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall issue any Options or Convertible Securities (excluding Options or Convertible Securities which are themselves Exempted Securities), then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instrument relating thereto, assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, convertibility or exchangeability but without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or, in the case of Convertible Securities and Options therefor, the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, shall be deemed to be Additional Shares of Common Stock issued as of the time of such issue.

 

(f) Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock (including Additional Shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 6(e) above), without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue, then the Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

CP2 = CPl * (A+ B) + (A+ C).

 

For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:

 

CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

CP1” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding immediately prior to such issue or upon conversion or exchange of convertible securities (including the Series A-2 Stock and all the Preferred Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);

 

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B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued at a price per share equal to CPI (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CPI); and

 

C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.

 

(g) Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, or a dividend in Common Stock shall be paid in respect of the Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision or at the record date of such dividend shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such subdivision or immediately after the record date of such dividend, be proportionately reduced, and conversely, if outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased. Any adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 6(g) shall become effective at the Close of Business on the date the subdivision or combination referred to herein becomes effective.

 

(h) Reorganizations, Mergers, Consolidations or Reclassifications. In the event of any capital reorganization, any reclassification of the capital stock (other than a change in par value) share exchange, restructuring or the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person in which the Series A-2 Stock remains outstanding (collectively referred to hereinafter as “Extraordinary Transactions”), the holders of the Series A-2 Stock shall thereafter be entitled to receive; and provision shall be made therefor in any agreement relating to an Extraordinary Transaction, upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock, the kind and number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Corporation, or some other corporation resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger to which a holder of the number of shares of the Class A Common Stock which the Series A-2 Stock entitled the holder thereof to convert to immediately prior to such Extraordinary Transaction would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Extraordinary Transaction; in any such case appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions herein set forth with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of the Series A-2 Stock, to the end that the provisions set forth herein (including the specified changes and other adjustments to the Conversion Price) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any shares, other securities or property thereafter receivable upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock. The provisions of this Section 6(h) shall similarly apply to successive Extraordinary Transactions.

 

(i) Certificate of Adjustment. In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price or the number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities issuable upon conversion of Series A-2 Stock, the Corporation, at its expense, shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with this Certificate of Designation and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment.

 

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(j) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series A-2 Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect a conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A- 2 Stock, and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock, the Corporation shall promptly seek such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or such other securities to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

(k) Payment of Transfer Taxes. The Corporation shall pay all stock transfer, documentary, and stamp taxes and (which, for the absence of doubt, shall not include any income or other taxes imposed upon the profits realized by the recipient) that may be imposed in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property upon conversion of shares of Series A-2 Stock; provided that the Corporation shall not pay any taxes or other governmental charges imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Series A-2 Stock so converted were registered.

 

Section 7. Voting Rights.

 

(a) General. Each holder of Series A-2 Stock shall have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of Class A Common Stock on an as-converted basis, and shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall be entitled to vote, together with the holders of Common Stock, with respect to any question upon which the holders of Common Stock have the right to vote, except as may be otherwise provided by applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by law, the holders of Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock and Series A-2 Stock and the holders of Common Stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.

 

(b) Series A-2 Stock. On all matters put to a vote to the holders of Common Stock, each holder of shares of Series A-2 Stock shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which such shares of Series A-2 Stock could be converted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 at the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to vote or, if no such record date is established, the date such vote is taken or any written consent of stockholders is solicited.

 

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(c) Election of Series A-2 Directors. For so long as at least fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Series A-2 Stock issued pursuant to the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement remain outstanding, in addition to participating in the general election of directors pursuant to Sections 7(a) and 7(b), the holders of record of the majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock (the “Series A-2 Majority Holders”), exclusively and as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors of the Corporation (the “Series A-2 Directors”). Any Series A-2 Director elected as provided in the preceding sentence may be removed with or without cause by, and only by, the affirmative vote of the Series A-2 Majority Holders, given either at a special meeting of such stockholders duly called for that purpose or pursuant to a written consent of such stockholders. If the Series A-2 Majority Holders 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 first sentence of this Section 7(c). then any directorship not so filled shall remain vacant until such time as the Series A-2 Majority Holders 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 the Corporation other than the Series A-2 Majority Holders. At any meeting held for the purpose of electing a Series A-2 Director, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing such director. Any committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall include at least one Series A-2 Director. It is acknowledged and agreed that if the Corporation elects to increase the size of the board of directors to more than seven (7) directors, then the Series A-2 Majority Holders shall have the right to appoint an additional number of directors equal to the whole number (ignoring any fraction) obtained by the following calculation: (a) 2 divided by 7 multiplied by (b) the increased number directors seats approved by the Corporation, minus (c) 2.

 

(d) Series A-2 Stock Protective Provisions. Subject to the last paragraph of this clause (d), for so long as at least fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Series A-2 Stock issued pursuant to the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement remain outstanding, the Corporation shall not, either directly or indirectly by an amendment, merger, consolidation or otherwise, do any of the following without (in addition to any other vote required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, this Certificate of Designation, the Series A Certificate of Designation, or the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation) the written consent or affirmative vote of the Series A-2 Majority Holders (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or conditioned), given in writing or by vote at a meeting, consenting or voting (as the case may be) separately as a class, and any such act or transaction entered into without such consent or vote shall be null and void ab initio, and of no further force or effect:

 

(1) liquidate, dissolve or wind-up the business and affairs of the Corporation, effect any Extraordinary Transaction, or authorize or consent to any of the foregoing;

 

(2) amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Designation, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws in a manner that disproportionally and adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights of a holder or the holders of Series A-2 Stock;

 

(3) reclassify, alter or amend any existing shares of the Corporation issued and outstanding on the date of the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement in respect of the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the payment of dividends or rights of redemption or voting;

 

(4) purchase or redeem (or permit any subsidiary to purchase or redeem) or pay or declare any dividend or make any distribution on, any Common Stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding on the date of the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement; provided, that this restriction shall not apply to the repurchase of Junior Stock held by employees or consultants of the Company upon termination of their employment or services pursuant to agreements providing for such repurchase;

 

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(5) incur, or permit any of its majority-owned subsidiaries to incur, indebtedness for borrowed money if the aggregate indebtedness of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for borrowed money following such action would exceed the higher of$10,000,000 and two times the Company’s consolidated EBITDA for the last fully completed fiscal year, other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course; or

 

(6) issue or obligate itself to issue or sell shares of Series A-2 Stock, other than in connection with any preemptive rights of the stockholders of the Corporation.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Corporation desires to take any of the actions that are subject to the protective provisions set forth in this clause (d), the Corporation shall send a written request for approval of such action to the holders of Series A-2 Stock. If the Series A-2 Majority Holders do not provide a response or approval within ten (10) Business Days of the Corporation’s written request, the Corporation shall send a second written request to the Series A- 2 Stock holders. If the Series A-2 Majority Holders fail to provide a response or approval to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s delivery of the second request, then the consent of the Series A-2 Majority Holders shall no longer be required with respect to that action.

 

Section 8. Waiver of Rights. Except as otherwise set forth in this Certificate of Designation, any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Series A-2 Stock set forth herein may be waived (either prospectively or retrospectively) on behalf of all holders of Series A-2 Stock and with respect to all shares of Series A-2 Stock by the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by law) of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.

 

Section 9. Record Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may deem and treat the record holder of any share of Series A-2 Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 10. Notices. All notices or communications in respect of the Series A-2 Stock shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Certificate of Designation, in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or by applicable law or regulation.

 

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Section 11. Tax Withholding. The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts paid or distributed with respect to the Series A-2 Stock such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other applicable tax law, with the making of such payment The Corporation shall timely remit to the appropriate taxing authority any and all amounts so deducted or withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that is will not be required to deduct and withhold, and shall not deduct and withhold, any amount from any payment to the extent that, prior to making such payment, the Corporation has received appropriate documentation establishing an exemption from such withholding tax in the manner required by applicable tax law (which, as of the date hereof, in the case of U.S. federal withholding taxes with respect to a holder that is a U.S. person, shall consist of a properly completed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 establishing such exemption) from the holder of the Series A-2 Stock.

 

Section 12. Replacement Certificates. The Corporation shall replace any mutilated certificate at the holder’s expense upon surrender of that certificate to the Corporation. The Corporation shall replace certificates that become destroyed, stolen or lost at the holder’s expense upon delivery to the Corporation of reasonably satisfactory evidence that the certificate has been destroyed, stolen or lost, together with any indemnity that may be required by the Corporation.

 

Section 13. Other Rights. The shares of Series A-2 Stock shall not have any rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein or in the Certificate of Incorporation or in the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement or as provided by applicable law and regulation.

 

* * * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation to be duly executed and acknowledged by its undersigned duly authorized officer this 23rd day of April, 2024.

 

  NEWSMAX, INC.
   
  By:

/s/ Christopher Ruddy

    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 2.5

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF
SERIES A-3 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
NEWSMAX, INC.

_______________________

 

Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the
Florida Business Corporation Act

________________________

 

 

NEWSMAX, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida (the “Corporation”), certifies that pursuant to authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) by Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to the provisions of Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, the Board of Directors adopted and approved on April 15, 2024 the following resolution providing for the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of shares known as Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and preferred stock, including the series of shares designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A Stock”), the series of shares designated Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A-1 Stock”) and the series of shares designated Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A-2 Stock”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Florida, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in such series and to fix the designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors deems it advisable to, and hereby does, designate a Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock and fixes and determines the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions relating to the Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock as follows:

 

Section 1. Designation. The designation of the series of preferred stock of the Corporation is “Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-3 Stock”).

 

 

 

 

Section 2. Number of Shares. The authorized number of shares of Series A-3 Stock is 1,413.44.

 

Section 3. Defined Terms and Rules of Construction.

 

(a) Definitions. As used herein with respect to the Series A-3 Stock:

 

Additional Shares of Common Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date, other than (x) the following shares of Common Stock and (y) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options and Convertible Securities (clauses (x) and (y), collectively, “Exempted Securities”):

 

(1) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend or distribution in respect of the Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock and Series A-2 Stock;

 

(2) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split, split-up, subdivision or other distribution on shares of Common Stock;

 

(3) shares of Common Stock or Options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Corporation representing, in the aggregate, up to I0% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, unless a higher threshold is approved by the Board of Directors, including the director designated by the purchaser of shares of Series A-3 Stock pursuant to the Naples Series A- 3 Subscription Agreement;

 

(4) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued in connection with a debt financing transaction or to equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors pursuant to transactions approved by the Board of Directors;

 

(5) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued to third party suppliers or third party service providers in connection with the provision of goods or services pursuant to transactions approved by the Board of Directors; or

 

(6) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by the Corporation by merger, purchase of substantially all of the assets or other reorganization approved by the Board of Directors and the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A-3 Stock.

 

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Board of Directors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

Bylaws” shall mean the Bylaws of the Corporation in effect on the date hereof, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Designation” shall mean this Certificate of Designation relating to the Series A-3 Stock, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on any Business Day.

 

Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(d).

 

Convertible Securities” shall mean any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Extraordinary Transaction” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(h).

 

IPO” shall mean the initial public offering of capital stock of the Corporation or any successor thereof.

 

Junior Stock” shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock (including the Series A-1 Stock and the Series A-2 Stock) that ranks junior to the Series A-3 Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Litigation Preference” shall initially mean $23,619.00 per share of Series A-3 Preferred Stock.

 

Liquidity Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5(a).

 

Naples Series A-3 Subscription Agreement” shall mean that certain Series A-3 Subscription Agreement, dated July 16, 2020, by and between the Corporation and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC (to be entered into in connection with the filing of this Certificate of Designation), as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Option” shall mean rights, options or warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock or Convertible Securities.

 

Original Issue Date” shall mean the date on which the first share of Series A-3 Stock was issued.

 

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Per Share Price” shall mean $23,619.00.

 

Person” or “person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Preferred Stock” shall mean the Series A Stock, the Series A-1 Stock, the Series A-2 Stock and the Series A-3 Stock.

 

Sale of the Corporation” shall mean the sale of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, (whether structured as a sale of assets, merger, consolidation, lease, exclusive license, transfer or other disposition) including in one or more series of related transactions, to an independent third party or group of independent third parties pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (i) capital stock of the Corporation constituting a majority of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of voting securities (whether by merger, consolidation or sale or transfer) or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis.

 

Series A Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or around the date hereof, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Series A Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-1 Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-2 Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-3 Stock” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.

 

Series A-1 Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or around the date hereof, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Series A-2 Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or around the date hereof, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

(b) Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein; (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning accorded to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States, applied on a consistent basis; (iii) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (iv) “or” is not exclusive; (v) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command; (vi) “including” means including without limitation; (vii) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; (viii) references to any Section or clause refer to the corresponding Section or clause, respectively, of this Certificate of Designation; (ix) any reference to a day or number of days, unless expressly referred to as a Business Day, shall mean the respective calendar day or number of calendar days; and (x) headings are for convenience of reference only.

 

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Section 4. Dividends.

 

(a) Dividend Rate on Series A-3 Stock. Other than as set forth in Section 4(b), dividends shall accrue on the Series A-3 Stock at an annual dividend rate per share of five percent (5%) of the Per Share Price. Dividends will accrue quarterly, whether or not declared, and, except as set forth below in Section 5(a), Section 6(b)(l) and Section 6(c)(l), be payable in cash only when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that a Liquidity Event, conversion or sale occurs prior to the end of a quarter, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial quarter.

 

(b) Participation with Dividends on Common Stock. Dividends on the Series A-3 Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of the Junior Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Junior Stock (other than a dividend or distribution solely in shares of Common Stock for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 6(f) and cash in lieu of fractional shares) unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on each share of the Series A-3 Stock in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the amount of accrued but unpaid dividends on a share of Series A-3 Stock, and (ii) the assets (whether cash or property) that a holder of a share of Series A-3 Stock would have received had such share been converted into the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which the holder would then be entitled immediately prior to the record date, distribution date or other applicable payment date with respect to such dividend or distribution. Payment of a dividend to the holders of Series A-3 Stock under this Section 4(b) shall reduce (dollar for dollar but not below zero) any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon determined under Section 4(a).

 

Section 5. Liquidation Rights.

 

(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Liquidity Event. Upon any Sale of the Corporation, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidity Event”), the holders of the shares of Series A-3 Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Junior Stock, to be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Liquidation Preference plus any accrued but unpaid dividends determined pursuant to Section 4 and (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities and other property (such securities or other property having a value equal to its fair market value as determined pursuant to Section 5(f)) to be distributed in respect of the Class A Common Stock such holder would have been entitled to receive had it converted such Series A-3 Stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the Liquidity Event: provided that in the event of a Sale of the Corporation, the holders of Series A-3 Stock shall have the right to elect (within five (5) Business Days following delivery by the Corporation of a notice of a Sale of the Corporation) not to receive the cash payment referenced herein and instead continue to hold their Series A-3 Stock following the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation transaction; provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A-3 Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction. If, upon the Liquidity Event, the assets of the Corporation to be distributed among the holders of Series A-3 Stock shall be insufficient to permit payment in full to such holders the full preferential amount to which they are entitled, then the entire assets of the Corporation shall be distributed in proportion to the preferential amount each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive under this Section 5(a).

 

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(b) Remaining Assets. Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of the Series A-3 Stock shall have been paid in full their full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the remaining assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution shall be distributed among the holders of the Junior Stock then outstanding, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Series A Certificate of Designation, the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation and the Series A-2 Certificate of Designation.

 

(c) Fractional Shares. The Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding fractional share of Series A-3 Stock shall be equal to a ratably proportionate amount of the Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding share of Series A-3 Stock.

 

(d) Allocation of Escrow. Without limiting any similar rights provided in the Certificate of Designations of any Junior Stock, if any portion of the consideration payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock in a Liquidity Event is placed into escrow and/or is payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock subject to contingencies, then such consideration that is not placed in escrow and not subject to any contingencies (the “Initial Consideration”) shall be allocated (i) first to pay the amounts payable under Section 5.1(a)(i) in respect to each share of Series A-3 Stock that has not been converted or deemed converted prior to or simultaneously with such Liquidity Event (“Unconverted Holders”) and (ii) any additional consideration which becomes payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock, including consideration paid upon release from escrow or satisfaction of contingencies, shall be allocated (1) to the Unconverted Holders, if and only if the Initial Consideration previously paid to the Unconverted Holders was less than the amounts payable to the Unconverted Holders under Section 5.1(a)(i), an amount equal to such shortfall, and then (2) among the other holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Section 5(a) herein and in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and the Certificate of Designations for any Junior Stock after taking into account the previous payment of the Initial Consideration as part of the same transaction. Nothing in this Section 5(d) shall require the distribution to stockholders of anything other than proceeds of such transaction in the event of a merger or consolidation of the Corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent a holder of Series A-3 Stock (i) has (A) not converted such share(s) into Class A Common Stock and (B) receives the specified amount pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5(a)(i) herein for such share(s), the holder of such Series A-3 Stock shall not be entitled to receive any additional consideration which becomes payable to the holders of the Corporation’s capital stock, or (ii) converted such share(s) into Class A Common Stock prior to or in connection with such Liquidity Event or otherwise elected to receive payment pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5(a)(ii) herein for such share(s), such share(s) shall not be entitled to priority with respect to escrows and other contingent payments pursuant to this Section 5(d).

 

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(e) Waiver of Liquidity Event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the treatment of any transaction as a Liquidity Event under Section 5(a) may be waived by the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-3 Stock; provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A-3 Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction.

 

(f) Valuation of Consideration. In the event of a Liquidity Event, if the consideration received by the Corporation is other than cash, its value will be deemed its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as set forth in the definitive agreements governing such Liquidity Event.

 

Section 6. Conversion. The rights of the holders of shares of the Series A-3 Stock and of the Corporation to convert such shares into shares of Class A Common Stock, and the terms and conditions of such conversion, shall be as follows:

 

(a) Right to Convert.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-3 Stock shall be convertible (A) at the option of the holder thereof, at any time after the Original Issue Date or (B) automatically upon (x) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-3 Stock, in each case, into that number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(b) or (c). In connection with the conversion of shares of the Series A-3 Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation, and in the case of a conversion at the election of the holder, together with written notice to the Corporation stating that it elects to convert the same and setting forth the name or names in which it wishes the certificate or certificates for the Class A Common Stock to be issued, and the number of shares of Series A-3 Stock being converted.

 

(2) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after the surrender of the certificate or certificates evidencing shares of Series A-3 Stock for conversion at the office of the Corporation, issue to each holder of such shares, a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which it shall be entitled and, in the event that only a part of the shares evidenced by such certificate or certificates are converted, a certificate evidencing the number of shares of Series A-3 Stock that are not converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the Close of Business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Series A-3 Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such date and shall, with respect to such shares, have only those rights of a holder of Class A Common Stock.

 

7

 

 

(b) Optional Conversion of Series A-3 Stock by Holder.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-3 Stock (including, for the avoidance of doubt, fractional shares of Series A-3 Stock) shall be convertible at any time after the Original Issue Date, at the option of the holder of record thereof, into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-3 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder, any accrued but unpaid dividends determined pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) Except as otherwise determined by the Corporation, no fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-3 Stock. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-3 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-3 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

(3) If a conversion of Series A-3 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-3 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or similar transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A-3 Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-3 Stock.

 

(c) Mandatory Conversion of Series A-3 Stock.

 

(1) Automatically upon the earlier of (A) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-3 Stock all of the then outstanding shares of Series A-3 Stock shall convert into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-3 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder thereof, any accrued but unpaid dividends determined pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

8

 

 

(2) No fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-3 Stock, except as otherwise determined by the Corporation. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-3 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-3 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

(3) If a conversion of Series A-3 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, a Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-3 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or other transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A-3 Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-3 Stock.

 

(d) Conversion Price. The conversion price per share for the Series A-3 Stock shall initially be equal to the Per Share Price (the “Conversion Price”) and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 6.

 

(e) Deemed Issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock. If the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall issue any Options or Convertible Securities (excluding Options or Convertible Securities which are themselves Exempted Securities), then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instrument relating thereto, assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, convertibility or exchangeability but without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or, in the case of Convertible Securities and Options therefor, the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, shall be deemed to be Additional Shares of Common Stock issued as of the time of such issue.

 

(f) Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock (including Additional Shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 6(e) above), without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue, then the Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

CP2 =CPI* (A+ B) / (A+ C).

 

9

 

 

For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:

 

CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

CPI” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding immediately prior to such issue or upon conversion or exchange of convertible securities (including the Preferred Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);

 

B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued at a price per share equal to CPI (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CPI); and

 

C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.

 

(g) Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, or a dividend in Common Stock shall be paid in respect of the Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision or at the record date of such dividend shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such subdivision or immediately after the record date of such dividend, be proportionately reduced, and conversely, if outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased. Any adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 6(g) shall become effective at the Close of Business on the date the subdivision or combination referred to herein becomes effective.

 

(h) Reorganizations, Mergers, Consolidations or Reclassifications. In the event of any capital reorganization, any reclassification of the capital stock (other than a change in par value) share exchange, restructuring or the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person in which the Series A-3 Stock remains outstanding (collectively referred to hereinafter as “Extraordinary Transactions”), the holders of the Series A-3 Stock shall thereafter be entitled to receive, and provision shall be made therefor in any agreement relating to an Extraordinary Transaction, upon conversion of the Series A-3 Stock, the kind and number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Corporation, or some other corporation resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger to which a holder of the number of shares of the Class A Common Stock which the Series A-3 Stock entitled the holder thereof to convert to immediately prior to such Extraordinary Transaction would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Extraordinary Transaction; in any such case appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions herein set forth with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of the Series A-3 Stock, to the end that the provisions set forth herein (including the specified changes and other adjustments to the Conversion Price) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any shares, other securities or property thereafter receivable upon conversion of the Series A-3 Stock. The provisions of this Section 6(h) shall similarly apply to successive Extraordinary Transactions.

 

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(i) Certificate of Adjustment. In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price or the number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities issuable upon conversion of Series A-3 Stock, the Corporation, at its expense, shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with this Certificate of Designation and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment, and shall send such certificate by electronic communication to each registered holder of the Series A-3 Stock at the holder’s e-mail address as shown on the Corporation’s books. The certificate shall set forth such adjustment or readjustment, showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a statement of (i) the Conversion Price at the time in effect for the Series A-3 Stock, and (ii) the number of additional shares of Class A Common Stock and the type and amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon conversion of the Series A-3 Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above in this Section 6(i), no certificate setting forth the adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price shall be prepared and sent if the amount of any such adjustment would be an amount less than one percent (1%) of the Conversion Price then in effect, but any such amount shall be carried forward and a certificate shall be prepared and sent with respect to such adjustment at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment that, together with such amount and any other amount or amounts so carried forward, shall aggregate an increase or decrease of one percent (I%) or more.

 

(j) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series A-3 Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect a conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A- 3 Stock, and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A-3 Stock, the Corporation shall promptly seek such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or such other securities to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

(k) Payment of Transfer Taxes. The Corporation shall pay all stock transfer, documentary, and stamp taxes and (which, for the absence of doubt, shall not include any income or other taxes imposed upon the profits realized by the recipient) that may be imposed in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property upon conversion of shares of Series A-3 Stock: provided that the Corporation shall not pay any taxes or other governmental charges imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Series A-3 Stock so converted were registered.

 

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Section 7. Voting Rights.

 

(a) General. Each holder of Series A-3 Stock shall have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of Class A Common Stock on an as converted basis, and shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall be entitled to vote, together with the holders of Common Stock, with respect to any question upon which the holders of Common Stock have the right to vote, except as may be otherwise provided by applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by law, all of the holders of Preferred Stock and all of the holders of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class and not as separate classes.

 

(b) Series A-3 Stock. On all matters put to a vote to the holders of Common Stock, each holder of shares of Series A-3 Stock shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which such shares of Series A-3 Stock could be converted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 at the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to vote or, if no such record date is established, the date such vote is taken or any written consent of stockholders is solicited.

 

(c) Proxy. The voting rights of all Series A-3 Stock issued pursuant to the Naples Series A-3 Subscription Agreement are subject to that certain First Tranche Proxy and that certain Second Tranche Proxy, as defined in and in accordance with the terms of the Naples Series A-3 Subscription Agreement.

 

Section 8. Waiver of Rights. Except as otherwise set forth in this Certificate of Designation, any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Series A-3 Stock set forth herein may be waived (either prospectively or retrospectively) on behalf of all holders of Series A-3 Stock and with respect to all shares of Series A-3 Stock by the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by law) of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A-3 Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.

 

Section 9. Record Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may deem and treat the record holder of any share of Series A-3 Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 10. Notices. All notices or communications in respect of the Series A-3 Stock shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered by electronic communication in compliance with the Florida Business Corporation Act, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Certificate of Designation, in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or by applicable law or regulation.

 

12

 

 

Section 11. Tax Withholding. The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts paid or distributed with respect to the Series A-3 Stock such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other applicable tax law, with the making of such payment. The Corporation shall timely remit to the appropriate taxing authority any and all amounts so deducted or withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that it will not be required to deduct and withhold, and shall not deduct and withhold, any amount from any payment to the extent that, prior to making such payment, the Corporation has received appropriate documentation establishing an exemption from such withholding tax in the manner required by applicable tax law (which, as of the date hereof, in the case of U.S. federal withholding taxes with respect to a holder that is a U.S. person, shall consist of a properly completed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 establishing such exemption) from the holder of the Series A-3 Stock.

 

Section 12. Replacement Certificates. The Corporation shall replace any mutilated certificate at the holder’s expense upon surrender of that certificate to the Corporation. The Corporation shall replace certificates that become destroyed, stolen or lost at the holder’s expense upon delivery to the Corporation of reasonably satisfactory evidence that the certificate has been destroyed, stolen or lost, together with any indemnity that may be required by the Corporation.

 

Section 13. Other Rights. The shares of Series A-3 Stock shall not have any rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein, in the Certificate of Incorporation, in the Naples Series A-3 Subscription Agreement, or as provided by applicable law and regulation.

 

* * * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation to be duly executed and acknowledged by its undersigned duly authorized officer this 23rd day of April, 2024

 

  NEWSMAX, INC.
       
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Newsmax Media, Inc. Series A-3 Certificate of Designation]

 

 

14

 

Exhibit 2.6

 

Execution Version

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF
SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
NEWSMAX, INC.

 

 

 

Pursuant to Section 607.0602 of the
Florida Business Corporation Act

 

 

 

NEWSMAX, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida (the “Corporation”), certifies that pursuant to authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) by Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Florida, the Board of Directors on April 15, 2024 adopted and approved the following resolution providing for the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of shares known as Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), Class B non-voting common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and preferred stock, including the series of shares designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A Stock”), the series of shares designated Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A-1 Stock”), the series of shares designated Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A-2 Stock”) and the series of shares designated Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A-3 Stock”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Florida, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in such series and to fix the designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors deems it advisable to, and hereby does, designate a Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and fixes and determines the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions relating to the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock as follows:

 

Section 1. Designation. The designation of the series of preferred stock of the Corporation is “Series B Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.001 per share (the “Series B Stock”).

 

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Section 2. Number of Shares. The authorized number of shares of Series B Stock is 60,000.

 

Section 3. Defined Terms and Rules of Construction.

 

(a) Definitions. As used herein with respect to the Series B Stock:

 

Additional Shares of Common Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date, other than (x) the following shares of Common Stock listed in clauses (1) through (9) below, and (y) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options and Convertible Securities (clauses (x) and (y), collectively, “Exempted Securities”):

 

(1) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend, conversion or distribution in respect of the Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock, Series A-2 Stock and Series A-3 Stock;

 

(2) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split, split-up, subdivision or other distribution on shares of Common Stock, or in connection with a IPO or Reverse Merger Transaction;

 

(3) shares of Common Stock or Options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Corporation;

 

(4) shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued upon the exercise of options or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities;

 

(5) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued in connection with a debt financing transaction or to equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors pursuant to transactions;

 

(6) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued to third party suppliers or third party service providers in connection with the provision of goods or services pursuant to transactions;

 

(7) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by the Corporation by merger, purchase of substantially all of the assets or other reorganization;

 

(8) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued that in aggregate do not exceed two percent (2%) of the outstanding capital stock of the Company; or

 

(9) shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued in connection with any transaction in which the holders of a majority of the outstanding Series B Stock waive their anti-dilution rights.

 

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Board of Directors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

Bylaws” shall mean the Bylaws of the Corporation in effect on the date hereof, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Designation” shall mean this Certificate of Designation relating to the Series B Stock, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on any Business Day.

 

Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Conversion Price” shall mean $50,740.47; provided, that the Conversion Price for purposes of converting the Series B Stock upon (i) an IPO shall equal 75% of the price per share or deemed price per share sold to the public in such IPO or (ii) the consummation of a Qualified Financing shall be 75% of the price per share sold by the Company in such Qualified Financing.

 

Convertible Securities” shall mean any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Extraordinary Transaction” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(h).

 

IPO” shall mean the initial public offering of capital stock of the Corporation or any successor thereof, including without limitation, a public offering of securities pursuant to Regulation A promulgated under Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a registration statement on a Form 8-A, or a public offering of securities pursuant to the filing of a Form S-1 .

 

Junior Stock” shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock (including the Series A, Series A-1 Stock, Series A-2 Stock and Series A-3 Stock) that ranks junior to the Series B Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Liquidation Preference” shall initially mean $5,000 per share of Series B Preferred Stock.

 

Liquidity Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5(a).

 

Offering” means the offering of Series B Stock commenced by the Corporation on or about the date of the filing of this Certificate of Designation pursuant to which the Corporation endeavored to raise up to $150,000,000 in total proceeds plus $75,000,000 for overallotment issuance.

 

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Option” shall mean rights, options or warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock or Convertible Securities.

 

Original Issue Date” shall mean the date on which the Corporation determines that the financing round in which the Series B Stock were issued pursuant to the Company’s offering under Rule 506(c) has been closed and concluded.

 

Per Share Price” shall mean $5,000.

 

Person” or “person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Preferred Stock” shall mean the Series A Stock, the Series A-1 Stock, the Series A-2 Stock, the Series A-3 Stock and the Series B Stock.

 

Purchase Agreement” shall mean that certain Purchase Agreement, by and among the Corporation and certain purchasers (to be entered into in connection with the filing of this Certificate of Designation on or about the date of this Certificate of Designation), as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Qualified Financing” means a round of equity financing consummated by the Corporation after the Offering in which the Corporation receives aggregate gross proceeds equal to $50,000,000 or more.

 

Qualified Sale” means any Liquidity Event in which the Corporation elects to require the mandatory conversion of the Series B Stock; provided that such conversion will not be used to lower the amount of consideration such holder would have been entitled to receive in such Liquidity Event if a conversion of the Series B Stock was not mandated by the Corporation in connection with such Liquidity Event.

 

Reverse Merger Transaction” means a transaction or series of related transactions by merger, consolidation, share exchange or otherwise of the Corporation with a public company (“Shell”) or special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) or its direct or indirect subsidiary, parent company or successor entity, pursuant to which the shares of capital stock or share capital of such Shell, SPAC or its direct or indirect subsidiary, parent company or successor entity are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market’s National Market, Global Market or Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange or another exchange or marketplace approved by the Board of Directors.

 

Sale of the Corporation” shall mean (i) the sale of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, (whether structured as a sale of assets, merger, consolidation, lease, exclusive license, transfer or other disposition) including in one or more series of related transactions, to an independent third party or group of independent third parties pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (A) capital stock of the Corporation constituting a majority of the Corporation’s voting securities or (B) all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis, or (ii) a Reverse Merger Transaction.

 

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Series A Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or about the date of this Certificate of Designation (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

Series A Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-1 Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or about the date of this Certificate of Designation (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

Series A-1 Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-2 Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or about the date of this Certificate of Designation (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

Series A-2 Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-3 Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on or about the date of this Certificate of Designation (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

Series A-3 Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series B Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.

 

(b) Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein; (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning accorded to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States, applied on a consistent basis; (iii) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (iv) “or” is not exclusive; (v) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command; (vi) “including” means including without limitation; (vii) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; (viii) references to any Section or clause refer to the corresponding Section or clause, respectively, of this Certificate of Designation; (ix) any reference to a day or number of days, unless expressly referred to as a Business Day, shall mean the respective calendar day or number of calendar days; and (x) headings are for convenience of reference only.

 

Section 4. Dividends.

 

(a) Dividend Rate on Series B Stock. Other than as set forth in Section 4(b), dividends shall accrue on the Series B Stock at an annual dividend rate per share of seven percent (7%) of the Per Share Price. Dividends will accrue annually, whether or not declared, and, except as set forth below in Section 5(a), Section 6(b)(1) and Section 6(c)(1), be payable (entirely or partially) in cash only when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that a Liquidity Event, conversion or sale occurs prior to the end of a year, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial year.

 

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(b) Participation with Dividends on Common Stock. Dividends on the Series B Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of the Junior Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Junior Stock (other than a dividend or distribution solely in shares of Common Stock or other Junior Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares) unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on each share of the Series B Stock in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the amount of accrued but unpaid dividends on a share of Series B Stock, and (ii) the assets (whether cash or property) that a holder of a share of Series B Stock would have received had such share been converted into the number of shares of Class B Common Stock to which the holder would then be entitled immediately prior to the record date, distribution date or other applicable payment date with respect to such dividend or distribution. Payment of a dividend to the holders of Series B Stock under this Section 4(b) shall reduce (dollar for dollar but not below zero) any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon determined under Section 4(a).

 

Section 5. Liquidation Rights.

 

(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Liquidity Event. Upon any Sale of the Corporation, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidity Event”), the holders of the shares of Series B Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Junior Stock, to be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Liquidation Preference plus any accrued but unpaid dividends determined pursuant to Section 4 and (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities and other property (such securities or other property having a value equal to its fair market value as determined pursuant to Section 5(d)) to be distributed in respect of the Class B Common Stock such holder would have been entitled to receive had it converted such Series B Stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the Liquidity Event. If, upon the Liquidity Event, the assets of the Corporation to be distributed among the holders of Series B Stock shall be insufficient to permit payment in full to such holders the full preferential amount to which they are entitled, then the entire assets of the Corporation shall be distributed in proportion to the preferential amount each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive under this Section 5(a). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(a), if the consideration payable to the stockholders of the Corporation in respect to the applicable Liquidity Event (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include any stock-for-stock transaction) consists of non-cash consideration, the holders of the shares of Series B Stock (or, if converted, the holders of the Class B Common Stock issued upon such conversion) shall be entitled to receive stock consideration in lieu of cash consideration.

 

(b) Remaining Assets. Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of the Series B Stock shall have been paid in full their full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the remaining assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution shall be distributed among the holders of the Junior Stock then outstanding, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Series A Certificate of Designation, the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation, the Series A-2 Certificate of Designation and the Series A-3 Certificate of Designation.

 

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(c) Fractional Shares. The Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding fractional share of Series B Stock shall be equal to a ratably proportionate amount of the Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding share of Series B Stock.

 

(d) Valuation of Consideration. In the event of a Liquidity Event, if the consideration received by the Corporation is other than cash, its value will be deemed its fair market value as set forth in the definitive agreements governing such Liquidity Event; or, if the market value is not specified in the definitive agreements governing such Liquidity Event, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Liquidity Event, if the consideration received by the Corporation includes both cash and equity, the holders of the Series B Stock shall not be entitled to receive cash proceeds in lieu of equity proceeds.

 

Section 6. Conversion. The rights of the holders of shares of the Series B Stock and of the Corporation to convert such shares into shares of Class B Common Stock, and the terms and conditions of such conversion, shall be as follows:

 

(a) Right to Convert.

 

(1) Each share of Series B Stock shall be convertible (A) at the option of the holder thereof at any time after the Original Issue Date, or (B) automatically upon (w) an IPO, (x) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Stock, (y) the closing of a Qualified Financing, or (z) the closing of a Qualified Sale, in each case, into that number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class B Common Stock determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(b) or Section 6(c), as applicable. In connection with the conversion of shares of the Series B Stock into shares of Class B Common Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation, and, in the case of a conversion at the election of the holder, deliver a written notice to the Corporation stating that it elects to convert the same and setting forth the name or names in which it wishes the Class B Common Stock to be issued and recorded in the books of the Corporation by the transfer agent of the Corporation, and the number of shares of Series B Stock being converted (a “Conversion Notice”).

 

(2) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a Conversion Notice and the surrender of the certificate or certificates evidencing shares of Series B Stock for conversion at the office of the Corporation, issue to each holder of such shares, and direct the transfer agent of the Corporation to issue and record such issuance in the books of the Corporation. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the Close of Business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Series B Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class B Common Stock at such date and shall, with respect to such shares, have only those rights of a holder of Class B Common Stock.

 

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(b) Optional Conversion of Series B Stock by Holder.

 

(1) Each share of Series B Stock (including, for the avoidance of doubt, fractional shares of Series B Stock) shall be convertible at any time after the Original Issue Date, at the option of the holder of record thereof, into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series B Stock being converted plus any accrued but unpaid dividends determined pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) If a conversion of Series B Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series B Stock shall be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or similar transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series B Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series B Stock.

 

(c) Mandatory Conversion of Series B Stock.

 

(1) Automatically upon the earlier of (A) an IPO, (B) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Stock, (C) the closing of a Qualified Financing, or (D) the closing of a Qualified Sale, all of the then outstanding shares of Series B Stock shall convert into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series B Stock being converted plus any accrued but unpaid dividends determined pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) If a conversion of Series B Stock is to be made in connection with a transaction specified in this clause (c), the conversion of any shares of Series B Stock may be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series B Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series B Stock.

 

(d) Conversion Price. The Conversion Price (other than the conversion prices referenced in the proviso of the Conversion Price definition) shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 6.

 

(e) Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock, without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue, then the Conversion Price (other than the conversion prices referenced in the proviso of the Conversion Price definition) shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

CP2 = CP1* (A + B) ÷ (A + C).

 

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For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:

 

CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

CP1” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding immediately prior to such issue or upon conversion or exchange of convertible securities (including the Preferred Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);

 

B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued at a price per share equal to CP1 (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CP1); and

 

C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.

 

(f) Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, or a dividend in Common Stock shall be paid in respect of the Common Stock, the Conversion Price (other than the conversion prices referenced in the proviso of the Conversion Price definition) in effect immediately prior to such subdivision or at the record date of such dividend shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such subdivision or immediately after the record date of such dividend, be proportionately reduced, and conversely, if outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price (other than the conversion prices referenced in the proviso of the Conversion Price definition) in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased. Any adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 6(g) shall become effective at the Close of Business on the date the subdivision or combination referred to herein becomes effective.

 

(g) Reorganizations, Mergers, Consolidations or Reclassifications. In the event of any capital reorganization, any reclassification of the capital stock (other than a change in par value), share exchange, restructuring or the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person in which the Series B Stock remains outstanding (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not including a Reverse Merger Transaction or any reorganization or reclassification in connection therewith) (collectively referred to hereinafter as “Extraordinary Transactions”), the holders of the Series B Stock shall thereafter be entitled to receive, and provision shall be made therefor in any agreement relating to an Extraordinary Transaction, upon conversion of the Series B Stock, the kind and number of shares of Class B Common Stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Corporation, or some other corporation resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger to which a holder of the number of shares of the Class B Common Stock which the Series B Stock entitled the holder thereof to convert to immediately prior to such Extraordinary Transaction would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Extraordinary Transaction; in any such case appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions herein set forth with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of the Series B Stock, to the end that the provisions set forth herein (including the specified changes and other adjustments to the Conversion Price) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any shares, other securities or property thereafter receivable upon conversion of the Series B Stock. The provisions of this Section 6(h) shall similarly apply to successive Extraordinary Transactions.

 

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(h) Certificate of Adjustment. In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price (other than the conversion prices referenced in the proviso of the Conversion Price definition) or the number of shares of Class B Common Stock or other securities issuable upon conversion of Series B Stock, the Corporation, at its expense, shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with this Certificate of Designation and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment, and shall, upon receiving a written request from a registered holder of the Series B Stock, send such certificate by electronic communication to each registered holder of the Series B Stock at the holder’s e-mail address as shown on the Corporation’s books. The certificate shall set forth such adjustment or readjustment, showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a statement of (i) the Conversion Price at the time in effect for the Series B Stock, and (ii) the number of additional shares of Class B Common Stock and the type and amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon conversion of the Series B Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above in this Section 6(i), no certificate setting forth the adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price shall be prepared and sent if the amount of any such adjustment would be an amount less than one percent (1%) of the Conversion Price then in effect, but any such amount shall be carried forward and a certificate shall be prepared and sent (upon request) with respect to such adjustment at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment that, together with such amount and any other amount or amounts so carried forward, shall aggregate an increase or decrease of one percent (1%) or more.

 

(i) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series B Stock, such number of shares of Class B Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect a conversion of all outstanding shares of Series B Stock, and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series B Stock, the Corporation shall promptly seek such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock or such other securities to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

(j) Payment of Transfer Taxes. The Corporation shall pay all stock transfer, documentary, and stamp taxes and (which, for the absence of doubt, shall not include any income or other taxes imposed upon the profits realized by the recipient) that may be imposed in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Class B Common Stock or other securities or property upon conversion of shares of Series B Stock; provided that the Corporation shall not pay any taxes or other governmental charges imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Class B Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Series B Stock so converted were registered.

 

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Section 7. No Voting Rights. The Series B Stock shall have no voting rights.

 

Section 8. Waiver of Rights. Except as otherwise set forth in this Certificate of Designation, any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Series B Stock set forth herein may be waived (either prospectively or retrospectively) on behalf of all holders of Series B Stock and with respect to all shares of Series B Stock by the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by law) of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series B Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.

 

Section 9. Record Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may deem and treat the record holder of any share of Series B Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 10. Notices. All notices or communications in respect of the Series B Stock shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered by electronic communication in compliance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Certificate of Designation, in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or by applicable law or regulation.

 

Section 11. Tax Withholding. The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts paid or distributed with respect to the Series B Stock such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other applicable tax law, with the making of such payment. The Corporation shall timely remit to the appropriate taxing authority any and all amounts so deducted or withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that it will not be required to deduct and withhold, and shall not deduct and withhold, any amount from any payment to the extent that, prior to making such payment, the Corporation has received appropriate documentation from the holder of the Series B Stock establishing an exemption from such withholding tax in the manner required by applicable tax law.

 

Section 12. Other Rights. The shares of Series B Stock shall not have any rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein, in the Certificate of Incorporation, the Purchase Agreement, or as provided by applicable law and regulation.

 

*   *   *   *   *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation to be duly executed and acknowledged by its undersigned duly authorized officer this 26 day of April, 2024.

 

  NEWSMAX, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 2.7

 

Final Version

 

 

 

 

 

 

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

NEWSMAX, INC.

 

(A FLORIDA CORPORATION)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWSMAX, INC.

 

BY LAWS

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
Number
ARTICLE I OFFICES 1
Section 1.1 Registered Office 1
Section 1.2 Other Offices 1
     
ARTICLE II MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS 1
Section 2.1 Place 1
Section 2.2 Time of Annual Meeting 1
Section 2.3 Call of Special Meetings 1
Section 2.4 Conduct of Meetings 1
Section 2.5 Notice and Waiver of Notice 2
Section 2.6 Business of Special Meeting 2
Section 2.7 Quorum 2
Section 2.8 Voting Per Share 3
Section 2.9 Voting of Shares 3
Section 2.10 Manner of Action 4
Section 2.11 Proxies 4
Section 2.12 Stockholder List 4
Section 2.13 Action Without Meeting 5
Section 2.14 Fixing Record Date 5
Section 2.15 Inspectors and Judges 5
Section 2.16 Voting for Directors 6
Section 2.17 Stockholders’ Agreements 6
     
ARTICLE III DIRECTORS 6
Section 3.1 Number, Election and Term 6
Section 3.2 Resignation; Removal; Vacancies 6
Section 3.3 Powers 6
Section 3.4 Place of Meetings 6
Section 3.5 Annual Meeting 7
Section 3.6 Regular Meetings 7
Section 3.7 Special Meetings and Notice 7
Section 3.8 Quorum; Required Vote; Presumption of Assent 7
Section 3.9 Action Without Meeting 7
Section 3.10 Conference Telephone or Similar Communications Equipment Meetings 8
Section 3.11 Committees 8
Section 3.12 Compensation of Directors 8
Section 3.13 Chairperson of the Board 8

 

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ARTICLE IV OFFICERS 8
Section 4.1 Positions; Election; Term 8
Section 4.2 Salaries 9
Section 4.3 Resignation; Vacancies 9
Section 4.4 President 9
Section 4.5 Secretary 9
Section 4.6 Treasurer 9
Section 4.7 Vice President 9
Section 4.8 Chief Executive Officer 9
Section 4.9 Chief Financial Officer 10
Section 4.10 Chief Operating Officer 10
Section 4.11 Other Officers, Employees and Agents 10
Section 4.12 Removal of Officers 10
     
ARTICLE V CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES 10
Section 5.1 Issue of Certificates 10
Section 5.2 Legends for Preferences and Restrictions on Transfer 10
Section 5.3 Electronic Signatures 11
Section 5.4 Lost Certificates 11
Section 5.5 Transfer of Shares 11
Section 5.6 Registered Stockholders 11
     
ARTICLE VI GENERAL PROVISIONS 11
Section 6.1 Dividends 11
Section 6.2 Reserves 12
Section 6.3 Checks 12
Section 6.4 Fiscal Year 12
Section 6.5 Seal 12
Section 6.6 Gender 12
     
ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION 12
   
ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS 12

 

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NEWSMAX, INC.

 

BYLAWS

 

Article I

 

OFFICES

 

Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of NEWSMAX, INC., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), shall be located in the State of Florida, unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Company may also have offices at such other places, either within or without the State of Florida, as the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board of Directors”) may determine from time to time or as the business of the Company may require.

 

Article II

 

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 2.1 Place. All annual meetings of stockholders shall be held at such place, within or without the State of Florida, as may be designated by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof. Special meetings of stockholders may be held at such place, within or without the State of Florida, and at such time as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

 

Section 2.2 Time of Annual Meeting. Annual meetings of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time fixed, from time to time, by the Board of Directors, provided that there shall be an annual meeting held every year at which the stockholders shall elect a Board of Directors and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

 

Section 2.3 Call of Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders shall be held if called by the Board of Directors, the President, or if the holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of all the votes entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be considered at the proposed special meeting sign, date, and deliver to the Secretary one or more written demands for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held.

 

Section 2.4 Conduct of Meetings. The Chairperson of the Board (or in his or her absence, the President or such other designee of the Chairperson of the Board) shall preside at the annual and special meetings of stockholders and shall be given full discretion in establishing the rules and procedures to be followed in conducting the meetings, except as otherwise provided by law or in these Bylaws.

 

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Section 2.5 Notice and Waiver of Notice. Except as otherwise provided by law, written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the day of the meeting, either personally or by first-class mail, by or at the direction of the President, the Secretary, or the officer or person calling the meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If the notice is mailed at least thirty (30) days before the date of the meeting, it may be done by a class of United States mail other than first-class. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at his, her or its address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, notice of meetings may be given to stockholders by means of electronic transmission in accordance with applicable law. If a meeting is adjourned to another time and/or place, and if an announcement of the adjourned time and/or place is made at the meeting, it shall not be necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting unless the Board of Directors, after adjournment, fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether signed before, during or after the time of the meeting stated therein, and delivered to the Company for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of (a) lack of or defective notice of such meeting, unless the person objects at the beginning to the holding of the meeting or the transacting of any business at the meeting, or (b) lack of defective notice of a particular matter at a meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the person objects to considering such matter when it is presented.

 

Section 2.6 Business of Special Meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting shall be confined to the purposes stated in the notice thereof.

 

Section 2.7 Quorum. A majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders. If less than a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are represented at a meeting, a majority of the shares so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. After a quorum has been established at any stockholders’ meeting, the subsequent withdrawal of stockholders, so as to reduce the number of shares entitled to vote at the meeting below the number required for a quorum, shall not affect the validity of any action taken at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting unless a new record date is or must be set for that adjourned meeting.

 

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Section 2.8 Voting Per Share. Each outstanding share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, each outstanding share of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, each outstanding share of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and each outstanding share of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company (or submitted for action by the stockholders by written consent without a meeting), as subject to adjustment pursuant to the Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, the Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, the Certificate of Designation of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, and the Certificate of Designation of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, respectively, each as may be amended from time to time (collectively, the “Certificates of Designation”). Each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company (or submitted for action by the stockholders by written consent without a meeting). Except as otherwise required by law or as set forth in the Certificates of Designation, the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock and holders of Class A Common Stock shall vote together as a single class. Only shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock and Class A Common Stock have the right and power to vote or take any action by written consent. Each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is non-voting and has no right or power to vote or to take action by written consent.

 

Section 2.9 Voting of Shares. Stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders of the Company may vote either in person or by proxy.

 

Shares standing in the name of another corporation, domestic or foreign, may be voted by the officer, agent or proxy designated by the bylaws of the corporate stockholder or, in the absence of any applicable bylaw, by a person or persons designated by the board of directors of the corporate stockholder. In the absence of any such designation or, in the case of conflicting designations by the corporate stockholder, the chairperson of the board, the president, any vice president, the secretary and the treasurer of the corporate stockholder, in that order, shall be presumed to be fully authorized to vote the shares.

 

Shares held by an administrator, executor, guardian, personal representative, or conservator may be voted by him or it, either in person or by proxy, without a transfer of such shares into his or its name. Shares standing in the name of a trustee may be voted by him or it, either in person or by proxy, but no trustee shall be entitled to vote shares held by him or it without a transfer of such shares into his, her or its name or the name of his or its nominee.

 

Shares held by or under the control of a receiver, a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings, or an assignee for the benefit of creditors may be voted by such person without the transfer into his, her, or its name.

 

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If shares stand of record in the names of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety or otherwise, or if two or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary of the Company is given notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, then acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect: (a) if only one votes, in person or by proxy, that act binds all; (b) if more than one vote, in person or by proxy, the act of the majority so voting binds all; (c) if more than one votes, in person or by proxy, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction is entitled to vote the share or shares in question proportionately; or (d) if the instrument or order so filed shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interest, a majority or a vote evenly split for purposes hereof shall be a majority or a vote evenly split in interest. The principles of this paragraph shall apply, insofar as possible, to execution of proxies, waivers, consents, or objections and for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of a quorum.

 

Section 2.10 Manner of Action. If a quorum is present, action on a matter (other than the election of directors) is approved if the votes cast favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, unless a greater or lesser number of affirmative votes is required by the Articles of Incorporation or by laws.

 

Section 2.11 Proxies. Any stockholder of the Company, other person entitled to vote on behalf of a stockholder pursuant to law, or attorney-in-fact for such persons may vote the stockholder’s shares in person or by proxy. Any stockholder of the Company may appoint a proxy to vote or otherwise act for him or it by signing an appointment form, either personally or by his or its attorney-in- fact. An electronic, photographic, photostatic, portable document format (.pdf) or equivalent reproduction of an appointment form, shall be deemed a sufficient appointment form.

 

An appointment of a proxy is effective when received by the Secretary of the Company or such other officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes, and shall be valid for up to 3 years, unless a longer period is expressly provided in the appointment form.

 

The death or incapacity of the stockholder appointing a proxy does not affect the right of the Company to accept the proxy’s authority unless notice of the death or incapacity is received by the secretary or other officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes before the proxy exercises his or its authority under the appointment.

 

An appointment of a proxy is revocable by the stockholder unless the appointment is coupled with an interest.

 

Section 2.12 Stockholder List. After fixing a record date for a meeting of stockholders, the Company shall prepare an alphabetical list of the names of all its stockholders who are entitled to notice of the meeting, arranged by voting group with the address of each, and the number and class and series, if any, of shares held by each. The stockholders’ list must be available for inspection by any stockholder for a period of ten (10) days prior to the meeting or such shorter time as exists between the record date and the meeting and continuing through the meeting at the Company’s principal office, at a place identified in the meeting notice in the city where the meeting will be held, or at the office of the Company’s transfer agent or registrar. Any stockholder of the Company or his, her or its agent or attorney is entitled on written demand to inspect the stockholders’ list (subject to the requirements of law), during regular business hours and at his, her or its expense, during the period it is available for inspection. The Company shall make the stockholders’ list available at the meeting of stockholders, and any stockholder or his, her or its agent or attorney is entitled to inspect the list at any time during the meeting or any adjournment.

 

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Section 2.13 Action Without Meeting. Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of stockholders, or any action that may be taken at a meeting of stockholders, may be taken without a meeting or notice 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 or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted with respect to the subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a vote of stockholders taken at such a meeting.

 

Section 2.14 Fixing Record Date. For the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purposes, the Board of Directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of stockholders, such date in any case to be not more than sixty (60) days, and, in case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten (10) days, prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such determination of stockholders is to be taken. If no record date is fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders, or stockholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the date on which the notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolutions of the Board of Directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of stockholders. When a determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been made as provided in this Section 14, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, except where the Board of Directors fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting or as required by law.

 

Section 2.15 Inspectors and Judges. The Board of Directors in advance of any meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors of election or judges of the vote, as the case may be, to act at the meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof. If any inspector or inspectors, or judge or judges, are not appointed, the person presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors or judges. In case any person who may be appointed as an inspector or judge fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors in advance of the meeting, or at the meeting by the person presiding thereat. The inspectors or judges, if any, shall determine the number of shares of stock outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares of stock represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots and consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate votes, ballots and consents, determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the person presiding at the meeting, the inspector or inspectors or judge or judges, if any, shall make a report in writing of any challenge, question or matter determined by him or them, and execute a certificate of any fact found by him or them.

 

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Section 2.16 Voting for Directors. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or the Certificates of Designation, directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

 

Section 2.17 Stockholders’ Agreements. Two or more stockholders of the Company may provide for the manner in which they will vote their shares by signing an agreement for that purpose, subject to the applicable requirements of the Florida Business Corporation Act (“FBCA”).

 

Article III

 

DIRECTORS

 

Section 3.1 Number, Election and Term. The Board of Directors shall initially have three (3) directors. The number of directors may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (“Majority-in-Interest”), but no decrease shall have the effect of shortening the terms of any incumbent directors.

 

Each member of the Board of Directors shall hold office until a successor is elected and qualified, or until his earlier resignation, removal from office or death. Each director must be a natural person at least eighteen (18) years of age, but need not be a resident of the State of Florida or a stockholder of the Company. Any director may be removed at any time, with or without cause, at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.

 

Section 3.2 Resignation; Removal; Vacancies. A director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Company, the Board of Directors or its Chairperson. The resignation of any director shall take effect when the notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date, in which event the Board of Directors may fill the pending vacancy before the effective date if they provide that the successor does not take office until the effective date.

 

Any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed, with or without cause, by action of the stockholders holding a Majority-in-Interest. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors, including any vacancy created by reason of an increase in the number of directors, may be filled by the affirmative vote of a Majority-in-Interest. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office only until the next election of directors by the stockholders.

 

Section 3.3 Powers. All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed under the direction of, the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.4 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Directors, regular or special, may be held either within or without the State of Florida. If no designation is made, the place of the meeting shall be the principal office of the Company in Florida.

 

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Section 3.5 Annual Meeting. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held, without call or notice, immediately following each annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Section 3.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may also be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.7 Special Meetings and Notice. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairperson of the Board, the President, or any director. Written notice of special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given to each director at least forty-eight (48) hours before the n:ieeting. Except as required by statute, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting. Notices to directors shall be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to the directors at their addresses appearing on the books of the Company. Notice by mail shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be received. Notice to directors may also be given by telegram, cablegram, or other electronic transmission. Notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors need not be given to any director who signs a written waiver of notice before, during or after the meeting. Attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of the meeting and a waiver of any and all objections to the place of the meeting, the time of the meeting and the manner in which it has been called or convened, except when a director states, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon arrival at the meeting, any objection to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

Section 3.8 Quorum; Required Vote; Presumption of Assent. The presence of a majority of the Board of Directors shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that whenever, for any reason, a vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, a quorum shall consist of a majority of the remaining directors until the vacancy has been filled. The act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present when the vote is taken shall be the act of the Board of Directors. A director of the Company who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors when corporate action is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken, unless he or she objects at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly upon his or her arrival, to holding the meeting or transacting specific business at the meeting, or he or she votes against or abstains from the action taken.

 

Section 3.9 Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action taken, is signed by all of the members of the Board of Directors or the committee, as the case may be, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote at a meeting. Action taken under this section is effective when the last director signs the consent, unless the consent specifies a different effective date. A consent signed under this Section 9 shall have the effect of a meeting vote and may be described as such in any document

 

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Section 3.10 Conference Telephone or Similar Communications Equipment Meetings. Members of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

Section 3.11 Committees. The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the full Board of Directors, may designate from among its members an executive committee and one or more other committees, each of which, to the extent provided in such resolution, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the Board of Directors in the business and affairs of the Company except where the action of the full Board of Directors is required by statute. Each committee must have two or more members who serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted in accordance with this Article Three, may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may act in the place and stead of any absent member or members at any meeting of such committee. Vacancies in the membership of a committee shall be filled by the Board of Directors at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors. The executive committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required. The designation of any such committee and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed upon it, him or her by law.

 

Section 3.12 Compensation of Directors. Each director or member of a committee of the Board of Directors may be paid expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof, as applicable, and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof, as applicable, as may from time to time be determined by action of the Board of Directors. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Company in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

Section 3.13 Chairperson of the Board. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, choose a Chairperson of the Board. If designated, the Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the Board of Directors and the stockholders and shall have such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

 

Article IV

 

OFFICERS

 

Section 4.1 Positions; Election; Term. The officers of the Company shall consist of a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and may also consist of one or more Vice Presidents, a Chairperson of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Operating Officer, and such other officers or assistant officers as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, each of whom shall be elected by the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the directors immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, and shall serve until their respective successors are chosen and qualified. Any two (2) or more offices may be held by the same person.

 

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Section 4.2 Salaries. The salaries of all officers of the Company to be elected by the Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors or pursuant to its discretion.

 

Section 4.3 Resignation; Vacancies. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Company by death, resignation, removal or otherwise shall be filled by the Board of Directors. Any officer of the Company may resign from his or her respective office or position by delivering notice to the Company. Such resignation is effective when delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date. If a resignation is made effective at a later date and the Company accepts the future effective date, the Board of Directors may fill the pending vacancy before the effective date if the Board of Directors provides that the successor does not take office until the effective date.

 

Section 4.4 President. The President shall be a chief executive officer of the Company and ·shall have general and active management of the business and affairs of the Company subject to the directions of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, if any.

 

Section 4.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall have custody of and maintain all of the corporate records except the financial records; shall record the minutes of all meetings of the stockholders and Board of Directors, send out all notices of meetings and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, if any, or the President.

 

Section 4.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have custody of all corporate funds and financial records, shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements and render accounts at the annual meetings of stockholders and whenever else required by the Board of Directors or the President, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, if any, or the President.

 

Section 4.7 Vice President. The Board of Directors may designate one or more Vice Presidents of the Company and assign their order of seniority. Each Vice President shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, if any, or the President.

 

Section 4.8 Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors may designate a Chief Executive Officer. If designated, the Chief Executive Officer shall exercise duties usually vested in the chief executive officer of a corporation and perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 4.9 Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors may designate a Chief Financial Officer. If designated, the Chief Financial Officer shall actively manage and direct the financial affairs of the Company and undertake all other responsibilities and duties set forth by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

Section 4.10 Chief Operating Officer. The Board of Directors may designate a Chief Operating Officer. If designated, the Chief Operating Officer shall actively manage the operational affairs of the Company and undertake all other responsibilities and duties set forth by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

Section 4.11 Other Officers, Employees and Agents. Each and every other officer, employee and agent of the Company shall possess, and may exercise, such power and authority, and shall perform such duties, as may from time to time be assigned to him or it by the Board of Directors, the officer so appointing him or it and such officer or officers who may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors to exercise such supervisory authority.

 

Section 4.12 Removal of Officers. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors with or without cause whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Company will be served by such removal. Any vacancy in any office caused by removal of an officer or agent may be filled by the Board of Directors.

 

Article V

 

CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES

 

Section 5.1 Issue of Certificates. The Company shall deliver certificates representing all shares to which stockholders are entitled and such certificates shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and may be sealed with the seal of the Company or an electronic copy thereof; provided, that the Board of Directors may determine that shares will be uncertificated. No certificate shall be issued for any share until the share is fully paid.

 

 

Section 5.2 Legends for Preferences and Restrictions on Transfer. The designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations applicable to each class of shares and the variations in rights, preferences and limitations determined for each series within a class (and the authority of the Board of Directors to determine variations for future series) shall be summarized on the front or back of each certificate. Alternatively, each certificate may state conspicuously on its front or back that the Company will furnish the stockholder a full statement of this information on request and without charge. Every certificate representing shares that are restricted as to the sale, disposition, or transfer of such shares shall also indicate that such shares are restricted as to transfer and there shall be set forth or fairly summarized upon the certificate, or the certificate shall indicate that the Company will furnish to any stockholder upon request and without charge, a full statement of such restrictions. If the Company issues any shares that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and registered or qualified under the applicable state securities laws, the transfer of any such shares shall be restricted substantially in accordance with the following legend:

 

“THESE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATE LAW. THEY MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR PLEDGED WITHOUT (1) REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE LAW, OR (2) AT HOLDER’S EXPENSE, AN OPINION (SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION) OF COUNSEL (SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION) THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.”

 

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Section 5.3 Electronic Signatures. The signatures of the Chairperson of the Board, the President or a Vice President and the Secretary or Assistant Secretary or Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer upon a certificate may be electronic signatures. In case any officer who has signed or whose electronic signature has been placed upon such certificate shall have ceased to be such officer before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Company with the same effect as if he were that officer at the date of its issuance.

 

Section 5.4 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate previously issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, if the holder of record makes an affidavit of that fact. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate, or his, her or its legal representative, to give the Company a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Company with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed or to satisfy any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.5 Transfer of Shares. Upon surrender to the Company or the transfer agent of the Company of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the Company to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.

 

Section 5.6 Registered Stockholders. The Company shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive rights of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Florida.

 

Article VI

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 6.1 Dividends. From time to time, the Board of Directors may declare and the Company may pay dividends on its outstanding shares in cash, property or its own shares pursuant to the Florida Business Corporation Act and subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation.

 

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Section 6.2 Reserves The Board of Directors may create by resolution a reserve or reserves out of earned surplus for any proper purpose or purposes, and may abolish any such reserve in the same manner.

 

Section 6.3 Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Company shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may designate from time to time.

 

Section 6.4 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Company shall end on December 31st of each year, unless otherwise fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6.5 Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name and state of incorporation of the Company. The seal may be used by causing it or an electronic copy thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

 

Section 6.6 Gender. All pronouns used in these Bylaws in any gender shall extend to and shall include all other genders as the context may require.

 

Article VII

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

To the fullest extent permitted under the law of the State of Florida, the Company shall have the power to indemnify, and shall indemnify, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that the person is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, 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 Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

Article VIII

 

AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS

 

Unless otherwise provided by law, these Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new Bylaws may be adopted by action of the Board of Directors.

 

 

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Exhibit 4.1

 

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This Subscription Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of this [_______] day of [_______], by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the investor identified on the signature page to this Agreement (the “Investor”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, the Investor desires to consummate the Investment (as defined below) and subscribe for, purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company desires to sell and issue to the Investor, the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”) set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement (the “Investor’s Securities”) upon the terms and conditions and subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth; and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with its subscription, the Investor agrees to execute and be bound by the Stockholders Agreement by and among the Company and its stockholders (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Stockholders Agreement”) upon acceptance of the Investor’s subscription by the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale of the Securities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Investor hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to the Investor, [_______] shares of Preferred Stock at the purchase price per share of $[_______], and an aggregate purchase price of $[___________] (the “Purchase Price”) payable by wire transfer of immediately available cash (the “Investment”).

 

2. The Closing. The closing (the “Closing”) of the Investment will occur on the date hereof.

 

At the Closing:

 

(a) The Investor shall execute and deliver to the Company (i) this Agreement and the Investor Questionnaire attached hereto as Appendix A, and (ii) a joinder to the Stockholders Agreement in the form attached hereto as Appendix B (this Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement are referred to herein collectively as the “Transaction Documents”).

 

(b) The Investor shall deliver to the Company the full Purchase Price for the Investor’s Securities by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the wire instructions provided in Appendix C.

 

(c) The Company will issue the Investor’s Securities to the Investor and deliver to the Investor a stock certificate representing the Investor’s Securities.

 

 

 

 

3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents to the Investor as of the date of the Closing of the Investment as follows:

 

(a) Authority. The Company is a corporation organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company have been duly authorized by all corporate action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(c) No Violations. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not, and will not, violate or conflict with any provision of the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, each as amended to date, and does not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in the breach of, or constitute a default pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or its properties are bound.

 

(d) Capitalization. Upon issuance in accordance with the terms of this Agreement against payment of the Purchase Price therefor, the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities (as applicable) will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(e) Litigation. There is no material pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened action, suit, or proceeding against the Company, at law or in equity, or before or by any federal, state, municipal or other governmental authority.

 

(f) Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the offer and sale of the Investor’s Securities require no consent of, action by or in respect of, or filing with, any person, governmental body, agency or official other than those consents that have been obtained prior to the Closing, and those filings required to be made pursuant to the Securities Act and any applicable state securities acts (“State Acts”) which the Company undertakes to file within the applicable time period.

 

(g) Compliance. The Company: (i) is not in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company), nor has the Company received notice of a claim that it is in default under or that it is in violation of, any indenture, loan or credit agreement, or any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound (whether or not such default or violation has been waived); (ii) is not in violation of any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body; or (iii) is not or has not been in violation of any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters, except in each case as could not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect.

 

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(h) Certain Fees. No brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by the Company to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker, bank or other person hired by the Company with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

4. Representations and Warranties of the Investor. The Investor represents and warrants to the Company as of the date of the Closing of the Investment as follows:

 

(a) Authority. The Investor is duly organized or formed, as the case may be, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may be. The Investor has all requisite entity right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor have been duly authorized by all requisite partnership, corporate or other entity action, as the case may be. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Investor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(c) No Violations. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor do not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in the breach of, or constitute a default, cause the acceleration of performance, or require any consent under, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Investor pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Investor is a party or by which the Investor or its properties may be bound or affected, and, do not or will not violate or conflict with any provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, trust agreement or similar organizational or governing document of the Investor, as applicable.

 

(d) Knowledge of Investment and its Risks. The Investor has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of Investor’s investment in the Securities. The Investor understands that an investment in the Company represents a high degree of risk and there is no assurance that the Company’s business or operations will be successful. The Investor has considered carefully the risks attendant to an investment in the Company, and that, as a consequence of such risks, the Investor could lose the Investor’s entire investment in the Company.

 

(e) Investment Intent. The Investor hereby represents and warrants that: (i) the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities are being acquired for investment for the Investor’s own account, and not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to the resale or distribution of all or any part of the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities (as applicable), and the Investor has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing any of the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act; (ii) the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities are being acquired in the ordinary course of the Investor’s business; and (iii) the Investor does not have any contracts, understandings, agreements or arrangements, directly or indirectly, with any person and/or entity to distribute, sell, transfer or grant participations to such person and/or entity with respect to, any of the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities.

 

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(f) Investor Status. The Investor is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined by Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and the information provided by the Investor in the Investor Questionnaire, attached hereto as Appendix A, is truthful, accurate and complete. The Investor is not registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act or an affiliate of such broker-dealer, except as otherwise indicated in the Investor Questionnaire.

 

(g) Disclosure. The Investor has conducted to its satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of the financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties and projected operations of the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the Investor’s decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities. The Company has provided the Investor with all the information that the Investor has requested in connection with the decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities. The Investor further represents that the Investor has had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company regarding the business, properties, prospects and financial condition of the Company. All such questions have been answered to the Investor’s full satisfaction. In entering into this Agreement, the Investor relied solely upon the results of its own independent investigation and verification and the Company’s or other person’s statements, representations, warranties, or agreements expressly contained in this Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement. Other than as set forth above, the Investor has not relied upon the Company’s or any other person’s statement, representation, warranty or agreement in entering into this Agreement.

 

(h) Stockholders Agreement. By executing this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, the Investor agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Stockholders Agreement. The Investor also agrees (i) to be bound by the terms and conditions of any modifications or amendments to the Stockholders Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof and (ii) for so long as Christopher Ruddy (“Ruddy”) is a stockholder of the Company, Ruddy shall have editorial control over the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

(i) No Registration. The Investor understands that the Investor may be required to bear the economic risk of the Investor’s investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. The Investor further understands that: (i) neither the offering nor the sale of the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities has been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable State Acts in reliance upon exemptions from the registration requirements of such laws; (ii) the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities must be held by the Investor indefinitely unless the sale or transfer thereof is subsequently registered under the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts, or exemptions from such registration requirements are available; (iii) the Company is under no obligation to register any of the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities on the Investor’s behalf or to assist the Investor in complying with any exemption from registration; and (iv) the Company will rely upon the representations and warranties made by the Investor in this Agreement and the Transaction Documents in order to establish such exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts.

 

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(j) Transfer Restrictions. The Investor will not transfer any of the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities unless such transfer is (A) permitted pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement and (B) registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and such State Acts, and, if requested by the Company in the case of an exempt transaction, the Investor has furnished an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that such transfer is so exempt. The Investor understands and agrees that the certificates evidencing the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities will bear appropriate legends indicating such transfer restrictions placed upon the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities. Further, the Investor understands that the Stockholders Agreement substantially limits the transfer of the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities and that any transfer made that is not in compliance with the Stockholders Agreement is null and void.

 

(k) No Solicitation. The Investor: (i) did not receive or review, and is not purchasing as a result of, any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in a newspaper or magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio, whether closed circuit, or generally available, with respect to the Investor’s Securities or the Additional Investor Securities; and (ii) was not solicited by any person, other than by representatives of the Company, with respect to a purchase of the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities. The Investor understands and acknowledges that it is the Investor’s responsibility to fully observe the laws of any relevant territory or jurisdiction outside the United States in connection with the offering and purchase of the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities, including obtaining required governmental or other consents or observing any other required legal or other formalities.

 

(l) Principal Address. The Investor’s principal executive office is set forth on the signature page of this Agreement.

 

(m) Certain Fees. No brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by the Investor to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker, bank or other person with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. In no event shall the Company be responsible for all or any portion of any fees, commissions or other amounts owed by Investor to any of its brokers, financial advisors, consultants, finders, placement agents, investment bankers, banks or any other person with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(n) Reliance by the Company. The Investor acknowledges that the Company will be relying on the representations and warranties of the Investor made above for purposes of compliance with all applicable securities laws and any applicable exemptions from registration requirements thereunder, and otherwise, and consents to the Company’s reliance on such representations and warranties.

 

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5. Further Assurances. The parties hereto will, upon reasonable request, execute and deliver all such further assignments, endorsements and other documents as may be necessary in order to perfect the purchase by the Investor of the Investor’s Securities and the Additional Investor Securities.

 

6. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modification. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents contain the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto and this Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both of the parties hereto.

 

7. Binding Effect; Benefits. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and assigns; however, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any other person other than the parties hereto, or their respective heirs, successors or assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile signature page were an original thereof.

 

9. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of New York, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Agreement or any dispute arising out of this Agreement or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

10. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and THE investor hereby waive, to the extent permitted by applicable law, trial by jury in any litigation in any court with respect to, in connection with, or arising out of this Agreement or the validity, protection, interpretation or enforcement thereof. The Company and THE investor agree that this section is a specific and material aspect of this Agreement and would not enter into this Agreement if this section were not part of this Agreement.

 

11. Prevailing Parties. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive, and the non-prevailing party shall pay upon demand, reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other remedy.

 

6

 

 

12. Specific Performance. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that the Company would be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the Investor in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise are breached. Accordingly, the Investor agrees that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement by the Investor and to enforce specifically this Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof (without a need to post a bond or provide other security), in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity.

 

13. No Strict Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

14. Notices. All communication hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, delivered, telegraphed or sent by electronic mail, and such delivery shall be confirmed to the addresses as provided below:

 

If to the Investor:

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Investor) to:

 

If to the Company:

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Company) to:

 

15. Headings. The section headings herein are included for convenience only and are not to be deemed a part of this Agreement.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

7

 

 

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

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Its: Chief Executive Officer  

 

    INVESTOR
     
  Name of Entity: [_____________]
     
  Signature:
     
  Name of Signatory:
     
  Title of Signatory:
     
  IRS Tax Identification Number:
     
  Telephone Number:

 

8

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

Investor Questionnaire

 

I. For Individual Investors Only

 

(All individual investors must INITIAL where appropriate. Where there are joint investors both parties must INITIAL):

 

Initial _______I certify that I have a “net worth” of at least $1 million either individually or through aggregating my individual holdings and those in which I have a joint, community property or other similar shared ownership interest with my spouse. For purposes of calculating net worth under this paragraph, (i) the primary residence shall not be included as an asset, (ii) to the extent that the indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence is in excess of the fair market value of the primary residence, the excess amount shall be included as a liability, and (iii) if the amount of outstanding indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days prior to the execution of this Subscription Agreement, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability.

 

Initial _______I certify that I have had an annual gross income for the past two years of at least $200,000 (or $300,000 jointly with my spouse) and expect my income (or joint income, as appropriate) to reach the same level in the current year.

 

II. For Non-Individual Investors

(all Non-Individual Investors must INITIAL where appropriate):

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that is 100% owned by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that has total assets of at least $5 million and was not formed for the purpose of investing in Company.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary (as defined in ERISA §3(21)) that is a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company or registered investment adviser.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose total assets exceed $5,000,000 as of the date of the Subscription Agreement.

 

9

 

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a self-directed employee benefit plan whose investment decisions are made solely by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a U.S. bank, U.S. savings and loan association or other similar U.S. institution acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a broker-dealer registered pursuant to §15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an organization described in §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with total assets exceeding $5,000,000 and not formed for the specific purpose of investing in Company.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a trust with total assets of at least $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of investing in Company, and whose purchase is directed by a person with such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that he is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a plan established and maintained by a state or its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, for the benefit of its employees, and which has total assets in excess of $5,000,000.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an insurance company as defined in §2(a)(13) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or a registered investment company.

 

10

 

 

APPENDIX B

 

Joinder to Stockholders Agreement

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

JOINDER TO
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER to the Stockholders Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of April 30, 2017 by and among Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the stockholders of the Company signatory thereto, is made and entered into as of [____________], 2018 by and between the Company and [_____________], a [_____________] (“Holder”). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, Holder has acquired certain shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company, $0.001 par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”) and in connection with such acquisition, Holder, as a holder of such Preferred Stock, is required to become a party to the Agreement, and Holder agrees to do so in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Joinder hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Agreement to be Bound. Holder hereby agrees that upon execution of this Joinder, it shall become a party to the Agreement and shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the covenants, terms and conditions of the Agreement as though an original party thereto and shall be deemed a Stockholder for all purposes thereof. In addition, Holder hereby agrees that all Preferred Stock held by Holder shall be deemed Shares for all purposes of the Agreement.

 

2. Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Joinder shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors, heirs and assigns and Holder and any subsequent holders of the Preferred Stock and the respective successors, heirs and assigns of each of them, so long as they hold any Preferred Stock.

 

3. Counterparts. This Joinder may be executed in separate counterparts each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

4. Notices. For purposes of Section 10 of the Agreement, all notices, demands or other communications to the Holder shall be directed to:

 

[________________]

 

5. Governing Law; Forum Selection; Waiver of Jury Trial. Sections 17, 18 and 19 of the Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference into this Joinder.

 

6. Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this Joinder are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Joinder.

 

*       *       *       *       *

 

12

 

 

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

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
  By:                     
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  [____________________]
   
  By:                      
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

13

 

 

APPENDIX C

 

Company Wire Instructions

 

[________________]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This Subscription Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of this 16th day of April, 2019, by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Certificate of Designation (as defined below).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, the Company has designated a Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-1 Preferred Stock”), with the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions set forth in that certain Certificate of Designation relating to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Designation”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Investor desires to consummate the Investment (as defined below) and subscribe for, purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company desires to sell and issue to the Investor, the number of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement (the “Investor’s Securities”) upon the terms and conditions and subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale of the Securities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Investor hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to the Investor, 1,222.46 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock at the purchase price per share of $20,450.57 (“Per-Share-Price”), and an aggregate purchase price of $25,000,000.00 (the “Purchase Price”) payable by wire transfer of immediately available cash (the “Investment”).

 

2. The Closing. The closing (the “Closing”) of the Investment will occur on the date hereof.

 

At the Closing:

 

(a) The Investor shall execute and deliver to the Company (i) this Agreement and (ii) the Investor Questionnaire attached hereto as Appendix A.

 

(b) The Investor shall deliver to the Company the full Purchase Price (subject to Section 26) for the Investor’s Securities by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the wire instructions provided in Appendix B.

 

(c) The Company will issue the Investor’s Securities to the Investor and deliver to the Investor a stock certificate representing the Investor’s Securities.

 

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(d) The Company shall deliver the Investor a duly executed Restrictive Covenant Agreement with Christopher Ruddy in the form attached hereto as Appendix C.

 

(e) The Company shall deliver the Investor a duly executed Indemnification Agreement with [________] in the form attached hereto as Appendix D.

 

(f) An officer of the Company shall deliver to the Investor a certificate certifying (a) the Certificate of Designation, (b) the Bylaws of the Company, and (c) resolutions of the Board approving the Certificate of Designation, the Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

 

3. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(b) “Business Day” means any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

(c) “Capital Stock” means, collectively, the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock of the Company.

 

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

 

(e) “Commercial Software” means commercially available, non-customized, off-the-shelf Software licensed pursuant to a standard non-exclusive license agreement for which license fees are less than $10,000 per year.

 

(f) “Common Stock” means shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(g) “Company Covered Person” means, with respect to the Company as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act, any Person listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1).

 

(h) “Company IPR Agreements” means all written or oral contracts or agreements under which (i) the Company or any subsidiary acquires, uses or has the right to use, or is granted any other rights, license or sublicense in any material Intellectual Property owned by a third party (other than Commercial Software), (ii) the Company or any subsidiary has assigned or granted a license, sublicense, or any other rights to a third party to use any Owned Intellectual Property, or (iii) pursuant to which any third party has developed any material Intellectual Property for the Company or any subsidiary.

 

(i) “Company Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the Majority Common Holder that the Company intends to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

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(j) “Current Financing Round” means the current investment round of the Company in process as of the date hereof, which shall continue until the Company raises an amount equal to $25,000,000 in addition to the Purchase Price paid by the Investor hereunder.

 

(k) “Derivative Securities” means any securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for (in each case, directly or indirectly), Common Stock, including options and warrants.

 

(l) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(m) “Excluded Registration” means (i) a registration relating to the sale of securities to employees of the Company or a subsidiary pursuant to a stock option, stock purchase, or similar plan; (ii) a registration relating to an SEC Rule 145 transaction; (iii) a registration on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of the Registrable Securities; or (iv) a registration in which the only Common Stock being registered is Common Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered.

 

(n) “Form S-1” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC.

 

(o) “Form S-3” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC that permits incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.

 

(p) “Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property rights arising worldwide, whether registered or unregistered, including: (i) patents and patent applications, including all reissues, divisions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part, re-examinations, renewals and extensions thereof; (ii) copyrights, “moral rights,” rights of publicity, works of authorship, mask work rights and proprietary interests in Software; (iii) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, logos, and other indications of origin, together with all goodwill in connection with the use thereof and symbolized thereby; (iv) confidential and proprietary information, trade secrets, know-how, technologies, processes, techniques, architectures, customer and supplier lists, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable), data, discoveries, improvements, ideas, concepts, improvements, developments, methodology, models, algorithms, formulae, systems, processes plans, analyses, models, prototypes, specifications, designs, interfaces, circuits, layouts, whether patentable or not; (v) domain names and websites (including the content), proprietary interests in social media accounts and the usernames and passwords associated therewith and all content therein, and phone numbers, (vi) database rights, (vii) any similar intellectual property or proprietary rights, (viii) any tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing (in whatever form or medium), (ix) registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing; and (x) the right to sue for past, present or future infringement of any of the foregoing.

 

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(q) “Investor Notice” means written notice from the Investor notifying the Company and the Majority Common Holder that the Investor intends to exercise its Secondary Refusal Right as to all or a portion of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(r) “IPO” means the Company’s initial public offering.

 

(s) “Key Employee” means any executive-level employee (including division director and vice president-level positions) of the Company as well as any employee of the Company who either alone or in concert with others develops, invents, programs or designs any material Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(t) “Knowledge” including the phrase “to the Company’s knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge after reasonable investigation of the following officers: Christopher Ruddy and Darryle Burnham.

 

(u) “Majority Common Holder” means Christopher Ruddy.

 

(v) “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, financial condition, property or results of operation of the Company.

 

(w) “New Securities” means, collectively, equity securities of the Company, whether or not currently authorized, as well as rights, options, or warrants to purchase such equity securities, or securities that are, or may become, convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such equity securities. In no event shall New Securities include any Exempted Securities.

 

(x) “Owned Intellectual Property” means any Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any subsidiary.

 

(y) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, governmental entity or other entity.

 

(z) “Preferred Stock” means, collectively, the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series A-1 Preferred Stock.

 

(aa) “Preferred Threshold Shares” means at least 50% of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock held by Investor as of the date hereof (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transactions).

 

(bb) “Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer” means any assignment, sale, offer to sell, pledge, mortgage, hypothecation, encumbrance, disposition of or any other like transfer or encumbering of any Transfer Stock (or any interest therein) proposed by the Majority Common Holder.

 

(cc) “Proposed Transfer Notice” means written notice from the Majority Common Holder setting forth the terms and conditions of a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

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(dd) “Prospective Transferee” means any Person to whom the Majority Common Holder proposes to make a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(ee) “Registered Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any subsidiary that is an active issued patent, patent application, trademark registration or application, copyright registration or application, social media account, domain name, or otherwise registered with any governmental or regulatory authority.

 

(ff) “Registrable Securities” means (i) the Common Stock of the Company held by the Investor, (ii) any Common Stock issuable or issued upon conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock held by the Investor; and (iii) any Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right, or other security that is issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, the shares referenced in clause (ii) above; excluding in all cases, and excluding for purposes of Section 7 any shares for which registration rights have terminated pursuant to Section 9(h) of this Agreement.

 

(gg) “Registrable Securities then outstanding” means the number of shares determined by adding the number of shares of outstanding Common Stock that are Registrable Securities and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable (directly or indirectly) pursuant to then exercisable and/or convertible securities that are Registrable Securities.

 

(hh) “Restricted Securities” means the securities of the Company required to be notated with the legend set forth in Section 7 hereof.

 

(ii) “Right of First Refusal” means the right, but not an obligation, of the Company, or its permitted transferees or assigns, to purchase some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

(jj) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(kk) “Secondary Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the Investor and the Majority Common Holder that the Company does not intend to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to all shares of Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(ll) “Secondary Refusal Right” means the right, but not an obligation, of the Investor, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, to purchase any Transfer Stock not purchased pursuant to the Right of First Refusal, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

(mm) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(nn) “Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Investor.

 

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(oo) “Series A Preferred Stock” means the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(pp) “Software” means computer software and databases, together with, as applicable, object code, source code, firmware and embedded versions thereof and all tools, drawings, specifications, metadata, data and documentation related thereto.

 

(qq) “Stockholders Agreement” means that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2014, by and among the Company and the stockholders identified therein, as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time.

 

(rr) “Transfer Stock” means shares of Capital Stock owned by the Majority Common Holder, or issued to the Majority Common Holder after the date hereof (including, without limitation, in connection with any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, or the like).

 

4. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to Investor that, except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule attached as Appendix E to this Agreement, which exceptions shall be deemed to be part of the representations and warranties made hereunder, the following representations are true and complete as of the date of the Closing, except as otherwise indicated:

 

(a) Authority. The Company is a corporation organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to carry on its business as presently conducted or proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company, and the issuance and delivery of the Investor’s Securities have been duly authorized by all corporate action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(c) Compliance. The Company: (i) is not in violation or default of any provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Certificate of Designation” and together with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the “Charter”) or Bylaws; (ii) is not in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company), any indenture, loan or credit agreement, or any other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound; (iii) is not in violation of any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body; or (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, is not in violation of any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters, except, in each case in which such violation or default would not be expected to have a material effect on the Company. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not, and will not, result in any such violation or default and does not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in the breach of, or constitute a default pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or its properties are bound.

 

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(d) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists, or will consist, immediately prior to the Closing, of:

 

(i) 10,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which (A) 4,000 shares have been designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 645.84 of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, and (B) 2,444.92 shares have been designated Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, none of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, and of which 3,555.08 are undesignated.

 

(ii) 40,000 shares of Common Stock, 20,000 of which are designated Class A Common Stock, 6,444.44 shares of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, and 20,000 of which are designated Class B Common Stock, none of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing.

 

(iii) The rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Stock are as stated in the Series A Certificate of Designation and the Certificate of Designation. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock have been duly authorized, are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

(iv) As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved 65 shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to its Equity Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”) duly adopted by the Board and approved by the Company’s holders of outstanding voting stock. Of such reserved shares of Class B Common Stock, no shares have been issued pursuant to restricted stock purchase agreements, 31.11 options to purchase shares of Class B Common Stock have been granted and 33.89 shares of Class B Common Stock remain available for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants pursuant to the Stock Plan. The Company has furnished to the Investor complete and accurate copies of the Stock Plan and forms of agreements used thereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, the number of reserved shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance under the Stock Plan may be increased, decreased or otherwise adjusted in accordance with the Stock Plan and applicable law.

 

(v) Except for (A) the conversion privileges of the Preferred Stock and grants under the Stock Plan, (B) any securities issued pursuant to the Stock Plan and (C) as otherwise set forth on Section 4(d)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion or preemptive rights and rights of first refusal or similar rights) or agreements, orally or in writing, for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any shares of its Capital Stock. None of the Company’s stock purchase agreements or stock option documents contains a provision for acceleration (or lapse of a repurchase right) upon the occurrence of any event.

 

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(vi) The Company is not a party to any contract and has not granted any compensation, equity or award that could be deemed deferred compensation subject to any penalty under Section 409A of the Code, and neither the Company nor any Person that is a member of the same controlled group as the Company or under common control with the Company within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code has any liability or obligation to make any payments or to issue any equity award or bonus that could be deemed deferred compensation subject to any penalty under Section 409A of the Code.

 

(e) Litigation. There is no claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, complaint, charge or investigation ongoing or pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, currently threatened in writing (i) against the Company or any officer, director or Key Employee of the Company arising out of their employment or board relationship with the Company or (ii) that questions the validity of this Agreement or the right of the Company to enter into it, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, or (iii) to the Company’s knowledge, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not a party to or named as subject to the provisions of any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or instrumentality. There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation by the Company pending or which the Company intends to initiate. The foregoing includes, without limitation, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or threatened in writing involving the prior employment of any of the Company’s employees, their services provided in connection with the Company’s business, any information or techniques allegedly proprietary to any of their former employers or their obligations under any agreements with prior employers.

 

(f) Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the offer and sale of the Investor’s Securities require no consent of, action by or in respect of, or filing with, any Person, governmental body, agency or official other than those consents that have been obtained prior to the Closing, and those filings required to be made pursuant to the Securities Act and any applicable state securities acts (“State Acts”) which the Company undertakes to file within the applicable time period.

 

(g) Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Section 4(g) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Company does not currently own or control, directly or indirectly, any interest in any other corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other business entity. The Company is not a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement.

 

(h) Valid Issuance of Securities. The Investor’s Securities, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under this Agreement, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Investor. The Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Investor’s Securities has been duly and validly reserved for issuance, and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under this Agreement, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Investor. Assuming the accuracy of the representations of the Investor in Section 5 of this Agreement and subject to the provisions of Section 4(i), the Investor’s Securities and the Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Investor’s Securities will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

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(i) Disqualification. No “bad actor” disqualifying event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”) is applicable to the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any Company Covered Person, except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii–iv) or (d)(3), is applicable.

 

(j) Intellectual Property.

 

(i) The Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all Owned Intellectual Property, free and clear of liens or encumbrances. The Registered Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company and its subsidiaries is subsisting and, to the knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable. The Company and its subsidiaries have not transferred ownership of, or granted any exclusive license with respect to, any Owned Intellectual Property to any Person. All necessary actions have been taken by the Company to maintain and protect each item of Registered Intellectual Property. No opposition, cancellation, reexamination, invalidation or other action (other than routine office actions in the ordinary course of prosecution) is pending challenging the extent, validity, enforceability or the Company’s ownership of any Owned Intellectual Property, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is there a reasonable basis for any such challenge.

 

(ii) The Company exclusively owns or otherwise has a valid and enforceable right to use all Intellectual Property used by, material to or otherwise necessary to the operation of the Company and its subsidiaries’ business as currently conducted (the “Business Intellectual Property”). Each Company IPR Agreement is valid, binding and in full force and effect and enforceable against the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights generally. Upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, each Company IPR Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without penalty or other adverse consequence. There is no material default or material breach (nor an event or circumstance that, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would be a material default or material breach) under any Company IPR Agreement by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, or, to the knowledge of the Company, by any other party thereto.

 

(iii) The use of any Business Intellectual Property and the operation of the Company and its subsidiaries’ business does not infringe, violate, dilute or misappropriate any Intellectual Property of any Person and has not in the past five (5) years infringed, violated, diluted or misappropriated any Intellectual Property of any Person. To the knowledge of the Company, no third party is infringing, violating, diluting or misappropriating any Owned Intellectual Property. To the knowledge of the Company, there are no communications, claims or actions alleging infringement, violation, dilution or misappropriation of the Intellectual Property of any Person pending or threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries. No Owned Intellectual Property is subject to any outstanding consent, settlement or judgment restricting the use or ownership thereof.

 

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(iv) The material information technology systems used in the Company and its subsidiaries’ business, including all computer hardware, software, firmware, process automation and telecommunications systems (“IT Systems”), perform reliably and are in material conformance with the applicable specifications and documentation for such systems, are to the knowledge of the Company free from any material defects, bugs, malfunctions or nonconformities and are adequate for the Company and its subsidiaries’ current needs in the operation of the business as currently conducted. To the knowledge of the Company, there have been no failures, breakdowns, data security breaches or other incidents materially adversely affecting any such IT Systems or any Software, data, information or materials contained therein, other than temporary problems arising in the ordinary course of business that did not materially disrupt the operations of the Company or any subsidiary. The Company and its subsidiaries maintain commercially reasonable disaster recovery and security, business continuity plans and procedures and have taken commercially reasonable measures to protect the security and integrity of the IT Systems and the Software and data stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby from misuse or unauthorized use, access, disclosure or modification by third parties.

 

(v) The Company and its subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable precautions and steps to maintain and protect the confidentiality (where applicable) of any Owned Intellectual Property constituting trade secrets or other confidential information.

 

(vi) All current and former employees of the Company and its subsidiaries who have participated in the development of any Owned Intellectual Property have executed and delivered to the applicable Company an agreement or written acknowledgement (i) transferring to the Company any Owned Intellectual Property developed, created, invented, or authored by such employee and (ii) prohibiting disclosure of the Company and its subsidiaries’ confidential and proprietary information including non-public information regarding Business Intellectual Property. All developers, creators, inventors, and authors of Owned Intellectual Property owned who were not employees of the Company at the time of the development, creation, invention, or authorship of such Intellectual Property have assigned in writing all of their rights, title, and interest to such Intellectual Property to the Company.

 

(vii)  No government funding, facilities of a university, college, or other educational institution research center or funding from third parties was used in the development of any Owned Intellectual Property. To the knowledge of the Company, no Person who was involved in, or who contributed to, the creation or development of any Owned Intellectual Property, has performed services for the government, university, college, or other educational institution or research center in a manner that would affect Company’s rights in the Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(viii) To the knowledge of the Company, none of the Business Intellectual Property has been used in material violation of a legal or contractual obligation to the Company or its subsidiaries, disclosed in breach of a confidential obligation to the Company or its subsidiaries, or appropriated to the detriment of the Company or its subsidiaries. To the Knowledge of the Company, no employee, independent contractor or agent of the Company or its subsidiaries has misappropriated any trade secrets or other confidential information of any other Person in the course of the performance of his or her duties as an employee, independent contractor or agent of the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

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(ix) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in the loss, alteration or impairment of the Company’s right to own or use any Business Intellectual Property.

 

(x) In connection with its collection, storage, transfer (including, without limitation, any transfer across national borders) and/or use of any personally identifiable information from any individuals, including, without limitation, any customers, prospective customers, employees and/or other third parties (collectively “Personal Information”), the Company is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, the Company’s privacy policies, and codes of conduct to which the Company is a party. The Company has commercially reasonable security measures and policies in place to protect all Personal Information collected by it or on its behalf from and against unauthorized access, use and/or disclosure.

 

(k) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the sale and issuance of the Investor’s Securities shall be used for general working capital purposes.

 

(l) Agreements; Actions.

 

(i) Other than (i) employee agreements and benefits, (ii) standard director and officer indemnification agreements approved by the Board, and (iii) the purchase of shares of the Company’s capital stock and the issuance of options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock, in each instance, approved by the Board, there are no agreements, understandings or proposed transactions between the Company and any of its officers, directors, affiliates, or any affiliate thereof.

 

(ii) Except for this Agreement, there are no written agreements or contracts to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound that involve obligations of, or payments to, the Company in excess of $200,000 (other than purchase orders, invoices or similar agreements). Except for this Agreement, there are no agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts or proposed transactions to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound that involve the grant of rights to license, market, or sell its Owned Intellectual Property to any other Person that materially restrict the Company’s right to develop, distribute, market or sell its Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(iii) The Company has not (i) declared or paid any dividends, or authorized or made any distribution upon or with respect to any class or series of its capital stock, (ii) incurred any indebtedness for money borrowed individually in excess of $50,000 or in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate, (iii) made any loans or advances to any Person, other than ordinary advances for travel expenses, or (iv) sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any of its assets or rights, other than the sale of its inventory in the ordinary course of business.

 

(iv) For the purposes of Sections 4(n)(ii) and (iii), all indebtedness, liabilities, agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts and proposed transactions involving the same Person or entity (including Persons or entities the Company has reason to believe are affiliated with that Person or entity) shall be aggregated for the purposes of meeting the individual minimum dollar amounts of each such Section.

 

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(m) No Conflict of Interest. The Company is not indebted, directly or indirectly, to any of its officers or employees or to their respective spouses or children or, to the Company’s knowledge, to any affiliate of the foregoing, in any amount whatsoever other than in connection with expenses or advances of expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business or relocation expenses of employees and for other customary employee benefits made generally available to all employees. None of the Company’s officers or employees, or any members of their immediate families, or, to the Company’s knowledge, any affiliate of the foregoing, are, directly or indirectly, indebted to the Company (other than in connection with purchases of the Company’s stock). To the Company’s knowledge, no officers of the Company, any members of their immediate families, or any affiliate of any of the foregoing have any direct or indirect ownership interest in any firm or corporation with which the Company is affiliated or with which the Company has a business relationship, or any firm or corporation which competes with the Company (in each case, other than by holding up to two percent of the outstanding capital stock of any publicly traded company that may compete with the Company). The Company is not a guarantor or indemnitor of any indebtedness of any other Person, firm or corporation.

 

(n) Rights of Registration and Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Company is not under any obligation to register under the Securities Act any of its currently outstanding securities or any securities issuable upon exercise or conversion of its currently outstanding securities. To the Company’s knowledge, except as contemplated in the Stockholders Agreement, no holder of capital stock of the Company has entered into any agreements with respect to the voting of capital shares of the Company.

 

(o) Title to Property and Assets. The Company owns its property and assets free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, loans and encumbrances, except for statutory liens for the payment of current taxes that are not yet delinquent and encumbrances and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of such property or assets. With respect to the property and assets it leases, the Company, to the Company’s knowledge, (i) is in compliance in all material respects with such leases and (ii) holds a valid leasehold interest free of any liens, claims or encumbrances other than those of the lessors of such property or assets. The Company does not own any real property.

 

(p) Financial Statements. If requested, the Company has made available to the Investor its audited financial statements (including balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows) as of December 31, 2017, for the fiscal year then ended and the unaudited financial statements as of February 28, 2019, for the fourteen-month period then ended (collectively, the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated, except that the unaudited Financial Statements may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP. The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and operating results of the Company as of the dates, and for the periods, indicated therein, subject in the case of the unaudited Financial Statements to normal year-end audit adjustments. Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company has no material liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business subsequent to February 28, 2019; (ii) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) liabilities and obligations of a type or nature not required under GAAP to be reflected in the Financial Statements.

 

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(q) Changes. Since February 28, 2019, there has not been:

 

(i) any change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition or operating results of the Company from that reflected in the Financial Statements, except changes in the ordinary course of business that have not had a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(ii) any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that have had a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(iii) any waiver or compromise by the Company of a valuable right or of a material debt owed to it;

 

(iv) any satisfaction or discharge of any lien, claim, or encumbrance or payment of any obligation by the Company, except in the ordinary course of business and the satisfaction or discharge of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(v) any material change to a material contract or agreement by which the Company or any of its assets is bound or subject;

 

(vi) any material change in any compensation arrangement or agreement with any employee, officer, director or holder of capital stock outside of the ordinary course of business which materially increases the cost of compensation and benefits;

 

(vii) any sale, assignment or transfer of any Owned Intellectual Property;

 

(viii) any resignation or termination of employment of any officer or Key Employee of the Company;

 

(ix) any mortgage, pledge, transfer of a security interest in, or lien, created by the Company, with respect to any of its material properties or assets, except liens for taxes not yet delinquent and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of such property or assets;

 

(x) any loans or guarantees made by the Company to or for the benefit of its employees, officers or directors, or any members of their immediate families, other than travel advances and other advances made in the ordinary course of its business;

 

(xi) any declaration, setting aside or payment or other distribution in respect of any of the Company’s capital stock, or any direct or indirect redemption, purchase, or other acquisition of any of such stock by the Company;

 

(xii) receipt of notice that there has been a loss of, or material order cancellation by, any major customer of the Company;

 

(xiii) to the Company’s knowledge, any other event or condition of any character, other than events affecting the economy or the Company’s industry generally, that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

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(xiv) any arrangement or commitment by the Company to do any of the things described in this Section 4(q).

 

(r) Employee Matters.

 

(i) To the Company’s knowledge, none of its employees is obligated under any contract (including licenses, covenants or commitments of any nature) or other agreement, or subject to any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative agency, that would materially interfere with such employee’s ability to promote the interest of the Company or that would conflict with the Company’s business.

 

(ii) The Company is not delinquent in payments in any material respect to any of its employees, consultants, or independent contractors for any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, or other direct compensation for any service performed for it to the date hereof or amounts required to be reimbursed to such employees, consultants or independent contractors. The Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and with other laws related to employment, including those related to wages, hours, worker classification and collective bargaining. The Company has withheld and paid to the appropriate governmental entity or is holding for payment not yet due to such governmental entity all amounts required to be withheld from employees of the Company and is not liable for any arrears of wages, taxes, penalties or other sums for failure to comply with any of the foregoing.

 

(iii) To the Company’s knowledge, no Key Employee or material consultant intends to terminate his, her or its services with the Company or is otherwise likely to become unavailable to continue as a Key Employee or consultant, nor does the Company have a present intention to terminate the employment or consultancy of any of the foregoing. The employment of each employee of the Company is terminable at the will of the Company.

 

(iv) The Company has not made any representations regarding equity incentives to any officer, employee, director or consultant that are inconsistent with the share amounts and terms set forth in the minutes of meetings of the Board.

 

(v) Each former Key Employee whose employment was terminated by the Company in the past three (3) years has entered into an agreement with the Company providing for the full release of any claims against the Company or any related party arising out of such employment.

 

(vi) The Disclosure Schedule sets forth all employee benefit plans maintained, established or sponsored by the Company, or in or to which the Company participates or contributes, which is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) or which is otherwise a severance plan or agreement. The Company has made all required contributions and has no liability to any such employee benefit plan in all material respects, other than liability for health plan continuation coverage described in Part 6 of Title I(B) of ERISA, and has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws for any such employee benefit plan.

 

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(s) Tax Returns and Payments. The Company has filed all material tax returns and reports as required by law. These returns and reports are true and correct in all material respects. The Company has paid all material taxes that are due and owing by the Company. There have been no examinations or audits of any material tax returns or reports required to be filed by the Company undertaken by any applicable federal, state, local or foreign governmental agency responsible for the assessment of taxes.

 

(t) Insurance. The Company has in full force and effect fire and casualty insurance policies with extended coverage, sufficient in amount (subject to reasonable deductions) to allow it to replace any of its properties that might be damaged or destroyed.

 

(u) Labor Agreements and Actions. The Company is not bound by or subject to (and none of its assets or properties is bound by or subject to) any written or oral, express or implied, contract, commitment or arrangement with any labor union, and no labor union has requested or, to the Company’s knowledge, has sought to represent any of the employees, representatives or agents of the Company. There is no strike or other labor dispute involving the Company pending, or to the Company’s knowledge threatened, which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, nor is the Company aware of any labor organization activity involving its employees. To its knowledge, the Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and with other laws related to employment.

 

(v) Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreements. Each present and, to the Company’s knowledge, former employee, consultant and officer of the Company has executed an agreement with the Company regarding confidentiality and proprietary information substantially in the form or forms delivered to the counsel for the Investor (the “Confidential Information Agreements”). The Company has no knowledge that any of its present employees, officers or consultants is in violation thereof. No current employee has excluded works or inventions from his or her assignment of inventions pursuant to such employee’s Confidential Information Agreement.

 

(w) Permits. The Company and each of its subsidiaries has all franchises, permits, licenses and any similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business, the lack of which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not in default in any material respect under any of such franchises, permits, licenses or other similar authority.

 

(x) No Other Representations. The representations and warranties made by the Company in this Section 4 are the exclusive representations and warranties made by the Company. Except for any representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4, or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement, the Company expressly disclaims any other representations or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied, as to liabilities, operations of the facilities, the title, condition, value or quality of assets of the Company or the prospects (financial and otherwise), risks and other incidents of the Company, and EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY. No material or information provided by or communications made by the Company or any of its affiliates, or by any advisor thereof, whether by use of a “data room,” or otherwise, will cause or create any warranty, express or implied, as to or in respect of the Company, or the title, condition, value or quality of the assets or liabilities of the Company. The Company makes no representation or warranty whatsoever with respect to any estimates, projections and other forecasts and plans (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections and forecasts).

 

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(y) Real Property Holding Company. The Company is not now and has never been a “United States real property holding corporation”, as defined in §897(c)(2) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.897-2(b).

 

5. Representations and Warranties of the Investor. The Investor represents and warrants to the Company as of the date of the Closing of the Investment as follows:

 

(a) Authority. The Investor is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware. The Investor has all requisite entity right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor have been duly authorized by all requisite limited liability company action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Investor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(c) No Violations. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor do not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, (i) result in the breach of, or constitute a default, cause the acceleration of performance, or require any consent under, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Investor pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Investor is a party or by which the Investor or its properties may be bound or affected, (ii) violate or conflict with any provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, trust agreement or similar organizational or governing document of the Investor, as applicable, or (iii) result in Investor violating any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body or any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws.

 

(d) Knowledge of Investment and its Risks. The Investor has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of Investor’s investment in the Investor’s Securities. The Investor understands that an investment in the Company represents a high degree of risk and there is no assurance that the Company’s business or operations will be successful. The Investor has considered carefully the risks attendant to an investment in the Company, and that, as a consequence of such risks, the Investor could lose the Investor’s entire investment in the Company.

 

(e) Investment Intent. The Investor hereby represents and warrants that: (i) the Investor’s Securities are being acquired for investment for the Investor’s own account, and not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to the resale or distribution of all or any part of the Investor’s Securities, and the Investor has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing any of the Investor’s Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act; (ii) the Investor’s Securities are being acquired in the ordinary course of the Investor’s business; and (iii) the Investor does not have any contracts, understandings, agreements or arrangements, directly or indirectly, with any Person and/or entity to distribute, sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person and/or entity with respect to, any of the Investor’s Securities.

 

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(f) Investor Status. The Investor is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined by Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and the information provided by the Investor in the Investor Questionnaire, attached hereto as Appendix A, is truthful, accurate and complete. The Investor is not registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or an affiliate of such broker-dealer, except as otherwise indicated in the Investor Questionnaire.

 

(g) Disclosure. The Investor has conducted to its satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of the financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties and projected operations of the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the Investor’s decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities. The Company has provided the Investor with all the information that the Investor has requested in connection with the decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities. The Investor further represents that the Investor has had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company regarding the business, properties, prospects and financial condition of the Company. All such questions have been answered to the Investor’s full satisfaction. In entering into this Agreement, the Investor relied solely upon the results of its own independent investigation and verification and the Company’s or other Person’s statements, representations, warranties, or agreements expressly contained in this Agreement. Other than as set forth above, the Investor has not relied upon the Company’s or any other Person’s statement, representation, warranty or agreement in entering into this Agreement.

 

(h) No Registration. The Investor understands that the Investor may be required to bear the economic risk of the Investor’s investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. The Investor further understands that: (i) neither the offering nor the sale of the Investor’s Securities has been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable State Acts in reliance upon exemptions from the registration requirements of such laws; (ii) the Investor’s Securities must be held by the Investor indefinitely unless the sale or transfer thereof is subsequently registered under the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts, or exemptions from such registration requirements are available; (iii) the Company is under no obligation to register any of the Investor’s Securities on the Investor’s behalf or to assist the Investor in complying with any exemption from registration; and (iv) the Company will rely upon the representations and warranties made by the Investor in this Agreement and the Investor Questionnaire in order to establish such exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts.

 

(i) Transfer Restrictions. The Investor will not transfer any of the Investor’s Securities unless such transfer is (A) permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (B) registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and such State Acts, and, if requested by the Company in the case of an exempt transaction, the Investor has furnished an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that such transfer is so exempt. The Investor understands and agrees that the certificates evidencing the Investor’s Securities will bear appropriate legends indicating such transfer restrictions placed upon the Investor’s Securities. Further, the Investor understands that this Agreement substantially limits the transfer of the Investor’s Securities and that any transfer made that is not in compliance with this Agreement is null and void.

 

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(j) No Solicitation. The Investor: (i) did not receive or review, and is not purchasing as a result of, any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in a newspaper or magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio, whether closed circuit, or generally available, with respect to the Investor’s Securities; and (ii) was not solicited by any Person, other than by representatives of the Company, with respect to a purchase of the Investor’s Securities. The Investor understands and acknowledges that it is the Investor’s responsibility to fully observe the laws of any relevant territory or jurisdiction outside the United States in connection with the offering and purchase of the Investor’s Securities, including obtaining required governmental or other consents or observing any other required legal or other formalities.

 

(k) Principal Address. The Investor’s principal executive office is set forth on the signature page of this Agreement.

 

(l) Reliance by the Company. The Investor acknowledges that the Company will be relying on the representations and warranties of the Investor made above for purposes of compliance with all applicable securities laws and any applicable exemptions from registration requirements thereunder, and otherwise, and consents to the Company’s reliance on such representations and warranties.

 

6. Special Investor Rights.

 

(a) Election of Director. For so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor shall be entitled to elect one (1) individual to the Board (such individual, the “Series A-1 Director”), who shall be included as a member of any committee formed by the Board. A Series A-1 Director may be removed at any time as a director on the Board (with or without cause) upon, and only upon, the written request of the Investor. In the event that a vacancy is created on the Board at any time due to the death, disability, retirement, resignation or removal of a Series A-1 Director, then, so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor shall have the right to designate an individual to fill such vacancy. In the event that the Investor shall fail to designate in writing a representative to fill the vacant Series A-1 Director seat on the Board, such Board seat shall remain vacant until such time as the Investor elects an individual to fill such seat in accordance with this Section 6(a), and during any period in which such seat remains vacant, the Board nonetheless shall be deemed duly constituted.

 

(b) Special Stockholder Voting Rights. For so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, in addition to any other vote under the Charter, Certificate of Designation or Bylaws, the Company will not, without the written consent of the Investor (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned if the underlying action proposed to be taken by the Company is reasonable), either directly or by amendment, merger, consolidation, take the following actions; provided that if the Investor fails to provide its response or approval to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s delivery of written notice to the Investor, then the Investor’s consent shall no longer be required:

 

(i) dissolve, liquidate or wind up the affairs of the Company or any material subsidiary of the Company (other than in connection with a Liquidity Event);

 

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(ii) other than as contemplated by the Certificate of Designation, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate of Designation, Charter or the Bylaws of the Company in a manner that materially and adversely affects the rights of the Investor pursuant to the Certificate of Designation; provided, that subject to Section 6(b)(iii) below, this Section 6(b)(ii) shall not apply to the authorization, issuance or sale of securities that are senior to or on parity with the Series A-1 Preferred Stock or to the granting of any rights or privileges to any holder of Capital Stock;

 

(iii) solely until the conclusion of the Current Financing Round, create, or authorize the creation of, any additional class or series of Capital Stock of the Company (or any security convertible into or exercisable for any class or series of Capital Stock of the Company) or issue or sell, or obligate itself to issue or sell, any securities of the Company (or any security convertible into or exercisable for any class or series of capital stock of the Company) that ranks superior to or in parity with the Series A-1 Preferred Stock;

 

(iv) solely until the conclusion of the Current Financing Round, grant to any purchaser or holder of Preferred Stock any registration rights with respect to a public offering of the Company’s securities, unless such registration rights are pari passu or subordinate to the registration rights granted to the Investor;

 

(v) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or pay or declare any dividend or other distribution on any Capital Stock of the Company; provided, that this restriction shall not apply to (i) any redemption, purchase, acquisition, payment, dividend or other distribution approved by the Board, including the Series A-1 Director, or (ii) the repurchase of Junior Stock held by employees or consultants of the Company upon termination of their employment or services pursuant to agreements providing for such repurchase; or

 

(vi) draw any funds under that certain Convertible Promissory Note issued by the Company in favor of in favor of Game Creek Holdings, LLC (“Lender”), dated as of February 14, 2019 (the “Note”).

 

(c) Special Board Voting Rights on Preferred Stock. For so long as the Investor has the right to appoint the Series A-1 Director, the Board shall not approve a threshold higher than 10% in connection with clause (3) of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock” in the Certificate of Designation without the approval of the Series A-1 Director; provided that, upon the request of the Company to increase the threshold in connection with acquiring talent for the Company, the Series A-1 Director shall consider such request for a higher threshold in good faith.

 

(d) Other Special Board Voting Rights. For so long as the Investor (x) continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares and (y) has the right to appoint the Series A-1 Director, the Company will not, without Board approval, which approval must include the affirmative vote of the Series A-1 Director (provided that that if the Series A-1 Director fails to provide his or her response or approval to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s delivery of written notice to the Series A-1 Director, then the affirmative vote of the Series A-1 Director shall no longer be required):

  

(i) make any loan to any employee or director of the Company, except loans (A) made in the ordinary course of business and (B) in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate per annum;

 

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(ii) knowingly enter into or be a party to any transaction with any director, officer or employee of the Company, in each case, other than transactions regarding compensation, benefits, key man insurance, or otherwise in the ordinary course of business; or

 

(iii) change the principal business of the Company.

 

7. Restrictions on Transfer.

 

(a) The Investor (including any transferee of the Investor) may not transfer any Preferred Stock (or any other securities issued with respect to any Preferred Stock, whether by stock dividend, stock split, merger, exchange, reorganization, or otherwise) or any interest in any Preferred Stock, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement and in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and other applicable law. The Investor will cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee, or transferee of the Investor’s Securities and the Registrable Securities held by the Investor to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and upon the conditions specified in this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “transfer” means any transfer, sale, assignment, gift, pledge, exchange, encumbrance, or other disposition, whether direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary.

 

(b) Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing (i) the Investor’s Securities, (ii) the Registrable Securities, and (iii) any other securities issued in respect of the securities referenced in clauses (i) and (ii), upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Section 7(c) be notated with a legend substantially in the following form:

 

(i) THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.

 

(ii) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

 

(c) The Investor consents to the Company making a notation in its records and giving instructions to any transfer agent of the Restricted Securities in order to implement the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 7.

 

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(d) The Investor, by acceptance of ownership thereof, agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 7. Before any proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed transaction, the Investor shall give notice to the Company of the Investor’s intention to effect such sale, pledge, or transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer in sufficient detail and, if reasonably requested by the Company, shall be accompanied at the Investor’s expense by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration under the Securities Act; (ii) a “no action” letter from the SEC to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of such Restricted Securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the SEC that action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Securities Act, whereupon the Investor shall be entitled to sell, pledge, or transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice given by the Investor to the Company (unless such sale, pledge or transfer is otherwise restricted by the terms set forth in this Agreement, including this Section 7 and Section 9(g)). The Company will not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter with respect to transfers in accordance with Section 7(f). Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing the Restricted Securities transferred as above provided shall be notated with the appropriate restrictive legend set forth in Section 7(b).

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in no event shall any of the Investor’s Securities or the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise made available to any U.S.-based cable channel or over the top (OTT) media services without the prior written consent of the Majority Common Holder.

 

(f) Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7(b) and notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the Investor’s Securities, or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, and the rights under this Agreement may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by the Investor upon prior written notice to the Company to one or more affiliated partnerships of the Investor, funds managed by the Investor or any of their respective directors, officers or partners, or their respective family members; provided, however, that such transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the provisions of Section 9(g).

 

8. Redemption and Sale Process.

 

(i) Notice. For so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor shall have the right, but not the obligation, any time between April 16, 2026, and April 16, 2028, to deliver to the Company a notice (a “Redemption Notice”) that the Investor desires to sell all of the shares of Preferred Stock then held by the Investor (the “Offered Shares”) in exchange for an amount equal to the Per-Share-Price plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for each share of Preferred Stock.

 

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(ii) Company Redemption. If the Company does not elect to purchase the total number of Offered Shares within 120 days after delivery of the Redemption Notice, then the Investor shall have the right to sell all, but not less than all, of the Offered Shares to a third party reasonably acceptable to the Company.

 

(iii) Cooperation. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Investor in connection with such proposed sale (including by providing due diligence materials and other information reasonably requested by the purchaser of such Offered Shares, subject to such purchaser executing and delivering a nondisclosure agreement acceptable to the Company). The Investor shall use commercially reasonable efforts (including by hiring an investment bank and other advisors) to sell the Offered Shares within 12 months from the date of the Redemption Notice (the “Sale Process Period”). The Investor shall be responsible for fees and expenses incurred by the Investor in connection with such sale process.

 

(b) Sale Process Period Termination. If, notwithstanding the commercially reasonable efforts of the Investor, the Investor is unable to sell the Offered Shares (and is not actively negotiating such sale) by the expiration of the Sale Process Period, then the Company shall either (i) redeem the Offered Shares held by the Investor in exchange for an amount equal to the Per-Share-Price plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for each share of Preferred Stock, or (ii) consummate a Sale of the Corporation (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) in each case within 12 months thereafter.

 

9. Registration Rights. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

 

(a) Demand Registration.

 

(i) Form S-1 Demand. If at any time after six (6) months after the effective date of the registration statement for the IPO, the Company receives a request from the Investor (so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares) that the Company file one Form S-1 registration statement with respect to the Registrable Securities then outstanding, then the Company shall (A) within ten (10) days after the date such request is given, give notice thereof (the “Demand Notice”) to all holders of registration rights other than the Investor; and (B) as soon as practicable thereafter, file a Form S-1 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities that the Investor requested to be registered, subject to the limitations of Sections 9(a)(iii) and 9(c); provided that, as a condition to the Company’s obligation to file such Form S-1, the aggregate offering price for such registration statement may not be less than $100,000,000 with a per share price equal to or greater than two times the Per-Share-Price (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transaction). For purposes of this Section 9(a)(i), a registration shall only be counted as “effected” if at least eighty percent (80%) of the total number of Registrable Securities that the Investor has requested to be included in such registration statement are actually included.

 

(ii) Form S-3 Demand. If at any time after six (6) months after the effective date of the registration statement for the IPO, the Company receives a request from the Investor (so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares) that the Company file a Form S-3 registration statement with respect to outstanding Registrable Securities of the Investor having an anticipated aggregate offering price, net of Selling Expenses, of at least $20 million, then the Company shall (i) within ten (10) days after the date such request is given, give a Demand Notice to all holders of registration rights other than the Investor; and (ii) as soon as practicable thereafter, file a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by the Investor, subject to the limitations of Sections 9(a)(iii) and 9(c).

 

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(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing obligations, if the Company furnishes to the Investor a certificate signed by the Company’s chief executive officer stating that in the good faith judgment of the Company’s Board it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement to either become effective or remain effective for as long as such registration statement otherwise would be required to remain effective, because such action would (i) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other similar transaction involving the Company; (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, then the Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such filing for a period of not more than one ninety (90) days after the request of the Investor is given; provided, however, that the Company may not invoke this right more than once in any twelve (12) month period.

 

(iv) The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 9(a)(i) (A) during the period that is sixty (60) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration; (B) after the Company has effected one registration pursuant to Section 9(a)(i); or (C) if the Investor proposes to dispose of shares of Registrable Securities that may be immediately registered on Form S-3 pursuant to a request made pursuant to Section 9(a)(ii). The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 9(a)(ii) (A) during the period that is thirty (30) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is ninety (90) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; or (ii) if the Company has effected two registrations pursuant to Section 9(a)(ii). A registration shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 9(a)(iv) until such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, unless the Investor withdraws its request for such registration, elects not to pay the registration expenses therefor, and forfeits its right to one demand registration statement pursuant to Section 9(f), in which case such withdrawn registration statement shall be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 9(a)(iv).

 

(b) Company Registration. If the Company proposes to register (including, for this purpose, a registration effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Investor) any of its Common Stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash (other than in an Excluded Registration), the Company shall, at such time, promptly give the Investor notice of such registration. Upon the request of the Investor given within twenty (20) days after such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 9(c), cause to be registered all of the Registrable Securities that the Investor has requested to be included in such registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 9(b) before the effective date of such registration, whether or not the Investor has elected to include Registrable Securities in such registration. The expenses (other than Selling Expenses) of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 9(f).

 

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(c) Underwriting Requirements.

 

(i) If, pursuant to Section 9(a), the Investor intends to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by its request by means of an underwriting, it shall so advise the Company as a part of its request made pursuant to Section 9(a), and the Company shall include such information in the Demand Notice. The underwriter(s) will be selected by the Company and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Investor. In such event, the right of the Investor to include the Investor’s Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon the Investor’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of the Investor’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. The Investor, if it is proposing to distribute its securities through such underwriting, shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter(s) selected for such underwriting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 9(c), if the underwriter(s) advise(s) the Investor in writing that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the number of shares that may be included in the underwriting shall be allocated (A) first, to the Investor, and then (B) second, among the remaining holders of registration rights in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the number of shares owned by each such holder or in such other proportion as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling holders; provided, however, that the number of Registrable Securities held by the Investor to be included in such underwriting shall not be reduced unless all other securities are first entirely excluded from the underwriting.

 

(ii) In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to Section 9(b), the Company shall not be required to include any of the Investor’s Registrable Securities in such underwriting unless the Investor accepts the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and its underwriters, and then only in such quantity as the underwriters in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total number of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities to be sold (other than by the Company) that the underwriters in their reasonable discretion determine is compatible with the success of the offering, then the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such securities, including Registrable Securities, which the underwriters and the Company in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering. If the underwriters determine that less than all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the shares that are included in such offering shall be allocated among the selling holders of registration rights in proportion (as nearly as practicable to) the number of Registrable Securities owned by each selling holder or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of securities to be sold by the Company be reduced.

 

(d) Furnish Information. It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 9 with respect to the Registrable Securities of any the Investor that the Investor shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as is reasonably required to effect the registration of the Investor’s Registrable Securities.

 

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(e) Delay of Registration. The Investor shall not have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any registration pursuant to this Agreement as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 9.

 

(f) Expenses of Registration. All expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incurred in connection with registrations, filings, or qualifications pursuant to Section 9, including all registration, filing, and qualification fees; printers’ and accounting fees; fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company; and the reasonable fees and disbursements, shall be borne and paid by the Company. All Selling Expenses relating to Registrable Securities registered at the request of Investor pursuant to this Section 9 shall be borne and paid by the Investor.

 

(g) Lock-up.

 

(i) Agreement to Lock-Up. The Investor hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the Company’s IPO and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (l80) days) (A) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Capital Stock held immediately prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement for the IPO; or (B) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Capital Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (A) or (B) above is to be settled by delivery of Capital Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise. The Investor shall be bound by the lock-up obligations under this Section 9(g) for so long as such lock-up obligations have been imposed on the Majority Common Holder. The underwriters in connection with the IPO are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 9(g) and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. The Investor further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in the IPO that are consistent with this Section 9(g) or that are necessary to give further effect thereto.

 

(ii) Stop Transfer Instructions. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Capital Stock of the Investor (and transferees and assignees thereof) until the end of such restricted period.

 

(h) Termination of Registration Rights. This Section 9 shall terminate upon:

 

(i) the closing of a Sale of the Corporation;

 

(ii) such time as Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all of shares of Registerable Securities without limitation without registration; and

 

(iii) the date on which the Investor no longer holds the Preferred Threshold Shares.

 

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10. Information Rights. For so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares:

 

(a) the Investor will be granted access to the Company’s facilities and personnel during normal business hours and with reasonable advance notification to the Company; and

 

(b) the Company will deliver to the Investor upon request:

 

(i) as soon as practicable, but in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, an income statement for such fiscal year, a balance sheet of the Company and statement of stockholders’ equity as of the end of such year, and a statement of cash flows for such year, such year-end financial reports to be in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, audited and certified by an independent public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing selected by the Company;

 

(ii) as soon as practicable, but in any event within 30 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, an unaudited profit or loss statement for such quarter, an unaudited statement of cash flows for such quarter and an unaudited balance sheet as of the end of such quarter;

 

(iii) a copy of the annual budget presented to the Board; provided that if no such budget has been presented to the Board, one shall be provided to the Investor; and

 

(iv) an up-to-date capitalization table.

 

Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 10 to the contrary, the Company may cease providing the information set forth in this Section 10 during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days before the Company’s good-faith estimate of the date of filing of a registration statement if it reasonably concludes it must do so to comply with the SEC rules applicable to such registration statement and related offering; provided that the Company’s covenants under this Section 10 shall be reinstated at such time as the Company is no longer actively employing its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective.

 

11. Preemptive Rights.

 

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 11(a) and applicable securities laws, if the Company proposes to offer or sell any New Securities, the Company shall first offer such New Securities to the Investor for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares.

 

(i) The Company shall give notice (the “Offer Notice”) to the Investor, stating (i) its bona fide intention to offer such New Securities, (ii) the number of such New Securities to be offered, and (iii) the price and terms, if any, upon which it proposes to offer such New Securities.

 

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(ii) By notification to the Company within twenty (20) days after the Offer Notice is given, the Investor may elect to purchase or otherwise acquire, at the price and on the terms specified in the Offer Notice, up to that portion of such New Securities which equals the proportion that the Common Stock then held by the Investor (including all shares of Common Stock then issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock then held by the Investor) bears to the total Common Stock of the Company then outstanding (assuming full conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of all Preferred Stock and other Derivative Securities) (the Investor’s “Pro Rata Share”).

 

(iii) The Company may, during the 90-day period following the Offer Notice, offer and sell the remaining unsubscribed portion of such New Securities to any Person or Persons at a price not less than, and upon terms no more favorable to the offeree than, those specified in the Offer Notice. If the Company does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the New Securities within such period, the right provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such New Securities shall not be offered unless first reoffered to the Investor in accordance with this Section 11(a).

 

(iv) The right of first offer in this Section 11(a) shall not be applicable to (i) Exempted Securities (as defined in the Certificate of Designation); (ii) shares of Common Stock issued in the IPO; and (iii) the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock or any Common Stock upon the conversion of Preferred Stock.

 

(v) Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to prevent a Person from purchasing for cash any New Securities without first complying with the provisions of this Section 11; provided, that (i) in connection with such purchase the delay caused by compliance with the provisions of this Section 11 in connection with such investment would be likely to cause harm to the Company (or applicable subsidiary); (ii) the Company gives prompt notice to the Investor, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the New Securities being purchased by the Person making such purchase (for purposes of this Section 11, the “Purchasing Holder”) and the purchase price thereof and (iii) the Company shall invite the Investor to exercise its rights under this Section 11 with respect to its purchase of its Pro Rata Share of the New Securities issued to the Purchasing Holder after such purchase by the Purchasing Holder on the terms specified in Section 11.

 

(b) Termination. The covenants set forth in Section 11(a) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, or (ii) upon the Investor not continuing to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, whichever event occurs first.

 

12. Additional Covenants.

 

(a) Board Matters. Unless otherwise determined by the vote of a majority of the directors then in office, the Board shall meet at least semi-annually in accordance with an agreed-upon schedule.

 

(b) Insurance. Prior to Closing, the Company shall have in place a Directors and Officers liability insurance policy with terms and limits acceptable to the Investor in its sole and good faith judgment (the “Closing D&O Policy”). For so long as a Series A-1 Director is serving on the Board, the Company shall not cease to maintain a Directors and Officers liability insurance policy with substantially similar coverage to the Closing D&O Policy unless approved by such Series A-1 Director.

 

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(c) Compliance with Applicable Laws and Industry Standards. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to take the following steps in connection with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”): (1) updating its external website privacy policy; (2) implement procedures and technical controls to address any data subjects rights requests; (3) appoint a representative in the European Union as required by GDPR; and (4) provide individuals with any privacy notices and obtain any consents as required by applicable privacy laws.

 

(d) Promissory Note. Promptly after the Closing, the Company will deliver a Prepayment Notice (as defined in the Note) to Lender notifying Lender of the Company’s election to repay the outstanding Principal Amount (as defined in the Note) and all accrued and unpaid interest under the Note. Upon confirmation from Lender that it will not elect to convert the Note into Class A Common Stock, the Company will pay to Lender such entire amount. The Company agrees and covenants not to draw any additional funds under the Note.

 

(e) The Company and the Investor acknowledge and agree that (i) Investor and the Series A-1 Director shall not have access to any personal data of the subscribers of the Company and its subsidiaries or visitors to the website(s) of the Company and its subsidiaries, and (ii) the Investor and the Series A-1 Director shall not seek to influence editorial policy or content published by the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

13. Right of First Refusal.

 

(a) Right of First Refusal for Capital Stock of the Majority Common Holder.

 

(i) If the Majority Common Holder proposes to sell any shares of its Common Stock, then the Company will have a Right of First Refusal to purchase such Transfer Stock. If the Company does not purchase all or any portion of the Transfer Stock, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor shall have the right to purchase any portion of the Transfer Stock not purchased by the Company. If the Company does not intend to exercise its Right of First Refusal with respect to all Transfer Stock subject to a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Company must deliver a Secondary Notice to the Investor to that effect no later than 30 days after the Majority Common Holder delivers the Proposed Transfer Notice to the Company. To exercise its Secondary Refusal Right, the Investor must deliver an Investor Notice to the Majority Common Holder and the Company within ten (10) days after the Company’s deadline for its delivery of the Secondary Notice as provided in the preceding sentence.

 

(ii) Consideration; Closing. If the consideration proposed to be paid for the Transfer Stock is in property, services or other non-cash consideration, the fair market value of the consideration shall be as determined in good faith by the Board and as set forth in the Company Notice. If the Company or the Investor cannot for any reason pay for the Transfer Stock in the same form of non-cash consideration, the Company or such Investor may pay the cash value equivalent thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board and as set forth in the Company Notice. The closing of the purchase of Transfer Stock by the Company and the Investor shall take place, and all payments from the Company and the Investor shall have been delivered to the Majority Common Holder, by the later of (i) the date specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice as the intended date of the Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer; and (ii) forty-five (45) days after delivery of the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

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(b) Right of First Refusal with Respect to the Stockholders Agreement. In the event that the Majority Common Holder has any right of first refusal pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the Company will cause the Majority Common Holder, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares (or, if converted, the Common Stock underlying such Preferred Stock), to invite the Investor to participate to the extent of its Pro Rata Share in the purchase under such right of first refusal.

 

(c) Tag-Along Rights.

 

(i) In the event the Majority Common Holder intends to sell any Common Stock held by the Majority Common Holder, the Company shall cause the Majority Common Holder to notify the Investor, in writing, of such proposed sale and its terms and conditions, including the number of Common Stock proposed to be sold by the Majority Common Holder, the identity of the proposed transferee(s), and the aggregate amount and type of consideration to be paid in respect thereof. Within ten (10) Business Days of the date of such notice, the Investor shall notify the Majority Common Holder if it elects to participate in such sale. If the Investor fails to notify the Majority Common Holder within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Investor shall be deemed to have waived its rights hereunder. If the Investor so notifies the Majority Common Holder within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Investor shall have the right to sell at the same price (subject to the provisions below) and on the same terms and conditions as the Majority Common Holder, an amount of Common Stock equal to the Common Stock the third party actually proposes to purchase multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock owned by the Investor and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock owned by the Majority Common Holder; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that in connection with any exercise by the Investor its rights under this Section 13(c), the Investor must convert the necessary amount of Preferred Stock in accordance with the Certificate of Designation into Common Stock sufficient to make such exercise.

 

(ii) In order to be entitled to exercise the tag-along rights described in this Section 13(c), the Investor shall be required to make to the proposed transferee or purchaser in the applicable transaction substantially the same representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and agreements as the Majority Common Holder agrees to make in connection with such transaction, and agree to the same conditions to such transaction as the Majority Common Holder agrees (except that, in the case of representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, agreements and conditions pertaining specifically to the Majority Common Holder, the Investor shall make comparable representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and agreements and shall agree to comparable conditions, in each case to the extent applicable and pertaining specifically to itself and only to itself); provided, however, (x) that any representations and warranties or indemnities given by the Investor shall be several and not joint with the Majority Common Holder, (y) any liability of the Majority Common Holder shall be borne by the Majority Common Holder, and (z) to the extent the Investor is required to provide indemnification in connection with any such transaction, without the consent of the Investor, the Investor shall not be required to provide any indemnification that would result in any liability for such indemnification for the Investor that exceeds the Investor’s gross proceeds from such transaction (excluding liability for breach of representations regarding (a) the Investor’s authority to sell, (b) the securities to be sold by the Investor being free and clear of any liens, claims or encumbrances (other than restrictions imposed pursuant to applicable laws), (c) the Investor being a beneficial owner and the sole record owner of such securities, and (d) the Investor having obtained or made all necessary consents, approvals, permits, filings and notifications from governmental authorities or third parties to consummate such transaction).

 

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14. Put Right. In the event that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) requests that the parties submit a joint voluntary notice of the transaction to CFIUS in accordance with Section 721 of the Defense Production Act (“DPA”) and 31 C.F.R. § 800.401(a), and CFIUS recommends that the President of the United States use the President’s authority under Section 721(d) of the DPA to order divestment, then the Investor shall have the right to cause the Company to (and the Company shall agree to) redeem the Investor’s Securities at the Per-Share-Price plus any accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

15. Further Assurances. The parties hereto will, upon reasonable request, execute and deliver all such further assignments, endorsements and other documents as may be necessary in order to perfect the purchase by the Investor of the Investor’s Securities. In no event shall the Company be responsible for all or any portion of any fees, commissions or other amounts owed by Investor to any of its brokers, financial advisors, consultants, finders, placement agents, investment bankers, banks or any other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

16. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modification; Survival. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto and this Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both of the parties hereto. The respective representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement and all other agreements, documents and certificates executed by the parties hereto in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall survive the Closing for a period of 18 months and terminate thereafter.

 

17. Binding Effect; Benefits. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns; however, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any other Person other than the parties hereto, or their respective heirs, successors or assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile signature page were an original thereof.

 

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19. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Agreement or any dispute arising out of this Agreement or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

20. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and THE investor hereby waive, to the extent permitted by applicable law, trial by jury in any litigation in any court with respect to, in connection with, or arising out of this Agreement or the validity, protection, interpretation or enforcement thereof. The Company and THE investor agree that this section is a specific and material aspect of this Agreement and would not enter into this Agreement if this section were not part of this Agreement.

 

21. Prevailing Parties. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive, and the non-prevailing party shall pay upon demand, reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other remedy.

 

22. Specific Performance. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that each party could be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the other party in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise are breached. Accordingly, each party agrees that the other party may be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement by the breaching party and to enforce specifically this Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof (without a need to post a bond or provide other security), in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity.

 

23. No Strict Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

 

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24. Notices. All communication hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, delivered, telegraphed or sent by electronic mail, and such delivery shall be confirmed to the addresses as provided below:

 

If to the Investor:

 

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Investor) to:

 

  

If to the Company:

 

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Company) to:

 

 

25. Headings. The section headings herein are included for convenience only and are not to be deemed a part of this Agreement.

 

26. Fees and Expenses. Each party will pay its own fees and expenses in connection with this Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby; provided, however, that at the Closing the Company shall reimburse the Investor for the out-of-pocket legal and administrative fees and expenses in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby up to an aggregate amount of $75,000 (the “Fee Obligation”). The Fee Obligation shall be satisfied by the Investor withholding such amount from its payment of the Purchase Price and paying such withheld amount to [_____________], which withheld amount shall be deemed to have been paid to the Company in payment of a portion of the Purchase Price for the Investor’s Securities.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
  Name:   Christopher Ruddy
  Its: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Subscription Agreement]

 

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

 

  INVESTOR
     
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
     
  By: Naples Financial Limited, its Member
     
  Signature: /s/ Mark Hamilton
     
  Name of Signatory: Mark Hamilton
     
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
     
    JTC Directors Limited
     
  Signature: /s/ Linda Garnier
     
  Name of Signatory: Linda Garnier
     
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
     
    Castle Directors Limited
     
  Address:      
     
  Telephone Number:  

 

[Signature Page to Subscription Agreement]

 

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APPENDIX A

 

Investor Questionnaire

 

I. For Individual Investor Only

 

(All individual investors must INITIAL where appropriate. Where there are joint investors both parties must INITIAL):

 

Initial _______   I certify that I have a “net worth” of at least $1 million either individually or through aggregating my individual holdings and those in which I have a joint, community property or other similar shared ownership interest with my spouse.  For purposes of calculating net worth under this paragraph, (i) the primary residence shall not be included as an asset, (ii) to the extent that the indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence is in excess of the fair market value of the primary residence, the excess amount shall be included as a liability, and (iii) if the amount of outstanding indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days prior to the execution of this Subscription Agreement, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability.
     
Initial _______   I certify that I have had an annual gross income for the past two years of at least $200,000 (or $300,000 jointly with my spouse) and expect my income (or joint income, as appropriate) to reach the same level in the current year.

 

II. For Non-Individual Investors

(all Non-Individual Investors must INITIAL where appropriate):

 

Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that is 100% owned by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that has total assets of at least $5 million and was not formed for the purpose of investing in the Company.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary (as defined in ERISA §3(21)) that is a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company or registered investment adviser.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose total assets exceed $5,000,000 as of the date of the Subscription Agreement.

 

 

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Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is a self-directed employee benefit plan whose investment decisions are made solely by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is a U.S. bank, U.S. savings and loan association or other similar U.S. institution acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is a broker-dealer registered pursuant to §15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is an organization described in §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with total assets exceeding $5,000,000 and not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the Company.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is a trust with total assets of at least $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the Company, and whose purchase is directed by a person with such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that he is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is a plan established and maintained by a state or its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, for the benefit of its employees, and which has total assets in excess of $5,000,000.
     
Initial _______   The undersigned certifies that it is an insurance company as defined in §2(a)(13) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or a registered investment company.

 

 

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APPENDIX B

 

Company Wire Instructions

 

[________]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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APPENDIX C

 

Restrictive Covenant Agreement

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT

 

This Restrictive Covenant Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of this 16th day of April, 2019, by and between Christopher Ruddy (the “Executive”) and Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company are parties to that certain Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2015 (the “Employment Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement is being entered into in connection with the execution and delivery of that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the purchaser set forth therein (the “Subscription Agreement”), pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and conditions therein contained, certain investors will acquire certain capital stock of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, the Executive is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Company and is the majority common stock holder of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Executive acknowledges that during the course of his relationship and service with the Company, the Executive has received and has been privy to confidential information and intellectual property related to the Company, and will continue to receive and be privy to confidential information and intellectual property related to the Company during the course of his employment with the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

Affiliate” of any particular Person means any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such particular Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, contract or otherwise.

 

Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Restricted Business” means the business of publishing news as conducted by the Company on the Executive’s final day of employment.

 

Restricted Territory” means any jurisdiction in which the Company is engaged in the Restricted Business or otherwise targeting to engage in as of the Termination Date.

 

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Term” means the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the date two (2) years after the Termination Date.

 

Termination Date” means the date upon which the employment of the Executive is terminated by the Company or by the Executive.

 

2. Non-Competition. In recognition of the high degree of competition in the Company’s business; the special knowledge and expertise that the Executive has, and will continue to develop as a result of his employment with the Company; and the nature of the Restricted Business, the Executive hereby agrees that during the Term, except on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates, the Executive will not conduct the Restricted Business in the Restricted Territory or otherwise engage in, have an equity or profit interest in, loan money to or render services to or on behalf of any Person engaged in the Restricted Business in the Restricted Territory. This restriction will apply whether the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated at the option of the Company or the Executive. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Executive may acquire up to five percent (5%) of any class of securities of any company engaged in Restricted Business in the Restricted Territory where such securities are publicly traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, so long as the Executive holds such securities as a passive investment and does not take an active part in the management or direction of such company.

 

3. Non-Solicitation of Customers. The Executive understands and acknowledges that loss of customer relationships and/or goodwill may cause significant and irreparable harm to the Company. The Executive hereby agrees that during the Term, except on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates, the Executive will not solicit any customers of the Company to purchase any products or services competitive with the Restricted Business or to disrupt existing business relationships.

 

4. Non-Solicitation of Employees. The Executive understands and acknowledges that the Company has expended and continues to expend significant time and expense in recruiting and training its employees and further acknowledges that he has confidential information regarding the recruiting and training practices of the Company. The Executive hereby agrees that during the Term, except on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates, the Executive will not hire or solicit any employee of the Company to provide services to the Executive or any entity affiliated with the Executive, other than the Company; provided, that nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive or any entity affiliated with the Executive from (i) hiring or soliciting any such Person if such Person’s employment or engagement with the Company was terminated prior to such hiring or solicitation, or (ii) placing advertisements for employment or making general solicitations not specifically targeting any such Person and the hiring of any employee that would respond to such general solicitation.

 

5. Injunctive Relief. The parties agree that if the Executive violates this Agreement, Company may suffer irreparable and continuing damage for which money damages may be insufficient, and Company is entitled to seek injunctive relief, a decree for specific performance, and all other relief as may be proper (including money damages if appropriate), to the extent permitted by law.

 

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6. Successors and Assigns. Except as hereinafter expressly provided, the agreements, covenants, terms and provisions of this Agreement shall bind the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties shall, without the consent of the other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder.

 

7. Notices. All notices and other communications that are required or may be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by certified mail (return receipt requested), or by overnight courier, addressed to the receiving party at the address noted below, or any other address provided by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, in a written notice delivered pursuant to this Section 7. All notices shall be effective upon receipt.

 

If to the Company:

 

 

If to the Executive:

 

 

8. Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No waiver of any right or option hereunder by any party shall operate as a waiver of any other right or option, or the same right or option as respects any subsequent occasion for its exercise, or of any legal remedy. No waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement or of any agreement or covenant contained herein shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other breach or a continuation of the same breach. All remedies provided in this Agreement are in addition to all other remedies provided under this Agreement or applicable law.

 

9. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement and the various terms, provisions, covenants and agreements, shall be construed, interpreted and enforced under and with reference to the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to conflict of law principles. It is the intention of the Company and the Executive to fully comply with all laws and matters of public policy relating to restrictive covenants, and this Agreement shall be construed consistently with such laws and public policy to the extent possible. If any one or more covenants, agreements, terms or provisions of this Agreement or any portion or portions thereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such covenants, agreements, terms or provisions (or portions thereof) shall be deemed separable from the remaining covenants, agreements, terms or provisions of this Agreement and such holding shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any of the other covenants, agreements, terms or provisions hereof.

 

10. Jurisdiction and Venue. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any suit, action or legal proceeding must be brought in Palm Beach County, Florida; (b) consent to the jurisdiction of such court in any suit, action or proceeding; (c) waive any objection which it may have to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any of such courts; and (d) agree that service of any court paper may be effected on such party by mail, as provided in this Agreement, or in such other manner as may be provided under applicable laws or court rules in the State of Florida without giving effect to conflict of law principles.

 

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11. Prevailing Parties. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive, and the non-prevailing party shall pay upon demand, reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other remedy.

 

12. Miscellaneous. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement is intended to supersede Section 9(a) (Non-Solicitation) of the Employment Agreement in all respects. This Agreement may not be modified, changed or amended except in a writing signed by each of the parties hereto. This Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original hereof. The captions of the several sections and the subsections of this Agreement are not part of the context hereof, are inserted only for convenience in locating such subsections and shall be ignored in construing this Agreement.

 

13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, which incorporates the recitals herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings, written or oral, express or implied, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  COMPANY:
     
  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:    Christopher Ruddy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  EMPLOYEE:
     
     
  Name: Christopher Ruddy

 

[Signature Page to Restrictive Covenant Agreement]

 

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APPENDIX D

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of April 16, 2019, by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ___________ (“Indemnitee”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee desire to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of providing Indemnitee with indemnification rights against expenses, liabilities and losses incurred by him in his good faith service as a director of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the indemnification rights provided to the Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights for indemnification provided to the Indemnitee pursuant to the Company’s certificates of incorporation, by-laws and any resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) pursuant thereto and to any indemnification rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”).

 

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

 

1. Indemnity of Indemnitee. The Company hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time. In furtherance of the foregoing indemnification, and without limiting the generality thereof.

 

(a) Proceedings Other Than Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(a) if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status (as hereinafter defined), Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined) other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(a), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses (as hereinafter defined), judgments, penalties, 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 with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(b) Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(b) if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(b), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee, or on Indemnitee’s behalf, in connection with such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; provided, however, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is liable to the Company.

 

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(c) Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time, against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf 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 each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

(d) Indemnification of Appointing Stockholder. If (i) the stockholder that has designated the Indemnitee for election to the Board (the “Appointing Stockholder”) is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, and (ii) the Appointing Stockholder’s involvement in the Proceeding arises out of or relates to any claim based on the Indemnitee’s service to the Company as a director or other fiduciary of the Company, then the Appointing Stockholder will be entitled to indemnification hereunder for Expenses to the same extent as Indemnitee, and the terms of this Agreement as they relate to procedures for indemnification of Indemnitee and advancement of Expenses shall apply to any such indemnification of Appointing Stockholder. The rights provided to the Appointing Stockholder under this Section 1(d) shall (i) be suspended during any period during which the Appointing Stockholder does not have a representative on the Company’s Board, and (ii) terminate on an initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock; provided, however, that in the event of any such suspension or termination, the Appointing Stockholder’s rights to indemnification will not be suspended or terminated with respect to any Proceeding based in whole or in part on facts and circumstances occurring at any time prior to such suspension or termination regardless of whether the Proceeding arises before or after such suspension or termination. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Appointing Stockholder is an express third party beneficiary of the terms of this Section 1(d).

 

2. Additional Indemnity. In addition to, and without regard to any limitations on, the indemnification provided for in Section 1 of this Agreement, the Company shall and hereby does indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company), including, without limitation, all liability arising out of the negligence or active or passive wrongdoing of Indemnitee. The only limitation that shall exist upon the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be that the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment to Indemnitee that is finally determined (under the procedures, and subject to the presumptions, set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof) to be unlawful.

 

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3. Contribution.

 

(a) Whether or not the indemnification provided in Section 1 hereof is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness, or is made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests, 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.

 

5. Advancement of Expenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall include or be preceded or accompanied by a written undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay any Expenses advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses. Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 5 shall be unsecured and interest free.

 

6. Procedures and Presumptions for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification. It is the intent of this Agreement to secure for Indemnitee rights of indemnity that are as favorable as may be permitted under the DGCL and public policy of the State of Delaware. Accordingly, the parties agree that the following procedures and presumptions shall apply in the event of any question as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement:

 

(a) 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. 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of Indemnitee to provide such a request to the Company, or to provide such a request in a timely fashion, shall not relieve the Company of any liability that it may have to Indemnitee unless, and to the extent that, such failure actually and materially prejudices the interests of the Company.

 

(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6(a) hereof, a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case by one of the following four methods, which shall be at the election of the Board (1) by a majority vote of the disinterested directors of the Company, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of disinterested directors designated by a majority vote of the disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no disinterested directors or if the disinterested directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written advice to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee upon request, or (4) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company. For purposes hereof, disinterested directors are those members of the Board who are not parties to the action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

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(c) If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 6(c). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board. Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company 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 12 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 a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or other court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 6(b) hereof. The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c) that are initiated by the Company, regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.

 

(d) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or independent legal 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 legal 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.

 

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(e) 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 (as hereinafter defined), including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the 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 or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

(f) If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 6 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 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 sixty (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 such determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time to obtain or evaluate documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(f) shall not apply if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination, the Board or the Disinterested Directors, if appropriate, resolve 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.

 

(g) 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 Independent Counsel, member of the Board or stockholder of the Company shall act reasonably and in good faith in making a determination regarding Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by 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.

 

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

 

(i) 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.

 

7. Remedies of Indemnitee.

 

(a) In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification is made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, or (iv) payment of indemnification is not made within ten (10) business days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication within 90 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 7(a). The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication.

 

(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of the adverse determination under Section 6(b).

 

(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s misstatement not materially misleading in connection with the application for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

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(d) In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7, seeks a judicial adjudication of Indemnitee’s rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, or to recover under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, the Company shall pay on Indemnitee’s behalf, in advance, any and all expenses (of the types described in the definition of Expenses in Section 12 of this Agreement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in such judicial adjudication, if Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance recovery.

 

(e) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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

 

8. Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Primacy of Indemnification; Subrogation.

 

(a) The rights of indemnification as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders, a resolution of directors of the Company, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal 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 such Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in the DGCL, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. 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) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents or fiduciaries of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person serves at the request of the Company, 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 director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary 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 directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

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(c) The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by the Appointing Stockholder or its affiliate (collectively, the “Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors, and (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section (c).

 

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (c) above, in the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee (other than against the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors), 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.

 

(e) Except as provided in paragraph (c) above, the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

 

(f) 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, employee or agent of any other corporation, 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, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.

 

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9. Exception to Right of Indemnification. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against 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, provided, that the foregoing shall not affect the rights of Indemnitee or the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors set forth in Section 8(c) above; or

 

(b) for 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or

 

(c) in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee (or the Appointing Stockholder), including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee (or Appointing Stockholder) 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) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

 

10. Duration of Agreement. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee is a director of the Company (or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any Proceeding (or any proceeding commenced under Section 7 hereof) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, whether or not Indemnitee is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (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), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives.

 

11. Enforcement.

 

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

 

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12. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving at the express written request of the Company.

 

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

 

(c) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that Indemnitee is or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

 

(d) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding, or responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding and 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, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersede as bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(e) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five 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 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 of the Independent Counsel referred to above.

 

(f) “Proceeding” includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee or of any inaction on Indemnitee’s part while acting in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status; in each case whether or not Indemnitee is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement; but excluding one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement or one initiated by Indemnitee or the Appointing Stockholder.

 

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13. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. Further, the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof as to either Indemnitee or Appointing Stockholder shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any provision hereof as to the other. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to confer upon Indemnitee indemnification rights to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws. In the event any provision hereof conflicts with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed modified, consistent with the aforementioned intent, to the extent necessary to resolve such conflict.

 

14. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification, termination or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of 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 hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

15. Notice By Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with or otherwise receiving any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification covered hereunder. The failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise unless and only to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.

 

16. Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not so confirmed, then on the next business day, (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 shall be sent:

 

(a) To Indemnitee at the address set forth below Indemnitee signature hereto.

 

(b) To the Company at:

 

or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.

 

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17. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

18. Headings. 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.

 

19. Governing 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. 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 Chancery Court 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) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (iv) 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.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Indemnification Agreement on and as of the day and year first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
     
  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name: Christopher Ruddy
  Its: Chief Executive Officer
     
  INDEMNITEE
     
   
  Name:  

 

  Address:  
         
     
     

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

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APPENDIX E

 

Disclosure Schedule

 

[                    ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Exhibit 4.3

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

 

amendment to SUBSCRIPTION agreement

 

This Amendment to Subscription Agreement (this “Amendment”) is made as of July 16, 2020 (the “Amendment Date”), by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. The Investor has purchased shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock from the Company pursuant to a Subscription Agreement dated April 16, 2019 (the “Agreement”). Capitalized terms used in this Amendment but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Agreement.

 

B. Section 16 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement among the Company and the Investor.

 

AGREEMENT

 

Now, Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing, and the representations, warranties, covenants and conditions set forth below, the Company and the Investor, intending to be legally bound and to legally bind the parties, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendment of Section 7. Section 7 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

“7. Restrictions on Transfer.

 

(a) The Investor (including any transferee of the Investor) may not transfer any Preferred Stock (or any other securities issued with respect to any Preferred Stock, whether by stock dividend, stock split, merger, exchange, reorganization, or otherwise) or any interest in any Preferred Stock, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement and in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and other applicable law. The Investor will cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee, or transferee of the Investor’s Securities and the Registrable Securities held by the Investor to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and upon the conditions specified in this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “transfer” means any transfer, sale, assignment, gift, pledge, exchange, encumbrance, or other disposition, whether direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary; provided that a direct or indirect change of control of the Investor shall not constitute a transfer so long as the Person ultimately controlling the Investor as of immediately prior to such change of control continues to ultimately control the Investor after such change of control. The terms “transferee,” “transferred,” and other forms of the word “transfer” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

 

 

 

(b) Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing (i) the Investor’s Securities, (ii) the Registrable Securities, and (iii) any other securities issued in respect of the securities referenced in clauses (i) and (ii), upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Section 7(c) be notated with a legend substantially in the following form:

 

(i) THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.

 

(ii) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

 

(c) The Investor consents to the Company making a notation in its records and giving instructions to any transfer agent of the Restricted Securities in order to implement the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 7.

 

(d) The Investor, by acceptance of ownership thereof, agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 7. Before any proposed transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed transaction, the Investor shall give notice to the Company of the Investor’s intention to effect such transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed transfer in sufficient detail and, if reasonably requested by the Company, shall be accompanied at the Investor’s expense by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration under the Securities Act; (ii) a “no action” letter from the SEC to the effect that the proposed transfer of such Restricted Securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the SEC that action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect that the proposed transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Securities Act, whereupon the Investor shall be entitled to transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice given by the Investor to the Company (unless such transfer is otherwise restricted by the terms set forth in this Agreement, including this Section 7 and Section 9(g)). The Company will not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter with respect to transfers in accordance with Section 7(f). Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing the Restricted Securities transferred as above provided shall be notated with the appropriate restrictive legend set forth in Section 7(b).

 

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(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in no event shall any of the Investor’s Securities or the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof be transferred or otherwise made available to any U.S.-based cable channel or over the top (OTT) media services without the prior written consent of the Majority Common Holder.

 

(f) Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7(b) and notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the Investor’s Securities, or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, and the rights under this Agreement may be transferred and assigned (but only with all related obligations) by the Investor upon prior written notice to the Company to one or more affiliated partnerships of the Investor, funds managed by the Investor or any of their respective directors, officers or partners, or their respective family members; provided, however, that such transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the provisions of Section 9(g).”

 

2. Amendment of Section 24. The second paragraph of Section 24 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

If to the Investor:

 

______________________

______________________

______________________”

 

3. No Other Amendment. Except as modified by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in all respects without any modification. From and after the Amendment Date, all references in the Agreement to “the Agreement,” “this Agreement,” or any Section or Sections of the “Agreement”, shall mean the Agreement as amended through this Amendment (as the same may be further amended and/or restated from time to time).

 

4. Certification; Effectiveness. By executing this Amendment below, the Company and the Investor certify that this Amendment has been executed and delivered in compliance with the terms of Section 16 of the Agreement. This Amendment shall become effective when executed and delivered by the Investor and the Company as provided under Section 16 of the Agreement, and thereupon the Investor and the Company shall be bound thereby.

 

5. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Amendment by facsimile or any other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof.

 

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[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to Subscription Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the Amendment Date.

 

COMPANY:
  
 NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
 By:/s/ Christopher Ruddy
 Name:Christopher Ruddy
 Title: Chief Executive Officer
 Address:

 

[Amendment to Subscription Agreement

Signature Page]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to Subscription Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the Amendment Date.

 

INVESTOR:
  
 NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
   
 By:Naples Financial Limited, its Member

 

 Signature:/s/ Mark Hamilton
 Name of Signatory: Mark Hamilton
 Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
JTC Directors Limited

 

 Signature:/s/ Linda Garnier
 Name of Signatory:Linda Garnier
 Title of Signatory:Authorized Signatory
Castle Directors Limited
   
 Address:

 

[Amendment to Subscription Agreement

Signature Page]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.4

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SERIES A-2 PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Subscription Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of this 3rd day of July, 2019, by and among Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Conyers Investments LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company (the “Investor”), and, solely with respect to Section 10, the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (the “Majority Common Holder”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Certificate of Designation (as defined below).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, the Company has designated a Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-2 Preferred Stock”), with the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions set forth in that certain Certificate of Designation relating to the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Designation”);

 

WHEREAS, the Investor desires to consummate the Investment (as defined below) and subscribe for, purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company desires to sell and issue to the Investor, the number of shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement (the “Investor’s Securities”) upon the terms and conditions and subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth; and WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth certain rights of Investor and any direct or indirect transferee or successor of Investor’s Securities, including registration rights, co-sale rights, rights of first refusal, preemptive rights, and rights to information pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale of the Securities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Investor hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to the Investor, 2,646.77 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock at the purchase price per share of $18,890.95, and an aggregate purchase price of $50,000,000.00 (the “Purchase Price”) payable by wire transfer of immediately available cash (the “Investment”).

 

2. The Closing. The closing (the “Closing”) of the Investment will occur on the date hereof.

 

At the Closing:

 

(a) The Investor shall execute and deliver to the Company (i) this Agreement and (ii) the Investor Questionnaire attached hereto as Appendix A.

 

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(b) The Investor shall deliver to the Company the full Purchase Price for the Investor’s Securities by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the wire instructions provided in Appendix B.

 

(c) The Company will issue the Investor’s Securities to the Investor and deliver to the Investor a stock certificate representing the Investor’s Securities.

 

(d) An officer of the Company shall deliver to the Investor a certificate certifying (a) the Certificate of Designation in the form of the attached Appendix C has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (b) the Bylaws of the Company, and (c) resolutions of the Board approving the Certificate of Designation, the Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

 

3. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

  

(b) “Business Day” means any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

(c) “Capital Stock” means, collectively, the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock of the Company.

 

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

 

(e) “Common Stock” means shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(f) “Company Covered Person” means, with respect to the Company as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act, any Person listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1).

 

(g) “Company Intellectual Property” means all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, service mark applications, tradenames, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names, mask works, information and proprietary rights and processes, similar or other intellectual property rights, subject matter of any of the foregoing, tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing, licenses in, to and under any of the foregoing, and any and all such cases that are owned or used by the Company in the conduct of the Company’s business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted.

 

(h) “Company Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the Majority Common Holder that the Company intends to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

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(i) “Damages” means any loss, damage, claim or liability (joint or several) to which a party hereto may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state law, insofar as such loss, damage, claim or liability (or any action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement of the Company, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto; (ii) an omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the indemnifying party (or any of its agents or affiliates) of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any state securities law.

 

(j) “Derivative Securities” means any securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for (in each case, directly or indirectly), Common Stock, including options and warrants.

 

(k) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(l) “Excluded Registration” means (i) a registration relating to the sale or grant of securities to employees of the Company or a subsidiary pursuant to a stock option, stock purchase, equity incentive or similar plan; (ii) a registration relating to an SEC Rule 145 transaction; (iii) a registration on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of the Registrable Securities; or (iv) a registration in which the only Common Stock being registered is Common Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered.

 

(m) “Investor Notice” means written notice from the Investor notifying the Company and the Majority Common Holder that the Investor intends to exercise its Secondary Refusal Right as to all or a portion of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(n) “IPO” means the Company’s first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock under the Securities Act.

 

(o) “Key Employee” means any executive-level employee (including division director and vice president-level positions) of the Company as well as any employee of the Company who either alone or in concert with others develops, invents, programs or designs any material Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(p) “Knowledge” including the phrase “to the Company’s knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge after reasonable investigation of the following officers: Christopher Ruddy and Darryle Burnham.

 

(q) “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), property or results of operation of the Company.

 

(r) “New Securities” means, collectively, equity securities of the Company, whether or not currently authorized, as well as rights, options, or warrants to purchase such equity securities, or securities that are, or may become, convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such equity securities. In no event shall New Securities include any Exempted Securities.

 

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(s) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, governmental entity or other entity.

 

(t) “Preferred Stock” means, collectively, the Series A Preferred Stock, the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and the Series A-2 Preferred Stock.

 

(u) “Preferred Threshold Shares” means at least 50% of the Investor Securities (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transactions).

 

(v) “Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer” means any assignment, sale, offer to sell, pledge, mortgage, hypothecation, encumbrance, disposition of or any other like transfer or encumbering of any Transfer Stock (or any interest therein) proposed by the Majority Common Holder.

 

(w) “Proposed Transfer Notice” means written notice from the Majority Common Holder setting forth the terms and conditions of a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(x) “Registrable Securities” means (i) the Common Stock issuable or issued upon conversion of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock and (ii) any Common Stock issued or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise of any other securities of the Company, acquired by the Investor after the date hereof.

 

(y) “Restricted Securities” means the securities of the Company required to be notated with the legend set forth in Section 7 hereof.

 

(z) “Right of First Refusal” means the right, but not an obligation, of the Company, or its permitted transferees or assigns, to purchase some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

(aa) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(bb) “Secondary Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the Investor and the Majority Common Holder that the Company does not intend to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to all shares of Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(cc) “Secondary Refusal Right” means the right, but not an obligation, of the Investor, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, to purchase any Transfer Stock not purchased pursuant to the Right of First Refusal, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

(dd) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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(ee) “Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel for Investor.

 

(ff) “Series A-1 Holder” means the holder of Series A-1 Preferred Stock purchased pursuant to the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement.

 

(gg) “Series A Preferred Stock” means the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(hh) “Series A-1 Preferred Stock” means the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(ii) “Series A-1 Subscription Agreement” means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2019, by and between the Company and the purchaser of Series A-1 Preferred Stock identified therein.

 

(jj) “Stockholders Agreement” means that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2014, by and among the Company and the stockholders identified therein, as amended by that certain First Amendment, dated as of May 1, 2014, as may hereafter be amended, supplemented and modified from time to time.

 

(kk) “Transfer Stock” means shares of Capital Stock owned by the Majority Common Holder, or issued to the Majority Common Holder after the date hereof (including, without limitation, in connection with any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, or the like).

 

4. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to Investor that, except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule attached as Appendix D to this Agreement, which exceptions shall be deemed to be part of the representations and warranties made hereunder, the following representations are true and complete as of the date of the Closing, except as otherwise indicated:

 

(a) Authority. The Company is a corporation organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to carry on its business as presently conducted or proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Certificate of Designation in the form attached as Appendix C has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, has not been subsequently amended and is in full force and effect.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company, and the issuance and delivery of the Investor’s Securities have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

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(c) Compliance. The Company: (i) is not in violation or default of any provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 22, 2017 (the “Series A Certificate of Designation”), Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 16, 2019 (the “Series A-1 Certificate of Designation”) or Bylaws; (ii) is not in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company), any indenture, loan or credit agreement, or any other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound; (iii) is not in violation of any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body; or (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, is not in violation of any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters, except, in each case in which such violation or default would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not, and will not, result in any such violation or default and does not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in the breach of, or constitute a default pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or its properties are bound.

 

(d) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists, or will consist, immediately prior to the Closing, of:

 

(i) 10,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which (A) 4,000 shares have been designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 645.84 of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, and (B) 2,444.92 shares have been designated Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,222.46 of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, (C) 3,176.12 shares have been designated Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, none of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, and (D) 378.96 are undesignated.

 

(ii) 40,000 shares of Common Stock, 20,000 of which are designated Class A Common Stock, 6,000 shares of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing, and 20,000 of which are designated Class B Common Stock, none of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing.

 

(iii) The rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Stock are as stated in the Series A Certificate of Designation, Series A-1 Certificate of Designation and Certificate of Designation. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock have been duly authorized, are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

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(iv) As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved 65 shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to its Equity Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”) duly adopted by the Board and approved by the Company’s holders of outstanding voting stock. Of such reserved shares of Class B Common Stock, no shares have been issued pursuant to restricted stock purchase agreements, options to purchase 31.11 shares of Class B Common Stock have been granted and 33.89 shares of Class B Common Stock remain available for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants pursuant to the Stock Plan. The Company has furnished to the Investor complete and accurate copies of the Stock Plan and forms of agreements used thereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, the number of reserved shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance under the Stock Plan may be increased, decreased or otherwise adjusted in accordance with the Stock Plan and applicable law.

 

(v) Except for (A) the conversion privileges of the Preferred Stock and grants under the Stock Plan, (B) any securities issued pursuant to the Stock Plan and (C) as otherwise set forth on Section 4(d)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion or preemptive rights and rights of first refusal or similar rights) or agreements, orally or in writing, for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any shares of its Capital Stock. None of the Company’s stock purchase agreements or stock option documents contains a provision for acceleration (or lapse of a repurchase right) upon the occurrence of any event.

 

(vi) The Company is not a party to any contract and has not granted any compensation, equity or award that could be deemed deferred compensation subject to any penalty under Section 409A of the Code, and neither the Company nor any Person that is a member of the same controlled group as the Company or under common control with the Company within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code has any liability or obligation to make any payments or to issue any equity award or bonus that could be deemed deferred compensation subject to any penalty under Section 409A of the Code.

 

(e) Litigation. There is no claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, complaint, charge or investigation ongoing or pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, currently threatened in writing (i) against the Company or any officer, director or Key Employee of the Company arising out of their employment or board relationship with the Company or (ii) that questions the validity of this Agreement or the right of the Company to enter into it, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, or (iii) to the Company’s knowledge, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not a party to or named as subject to the provisions of any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or instrumentality. There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation by the Company pending or which the Company intends to initiate. The foregoing includes, without limitation, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or threatened in writing involving the prior employment of any of the Company’s employees, their services provided in connection with the Company’s business, any information or techniques allegedly proprietary to any of their former employers or their obligations under any agreements with prior employers.

 

(f) Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the offer and sale of the Investor’s Securities require no consent of, action by or in respect of, or filing with, any Person, governmental body, agency or official other than those consents that have been obtained prior to the Closing, and those filings required to be made pursuant to the Securities Act and any applicable state securities acts (“State Acts”) which the Company undertakes to file within the applicable time period.

 

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(g) Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Section 4(g) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Company does not currently own or control, directly or indirectly, any interest in any other corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other business entity. The Company is not a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement.

 

(h) Valid Issuance of Securities. The Investor’s Securities, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under this Agreement, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Investor. The Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Investor’s Securities has been duly and validly reserved for issuance, and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under this Agreement, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Investor. Assuming the accuracy of the representations of the Investor in Section 5 of this Agreement and subject to the provisions of Section 4(i), the Investor’s Securities and the Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Investor’s Securities will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

(i) Disqualification. No “bad actor” disqualifying event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”) is applicable to the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any Company Covered Person, except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii–iv) or (d)(3), is applicable.

 

(j) Intellectual Property. The Company owns or possesses or can acquire on commercially reasonable terms sufficient legal rights to all material Company Intellectual Property without any known conflict with, or infringement of, the rights of others. To the Company’s knowledge, no product or service marketed or sold (or proposed to be marketed or sold) by the Company violates or will violate any license or infringes or will infringe any intellectual property rights of any other party. The Company has not received any communications alleging that the Company has violated, or by conducting its business, would violate any of the patents, trademarks, service marks, tradenames, copyrights, trade secrets, mask works or other proprietary rights or processes of any other Person. The Company has obtained and possesses valid licenses to use all of the software programs present on the computers and other software-enabled electronic devices that it owns or leases or that it has otherwise provided to its employees for their use in connection with the Company’s business. To the Company’s knowledge, it will not be necessary to use any inventions of any of its employees or consultants (or Persons it currently intends to hire) made prior to their employment by the Company. Each employee and consultant has assigned to the Company all intellectual property rights he or she owns that are related to the Company’s business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. The Company has not embedded any open source, copyleft or community source code in any of its products generally available or in development, including but not limited to any libraries or code licensed under any General Public License, Lesser General Public License or similar license arrangement.

 

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(k) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the sale and issuance of the Investor’s Securities shall be used for general working capital purposes.

 

(l) Agreements; Actions.

 

(i) Other than (i) employee agreements and benefits, (ii) standard director and officer indemnification agreements approved by the Board, and (iii) the purchase of shares of the Company’s capital stock and the issuance of options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock, in each instance, approved by the Board, there are no agreements, understandings or proposed transactions between the Company and any of its officers, directors, affiliates, or any affiliate thereof.

 

(ii) Except for this Agreement, there are no written agreements or contracts to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound that involve obligations of, or payments to, the Company in excess of $200,000 (other than purchase orders, invoices or similar agreements executed in the ordinary course of business). Except for this Agreement, there are no agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts or proposed transactions to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound that involve the grant of rights to license, market, or sell its Owned Intellectual Property to any other Person that materially restrict the Company’s right to develop, distribute, market or sell its Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(iii) The Company has not (i) declared or paid any dividends, or authorized or made any distribution upon or with respect to any class or series of its capital stock, (ii) incurred any indebtedness for money borrowed individually in excess of $50,000 or in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate, (iii) made any loans or advances to any Person, other than ordinary advances for travel expenses, or (iv) sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any of its assets or rights, other than the sale of its inventory in the ordinary course of business.

 

(iv) For the purposes of Sections 4(n)(ii) and (iii), all indebtedness, liabilities, agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts and proposed transactions involving the same Person or entity (including Persons or entities the Company has reason to believe are affiliated with that Person or entity) shall be aggregated for the purposes of meeting the individual minimum dollar amounts of each such Section.

 

(m) No Conflict of Interest. The Company is not indebted, directly or indirectly, to any of its officers or employees or to their respective spouses or children or, to the Company’s knowledge, to any affiliate of the foregoing, in any amount whatsoever other than in connection with expenses or advances of expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business or relocation expenses of employees and for other customary employee benefits made generally available to all employees. None of the Company’s officers or employees, or any members of their immediate families, or, to the Company’s knowledge, any affiliate of the foregoing, are, directly or indirectly, indebted to the Company (other than in connection with purchases of the Company’s stock). To the Company’s knowledge, no officers of the Company, any members of their immediate families, or any affiliate of any of the foregoing have any direct or indirect ownership interest in any firm or corporation with which the Company is affiliated or with which the Company has a business relationship, or any firm or corporation which competes with the Company (in each case, other than by holding up to two percent of the outstanding capital stock of any publicly traded company that may compete with the Company). The Company is not a guarantor or indemnitor of any indebtedness of any other Person, firm or corporation.

 

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(n) Rights of Registration and Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided in the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement, the Company is not under any obligation to register under the Securities Act any of its currently outstanding securities or any securities issuable upon exercise or conversion of its currently outstanding securities. To the Company’s knowledge, except as contemplated in the Stockholders Agreement and the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement, no holder of capital stock of the Company has entered into any agreements with respect to the voting of capital shares of the Company.

 

(o) Title to Property and Assets. The Company owns its property and assets free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, loans and encumbrances, except for statutory liens for the payment of current taxes that are not yet delinquent and encumbrances and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of such property or assets. With respect to the property and assets it leases, the Company, to the Company’s knowledge, (i) is in compliance in all material respects with such leases and (ii) holds a valid leasehold interest free of any liens, claims or encumbrances other than those of the lessors of such property or assets. The Company does not own any real property.

 

(p) Financial Statements. Section 4(p) of the Disclosure Schedule contains the Company’s audited financial statements (including balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows) as of December 31, 2017, for the fiscal year then ended and the unaudited financial statements as of March 31, 2019, for the fifteen-month period then ended (collectively, the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated, except that the unaudited Financial Statements may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP (that, if presented, to the Company’s Knowledge would not differ materially from those included in the December 31, 2017 balance sheet). The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and operating results of the Company as of the dates, and for the periods, indicated therein, subject in the case of the unaudited Financial Statements to normal year-end audit adjustments (the effect of which will not, individually or in the aggregate, be significant). Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company has no material liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business subsequent to March 31, 2019; (ii) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) liabilities and obligations of a type or nature not required under GAAP to be reflected in the Financial Statements and which are not material.

 

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(q) Changes. Since March 31, 2019, there has not been:

 

(i) any change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition or operating results of the Company from that reflected in the Financial Statements, except changes in the ordinary course of business that have not had a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(ii) any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance that have had a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(iii) any waiver or compromise by the Company of a valuable right or of a material debt owed to it;

 

(iv) any satisfaction or discharge of any lien, claim, or encumbrance or payment of any obligation by the Company, except in the ordinary course of business and the satisfaction or discharge of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(v) any material change to a material contract or agreement by which the Company or any of its assets is bound or subject;

 

(vi) any material change in any compensation arrangement or agreement with any employee, officer, director or holder of capital stock outside of the ordinary course of business which materially increases the cost of compensation and benefits;

 

(vii) any sale, assignment or transfer of any Owned Intellectual Property;

 

(viii) any resignation or termination of employment of any officer or Key Employee of the Company;

 

(ix) any mortgage, pledge, transfer of a security interest in, or lien, created by the Company, with respect to any of its material properties or assets, except liens for taxes not yet delinquent and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of such property or assets;

 

(x) any loans or guarantees made by the Company to or for the benefit of its employees, officers or directors, or any members of their immediate families, other than travel advances and other advances made in the ordinary course of its business;

 

(xi) any declaration, setting aside or payment or other distribution in respect of any of the Company’s capital stock, or any direct or indirect redemption, purchase, or other acquisition of any of such stock by the Company;

 

(xii) receipt of notice that there has been a loss of, or material order cancellation by, any major customer of the Company;

 

(xiii) to the Company’s knowledge, any other event or condition of any character, other than events affecting the economy or the Company’s industry generally, that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(xiv) any arrangement or commitment by the Company to do any of the things described in this Section 4(q); or (xv) any Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(r) Employee Matters.

 

(i) To the Company’s knowledge, none of its employees is obligated under any contract (including licenses, covenants or commitments of any nature) or other agreement, or subject to any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative agency, that would limit or interfere with such employee’s ability to engage in or continue or perform any conduct, activity, duty or practice relating to the business of the Company, to promote the interest of the Company or that would conflict with the Company’s business.

 

(ii) The Company is not delinquent in payments in any material respect to any of its employees, consultants, or independent contractors for any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, or other direct compensation for any service performed for it to the date hereof or amounts required to be reimbursed to such employees, consultants or independent contractors. The Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and with other laws related to employment, including those related to wages, hours, worker classification and collective bargaining. The Company has withheld and paid to the appropriate governmental entity or is holding for payment not yet due to such governmental entity all amounts required to be withheld from employees of the Company and is not liable for any arrears of wages, taxes, penalties or other sums for failure to comply with any of the foregoing.

 

(iii) To the Company’s knowledge, no Key Employee or material consultant intends to terminate his, her or its services with the Company or is otherwise likely to become unavailable to continue as a Key Employee or consultant, nor does the Company have a present intention to terminate the employment or consultancy of any of the foregoing. The employment of each employee of the Company is terminable at the will of the Company.

 

(iv) The Company has not made any representations regarding equity incentives to any officer, employee, director or consultant that are inconsistent with the share amounts and terms set forth in the minutes of meetings of the Board.

 

(v) Section 4(r)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth all employee benefit plans maintained, established or sponsored by the Company, or in or to which the Company participates or contributes, which is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) or which is otherwise a severance plan or agreement. The Company has made all required contributions and has no liability to any such employee benefit plan in all material respects, other than liability for health plan continuation coverage described in Part 6 of Title I(B) of ERISA, and has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws for any such employee benefit plan.

 

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(s) Tax Returns and Payments. The Company has filed all material tax returns and reports as required by law. These returns and reports are true, correct and complete in all material respects. The Company has paid all material taxes that are due and owing by the Company. There have been no examinations or audits of any material tax returns or reports required to be filed by the Company undertaken by any applicable federal, state, local or foreign governmental agency responsible for the assessment of taxes.

 

(t) Insurance. The Company has in full force and effect fire and casualty insurance policies with extended coverage, sufficient in amount (subject to reasonable deductions) to allow it to replace any of its properties that might be damaged or destroyed, and liability insurance providing adequate insurance coverage for the operations of the Company.

 

(u) Labor Agreements and Actions. The Company is not bound by or subject to (and none of its assets or properties is bound by or subject to) any written or oral, express or implied, contract, commitment or arrangement with any labor union, and no labor union has requested or, to the Company’s knowledge, has sought to represent any of the employees, representatives or agents of the Company. There is no strike or other labor dispute involving the Company pending, or to the Company’s knowledge threatened, which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, nor is the Company aware of any labor organization activity involving its employees. To its knowledge, the Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and with other laws related to employment.

 

(v) Permits. The Company and each of its subsidiaries has all franchises, permits, licenses and any similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business, the lack of which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not in default in any material respect under any of such franchises, permits, licenses or other similar authority.

 

(w) No Other Representations. The representations and warranties made by the Company in this Section 4 are the exclusive representations and warranties made by the Company. Except for any representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4, or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement, the Company expressly disclaims any other representations or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied, as to liabilities, operations of the facilities, the title, condition, value or quality of assets of the Company or the prospects (financial and otherwise), risks and other incidents of the Company, and EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY. No material or information provided by or communications made by the Company or any of its affiliates, or by any advisor thereof, whether by use of a “data room,” or otherwise, will cause or create any warranty, express or implied, as to or in respect of the Company, or the title, condition, value or quality of the assets or liabilities of the Company. The Company makes no representation or warranty whatsoever with respect to any estimates, projections and other forecasts and plans (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections and forecasts).

 

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5. Representations and Warranties of the Investor. The Investor represents and warrants to the Company as of the date of the Closing of the Investment as follows:

 

(a) Authority. The Investor is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Connecticut. The Investor has all requisite entity right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor have been duly authorized by all requisite limited liability company action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Investor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(c) No Violations. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor do not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, (i) result in the breach of, or constitute a default, cause the acceleration of performance, or require any consent under, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Investor pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Investor is a party or by which the Investor or its properties may be bound or affected, (ii) violate or conflict with any provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, trust agreement or similar organizational or governing document of the Investor, as applicable, or (iii) result in Investor violating any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body or any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws.

 

(d) Knowledge of Investment and its Risks. The Investor has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of Investor’s investment in the Investor’s Securities. The Investor understands that an investment in the Company represents a high degree of risk and there is no assurance that the Company’s business or operations will be successful. The Investor has considered carefully the risks attendant to an investment in the Company, and that, as a consequence of such risks, the Investor could lose the Investor’s entire investment in the Company.

 

(e) Investment Intent. The Investor hereby represents and warrants that: (i) the Investor’s Securities are being acquired for investment for the Investor’s own account, and not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to the resale or distribution of all or any part of the Investor’s Securities, and the Investor has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing any of the Investor’s Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act; (ii) the Investor’s Securities are being acquired in the ordinary course of the Investor’s business; and (iii) the Investor does not have any contracts, understandings, agreements or arrangements, directly or indirectly, with any Person and/or entity to distribute, sell, transfer or grant participations to such Person and/or entity with respect to, any of the Investor’s Securities.

 

(f) Investor Status. The Investor is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined by Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and the information provided by the Investor in the Investor Questionnaire, attached hereto as Appendix A, is truthful, accurate and complete. The Investor is not registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or an affiliate of such broker-dealer, except as otherwise indicated in the Investor Questionnaire.

 

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(g) Disclosure. The Investor has conducted to its satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of the financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties and projected operations of the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the Investor’s decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities. The Company has provided the Investor with all the information that the Investor has requested in connection with the decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities. The Investor further represents that the Investor has had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company regarding the business, properties, prospects and financial condition of the Company. All such questions have been answered to the Investor’s full satisfaction. In entering into this Agreement, the Investor relied solely upon the results of its own independent investigation and verification and the Company’s or other Person’s statements, representations, warranties, or agreements expressly contained in this Agreement. Other than as set forth above, the Investor has not relied upon the Company’s or any other Person’s statement, representation, warranty or agreement in entering into this Agreement.

 

(h) No Registration. The Investor understands that the Investor may be required to bear the economic risk of the Investor’s investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. The Investor further understands that: (i) neither the offering nor the sale of the Investor’s Securities has been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable State Acts in reliance upon exemptions from the registration requirements of such laws; (ii) the Investor’s Securities must be held by the Investor indefinitely unless the sale or transfer thereof is subsequently registered under the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts, or exemptions from such registration requirements are available; (iii) the Company is under no obligation to register any of the Investor’s Securities on the Investor’s behalf or to assist the Investor in complying with any exemption from registration; and (iv) the Company will rely upon the representations and warranties made by the Investor in this Agreement and the Investor Questionnaire in order to establish such exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts.

 

(i) Transfer Restrictions. The Investor will not transfer any of the Investor’s Securities unless such transfer is (A) permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (B) registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and such State Acts, and, if requested by the Company in the case of an exempt transaction, the Investor has furnished an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that such transfer is so exempt. The Investor understands and agrees that the certificates evidencing the Investor’s Securities will bear appropriate legends indicating such transfer restrictions placed upon the Investor’s Securities. Further, the Investor understands that this Agreement substantially limits the transfer of the Investor’s Securities and that any transfer made that is not in compliance with this Agreement is null and void.

 

(j) No Solicitation. The Investor: (i) did not receive or review, and is not purchasing as a result of, any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in a newspaper or magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio, whether closed circuit, or generally available, with respect to the Investor’s Securities; and (ii) was not solicited by any Person, other than by representatives of the Company, with respect to a purchase of the Investor’s Securities. The Investor understands and acknowledges that it is the Investor’s responsibility to fully observe the laws of any relevant territory or jurisdiction outside the United States in connection with the offering and purchase of the Investor’s Securities, including obtaining required governmental or other consents or observing any other required legal or other formalities.

 

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(k) Principal Address. The Investor’s principal executive office is set forth on the signature page of this Agreement.

 

(l) Reliance by the Company. The Investor acknowledges that the Company will be relying on the representations and warranties of the Investor made above for purposes of compliance with all applicable securities laws and any applicable exemptions from registration requirements thereunder, and otherwise, and consents to the Company’s reliance on such representations and warranties.

 

6. Registration Rights. The Company covenants and agrees that for so long as Investor (for purposes of this Section 6, any purchaser, transferee or successor of Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall be able to exercise all of Investor’s rights in Section 6 and any references to Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, transferee or successor) continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares:

 

(a) Demand Registration.

 

(i) Form S-1 Demand. If at any time after the earlier of (1) six (6) years after the date of this Agreement (or such earlier date as may been granted to any other shareholder in the Company with respect to a right to require the filing of a Form S-1) or (2) one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of the registration statement for the IPO, the Company receives a request from the Investor that the Company file a Form S-1 registration statement with respect to the Registrable Securities, then the Company shall (A) within 10 Business Days after the date such request is given, give notice thereof (the “Demand Notice”) to all holders of registration rights other than the Investor; and (B) as soon as practicable, and in any event within sixty (60) days after the date such request is given, file a Form S-1 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be registered by Investor, subject to the limitations of Sections 6(a)(iii) and 6(c); provided that the Company shall not be required to file more than four (4) Form S-1 registration statements pursuant to this Section 6(a)(i); and provided further that as a condition to the Company’s obligation to file a Form S-1 pursuant to Section 6(a)(i)(1), the aggregate offering price for such registration statement may not be less than $30,000,000 with a per share price equal to or greater than two times the Per-Share-Price (as adjusted pursuant to the Certificate of Designation).

 

(ii) Form S-3 Demand. If at any time when it is eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement, the Company receives a request from the Investor that the Company file a Form S-3 registration statement with respect to outstanding Registrable Securities, of the Investor, then the Company shall ,(A) within then (10) days after the date such request is given, give a Demand Notice to all holders of registration rights other than the Investor; and (B) as soon as practicable, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the date such request is given by the Investor, file a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be registered by Investor, subject to the limitations of Sections 6(a)(iii) and 6(c).

 

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(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing obligations, if the Company furnishes to the Investor a certificate signed by the Company’s chief executive officer stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement to either become effective or remain effective for as long as such registration statement otherwise would be required to remain effective, because such action would (1) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other similar transaction involving the Company; (2) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (3) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, then the Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such filing, and any time periods with respect to filing or effectiveness thereof shall be tolled correspondingly, for a period of not more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the request of the Investor is given; provided, however, that the Company may not invoke this right more than twice in any twelve (12) month period;

 

(iv) The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 6(a)(i): (1) during the period that is sixty (60) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; (2) after the Company has effected a registration pursuant to Section 6(a)(i); or (3) if the Investor proposes to dispose of shares of Registrable Securities that may be immediately registered on Form S-3 pursuant to a request made pursuant to Section 6(a)(ii). The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 6(a)(ii): (1) during the period that is thirty (30) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is ninety (90) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; or (2) if the Company has effected a registration pursuant to Section 6(a)(ii) within the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date of such request. A registration shall not be counted as “effected” for the purposes of this Section 6(a)(iv) until such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, unless the Investor withdraws its request for such registration, elects not to pay the registration expenses therefor, and forfeits its right to one demand registration statement pursuant to Section 6(f), in which case such withdrawn registration statement shall be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 6(a)(iv); provided, that if such withdrawal is during a period the Company has deferred taking action pursuant to Section 6(a)(iii), then the Investor may withdraw its request for registration and such registration will not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 6(a)(iv).

 

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(b) Company Registration. If the Company proposes to register (including, for this purpose, a registration effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Investor) any of its securities under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash (other than in an Excluded Registration), the Company shall, at such time, promptly give the Investor notice of such registration. Upon the request of Investor given within twenty (20) days after such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 6(c), cause to be registered all of the Registrable Securities that Investor has requested to be included in such registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 6(b) before the effective date of such registration, whether or not Investor has elected to include Registrable Securities in such registration. The expenses (other than Selling Expenses) of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 6(f).

 

(c) Underwriting Requirements.

 

(i) If, pursuant to Section 6(a), the Investor intends to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by its request by means of an underwriting, the Investor shall so advise the Company as a part of the Investor’s request made pursuant to Section 6(a), and the Company shall include such information in the Demand Notice. The underwriter(s) will be selected by the Board of Directors and shall be reasonably acceptable to Investor. The Investor shall (together with the Company as provided in Section 6(d)(v)) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter(s) selected for such underwriting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6(c), if the underwriter(s) advise the Investor in writing that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the number of Registrable Securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be reduced to such number as advised by the underwriter(s); provided, however, that the number of Registrable Securities held by the Investor to be included in such underwriting shall not be reduced unless all other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are reduced on a proportionate basis from the underwriting.

 

(ii) In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to Section 6(b), the Company shall not be required to include the Registrable Securities in such underwriting unless the Investor accepts the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and its underwriter(s), and then only in such quantity as the underwriter(s) in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total number of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities to be sold (other than by the Company) that the underwriter(s) in their reasonable discretion determine is compatible with the success of the offering, then the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such securities, including Registrable Securities, which the underwriter(s) and the Company in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering. If the underwriter(s) determine that less than all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be reduced to such amount as can be included, as determined by the underwriter(s) in their sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced unless all other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are reduced on a proportionate basis from the offering.

 

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(iii) For purposes of Section 6(a), a registration shall not be counted as “effected” if, as a result of an exercise of the underwriter’s cutback provisions in Section 6(c)(i), fewer than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of Registrable Securities that Investor has requested to be included in such registration statement are actually included.

 

(d) Obligations of the Company. Whenever required under this Section 6 to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

 

(i) prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and, upon the request of Investor, keep such registration statement effective for a period of up to one hundred twenty (120) days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the registration statement has been completed; provided, however, that such one hundred twenty (120) day period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period the Investor refrains, at the request of an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, from selling any securities included in such registration;

 

(ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement, and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement, as may be necessary to comply with the Securities Act in order to enable the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement;

 

(iii) furnish to the Investor such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, as required by the Securities Act, and such other documents as the Investor may reasonably request in order to facilitate its disposition of the Registrable Securities;

 

(iv) use its commercially reasonable efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or blue-sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the Investor; provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions, unless the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act;

 

(v) in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the underwriter(s) of such offering;

 

(vi) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be listed on a national securities exchange or trading system and each securities exchange and trading system (if any) on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

 

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(vii) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement and provide a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration;

 

(viii) promptly make available for inspection by the Investor, any underwriter(s) participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney or accountant or other agent retained by any such underwriter or selected by Investor, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents, and properties of the Company, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees, and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant, or agent, in each case, as necessary or advisable to verify the accuracy of the information in such registration statement and to conduct appropriate due diligence in connection therewith, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws;

 

(ix) notify the Investor, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement has been declared effective or a supplement to any prospectus forming a part of such registration statement has been filed; and

 

(x) after such registration statement becomes effective, notify the Investor of any request by the SEC that the Company amend or supplement such registration statement or prospectus.

 

In addition, the Company shall ensure that, at all times after any registration statement covering a public offering of securities of the Company under the Securities Act shall have become effective, its insider trading policy shall provide that the Company’s directors may implement a trading program under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act.

 

(e) Furnish Information. It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 6 with respect to the Registrable Securities of the Investor that such Investor shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as is reasonably required to effect the registration of the Investor’s Registrable Securities.

 

(f) Expenses of Registration. All expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incurred in connection with registrations, filings, or qualifications pursuant to Section 6, including all registration, filing, and qualification fees; printers’ and accounting fees; and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company shall be borne and paid by the Company. All Selling Expenses relating to Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 6 shall be borne and paid by the Investor.

 

(g) Delay of Registration. The Investor shall not have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any registration pursuant to this Agreement as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 6.

 

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(h) Indemnification. If any Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement under this Section 6:

 

(i) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Investor, and the partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders of the Investor; legal counsel and accountants for the Investor; any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for the Investor; and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any Damages, and the Company will pay to the Investor, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(h)(i) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, nor shall the Company be liable for any Damages to the extent that they arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of the Investor, any underwriter, any controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person expressly for use in connection with such registration.

 

(ii) To the extent permitted by law, the Investor will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each Person (if any), who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, legal counsel and accountants for the Company, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act), and any controlling Person of any such underwriter, against any Damages, in each case only to the extent that such Damages arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of the Investor expressly for use in connection with such registration; and the Investor will pay to the Company and each other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(h)(ii) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided further that in no event shall the aggregate amounts payable by the Investor by way of indemnity or contribution under Sections 6(h)(ii) and 6(h)(iv) exceed the proceeds from the offering received by the Investor (net of any Selling Expenses paid by the Investor), except in the case of fraud or willful misconduct by the Investor.

 

(iii) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 6(h) of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action) for which a party may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 6(h), give the indemnifying party notice of the commencement thereof. The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in such action and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, participate jointly with any other indemnifying party to which notice has been given, and to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Section 6(h), to the extent that such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party’s ability to defend such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 6(h).

 

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(iv) To provide for just and equitable contribution to joint liability under the Securities Act in any case in which either: (1) any party otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 6(h) but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, notwithstanding the fact that this Section 6(h) provides for indemnification in such case, or (2) contribution under the Securities Act may be required on the part of any party hereto for which indemnification is provided under this Section 6(h), then, and in each such case, such parties will contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses to which they may be subject (after contribution from others) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of each of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the statements, omissions, or other actions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability, or expense, as well as to reflect any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact, or the omission or alleged omission of a material fact, relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission; provided, however, that, in any such case (x) the Investor will not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the public offering price of all such Registrable Securities offered and sold by the Investor pursuant to such registration statement, and (y) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation; and provided further that in no event shall the Investor’s liability pursuant to this Section 6(h)(iv), when combined with the amounts paid or payable by the Investor pursuant to Section 6(h)(ii), exceed the proceeds from the offering received by the Investor (net of any Selling Expenses paid by the Investor), except in the case of willful misconduct or fraud by the Investor.

 

(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.

 

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(vi) Unless otherwise superseded by an underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering, the obligations of the Company and Investor under this Section 6(h) shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration under this Section 6 and otherwise shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

(i) Reports Under Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of SEC Rule 144 and any other 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 or pursuant to a registration on Form S-3, the Company shall:

 

(i) make and keep available adequate current public information, as those terms are understood and defined in SEC Rule 144, at all times after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO;

 

(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such reporting requirements); and

 

(iii) furnish to the Investor forthwith upon request (i) to the extent accurate, a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of SEC Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO), the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such reporting requirements), or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies); and (ii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing the Investor of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such securities without registration (at any time after the Company has become subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act) or pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies to use such form).

 

(j) Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Investor, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would provide to such holder or prospective holder the right to include securities in any registration on other than either (i) a pro rata basis with respect to the Registrable Securities or (ii) on a subordinate basis after the Investor has had the opportunity to include in the registration and offering all shares of Registrable Securities that it wishes to include.

 

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(k) “Market Stand-off” Agreement. The Investor hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the registration by the Company of shares of its Common Stock or any other equity securities under the Securities Act on a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days in the case of the IPO, or such other period as may be requested by the Company or an underwriter to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (1) the publication or other distribution of research reports, and (2) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in FINRA Rule 2711(f)(4) or NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto), (i) lend; offer; pledge; sell; contract to sell; sell any option or contract to purchase; purchase any option or contract to sell; grant any option, right, or warrant to purchase; or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable (directly or indirectly) for Common Stock or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash, or otherwise. The underwriters in connection with such registration are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 6(k) and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. Each Holder further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in connection with such registration that are consistent with this Section 6(k) or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of its capital stock of the Investor (and transferees and assignees thereof) until the end of the restricted period.

 

(l) Termination of Registration Rights. The right of the Investor to request registration or inclusion of Registrable Securities in any registration pursuant to Sections 6(a) or 6(b) shall terminate upon the earliest of:

 

(i) the closing of a Liquidity Event, as such term is defined in the Certificate of Designation;

 

(ii) such time as Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all of the Investor’s shares without limitation during a three-month period without registration; and (iii) the fourth anniversary of the IPO.

 

7. Restrictions on Transfer.

 

(a) Prior to an IPO, the Investor (including any transferee of the Investor) may not transfer any Preferred Stock (or any other securities issued with respect to any Preferred Stock, whether by stock dividend, stock split, merger, exchange, reorganization, or otherwise) or any interest in any Preferred Stock, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement and in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and other applicable law. The Investor will cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee, or transferee of the Investor’s Securities and the Registrable Securities held by the Investor to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and upon the conditions specified in this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “transfer” means any transfer, sale, assignment, gift, pledge, exchange, encumbrance, or other disposition, whether direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary.

 

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(b) Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing (i) the Investor’s Securities, (ii) the Registrable Securities, and (iii) any other securities issued in respect of the securities referenced in clauses (i) and (ii), upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Section 7(c)) be notated with a legend substantially in the following form:

 

(i) THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.

 

(ii) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE SERIES A-2 PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED JULY 3, 2019 AMONG NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC., CONYERS INVESTMENTS LLC AND THE CHRISTOPHER RUDDY REVOCABLE TRUST DATED OCTOBER 12, 2007, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

 

(c) The Investor consents to the Company making a notation in its records and giving instructions to any transfer agent of the Restricted Securities in order to implement the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 7.

 

(d) The Investor, by acceptance of ownership thereof, agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 7. Before any proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless the Company shall have completed an IPO, the Investor shall give notice to the Company of the Investor’s intention to effect such sale, pledge, or transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer in sufficient detail and, if reasonably requested by the Company, shall be accompanied at the Investor’s expense by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration under the Securities Act; (ii) a “no action” letter from the SEC to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of such Restricted Securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the SEC that action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Securities Act, whereupon the Investor shall be entitled to sell, pledge, or transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice given by the Investor to the Company (unless such sale, pledge or transfer is otherwise restricted by the terms set forth in this Agreement, including this Section 7). The Company will not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter with respect to transfers in accordance with Section 7(f). Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing the Restricted Securities transferred as above provided shall be notated with the appropriate restrictive legend set forth in Section 7(b).

 

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(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, prior to completion of an IPO, in no event shall any of the Investor’s Securities or the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise made available to any U.S.-based cable channel or over the top (OTT) media services without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(f) Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7(b) and notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the Investor’s Securities, or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, and the rights under this Agreement may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by the Investor upon prior written notice to the Company to one or more affiliates or other related persons of the Investor; provided, however, that such transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

(g) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event any purchaser, transferee or successor of Investor, acquires the Preferred Threshold Shares, the holder of the Preferred Threshold Shares shall be entitled to exercise all rights and privileges available to Investor as the holder of Preferred Threshold Shares under this Agreement, including without limitation, the registration rights under Section 6, the preemptive rights under Section 8, the Right of First Refusal under Section 10, and the information rights under Section 11.

 

(h) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, following an IPO, all restrictions upon transfer in this Section 7 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.

 

8. Preemptive Rights.

 

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 8(a) and applicable securities laws, if the Company proposes to offer or sell any New Securities, the Company shall first offer such New Securities to the Investor (for purposes of this Section 8, any purchaser, transferee or successor of Investor permitted in accordance with this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall also be able to exercise and enforce all of Investor’s rights in Section 8 and any reference to Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, transferee or successor) for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares.

 

(i) The Company shall give notice (the “Offer Notice”) to the Investor, stating (i) its bona fide intention to offer such New Securities, (ii) the number of such New Securities to be offered, and (iii) the price and terms, if any, upon which it proposes to offer such New Securities.

 

(ii) By notification to the Company within twenty (20) days after the Offer Notice is given, the Investor may elect to purchase or otherwise acquire, at the price and on the terms specified in the Offer Notice, up to that portion of such New Securities which equals the proportion that the Common Stock then held by the Investor (including all shares of Common Stock then issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock then held by the Investor) bears to the total Common Stock of the Company then outstanding (assuming full conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of all Preferred Stock and other Derivative Securities) (the Investor’s “Pro Rata Share”).

 

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(iii) The Company may, during the 90-day period following the Offer Notice, offer and sell the remaining unsubscribed portion of such New Securities to any Person or Persons at a price not less than, and upon terms no more favorable to the offeree than, those specified in the Offer Notice. If the Company does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the New Securities within such period, the right provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such New Securities shall not be offered unless first reoffered to the Investor in accordance with this Section 8(a).

 

(iv) The right of first offer in this Section 8(a) shall not be applicable to

 

(v) Exempted Securities (as defined in the Certificate of Designation); (ii) shares of Common Stock issued in the IPO; and (iii) the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock or any Common Stock upon the conversion of Preferred Stock.

 

(vi) Nothing in this Section 8 shall be deemed to prevent a Person from purchasing for cash any New Securities without first complying with the provisions of this Section 8; provided, that (i) in connection with such purchase the delay caused by compliance with the provisions of this Section 8 in connection with such investment would be likely to cause harm to the Company (or applicable subsidiary); (ii) the Company gives prompt notice to the Investor, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the New Securities being purchased by the Person making such purchase (for purposes of this Section 8, the “Purchasing Holder”) and the purchase price thereof and (iii) the Company shall invite the Investor to exercise its rights under this Section 8 with respect to its purchase of its Pro Rata Share of the New Securities issued to the Purchasing Holder after such purchase by the Purchasing Holder on the terms specified in Section 8.

 

(b) Termination. The covenants set forth in Section 8(a) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect immediately before the consummation of the IPO.

 

9. Additional Covenants. The Company and the Investor acknowledge and agree that (i) Investor shall not have access to any personal data of the subscribers of the Company and its subsidiaries or visitors to the website(s) of the Company and its subsidiaries, and (ii) the Investor shall not seek to influence editorial policy or content published by the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

10. Right of First Refusal.

 

(a) Right of First Refusal for Capital Stock of the Majority Common Holder.

 

(i) If the Majority Common Holder proposes to sell any shares of its Common Stock, then the Company will have a Right of First Refusal to purchase such Transfer Stock. If the Company does not purchase all or any portion of the Transfer Stock, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor (for purposes of this Section 10, any purchaser, transferee or successor of Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall also be able to exercise and enforce all of Investor’s rights in Section 10 and any reference to Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, transferee or successor) shall have the right to purchase any portion of the Transfer Stock not purchased by the Company or by the Series A-1 Holder pursuant to the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement. If the Company and Series A-1 Holder do not intend to exercise their Rights of First Refusal with respect to all Transfer Stock subject to a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Company must deliver a Secondary Notice to the Investor to that effect no later than 40 days after the Majority Common Holder delivers the Proposed Transfer Notice to the Company. To exercise its Secondary Refusal Right, the Investor must deliver an Investor Notice to the Majority Common Holder and the Company within ten (10) days after the Company’s deadline for its delivery of the Secondary Notice as provided in the preceding sentence.

 

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(ii) Consideration; Closing. If the consideration proposed to be paid for the Transfer Stock is in property, services or other non-cash consideration, the fair market value of the consideration shall be as determined in good faith by the Board and as set forth in the Company Notice. If the Company, the Series A-1 Holder or the Investor cannot for any reason pay for the Transfer Stock in the same form of non-cash consideration, the Company, Series A-1 Holder or the Investor may pay the cash value equivalent thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board and as set forth in the Company Notice. The closing of the purchase of Transfer Stock by the Company, Series A-1 Holder and/or the Investor shall take place, and all payments from the Company, Series A-1 Holder and/or the Investor shall have been delivered to the Majority Common Holder, by the later of (i) the date specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice as the intended date of the Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer; and (ii) fifty-five (55) days after delivery of the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

(b) Right of First Refusal with Respect to the Stockholders Agreement. In the event that the Majority Common Holder has any right of first refusal pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the Majority Common Holder will, and the Company will cause the Majority Common Holder, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares (or, if converted, the Common Stock underlying such Preferred Stock), to invite the Investor to participate to the extent of its Pro Rata Share in the purchase under such right of first refusal and to cooperate in a good faith, commercially reasonable manner to facilitate such participation.

 

(c) Tag-Along Rights.

 

(i) Subject to prior satisfaction of the requirements of the Right of First Refusal in Section 10(a), in the event the Majority Common Holder intends to sell any Common Stock held by the Majority Common Holder, the Majority Common Holder shall and Company shall cause the Majority Common Holder to notify the Investor, in writing, of such proposed sale and its terms and conditions, including the number of Common Stock proposed to be sold by the Majority Common Holder, the identity of the proposed transferee(s), and the aggregate amount and type of consideration to be paid in respect thereof. Within ten (10) Business Days of the date of such notice, the Investor shall notify the Majority Common Holder if it elects to participate in such sale. If the Investor fails to notify the Majority Common Holder within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Investor shall be deemed to have waived its rights hereunder. If the Investor so notifies the Majority Common Holder within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Investor shall have the right to sell at the same price (subject to the provisions below) and on the same terms and conditions as the Majority Common Holder, an amount of Common Stock equal to the Common Stock the third party actually proposes to purchase multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock owned by the Investor (including shares of Common Stock available upon conversion of Preferred Stock) and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock owned by the Majority Common Holder and Investor; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that in connection with any exercise by the Investor its rights under this Section 10(c), the Investor must convert the necessary amount of Preferred Stock in accordance with the Certificate of Designation into Common Stock sufficient to make such exercise.

 

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(ii) In order to be entitled to exercise the tag-along rights described in this Section 10(c), the Investor shall be required to make to the proposed transferee or purchaser in the applicable transaction substantially the same representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and agreements as the Majority Common Holder agrees to make in connection with such transaction, and agree to the same conditions to such transaction as the Majority Common Holder agrees (except that, in the case of representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, agreements and conditions pertaining specifically to the Majority Common Holder, the Investor shall make comparable representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and agreements and shall agree to comparable conditions, in each case to the extent applicable and pertaining specifically to itself and only to itself); provided, however, (w) that any representations and warranties or indemnities given by the Investor shall be several and not joint with the Majority Common Holder, (x) any liability of the Majority Common Holder shall be borne by the Majority Common Holder, and (y) to the extent the Investor is required to provide indemnification in connection with any such transaction, without the consent of the Investor, the Investor shall not be required to provide any indemnification that would result in any liability for such indemnification for the Investor that exceeds the Investor’s gross proceeds from such transaction (excluding liability for breach of representations regarding (a) the Investor’s authority to sell, (b) the securities to be sold by the Investor being free and clear of any liens, claims or encumbrances (other than restrictions imposed pursuant to applicable laws), (c) the Investor being a beneficial owner and the sole record owner of such securities, and (d) the Investor having obtained or made all necessary consents, approvals, permits, filings and notifications from governmental authorities or third parties to consummate such transaction) and (z) to the extent Investor is required to provide indemnification in connection with any such transaction, without the consent of Investor, the Investor shall not be required to provide indemnification for the percentage of total losses exceeding Investor’s pro rata share of the sale proceeds.

 

11. Information Rights. The Company covenants and agrees that for so long as Investor (for purposes of this Section 11, any purchaser, transferee or successor of Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall be able to exercise all of Investor’s rights in Section 11 and any references to Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, transferee or successor) continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares; provided the Board of Directors has not reasonably determined that the Investor (or such permitted purchaser, transferee or successor) is a competitor of the Company:

 

(a) Delivery of Financial Statements. The Company shall deliver to Investor :

 

(i) as soon as practicable, but in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (1) a balance sheet as of the end of such year, (2) statements of income and cash flows for such year, and a comparison between (x) the actual amounts as of and for such fiscal year and (y) the comparable amounts for the prior year and as included in the Budget for such year (if prepared by the Company), with an explanation of any material differences between such amounts and a schedule as to the sources and applications of funds for such year, and (3) a statement of stockholders’ equity as of the end of such year, and all such financial statements audited and certified by independent public accountants of nationally or regionally recognized standing selected by the Company;

 

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(ii) as soon as practicable, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarters of such fiscal year of the Company, unaudited statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal quarter, and an unaudited balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal quarter, all prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that such financial statements may (1) be subject to normal year-end adjustments; and (2) not contain all notes thereto that may be required in accordance with GAAP);

 

(iii) as soon as practicable, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, a statement showing the number of shares of each class and series of capital stock and securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of capital stock outstanding at the end of the period, the Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of any outstanding securities convertible or exercisable for Common Stock and the exchange ratio or exercise price applicable thereto and the number of shares of issued stock options and stock options not yet issued but reserved for issuance, if any, all in sufficient detail as to permit the Investor to calculate its percentage equity ownership in the Company, and certified by the chief financial officer or chief executive officer of the Company as being true, complete, and correct;

 

(iv) if the Company prepares a Budget (as defined below), then as soon as practicable, but in any event thirty (30) days before the end of each fiscal year, a budget and business plan for the next fiscal year (collectively, the “Budget”), approved by the Board of Directors and prepared on a monthly basis, including balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flow for such months and, promptly after prepared, any other budgets or revised budgets prepared by the Company;

 

(v) such other information relating to the financial condition, business, prospects, or corporate affairs of the Company as Investor may from time to time reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated under this Section 11(a) to provide information (1) that the Company reasonably determines in good faith to be a trade secret or confidential information (unless covered by an enforceable confidentiality agreement, in a form acceptable to the Company); or (2) the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.

 

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If, for any period, the Company has any subsidiary whose accounts are consolidated with those of the Company, then in respect of such period the financial statements delivered pursuant to the foregoing sections shall be the consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Company and all such consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 11(a) to the contrary, the Company may cease providing the information set forth in this Section 11(a) during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days before the Company’s good-faith estimate of the date of filing of a registration statement if it reasonably concludes it must do so to comply with the SEC rules applicable to such registration statement and related offering; provided that the Company’s covenants under this Section 11(a) shall be reinstated at such time as the Company is no longer actively employing its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective.

 

To the extent the Company has agreed to provide more comprehensive financial information to any Person, the Company shall provide the Investor with such more comprehensive financial information in addition to the items described in this Section 11.

 

(b) Inspection. Upon reasonable advance notice, the Company shall permit Investor and Investor’s representatives at Investor’s expense, to visit and inspect the Company’s properties; examine and copy its books of account and records; and discuss the Company’s affairs, finances, and accounts with its officers, during normal business hours of the Company as may be reasonably requested by Investor; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated by this Section 11(b) to provide access to any information that it reasonably and in good faith considers to be a trade secret or confidential information (unless covered by an enforceable confidentiality agreement, in form acceptable to the Company), or the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.

 

(c) Termination of Information Rights. The covenants set forth in Sections 11(a) and 11(b) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, or (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon the closing of a Liquidity Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), whichever event comes first.

 

12. Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement, including all of the rights of the Investor (including any purchaser, transferee or successor of Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement) hereunder, shall terminate upon the earliest of:

 

(i) upon the IPO, provided that the registration rights in Section 6 shall survive for four years following the IPO; and

 

(ii) less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Series A-2 Stock issued pursuant to this Agreement remaining outstanding.

 

13. Further Assurances. The parties hereto will, upon reasonable request, execute and deliver all such further assignments, endorsements and other documents as may be necessary in order to perfect the purchase by the Investor of the Investor’s Securities. In no event shall the Company be responsible for all or any portion of any fees, commissions or other amounts owed by Investor to any of its brokers, financial advisors, consultants, finders, placement agents, investment bankers, banks or any other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

-31-

 

 

14. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modification; Survival. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto and this Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by the Company and the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding Series A-2 Stock issued pursuant to this Agreement. The respective representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement and all other agreements, documents and certificates executed by the parties hereto in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall survive the Closing for a period of 12 months and terminate thereafter.

 

15. Binding Effect; Benefits. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, transferees, successors and permitted assigns, specifically including any purchaser, transferee or successor of Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement owning Preferred Threshold Shares with respect to the exercise of all Investor’s rights under Sections 6, 8, 10 and 11; however, other than pursuant to Section 6(k), nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any other Person other than the parties hereto, or their respective heirs, transferees, successors or assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile signature page were an original thereof.

 

17. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Agreement or any dispute arising out of this Agreement or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

18. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR AGREE THAT THIS SECTION IS A SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT IF THIS SECTION WERE NOT PART OF THIS AGREEMENT.

 

-32-

 

 

19. Prevailing Parties. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive, and the non-prevailing party shall pay upon demand, reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other remedy.

 

20. Specific Performance. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that each party could be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the other party in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise are breached. Accordingly, each party agrees that the other party may be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement by the breaching party and to enforce specifically this Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof (without a need to post a bond or provide other security), in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity.

 

21. No Strict Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

22. Notices. All communication hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, delivered, telegraphed or sent by electronic mail, and such delivery shall be confirmed to the addresses as provided below:

 

If to the Investor:

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Investor) to:

 

If to the Company:

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Company) to:

 

23. Headings. The section headings herein are included for convenience only and are not to be deemed a part of this Agreement.

 

24. Fees and Expenses. Each party will pay its own fees and expenses in connection with this Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

-33-

 

 

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

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  CHRISTOPHER RUDDY REVOCABLE TRUST DATED OCTOBER 12, 2007, in its capacity as Majority Common Holder (solely with respect to Section 10 of this Agreement)
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
    Name: Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Trustee

 

  Name of Entity: CONYERS INVESTMENTS LLC
   
  Signature: /s/ Christopher Uzpen
   
  Name of Signatory: Christopher Uzpen
   
  Title of Signatory: Manager
   
  IRS Tax Identification Number:   
   
  Telephone Number:  

 

[Signature Page to Subscription Agreement]

 

-34-

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

Investor Questionnaire

 

I. For Individual Investors Only

 

(All individual investors must INITIAL where appropriate. Where there are joint investors both
parties must INITIAL):

 

Initial _________ I certify that I have a “net worth” of at least $1 million either individually or through aggregating my individual holdings and those in which I have a joint, community property or other similar shared ownership interest with my spouse. For purposes of calculating net worth under this paragraph, (i) the primary residence shall not be included as an asset, (ii) to the extent that the indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence is in excess of the fair market value of the primary residence, the excess amount shall be included as a liability, and (iii) if the amount of outstanding indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days prior to the execution of this Subscription Agreement, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability.
   
Initial _________ I certify that I have had an annual gross income for the past two years of at least $200,000 (or $300,000 jointly with my spouse) and expect my income (or joint income, as appropriate) to reach the same level in the current year.

 

II. For Non-Individual Investors

 

(all Non-Individual Investors must INITIAL where appropriate):

 

Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that is 100% owned by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that has total assets of at least $5 million and was not formed for the purpose of investing in the Company.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary (as defined in ERISA §3(21)) that is a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company or registered investment adviser.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose total assets exceed $5,000,000 as of the date of the Subscription Agreement.

 

A-1

 

 

Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is a self-directed employee benefit plan whose investment decisions are made solely by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is a U.S. bank, U.S. savings and loan association or other similar U.S. institution acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is a broker-dealer (or an affiliate of a broker-dealer) registered pursuant to §15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is an organization described in §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with total assets exceeding $5,000,000 and not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the Company.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is a trust with total assets of at least $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the Company, and whose purchase is directed by a person with such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that he is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is a plan established and maintained by a state or its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, for the benefit of its employees, and which has total assets in excess of $5,000,000.
   
Initial _________ The undersigned certifies that it is an insurance company as defined in §2(a)(13) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or a registered investment company.

 

A-2

 

 

APPENDIX B

 

Company Wire Instructions

 

[          ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B-1

 

 

APPENDIX C

 

Form of Certificate of Designation

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C-1

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF
SERIES A-2 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

 

Pursuant to Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), certifies that pursuant to authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) by Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and pursuant to the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors adopted and approved the following resolution providing for the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of shares known as Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”, and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and preferred stock, including the series of shares designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A Stock”) and the series of shares designated Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A-1 Stock”); and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in such series and to fix the designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors deems it advisable to, and hereby does, designate a Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock and fixes and determines the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions relating to the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock as follows:

 

Section 1. Designation. The designation of the series of preferred stock of the Corporation is “Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-2 Stock”).

 

Section 2. Number of Shares. The authorized number of shares of Series A-2 Stock is 3,176.12.

 

Section 3. Defined Terms and Rules of Construction.

 

C-2

 

 

(a) Definitions. As used herein with respect to the Series A-2 Stock:

 

Additional Shares of Common Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock issued (or deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 6(e) below) by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date, other than (x) the following shares of Common Stock and (y) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options convertible into Common Stock and Convertible Securities (clauses (x) and (y), collectively, “Exempted Securities”):

 

(1) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend or distribution in respect of the Series A -2 Stock;

 

(2) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split, split-up, subdivision or other distribution on shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock;

 

(3) shares of Common Stock or Options convertible into Common Stock issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board of Directors representing, in the aggregate, up to 10% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, unless a higher threshold is approved by the Board of Directors;

 

(4) shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued upon the exercise of Options or shares of Common Stock issued upon the conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities outstanding as of the Original Issue Date);

 

(5) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued in connection with a debt financing transaction or to equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors pursuant to transactions approved by the Board of Directors;

 

(6) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued to third party suppliers or third party service providers in connection with the provision of goods or services pursuant to transactions approved by the Board of Directors; or

 

(7) shares of Common Stock, Options convertible into Common Stock or Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by the Corporation by merger, purchase of substantially all of the assets or other reorganization approved by the Board of Directors and the holders of a majority of the then issued and outstanding Series A-2 stock.

 

Board of Directors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

Bylaws” shall mean the Bylaws of the Corporation in effect on the date hereof, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Designation” shall mean this Certificate of Designation relating to the Series A-2 Stock, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

C-3

 

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Class A Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Class B Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on any Business Day.

 

Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(d).

 

Convertible Securities” shall mean any evidences of indebtedness, shares (including Preferred Stock) or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Extraordinary Transaction” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6(h).

 

IPO” shall mean the initial public offering of capital stock of the Corporation or any successor thereof.

 

Junior Stock” shall mean the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock that ranks junior to the Series A-2 Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or both.

 

Liquidity Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5(a).

 

Liquidation Preference” shall initially mean $18,890.95 per share of Series A-2 Stock.

 

Option” shall mean rights, options or warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock or Convertible Securities.

 

Original Issue Date” shall mean the date on which the first share of Series A-2 Stock was issued.

 

Per-Share-Price” shall mean $18,890.95.

 

Person” or “person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Preferred Stock” shall mean the Series A Stock, the Series A-1 Stock and the Series A-2 Stock.

 

C-4

 

 

Sale of the Corporation” shall mean the sale of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, (whether structured as a sale of assets, merger, consolidation, lease, exclusive license, transfer or other disposition) including in one or more series of related transactions, to an independent third party or group of independent third parties pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (i) capital stock of the Corporation constituting a majority of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of voting securities (whether by merger, consolidation or sale or transfer) or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis.

 

Series A Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-1 Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

Series A-2 Stock” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.

 

Series A-2 Directors” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 7(c).

 

Series A Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 22, 2017, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Series A-1 Certificate of Designation” shall mean that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 16, 2019, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement” shall mean that certain Series A-2 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 3, 2019, by and among the Corporation, Conyers Investments LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company, and the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007.

 

(b) Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein; (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning accorded to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States, applied on a consistent basis; (iii) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (iv) “or” is not exclusive; (v) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command; (vi) “including” means including without limitation; (vii) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; (viii) references to any Section or clause refer to the corresponding Section or clause, respectively, of this Certificate of Designation; (ix) any reference to a day or number of days, unless expressly referred to as a Business Day, shall mean the respective calendar day or number of calendar days; and (x) headings are for convenience of reference only.

 

Section 4. Dividends.

 

(a) Dividend Rate on Series A-2 Stock. Other than as set forth in Section 4(b), holders of the Series A-2 Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends on the Series A-2 Stock at an annual dividend rate per share of five percent (5%) of the Per-Share-Price. Dividends will accrue quarterly and be payable in cash upon (1) a Liquidity Event (as defined herein) or (2) the conversion of the applicable share(s) of Series A-2 Stock pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6 (unless such dividends are converted pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that a Liquidity Event, conversion or sale occurs prior to the end of a quarter, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial quarter.

 

C-5

 

 

(b) Participation with Dividends on Common Stock. Dividends on the Series A-2 Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of the Common Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution solely in shares of Common Stock for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 6(e) and cash in lieu of fractional shares) unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on each share of the Series A-2 Stock in an amount equal to the assets (whether cash or property) that a holder of a share of Series A-2 Stock would have received had such share been converted into the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which the holder would then be entitled immediately prior to the record date, distribution date or other applicable payment date with respect to such dividend or distribution. Payment of a dividend to the holders of Series A-2 Stock under this Section 4(b) shall reduce (dollar for dollar) any accrued but unpaid dividends payable under Section 4(a).

 

Section 5. Liquidation Rights.

 

(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Liquidity Event. Upon any Sale of the Corporation, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidity Event”), the holders of the shares of Series A-2 Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Junior Stock, to be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Liquidation Preference plus any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 or (ii) the per share amount of all cash, securities and other property (such securities or other property having a value equal to its fair market value as determined pursuant to Section 5(e)) to be distributed in respect of the Class A Common Stock such holder would have been entitled to receive had it converted such Series A-2 Stock immediately prior to the date fixed for the Liquidity Event; provided that in the event of a Sale of the Corporation, the holders of Series A-2 Stock shall have the right to elect (within five (5) Business Days following delivery by the Corporation of a notice of a Sale of the Corporation) not to receive the cash payment referenced herein and instead continue to hold their Series A-2 Stock following the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation transaction; provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A-2 Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction. If, upon the Liquidity Event, the assets of the Corporation to be distributed among the holders of Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock and Series A-2 Stock shall be insufficient to permit payment in full to such holders the full preferential amount to which they are entitled, then the entire assets of the Corporation shall be distributed in proportion to the preferential amount each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive under this Section 5(a), Section 5(a) of the Series A Certificate of Designation and Section 5(a) of the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation.

 

(b) Remaining Assets. Upon a Liquidity Event, after the holders of Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock and Series A-2 Stock shall have been paid in full their full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the remaining assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the Junior Stock then outstanding.

 

C-6

 

 

(c) Fractional Shares. The Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding fractional share of Series A-2 Stock shall be equal to a ratably proportionate amount of the Liquidation Preference with respect to each outstanding share of Series A-2 Stock.

 

(d) Waiver of Liquidity Event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the treatment of any transaction as a Liquidity Event under Section 5(a) may be waived by the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock; provided further that the forgoing proviso shall not be used by any holder of Series A-2 Stock to force a “rollover” of such holders’ shares, except if such “rollover” is permitted by the purchaser of the Corporation in such Sale of the Corporation transaction.

 

(e) Valuation of Consideration. In the event of a Liquidity Event, if the consideration received by the Corporation is other than cash, its value will be deemed its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as set forth in the definitive agreements governing such Liquidity Event.

 

Section 6. Conversion. The rights of the holders of shares of the Series A-2 Stock and of the Corporation to convert such shares into shares of Class A Common Stock, and the terms and conditions of such conversion, shall be as follows:

 

(a) Right to Convert.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-2 Stock shall be convertible (A) at the option of the holder thereof, at any time after the Original Issue Date or (B) automatically upon (x) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock, in each case, into that number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(b) or (c). In connection with the conversion of shares of the Series A-2 Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Corporation, and in the case of a conversion at the election of the holder, together with written notice to the Corporation stating that it elects to convert the same and setting forth the name or names in which it wishes the certificate or certificates for the Class A Common Stock to be issued, and the number of shares of Series A-2 Stock being converted.

 

(2) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after the surrender of the certificate or certificates evidencing shares of Series A-2 Stock for conversion at the office of the Corporation, issue to each holder of such shares, a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which it shall be entitled and, in the event that only a part of the shares evidenced by such certificate or certificates are converted, a certificate evidencing the number of shares of Series A-2 Stock that are not converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the Close of Business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Series A-2 Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such date and shall, with respect to such shares, have only those rights of a holder of Class A Common Stock.

 

C-7

 

 

(b) Optional Conversion of Series A-2 Stock by Holder.

 

(1) Each share of Series A-2 Stock (including, for the avoidance of doubt, fractional shares of Series A-2 Stock) shall be convertible at any time after the Original Issue Date, at the option of the holder of record thereof, into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-2 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) Except as otherwise determined by the Corporation, no fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-2 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-2 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

(3) If a conversion of Series A-2 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-2 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or similar transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A-2 Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-2 Stock.

 

(c) Mandatory Conversion of Series A-2 Stock.

 

(1) Automatically upon the earlier of (A) an IPO or (y) the election by written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock all of the then outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock shall convert into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Series A-2 Stock being converted plus, upon the written consent of the holder thereof, any accrued but unpaid dividends payable pursuant to Section 4 divided by (y) the Conversion Price as of the time of the conversion.

 

(2) No fractional shares of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock, except as otherwise determined by the Corporation. All shares of Class A Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of more than one share of Series A-2 Stock by a holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after the aforementioned aggregation, the conversion would result in the issuance of any fractional share, the Corporation shall either issue such fractional shares or, in lieu of issuing any fractional share, pay cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of each share of Series A-2 Stock as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors on the date of conversion.

 

C-8

 

 

(3) If a conversion of Series A-2 Stock is to be made in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction, a Liquidity Event or a similar transaction affecting the Corporation (other than a tender or exchange offer), the conversion of any shares of Series A-2 Stock may, at the election of the holder thereof, be conditioned upon the consummation of such transaction, in which case such conversion shall not be deemed to be effective until such Extraordinary Transaction, Liquidity Event or other transaction has been consummated. Any shares of Series A-2 Stock not so converted shall be returned to the holder as Series A-2 Stock.

 

(d) Conversion Price. The conversion price per share for the Series A-2 Stock shall initially be equal to $18,890.95 (the “Conversion Price”) and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 6.

 

(e) Deemed Issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock. If the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall issue any Options or Convertible Securities (excluding Options or Convertible Securities which are themselves Exempted Securities), then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instrument relating thereto, assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, convertibility or exchangeability but without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or, in the case of Convertible Securities and Options therefor, the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, shall be deemed to be Additional Shares of Common Stock issued as of the time of such issue.

 

(f) Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock (including Additional Shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 6(e) above), without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue, then the Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

CP2 = CP1* (A + B) ÷ (A + C).

 

For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:

 

CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

CP1” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

“A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding immediately prior to such issue or upon conversion or exchange of convertible securities (including the Series A-2 Stock and all the Preferred Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);

 

C-9

 

 

“B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued at a price per share equal to CP1 (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CP1); and

 

“C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.

 

(g) Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares, or a dividend in Common Stock shall be paid in respect of the Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision or at the record date of such dividend shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such subdivision or immediately after the record date of such dividend, be proportionately reduced, and conversely, if outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall, simultaneously with the effectiveness of such combination, be proportionately increased. Any adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 6(g) shall become effective at the Close of Business on the date the subdivision or combination referred to herein becomes effective.

 

(h) Reorganizations, Mergers, Consolidations or Reclassifications. In the event of any capital reorganization, any reclassification of the capital stock (other than a change in par value) share exchange, restructuring or the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another Person in which the Series A-2 Stock remains outstanding (collectively referred to hereinafter as “Extraordinary Transactions”), the holders of the Series A-2 Stock shall thereafter be entitled to receive, and provision shall be made therefor in any agreement relating to an Extraordinary Transaction, upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock, the kind and number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Corporation, or some other corporation resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger to which a holder of the number of shares of the Class A Common Stock which the Series A-2 Stock entitled the holder thereof to convert to immediately prior to such Extraordinary Transaction would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Extraordinary Transaction; in any such case appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions herein set forth with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of the Series A-2 Stock, to the end that the provisions set forth herein (including the specified changes and other adjustments to the Conversion Price) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any shares, other securities or property thereafter receivable upon conversion of the Series A-2 Stock. The provisions of this Section 6(h) shall similarly apply to successive Extraordinary Transactions.

 

(i) Certificate of Adjustment. In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price or the number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities issuable upon conversion of Series A-2 Stock, the Corporation, at its expense, shall compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with this Certificate of Designation and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment.

 

C-10

 

 

(j) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series A-2 Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect a conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock, and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, if applicable, shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock, the Corporation shall promptly seek such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or such other securities to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

(k) Payment of Transfer Taxes. The Corporation shall pay all stock transfer, documentary, and stamp taxes and (which, for the absence of doubt, shall not include any income or other taxes imposed upon the profits realized by the recipient) that may be imposed in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities or property upon conversion of shares of Series A-2 Stock; provided that the Corporation shall not pay any taxes or other governmental charges imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Series A-2 Stock so converted were registered.

 

Section 7. Voting Rights.

 

(a) General. Each holder of Series A-2 Stock shall have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of Class A Common Stock on an as-converted basis, and shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall be entitled to vote, together with the holders of Common Stock, with respect to any question upon which the holders of Common Stock have the right to vote, except as may be otherwise provided by applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by law, the holders of Series A Stock, Series A-1 Stock and Series A-2 Stock and the holders of Common Stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.

 

(b) Series A-2 Stock. On all matters put to a vote to the holders of Common Stock, each holder of shares of Series A-2 Stock shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which such shares of Series A-2 Stock could be converted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 at the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to vote or, if no such record date is established, the date such vote is taken or any written consent of stockholders is solicited.

 

(c) Election of Series A-2 Directors. For so long as at least fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Series A-2 Stock issued pursuant to the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement remain outstanding, in addition to participating in the general election of directors pursuant to Sections 7(a) and 7(b), the holders of record of the majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock (the “Series A-2 Majority Holders”), exclusively and as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors of the Corporation (the “Series A-2 Directors”). Any Series A-2 Director elected as provided in the preceding sentence may be removed with or without cause by, and only by, the affirmative vote of the Series A-2 Majority Holders, given either at a special meeting of such stockholders duly called for that purpose or pursuant to a written consent of such stockholders. If the Series A-2 Majority Holders 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 first sentence of this Section 7(c), then any directorship not so filled shall remain vacant until such time as the Series A-2 Majority Holders 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 the Corporation other than the Series A-2 Majority Holders. At any meeting held for the purpose of electing a Series A-2 Director, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing such director. Any committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall include at least one Series A-2 Director. It is acknowledged and agreed that if the Corporation elects to increase the size of the board of directors to more than seven (7) directors, then the Series A-2 Majority Holders shall have the right to appoint an additional number of directors equal to the whole number (ignoring any fraction) obtained by the following calculation: (a) 2 divided by 7 multiplied by (b) the increased number directors seats approved by the Corporation, minus (c) 2.

 

C-11

 

 

(d) Series A-2 Stock Protective Provisions. Subject to the last paragraph of this clause (d), for so long as at least fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Series A-2 Stock issued pursuant to the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement remain outstanding, the Corporation shall not, either directly or indirectly by an amendment, merger, consolidation or otherwise, do any of the following without (in addition to any other vote required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, this Certificate of Designation, the Series A Certificate of Designation, or the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation) the written consent or affirmative vote of the Series A-2 Majority Holders (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or conditioned), given in writing or by vote at a meeting, consenting or voting (as the case may be) separately as a class, and any such act or transaction entered into without such consent or vote shall be null and void ab initio, and of no further force or effect:

 

(1) liquidate, dissolve or wind-up the business and affairs of the Corporation, effect any Extraordinary Transaction, or authorize or consent to any of the foregoing;

 

(2) amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Designation, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws in a manner that disproportionally and adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights of a holder or the holders of Series A-2 Stock;

 

(3) reclassify, alter or amend any existing shares of the Corporation issued and outstanding on the date of the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement in respect of the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the payment of dividends or rights of redemption or voting;

 

(4) purchase or redeem (or permit any subsidiary to purchase or redeem) or pay or declare any dividend or make any distribution on, any Common Stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding on the date of the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement; provided, that this restriction shall not apply to the repurchase of Junior Stock held by employees or consultants of the Company upon termination of their employment or services pursuant to agreements providing for such repurchase;

 

(5) incur, or permit any of its majority-owned subsidiaries to incur, indebtedness for borrowed money if the aggregate indebtedness of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for borrowed money following such action would exceed the higher of $10,000,000 and two times the Company’s consolidated EBITDA for the last fully completed fiscal year, other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course; or

 

C-12

 

 

(6) issue or obligate itself to issue or sell shares of Series A-2 Stock, other than in connection with any preemptive rights of the stockholders of the Corporation.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Corporation desires to take any of the actions that are subject to the protective provisions set forth in this clause (d), the Corporation shall send a written request for approval of such action to the holders of Series A-2 Stock. If the Series A-2 Majority Holders do not provide a response or approval within ten (10) Business Days of the Corporation’s written request, the Corporation shall send a second written request to the Series A-2 Stock holders. If the Series A-2 Majority Holders fail to provide a response or approval to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s delivery of the second request, then the consent of the Series A-2 Majority Holders shall no longer be required with respect to that action.

 

Section 8. Waiver of Rights. Except as otherwise set forth in this Certificate of Designation, any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Series A-2 Stock set forth herein may be waived (either prospectively or retrospectively) on behalf of all holders of Series A-2 Stock and with respect to all shares of Series A-2 Stock by the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by law) of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A-2 Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.

 

Section 9. Record Holders. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may deem and treat the record holder of any share of Series A-2 Stock as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and the Corporation shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 10. Notices. All notices or communications in respect of the Series A-2 Stock shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Certificate of Designation, in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or by applicable law or regulation.

 

Section 11. Tax Withholding. The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts paid or distributed with respect to the Series A-2 Stock such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other applicable tax law, with the making of such payment. The Corporation shall timely remit to the appropriate taxing authority any and all amounts so deducted or withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that is will not be required to deduct and withhold, and shall not deduct and withhold, any amount from any payment to the extent that, prior to making such payment, the Corporation has received appropriate documentation establishing an exemption from such withholding tax in the manner required by applicable tax law (which, as of the date hereof, in the case of U.S. federal withholding taxes with respect to a holder that is a U.S. person, shall consist of a properly completed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 establishing such exemption) from the holder of the Series A-2 Stock.

 

Section 12. Replacement Certificates. The Corporation shall replace any mutilated certificate at the holder’s expense upon surrender of that certificate to the Corporation. The Corporation shall replace certificates that become destroyed, stolen or lost at the holder’s expense upon delivery to the Corporation of reasonably satisfactory evidence that the certificate has been destroyed, stolen or lost, together with any indemnity that may be required by the Corporation.

 

Section 13. Other Rights. The shares of Series A-2 Stock shall not have any rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein or in the Certificate of Incorporation or in the Series A-2 Stock Purchase Agreement or as provided by applicable law and regulation.

 

* * * * *

 

C-13

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Designation to be duly executed and acknowledged by its undersigned duly authorized officer this 3rd day of July, 2019.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
  By:  
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

C-14

 

 

Exhibit C

 

Bylaws Amendment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C-15

 

 

SECOND BYLAWS AMENDMENT

OF

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

 

This SECOND BYLAWS AMENDMENT, dated as of July 3, 2019 (this “Amendment”), is made pursuant to Article Eight of the Bylaws of Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), as may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time (the “Bylaws”).

 

1. Article Two, Section 8, of the Bylaws is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Section 8. Voting Per Share. Each outstanding share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, each outstanding share of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and each outstanding share of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (or submitted for action by the stockholders by written consent without a meeting). Each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (or submitted for action by the stockholders by written consent without a meeting). Except as otherwise required by law, the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock and holders of Class A Common Stock shall vote together as a single class. Only shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock and Class A Common Stock have the right and power to vote or take any action by written consent. Each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is non-voting and has no right or power to vote or to take action by written consent.”

 

2. This Amendment shall supersede any and all previous amendments. All of the terms, conditions and provisions of the Bylaws continue in full force and effect except as expressly amended by this Amendment.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

C-16

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Amendment on behalf of the Corporation as of the date first written above.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
  By:  
    Name:  Christopher Ruddy
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Second Bylaws Amendment]

 

C-17

 

 

APPENDIX D

 

Disclosure Schedule

 

[                ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D-1

 

Exhibit 4.5

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This Subscription Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of this 16th day of July, 2020, by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Certificate of Designation (as defined below).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, the Company has designated a Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock”), with the preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as set forth in the Series A-3 Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (as amended from time to time, the “Certificate of Designation”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investor are parties to that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2019 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series A-1 Subscription Agreement”), pursuant to which the Investor purchased 1,222.46 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000,000.00;

 

WHEREAS, the Investor desires to consummate an additional investment in the Company (in three separate tranches) and purchase Series A-3 Preferred Stock, and the Company desires to sell and issue to the Investor the number of shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, in each case as set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement (the “Investor’s Securities”), upon the terms and conditions and subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth; and

 

WHEREAS, the Investor has agreed to purchase the Investor’s Securities subject to the First Tranche Proxy, the Second Tranche Proxy and the Third Tranche Proxy, as applicable, as further provided in this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules attached hereto.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale of the Securities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Investor hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to the Investor an aggregate of 1,060 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock at the purchase price per share of $23,619.00 (“Per-Share-Price”), and an aggregate purchase price of $25,036,140.00 (the “Investment”). The sale and issuance of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock will occur in three tranches. On the date hereof, the Investor shall purchase 424 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock in exchange for a purchase price of $10,014,456.00, payable by the Investor to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available cash to an account designated by the Company (the “First Tranche”). On August 30, 2020, the Investor shall purchase 212 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock in exchange for a purchase price of $5,007,228.00, payable by the Investor to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available cash to an account designated by the Company (the “Second Tranche”). On January 16, 2021, the Investor shall purchase the remaining 424 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock in exchange for a purchase price of $10,014,456.00, payable by the Investor to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available cash to an account designated by the Company (the “Third Tranche”).

 

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2. Closings. The closing of the First Tranche (the “First Tranche Closing”) will occur on the date hereof upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The closing of the Second Tranche (the “Second Tranche Closing”) will occur on August 30, 2020 (the “Second Tranche Closing Date”). The closing of the Third Tranche (the “Third Tranche Closing”) will occur on January 16, 2021 (the “Third Tranche Closing Date”). For the avoidance of doubt, the consummation of each of the Second Tranche Closing and the Third Tranche Closing is not subject to any conditions and the Investor shall not have the right to elect not to consummate the Second Tranche Closing or the Third Tranche Closing. The First Tranche Closing, the Second Tranche Closing and the Third Tranche Closing are each referred to herein as a “Closing.”

 

At the First Tranche Closing:

 

(a) The Investor shall execute and deliver to the Company (i) this Agreement and (ii) the investor questionnaire attached hereto as Appendix A (the “Investor Questionnaire”).

 

(b) The Investor shall execute and deliver to the Majority Common Holder a proxy in respect of the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the First Tranche, in the form attached hereto as Appendix B (the “First Tranche Proxy”).

 

(c) In exchange for the Investor’s Securities purchased in the First Tranche, the Investor shall deliver to the Company an amount in cash equal to $10,014,456.00 (subject to Section 26), less the Fee Obligation (as defined in Section 26), by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the wire instructions provided in Appendix C.

 

(d) The Company shall deliver the Investor a duly executed Indemnification Agreement with _____________ in the form attached hereto as Appendix G.

 

(e) The Company shall have adopted an amendment to the bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”) in the form attached hereto as Appendix H.

 

(f) The Company shall have filed an amendment to the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation with the Delaware Secretary of State in the form attached hereto as Appendix I.

 

(g) The Company shall have adopted an amendment to the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement in the form attached hereto as Appendix J.

 

(h) The Company will issue to the Investor the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the First Tranche, and the Company shall deliver to the Investor a stock certificate representing the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the First Tranche.

 

(i) An officer of the Company shall deliver to the Investor a certificate certifying (a) the Certificate of Designation, (b) the Bylaws, and (c) resolutions of the Board approving the Certificate of Designation, the Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

 

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At the Second Tranche Closing:

 

(a) The Investor shall execute and deliver to the Majority Common Holder a proxy in respect of the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Second Tranche, in the form attached hereto as Appendix D (the “Second Tranche Proxy”).

 

(b) In exchange for the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Second Tranche, the Investor shall deliver to the Company an amount in cash equal to $5,007,228.00 by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the wire instructions provided in Appendix C.

 

(c) The Company will issue to the Investor the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Second Tranche, and the Company shall deliver to the Investor a stock certificate representing the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Second Tranche.

 

At the Third Tranche Closing:

 

(a) The Investor shall execute and deliver to the Majority Common Holder a proxy in respect of the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Third Tranche, in the form attached hereto as Appendix E (the “Third Tranche Proxy”).

 

(b) In exchange for the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Third Tranche, the Investor shall deliver to the Company an amount in cash equal to $10,014,456.00 by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the wire instructions provided in Appendix C.

 

(c) The Company will issue to the Investor the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Third Tranche, and the Company shall deliver to the Investor a stock certificate representing the portion of the Investor’s Securities purchased in the Third Tranche.

 

3. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(b) “Business Day” means any day other than a day on which commercial banks in the State of New York or Florida are required to be closed for business.

 

(c) “Capital Stock” means, collectively, the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock of the Company.

 

(d) “Class A Common Stock” means the Class A Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(e) “Class B Common Stock” means Class B Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

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

 

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(g) “Commercial Software” means commercially available, non-customized, off-the-shelf Software licensed pursuant to a standard non-exclusive license agreement for which license fees are less than $10,000 per year.

 

(h) “Common Stock” means shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

 

(i) “Company Covered Person” means, with respect to the Company as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act, any Person listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1).

 

(j) “Company IPR Agreements” means all written or oral contracts or agreements under which (i) the Company or any subsidiary acquires, uses or has the right to use, or is granted any other rights, license or sublicense in any material Intellectual Property owned by a third party (other than Commercial Software), (ii) the Company or any subsidiary has assigned or granted a license, sublicense, or any other rights to a third party to use any Owned Intellectual Property, or (iii) pursuant to which any third party has developed any material Intellectual Property for the Company or any subsidiary.

 

(k) “Company Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the Majority Common Holder that the Company intends to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(l) “Damages” means any loss, damage, claim or liability (joint or several) to which a party hereto may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state law, insofar as such loss, damage, claim or liability (or any action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement of the Company, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto; (ii) an omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the indemnifying party (or any of its agents or affiliates) of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any state securities law.

 

(m) “Derivative Securities” means any securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for (in each case, directly or indirectly), Common Stock, including options and warrants.

 

(n) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(o) “Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property rights arising worldwide, whether registered or unregistered, including: (i) patents and patent applications, including all reissues, divisions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part, re-examinations, renewals and extensions thereof; (ii) copyrights, “moral rights,” rights of publicity, works of authorship, mask work rights and proprietary interests in Software; (iii) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, logos, and other indications of origin, together with all goodwill in connection with the use thereof and symbolized thereby; (iv) confidential and proprietary information, trade secrets, know-how, technologies, processes, techniques, architectures, customer and supplier lists, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable), data, discoveries, improvements, ideas, concepts, improvements, developments, methodology, models, algorithms, formulae, systems, processes plans, analyses, models, prototypes, specifications, designs, interfaces, circuits, layouts, whether patentable or not; (v) domain names and websites (including the content), proprietary interests in social media accounts and the usernames and passwords associated therewith and all content therein, and phone numbers, (vi) database rights, (vii) any similar intellectual property or proprietary rights, (viii) any tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing (in whatever form or medium), (ix) registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing; and (x) the right to sue for past, present or future infringement of any of the foregoing.

 

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(p) “Investor Notice” means written notice from the Investor notifying the Company and the Majority Common Holder that the Investor intends to exercise its Secondary Refusal Right as to all or a portion of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(q) “IPO” means the Company’s initial public offering.

 

(r) “Junior Stock” means the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock (including the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and the Series A-2 Preferred Stock) that ranks junior to the Series A-3 Preferred Stock (a) as to the payment of dividends, if any, or (b) as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or both.

 

(s) “Key Employee” means any executive-level employee (including division director and vice president-level positions) of the Company as well as any employee of the Company who either alone or in concert with others develops, invents, programs or designs any material Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(t) “Knowledge” including the phrase “to the Company’s knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge after reasonable investigation of the following officers: Christopher Ruddy and Darryle Burnham.

 

(u) “Majority Common Holder” means the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 and its successors.

 

(v) “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), property or results of operation of the Company.

 

(w) “New Securities” means, collectively, equity securities of the Company, whether or not currently authorized, as well as rights, options, or warrants to purchase such equity securities, or securities that are, or may become, convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such equity securities. In no event shall New Securities include any Exempted Securities.

 

(x) “Owned Intellectual Property” means any Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any subsidiary.

 

-5-

 

 

(y) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, governmental entity or other entity.

 

(z) “Preferred Stock” means, collectively, the Series A Preferred Stock, the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, the Series A-2 Preferred Stock and the Series A-3 Preferred Stock.

 

(aa) “Preferred Threshold Shares” means at least 50% of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock issuable to the Investor in exchange for the Investment (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transactions).

 

(bb) “Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer” means any assignment, sale, offer to sell, pledge, mortgage, hypothecation, encumbrance, disposition of or any other like Transfer or encumbering of any Transfer Stock (or any interest therein) proposed by the Majority Common Holder.

 

(cc) “Proposed Transfer Notice” means written notice from the Majority Common Holder setting forth the terms and conditions of a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

(dd) “Registered Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any subsidiary that is an active issued patent, patent application, trademark registration or application, copyright registration or application, social media account, domain name, or otherwise registered with any governmental or regulatory authority.

 

(ee) “Registrable Securities” means (i) any Common Stock issuable or issued upon conversion of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock held by the Investor and (ii) any Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right, or other security that is issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, the shares referenced in clause (i) above; excluding in all cases, and excluding for purposes of Section 7, any shares for which registration rights have terminated pursuant to Section 9(l) of this Agreement.

 

(ff) “Restricted Securities” means the securities of the Company required to be notated with the legend set forth in Section 7 hereof.

 

(gg) “Right of First Refusal” means the right, but not an obligation, of the Company, or its permitted Transferees or assigns, to purchase some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

(hh) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(ii) “Secondary Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the Investor and the Majority Common Holder that the Company does not intend to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to all shares of Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer.

 

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(jj) “Secondary Refusal Right” means the right, but not an obligation, of the Investor, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, to purchase any Transfer Stock not purchased pursuant to the Right of First Refusal, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

(kk) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(ll) “Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Investor.

 

(mm) “Series A-1 Holder” means the holder of Series A-1 Preferred Stock purchased pursuant to the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement.

 

(nn) “Series A Preferred Stock” means the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(oo) “Series A-1 Preferred Stock” means the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(pp) “Series A-2 Holder” means the holder of Series A-2 Preferred Stock purchased pursuant to the Series A-2 Subscription Agreement.

 

(qq) “Series A-2 Preferred Stock” means the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(rr) “Series A-2 Subscription Agreement” means that certain Series A-2 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2019, by and between the Company and the purchaser of Series A-2 Preferred Stock identified therein, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

(ss) “Software” means computer software and databases, together with, as applicable, object code, source code, firmware and embedded versions thereof and all tools, drawings, specifications, metadata, data and documentation related thereto.

 

(tt) “Stockholders Agreement” means that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2014, by and among the Company and the stockholders identified therein, as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time.

 

(uu) “Transfer” means any transfer, sale, assignment, gift, pledge, exchange, encumbrance, or other disposition, whether direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary; provided that a direct or indirect change of control of the Investor shall not constitute a Transfer so long as the Person ultimately controlling the Investor as of immediately prior to such change of control continues to ultimately control the Investor after such change of control. The terms “Transferee,” “Transferred,” and other forms of the word “Transfer” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

(vv) “Transfer Stock” means shares of Capital Stock owned by the Majority Common Holder, or issued to the Majority Common Holder after the date hereof (including, without limitation, in connection with any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, or the like).

 

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4. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to Investor that, except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule attached as Appendix E to this Agreement, which exceptions shall be deemed to be part of the representations and warranties made hereunder, the following representations are true and complete as of the date of each Closing, except as otherwise indicated:

 

(a) Authority. The Company is a corporation organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to carry on its business as presently conducted or proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Certificate of Designation has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, has not been subsequently amended and is in full force and effect.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company, and the issuance and delivery of the Investor’s Securities have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(c) Compliance. The Company: (i) is not in violation or default of any provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation, the Certificate of Designation, the Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Certificate of Designation”), the Certificate of Designations of Series A-1 Preferred Stock (the “Series A-1 Certificate of Designation”), the Certificate of Designations of Series A-2 Preferred Stock (the “Series A-2 Certificate of Designation” and together with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Certificate of Designation, the Series A Certificate of Designation, and the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation, the “Charter”) or Bylaws; (ii) is not in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company), any indenture, loan or credit agreement, or any other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound; (iii) is not in violation of any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body; or (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, is not in violation of any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters, except, in each case in which such violation or default would not be expected to have a material effect on the Company. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not, and will not, result in any such violation or default and does not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in the breach of, or constitute a default pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or its properties are bound.

 

-8-

 

 

(d) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists, or will consist, immediately prior to the First Tranche Closing, of:

 

(i) 10,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which (A) 646 shares have been designated Series A Preferred Stock, 645.84 of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Tranche Closing, and (B) 1,223 shares have been designated Series A-1 Preferred Stock, 1,222.46 of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Tranche Closing, (C) 2,647 shares have been designated Series A-2 Preferred Stock, 2,646.77 of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Tranche Closing, (D) 1,413.44 shares have been designated Series A-3 Preferred Stock, none of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Tranche Closing and (E) 4,070.56 are undesignated.

 

(ii) 40,000 shares of Common Stock, 20,000 of which are designated Class A Common Stock, 6,069.67 shares of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Tranche Closing, and 20,000 of which are designated Class B Common Stock, none of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Tranche Closing.

 

(iii) The rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Stock are as stated in the Series A Certificate of Designation, Series A-1 Certificate of Designation, Series A-2 Certificate of Designation, and the Certificate of Designation. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock have been duly authorized, are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

(iv) As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved 65 shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to its Equity Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”) duly adopted by the Board and approved by the Company’s holders of outstanding voting stock. Of such reserved shares of Class B Common Stock, no shares have been issued pursuant to restricted stock purchase agreements, options to purchase 11.47 shares of Class B Common Stock have been granted and 53.53 shares of Class B Common Stock remain available for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants pursuant to the Stock Plan. The Company has furnished to the Investor complete and accurate copies of the Stock Plan and forms of agreements used thereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, the number of reserved shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance under the Stock Plan may be increased, decreased or otherwise adjusted in accordance with the Stock Plan and applicable law.

 

(v) Except for (A) the conversion privileges of the Preferred Stock and grants under the Stock Plan, (B) any securities issued pursuant to the Stock Plan and (C) as otherwise set forth on Section 4(d)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion or preemptive rights and rights of first refusal or similar rights) or agreements, orally or in writing, for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any shares of its Capital Stock. None of the Company’s stock purchase agreements or stock option documents contains a provision for acceleration (or lapse of a repurchase right) upon the occurrence of any event.

 

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(vi) The Company is not a party to any contract and has not granted any compensation, equity or award that could be deemed deferred compensation subject to any penalty under Section 409A of the Code, and neither the Company nor any Person that is a member of the same controlled group as the Company or under common control with the Company within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code has any liability or obligation to make any payments or to issue any equity award or bonus that could be deemed deferred compensation subject to any penalty under Section 409A of the Code.

 

(e) Litigation. There is no claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, complaint, charge or investigation ongoing or pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, currently threatened in writing (i) against the Company or any officer, director or Key Employee of the Company arising out of their employment or board relationship with the Company or (ii) that questions the validity of this Agreement or the right of the Company to enter into it, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, or (iii) to the Company’s knowledge, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not a party to or named as subject to the provisions of any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or instrumentality. There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation by the Company pending or which the Company intends to initiate. The foregoing includes, without limitation, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or threatened in writing involving the prior employment of any of the Company’s employees, their services provided in connection with the Company’s business, any information or techniques allegedly proprietary to any of their former employers or their obligations under any agreements with prior employers.

 

(f) Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the offer and sale of the Investor’s Securities require no consent of, action by or in respect of, or filing with, any Person, governmental body, agency or official other than those consents that have been obtained prior to the First Tranche Closing, and those filings required to be made pursuant to the Securities Act and any applicable state securities acts (“State Acts”) which the Company undertakes to file within the applicable time period.

 

(g) Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Section 4(g) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Company does not currently own or control, directly or indirectly, any interest in any other corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other business entity. The Company is not a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement.

 

(h) Valid Issuance of Securities. The Investor’s Securities, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on Transfer other than restrictions on Transfer under this Agreement, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Investor. The Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Investor’s Securities has been duly and validly reserved for issuance, and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on Transfer other than restrictions on Transfer under this Agreement, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Investor. Assuming the accuracy of the representations of the Investor in Section 5 of this Agreement and subject to the provisions of Section 4(i), the Investor’s Securities and the Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Investor’s Securities will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

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(i) Disqualification. No “bad actor” disqualifying event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”) is applicable to the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any Company Covered Person, except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii–iv) or (d)(3), is applicable.

 

(j) Intellectual Property.

 

(i) The Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all Owned Intellectual Property, free and clear of liens or encumbrances. The Registered Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company and its subsidiaries is subsisting and, to the knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable. The Company and its subsidiaries have not transferred ownership of, or granted any exclusive license with respect to, any Owned Intellectual Property to any Person. All necessary actions have been taken by the Company to maintain and protect each item of Registered Intellectual Property. No opposition, cancellation, reexamination, invalidation or other action (other than routine office actions in the ordinary course of prosecution) is pending challenging the extent, validity, enforceability or the Company’s ownership of any Owned Intellectual Property, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is there a reasonable basis for any such challenge.

 

(ii) The Company exclusively owns or otherwise has a valid and enforceable right to use all Intellectual Property used by, material to or otherwise necessary to the operation of the Company and its subsidiaries’ business as currently conducted (the “Business Intellectual Property”). Each Company IPR Agreement is valid, binding and in full force and effect and enforceable against the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights generally. Upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, each Company IPR Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without penalty or other adverse consequence. There is no material default or material breach (nor an event or circumstance that, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would be a material default or material breach) under any Company IPR Agreement by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, or, to the knowledge of the Company, by any other party thereto.

 

(iii) The use of any Business Intellectual Property and the operation of the Company and its subsidiaries’ business does not infringe, violate, dilute or misappropriate any Intellectual Property of any Person and has not in the past five (5) years infringed, violated, diluted or misappropriated any Intellectual Property of any Person. To the knowledge of the Company, no third party is infringing, violating, diluting or misappropriating any Owned Intellectual Property. To the knowledge of the Company, there are no communications, claims or actions alleging infringement, violation, dilution or misappropriation of the Intellectual Property of any Person pending or threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries. No Owned Intellectual Property is subject to any outstanding consent, settlement or judgment restricting the use or ownership thereof.

 

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(iv) The material information technology systems used in the Company and its subsidiaries’ business, including all computer hardware, software, firmware, process automation and telecommunications systems (“IT Systems”), perform reliably and are in material conformance with the applicable specifications and documentation for such systems, are to the knowledge of the Company free from any material defects, bugs, malfunctions or nonconformities and are adequate for the Company and its subsidiaries’ current needs in the operation of the business as currently conducted. To the knowledge of the Company, there have been no failures, breakdowns, data security breaches or other incidents materially adversely affecting any such IT Systems or any Software, data, information or materials contained therein, other than temporary problems arising in the ordinary course of business that did not materially disrupt the operations of the Company or any subsidiary. The Company and its subsidiaries maintain commercially reasonable disaster recovery and security, business continuity plans and procedures and have taken commercially reasonable measures to protect the security and integrity of the IT Systems and the Software and data stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby from misuse or unauthorized use, access, disclosure or modification by third parties.

 

(v) The Company and its subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable precautions and steps to maintain and protect the confidentiality (where applicable) of any Owned Intellectual Property constituting trade secrets or other confidential information.

 

(vi) All current and former employees of the Company and its subsidiaries who have participated in the development of any Owned Intellectual Property have executed and delivered to the applicable Company an agreement or written acknowledgement (i) transferring to the Company any Owned Intellectual Property developed, created, invented, or authored by such employee and (ii) prohibiting disclosure of the Company and its subsidiaries’ confidential and proprietary information including non-public information regarding Business Intellectual Property. All developers, creators, inventors, and authors of Owned Intellectual Property owned who were not employees of the Company at the time of the development, creation, invention, or authorship of such Intellectual Property have assigned in writing all of their rights, title, and interest to such Intellectual Property to the Company.

 

(vii) No government funding, facilities of a university, college, or other educational institution research center or funding from third parties was used in the development of any Owned Intellectual Property. To the knowledge of the Company, no Person who was involved in, or who contributed to, the creation or development of any Owned Intellectual Property, has performed services for the government, university, college, or other educational institution or research center in a manner that would affect Company’s rights in the Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(viii) To the knowledge of the Company, none of the Business Intellectual Property has been used in material violation of a legal or contractual obligation to the Company or its subsidiaries, disclosed in breach of a confidential obligation to the Company or its subsidiaries, or appropriated to the detriment of the Company or its subsidiaries. To the Knowledge of the Company, no employee, independent contractor or agent of the Company or its subsidiaries has misappropriated any trade secrets or other confidential information of any other Person in the course of the performance of his or her duties as an employee, independent contractor or agent of the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

-12-

 

 

(ix) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in the loss, alteration or impairment of the Company’s right to own or use any Business Intellectual Property.

 

(x) In connection with its collection, storage, transfer (including, without limitation, any transfer across national borders) and/or use of any personally identifiable information from any individuals, including, without limitation, any customers, prospective customers, employees and/or other third parties (collectively “Personal Information”), the Company is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, the Company’s privacy policies, and codes of conduct to which the Company is a party. The Company has commercially reasonable security measures and policies in place to protect all Personal Information collected by it or on its behalf from and against unauthorized access, use and/or disclosure.

 

(k) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the sale and issuance of the Investor’s Securities shall be used for general working capital purposes.

 

(l) Agreements; Actions.

 

(i) Other than (i) employee agreements and benefits, (ii) standard director and officer indemnification agreements approved by the Board, and (iii) the purchase of shares of the Company’s capital stock and the issuance of options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock, in each instance, approved by the Board, there are no agreements, understandings or proposed transactions between the Company and any of its officers, directors, affiliates, or any affiliate thereof.

 

(ii) Except for this Agreement, there are no written agreements or contracts to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound that involve obligations of, or payments to, the Company in excess of $200,000 (other than purchase orders, invoices or similar agreements executed in the ordinary course of business). Except for this Agreement, there are no agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts or proposed transactions to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound that involve the grant of rights to license, market, or sell its Owned Intellectual Property to any other Person that materially restrict the Company’s right to develop, distribute, market or sell its Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(iii) The Company has not (i) declared or paid any dividends, or authorized or made any distribution upon or with respect to any class or series of its capital stock, (ii) incurred any indebtedness for money borrowed individually in excess of $50,000 or in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate, (iii) made any loans or advances to any Person, other than ordinary advances for travel expenses, or (iv) sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any of its assets or rights, other than the sale of its inventory in the ordinary course of business.

 

-13-

 

 

(iv) For the purposes of Sections 4(l)(ii) and (iii), all indebtedness, liabilities, agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts and proposed transactions involving the same Person or entity (including Persons or entities the Company has reason to believe are affiliated with that Person or entity) shall be aggregated for the purposes of meeting the individual minimum dollar amounts of each such Section.

 

(m) No Conflict of Interest. The Company is not indebted, directly or indirectly, to any of its officers or employees or to their respective spouses or children or, to the Company’s knowledge, to any affiliate of the foregoing, in any amount whatsoever other than in connection with expenses or advances of expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business or relocation expenses of employees and for other customary employee benefits made generally available to all employees. None of the Company’s officers or employees, or any members of their immediate families, or, to the Company’s knowledge, any affiliate of the foregoing, are, directly or indirectly, indebted to the Company (other than in connection with purchases of the Company’s stock). To the Company’s knowledge, no officers of the Company, any members of their immediate families, or any affiliate of any of the foregoing have any direct or indirect ownership interest in any firm or corporation with which the Company is affiliated or with which the Company has a business relationship, or any firm or corporation which competes with the Company (in each case, other than by holding up to two percent of the outstanding capital stock of any publicly traded company that may compete with the Company). The Company is not a guarantor or indemnitor of any indebtedness of any other Person, firm or corporation.

 

(n) Rights of Registration and Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided in the Series A-2 Subscription Agreement or herein, the Company is not under any obligation to register under the Securities Act any of its currently outstanding securities or any securities issuable upon exercise or conversion of its currently outstanding securities. To the Company’s knowledge, except as contemplated in the Stockholders Agreement and the Series A-2 Subscription Agreement, no holder of capital stock of the Company has entered into any agreements with respect to the voting of capital shares of the Company.

 

(o) Title to Property and Assets. The Company owns its property and assets free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, loans and encumbrances, except for statutory liens for the payment of current taxes that are not yet delinquent and encumbrances and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of such property or assets. With respect to the property and assets it leases, the Company, to the Company’s knowledge, (i) is in compliance in all material respects with such leases and (ii) holds a valid leasehold interest free of any liens, claims or encumbrances other than those of the lessors of such property or assets. The Company does not own any real property.

 

(p) Financial Statements. Section 4(p) of the Disclosure Schedule contains audited financial statements of the Company (including balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows) as of December 31, 2019 for the fiscal year then ended and the unaudited financial statements as of February 29, 2020 for the two (2) month period then ended (collectively, the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated, except that the unaudited Financial Statements may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP (that, if presented, to the Company’s Knowledge would not differ materially from those included in the December 31, 2019 balance sheet). The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and operating results of the Company as of the dates, and for the periods, indicated therein, subject in the case of the unaudited Financial Statements to normal year-end audit adjustments (the effect of which will not, individually or in the aggregate, be significant). Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company has no material liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business subsequent to February 29, 2020; (ii) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) liabilities and obligations of a type or nature not required under GAAP to be reflected in the Financial Statements and which are not material.

 

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(q) Changes. Since February 29, 2020, there has not been:

 

(i) any change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition or operating results of the Company from that reflected in the Financial Statements, except changes in the ordinary course of business that have not had a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(ii) any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that have had a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(iii) any waiver or compromise by the Company of a valuable right or of a material debt owed to it;

 

(iv) any satisfaction or discharge of any lien, claim, or encumbrance or payment of any obligation by the Company, except in the ordinary course of business and the satisfaction or discharge of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(v) any material change to a material contract or agreement by which the Company or any of its assets is bound or subject;

 

(vi) any material change in any compensation arrangement or agreement with any employee, officer, director or holder of capital stock outside of the ordinary course of business which materially increases the cost of compensation and benefits;

 

(vii) any sale, assignment or transfer of any Owned Intellectual Property;

 

(viii) any resignation or termination of employment of any officer or Key Employee of the Company;

 

(ix) any mortgage, pledge, transfer of a security interest in, or lien, created by the Company, with respect to any of its material properties or assets, except liens for taxes not yet delinquent and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of such property or assets;

 

(x) any loans or guarantees made by the Company to or for the benefit of its employees, officers or directors, or any members of their immediate families, other than travel advances and other advances made in the ordinary course of its business;

 

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(xi) any declaration, setting aside or payment or other distribution in respect of any of the Company’s capital stock, or any direct or indirect redemption, purchase, or other acquisition of any of such stock by the Company;

 

(xii) receipt of notice that there has been a loss of, or material order cancellation by, any major customer of the Company;

 

(xiii) to the Company’s knowledge, any other event or condition of any character, other than events affecting the economy or the Company’s industry generally, that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(xiv) any arrangement or commitment by the Company to do any of the things described in this Section 4(q); or

 

(xv) any Material Adverse Effect.

 

(r) Employee Matters.

 

(i) To the Company’s knowledge, none of its employees is obligated under any contract (including licenses, covenants or commitments of any nature) or other agreement, or subject to any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative agency, that would limit or interfere with such employee’s ability to engage in or continue or perform any conduct, activity, duty or practice relating to the business of the Company, to promote the interest of the Company or that would conflict with the Company’s business.

 

(ii) The Company is not delinquent in payments in any material respect to any of its employees, consultants, or independent contractors for any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, or other direct compensation for any service performed for it to the date hereof or amounts required to be reimbursed to such employees, consultants or independent contractors. The Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and with other laws related to employment, including those related to wages, hours, worker classification and collective bargaining. The Company has withheld and paid to the appropriate governmental entity or is holding for payment not yet due to such governmental entity all amounts required to be withheld from employees of the Company and is not liable for any arrears of wages, taxes, penalties or other sums for failure to comply with any of the foregoing.

 

(iii) To the Company’s knowledge, no Key Employee or material consultant intends to terminate his, her or its services with the Company or is otherwise likely to become unavailable to continue as a Key Employee or consultant, nor does the Company have a present intention to terminate the employment or consultancy of any of the foregoing. The employment of each employee of the Company is terminable at the will of the Company.

 

(iv) The Company has not made any representations regarding equity incentives to any officer, employee, director or consultant that are inconsistent with the share amounts and terms set forth in the minutes of meetings of the Board.

 

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(v) Each former Key Employee whose employment was terminated by the Company in the past three (3) years has entered into an agreement with the Company providing for the full release of any claims against the Company or any related party arising out of such employment.

 

(vi) The Disclosure Schedule sets forth all employee benefit plans maintained, established or sponsored by the Company, or in or to which the Company participates or contributes, which is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) or which is otherwise a severance plan or agreement. The Company has made all required contributions and has no liability to any such employee benefit plan in all material respects, other than liability for health plan continuation coverage described in Part 6 of Title I(B) of ERISA, and has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws for any such employee benefit plan.

 

(s) Tax Returns and Payments. The Company has filed all material tax returns and reports as required by law. These returns and reports are true, correct and complete in all material respects. The Company has paid all material taxes that are due and owing by the Company. There have been no examinations or audits of any material tax returns or reports required to be filed by the Company undertaken by any applicable federal, state, local or foreign governmental agency responsible for the assessment of taxes.

 

(t) Insurance. The Company has in full force and effect fire and casualty insurance policies with extended coverage, sufficient in amount (subject to reasonable deductions) to allow it to replace any of its properties that might be damaged or destroyed, and liability insurance providing adequate insurance coverage for the operations of the Company.

 

(u) Labor Agreements and Actions. The Company is not bound by or subject to (and none of its assets or properties is bound by or subject to) any written or oral, express or implied, contract, commitment or arrangement with any labor union, and no labor union has requested or, to the Company’s knowledge, has sought to represent any of the employees, representatives or agents of the Company. There is no strike or other labor dispute involving the Company pending, or to the Company’s knowledge threatened, which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, nor is the Company aware of any labor organization activity involving its employees. To its knowledge, the Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and with other laws related to employment.

 

(v) Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreements. Each present and, to the Company’s knowledge, former employee, consultant and officer of the Company has executed an agreement with the Company regarding confidentiality and proprietary information substantially in the form or forms delivered to the counsel for the Investor (the “Confidential Information Agreements”). The Company has no knowledge that any of its present employees, officers or consultants is in violation thereof. No current employee has excluded works or inventions from his or her assignment of inventions pursuant to such employee’s Confidential Information Agreement.

 

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(w) Permits. The Company and each of its subsidiaries has all franchises, permits, licenses and any similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business, the lack of which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not in default in any material respect under any of such franchises, permits, licenses or other similar authority.

 

(x) No Other Representations. The representations and warranties made by the Company in this Section 4 are the exclusive representations and warranties made by the Company. Except for any representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4, or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement, the Company expressly disclaims any other representations or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied, as to liabilities, operations of the facilities, the title, condition, value or quality of assets of the Company or the prospects (financial and otherwise), risks and other incidents of the Company, and EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY. No material or information provided by or communications made by the Company or any of its affiliates, or by any advisor thereof, whether by use of a “data room,” or otherwise, will cause or create any warranty, express or implied, as to or in respect of the Company, or the title, condition, value or quality of the assets or liabilities of the Company. The Company makes no representation or warranty whatsoever with respect to any estimates, projections and other forecasts and plans (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such estimates, projections and forecasts).

 

(y) Real Property Holding Company. The Company is not now and has never been a “United States real property holding corporation”, as defined in §897(c)(2) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.897-2(b).

 

5. Representations and Warranties of the Investor. The Investor represents and warrants to the Company as of the date of each Closing of the Investment as follows:

 

(a) Authority. The Investor is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware. The Investor has all requisite entity right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

 

(b) Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor have been duly authorized by all requisite limited liability company action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor, and, upon its execution by the Company, shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Investor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(c) No Violations. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Investor do not and will not, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, (i) result in the breach of, or constitute a default, cause the acceleration of performance, or require any consent under, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Investor pursuant to, any material instrument or agreement to which the Investor is a party or by which the Investor or its properties may be bound or affected, (ii) violate or conflict with any provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, trust agreement or similar organizational or governing document of the Investor, as applicable, or (iii) result in Investor violating any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body or any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws.

 

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(d) Knowledge of Investment and its Risks. The Investor has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of Investor’s investment in the Investor’s Securities. The Investor understands that an investment in the Company represents a high degree of risk and there is no assurance that the Company’s business or operations will be successful. The Investor has considered carefully the risks attendant to an investment in the Company, and that, as a consequence of such risks, the Investor could lose the Investor’s entire investment in the Company.

 

(e) Investment Intent. The Investor hereby represents and warrants that: (i) the Investor’s Securities are being acquired for investment for the Investor’s own account, and not as a nominee or agent and not with a view to the resale or distribution of all or any part of the Investor’s Securities, and the Investor has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing any of the Investor’s Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act; (ii) the Investor’s Securities are being acquired in the ordinary course of the Investor’s business; and (iii) the Investor does not have any contracts, understandings, agreements or arrangements, directly or indirectly, with any Person and/or entity to distribute, sell, Transfer or grant participations to such Person and/or entity with respect to, any of the Investor’s Securities.

 

(f) Investor Status. The Investor is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined by Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and the information provided by the Investor in the Investor Questionnaire, attached hereto as Appendix A, is truthful, accurate and complete. The Investor is not registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or an affiliate of such broker-dealer, except as otherwise indicated in the Investor Questionnaire.

 

(g) Disclosure. The Investor has conducted to its satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of the financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties and projected operations of the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the Investor’s decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities. The Company has provided the Investor with all the information that the Investor has requested in connection with the decision to purchase the Investor’s Securities. The Investor further represents that the Investor has had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company regarding the business, properties, prospects and financial condition of the Company. All such questions have been answered to the Investor’s full satisfaction. In entering into this Agreement, the Investor relied solely upon the results of its own independent investigation and verification and the Company’s or other Person’s statements, representations, warranties, or agreements expressly contained in this Agreement. Other than as set forth above, the Investor has not relied upon the Company’s or any other Person’s statement, representation, warranty or agreement in entering into this Agreement.

 

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(h) No Registration. The Investor understands that the Investor may be required to bear the economic risk of the Investor’s investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. The Investor further understands that: (i) neither the offering nor the sale of the Investor’s Securities has been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable State Acts in reliance upon exemptions from the registration requirements of such laws; (ii) the Investor’s Securities must be held by the Investor indefinitely unless the sale or Transfer thereof is subsequently registered under the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts, or exemptions from such registration requirements are available; (iii) the Company is under no obligation to register any of the Investor’s Securities on the Investor’s behalf or to assist the Investor in complying with any exemption from registration; and (iv) the Company will rely upon the representations and warranties made by the Investor in this Agreement and the Investor Questionnaire in order to establish such exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable State Acts.

 

(i) Transfer Restrictions. The Investor will not Transfer any of the Investor’s Securities unless such Transfer is (A) permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (B) registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and such State Acts, and, if requested by the Company in the case of an exempt transaction, the Investor has furnished an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that such Transfer is so exempt. The Investor understands and agrees that the certificates evidencing the Investor’s Securities will bear appropriate legends indicating such Transfer restrictions placed upon the Investor’s Securities. Further, the Investor understands that this Agreement substantially limits the Transfer of the Investor’s Securities and that any Transfer made that is not in compliance with this Agreement is null and void.

 

(j) No Solicitation. The Investor: (i) did not receive or review, and is not purchasing as a result of, any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in a newspaper or magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio, whether closed circuit, or generally available, with respect to the Investor’s Securities; and (ii) was not solicited by any Person, other than by representatives of the Company, with respect to a purchase of the Investor’s Securities. The Investor understands and acknowledges that it is the Investor’s responsibility to fully observe the laws of any relevant territory or jurisdiction outside the United States in connection with the offering and purchase of the Investor’s Securities, including obtaining required governmental or other consents or observing any other required legal or other formalities.

 

(k) Principal Address. The Investor’s principal executive office is set forth on the signature page of this Agreement.

 

(l) Reliance by the Company. The Investor acknowledges that the Company will be relying on the representations and warranties of the Investor made above for purposes of compliance with all applicable securities laws and any applicable exemptions from registration requirements thereunder, and otherwise, and consents to the Company’s reliance on such representations and warranties.

 

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6. Special Investor Rights.

 

(a) Election of Director. As of the First Tranche Closing, and for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor (in its capacity as a holder of Series A-3 Preferred Stock) shall be entitled to elect one (1) individual to the Board (such individual, the “Series A-3 Director”), who shall be included as a member of any committee formed by the Board. For the avoidance of doubt, the Investor’s right to elect the Series A-3 Director shall not affect, and shall be separate from, the Investor’s right to elect an individual to the Board pursuant to the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement in the Investor’s capacity as a holder of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock. A Series A-3 Director may be removed at any time as a director on the Board (with or without cause) upon, and only upon, the written request of the Investor. In the event that a vacancy is created on the Board at any time due to the death, disability, retirement, resignation or removal of a Series A-3 Director, then, so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor shall have the right to designate an individual to fill such vacancy. In the event that the Investor shall fail to designate in writing a representative to fill the vacant Series A-3 Director seat on the Board, such Board seat shall remain vacant until such time as the Investor elects an individual to fill such seat in accordance with this Section 6(a), and during any period in which such seat remains vacant, the Board nonetheless shall be deemed duly constituted.

 

(b) Special Stockholder Voting Rights. As of the First Tranche Closing, and for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, in addition to any other vote under the Charter, Certificate of Designation or Bylaws, the Company will not, without the written consent of the Investor (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or conditioned), either directly or by amendment, merger, consolidation, take the following actions:

 

(i) dissolve, liquidate or wind up the business and affairs of the Company or any material subsidiary of the Company, or effect an Extraordinary Transaction or a Liquidity Event (as such terms are defined in the Certificate of Designation) or authorize or consent to any of the foregoing;

 

(ii) amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate of Designation, Charter or the Bylaws of the Company in a manner that materially and adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights of a holder or the holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock (it is acknowledged and agreed that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this consent right shall not apply with respect to the authorization, issuance or sale of any securities of the Company that are junior or senior to, or on parity with the Series A-3 Preferred Stock, and any amendment of the Certificate of Designation, Charter, or Bylaws in connection therewith);

 

(iii) reclassify, alter or amend any existing shares of the Company issued and outstanding on the date of this Agreement in respect of the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the payment of dividends or rights of redemption or voting;

 

(iv) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire (or permit any subsidiary to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire) or pay or declare any dividend or other distribution on any Capital Stock of the Company; provided, that this restriction shall not apply to (i) any redemption, purchase, acquisition, payment, dividend or other distribution approved by the Board, including the Series A-3 Director, or (ii) the repurchase of Junior Stock held by employees or consultants of the Company upon termination of their employment or services pursuant to agreements providing for such repurchase;

 

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(v) incur, or permit any of its majority-owned subsidiaries to incur, indebtedness for borrowed money if the aggregate indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries for borrowed money following such action would exceed the higher of $10,000,000 and two (2) times the Company’s consolidated EBITDA for the last fully completed fiscal year, other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course; or

 

(vi) issue or obligate itself to issue or sell shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, other than in connection with any preemptive rights of the stockholders of the Company.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company desires to take any of the actions that are subject to the protective provisions set forth in this Section 6(b), the Company shall send a written request for approval of such action to the Investor. If the Investor does not provide a response or approval within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s written request, the Company shall send a second written request to the Investor. If the Investor fails to provide a response or approval to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s delivery of the second request, then the consent of the Investor shall no longer be required with respect to that action.

 

(c) Special Board Voting Rights on Series A-3 Preferred Stock. As of the First Tranche Closing, and for so long as the Investor has the right to appoint the Series A-3 Director (and such director has been appointed by the Investor), the Board shall not approve a threshold higher than 10% in connection with clause (3) of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock” in the Certificate of Designation without the approval of the Series A-3 Director; provided that, upon the request of the Company to increase the threshold in connection with acquiring talent for the Company, the Series A-3 Director shall consider such request for a higher threshold in good faith.

 

(d) Other Special Board Voting Rights. As of the First Tranche Closing, and for so long as the Investor (x) continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares and (y) has the right to appoint the Series A-3 Director, the Company will not, without Board approval, which approval must include the affirmative vote of the Series A-3 Director (if such director has been appointed by the Investor) (provided that if the Series A-3 Director fails to provide his or her response or approval to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s delivery of written notice to the Series A-3 Director, then the affirmative vote of the Series A-3 Director shall no longer be required):

 

(i) make any loan to any employee or director of the Company, except loans (A) made in the ordinary course of business and (B) in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate per annum;

 

(ii) knowingly enter into or be a party to any transaction with any director, officer or employee of the Company, in each case, other than transactions regarding compensation, benefits, key man insurance, or otherwise in the ordinary course of business; or

 

(iii) change the principal business of the Company.

 

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7. Restrictions on Transfer.

 

(a) Prior to an IPO, the Investor (including any Transferee of the Investor) may not Transfer any Preferred Stock (or any other securities issued with respect to any Preferred Stock, whether by stock dividend, stock split, merger, exchange, reorganization, or otherwise) or any interest in any Preferred Stock, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement and in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and other applicable law. The Investor will cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee, or Transferee of the Investor’s Securities and the Registrable Securities held by the Investor to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and upon the conditions specified in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Certificate of Designation or any document or instrument delivered in connection herewith or therewith, but subject to Section 7(f), the Investor shall not be permitted to Transfer any Investor Securities or any right to, or interest in, any Investor Securities until the expiration of the Third Tranche Proxy in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing (i) the Investor’s Securities, (ii) the Registrable Securities, and (iii) any other securities issued in respect of the securities referenced in clauses (i) and (ii), upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Section 7(c)) be notated with a legend substantially in the following form:

 

(i) THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.

 

(ii) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE SERIES A-3 PREFERRED STOCK SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, DATED JULY 16, 2020 BY AND BETWEEN NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC. AND NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

 

(c) The Investor consents to the Company making a notation in its records and giving instructions to any transfer agent of the Restricted Securities in order to implement the restrictions on Transfer set forth in this Section 7.

 

(d) The Investor, by acceptance of ownership thereof, agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 7. Before any proposed Transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed transaction, the Investor shall give notice to the Company of the Investor’s intention to effect such Transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed Transfer in sufficient detail and, if reasonably requested by the Company, shall be accompanied at the Investor’s expense by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration under the Securities Act; (ii) a “no action” letter from the SEC to the effect that the proposed Transfer of such Restricted Securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the SEC that action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect that the proposed Transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Securities Act, whereupon the Investor shall be entitled to Transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice given by the Investor to the Company (unless such Transfer is otherwise restricted by the terms set forth in this Agreement, including this Section 7 and Section 9(g)). The Company will not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter with respect to Transfers in accordance with Section 7(f). Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing the Restricted Securities Transferred as above provided shall be notated with the appropriate restrictive legend set forth in Section 7(b).

 

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(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, prior to the completion of an IPO, in no event shall any of the Investor’s Securities or the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof be Transferred or otherwise made available to any U.S.-based cable channel or over the top (OTT) media services without the prior written consent of the Majority Common Holder.

 

(f) Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7(b) and notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the Investor’s Securities, or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, and the rights under this Agreement may be Transferred and assigned (but only with all related obligations) by the Investor upon prior written notice to the Company to one or more affiliated partnerships of the Investor, funds managed by the Investor or any of their respective directors, officers or partners, or their respective family members; provided, however, that such Transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the provisions of Section 9(g).

 

8. Redemption and Sale Process.

 

(i) Notice. For so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor shall have the right, but not the obligation, any time between July 16, 2027, and July 16, 2029, to deliver to the Company a notice (a “Redemption Notice”) that the Investor desires to sell all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock then held by the Investor (the “Offered Shares”) in exchange for an amount equal to the Per-Share-Price plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for each share of Series A-3 Preferred Stock.

 

(ii) Company Redemption. If the Company does not elect to purchase the total number of Offered Shares within one hundred twenty (120) days after delivery of the Redemption Notice, then the Investor shall have the right to sell all, but not less than all, of the Offered Shares to a third party reasonably acceptable to the Company.

 

(iii) Cooperation. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Investor in connection with such proposed sale (including by providing due diligence materials and other information reasonably requested by the purchaser of such Offered Shares, subject to such purchaser executing and delivering a nondisclosure agreement acceptable to the Company). The Investor shall use commercially reasonable efforts (including by hiring an investment bank and other advisors) to sell the Offered Shares within twelve (12) months from the date of the Redemption Notice (the “Sale Process Period”). The Investor shall be responsible for fees and expenses incurred by the Investor in connection with such sale process.

 

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(b) Sale Process Period Termination. If, notwithstanding the commercially reasonable efforts of the Investor, the Investor is unable to sell the Offered Shares (and is not actively negotiating such sale) by the expiration of the Sale Process Period, then the Company shall either (i) redeem the Offered Shares held by the Investor in exchange for an amount equal to the Per-Share-Price plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for each share of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, or (ii) consummate a Sale of the Corporation (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) in each case within twelve (12) months thereafter.

 

9. Registration Rights. The Company covenants and agrees that for so long as the Investor (for purposes of this Section 9, any purchaser, Transferee or successor of the Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall be able to exercise all of Investor’s rights in Section 9 and any references to the Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor) continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares:

 

(a) Demand Registration.

 

(i) Form S-1 Demand. If at any time after the earlier of (1) six (6) years after the date of this Agreement (or such earlier date as may been granted to any other stockholder in the Company with respect to a right to require the filing of a Form S-1) or (2) one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of the registration statement for the IPO, the Company receives a request from the Investor that the Company file a Form S-1 registration statement with respect to the Registrable Securities, then the Company shall (A) within ten (10) Business Days after the date such request is given, give notice thereof (the “Demand Notice”) to all holders of registration rights other than the Investor; and (B) as soon as practicable, and in any event within sixty (60) days after the date such request is given, file a Form S-1 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be registered by Investor, subject to the limitations of Sections 9(a)(iii) and 9(c); provided that the Company shall not be required to file more than four (4) Form S-1 registration statements pursuant to this Section 9(a)(i); and provided further that as a condition to the Company’s obligation to file a Form S-1 pursuant to Section 9(a)(i)(1), the aggregate offering price for such registration statement may not be less than $30,000,000 with a per share price equal to or greater than two times the Per-Share-Price (as adjusted pursuant to the Certificate of Designation).

 

(ii) Form S-3 Demand. If at any time when it is eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement, the Company receives a request from the Investor that the Company file a Form S-3 registration statement with respect to outstanding Registrable Securities, of the Investor, then the Company shall, (A) within ten (10) days after the date such request is given, give a Demand Notice to all holders of registration rights other than the Investor; and (B) as soon as practicable, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the date such request is given by the Investor, file a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be registered by Investor, subject to the limitations of Sections 9(a)(iii) and 9(c).

 

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(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing obligations, if the Company furnishes to the Investor a certificate signed by the Company’s chief executive officer stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement to either become effective or remain effective for as long as such registration statement otherwise would be required to remain effective, because such action would (1) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other similar transaction involving the Company; (2) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (3) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, then the Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such filing, and any time periods with respect to filing or effectiveness thereof shall be tolled correspondingly, for a period of not more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the request of the Investor is given; provided, however, that the Company may not invoke this right more than twice in any twelve (12) month period;

 

(iv) The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 9(a)(i): (1) during the period that is sixty (60) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; (2) after the Company has effected a registration pursuant to Section 9(a)(i); or (3) if the Investor proposes to dispose of shares of Registrable Securities that may be immediately registered on Form S-3 pursuant to a request made pursuant to Section 9(a)(ii). The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 9(a)(ii): (1) during the period that is thirty (30) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is ninety (90) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; or (2) if the Company has effected a registration pursuant to Section 9(a)(ii) within the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date of such request. A registration shall not be counted as “effected” for the purposes of this Section 9(a)(iv) until such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, unless the Investor withdraws its request for such registration, elects not to pay the registration expenses therefor, and forfeits its right to one demand registration statement pursuant to Section 9(f), in which case such withdrawn registration statement shall be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 9(a)(iv); provided, that if such withdrawal is during a period the Company has deferred taking action pursuant to Section 9(a)(iii), then the Investor may withdraw its request for registration and such registration will not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 9(a)(iv).

 

(b) Company Registration. If the Company proposes to register (including, for this purpose, a registration effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Investor) any of its securities under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash, the Company shall, at such time, promptly give the Investor notice of such registration. Upon the request of Investor given within twenty (20) days after such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 9(c), cause to be registered all of the Registrable Securities that Investor has requested to be included in such registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 9(b) before the effective date of such registration, whether or not Investor has elected to include Registrable Securities in such registration. The expenses (other than Selling Expenses) of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 9(f).

 

The Investor covenants and agrees to use reasonable best efforts to simultaneously submit registration requests under this Agreement and under the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the registration rights contained herein shall be pari passu with the registration rights provided to the Series A-2 Holder in Section 6 of the Series A-2 Subscription Agreement.

 

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(c) Underwriting Requirements.

 

(i) If, pursuant to Section 9(a), the Investor intends to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by its request by means of an underwriting, the Investor shall so advise the Company as a part of the Investor’s request made pursuant to Section 9(a), and the Company shall include such information in the Demand Notice. The underwriter(s) will be selected by the Board of Directors and shall be reasonably acceptable to Investor. The Investor shall (together with the Company as provided in Section 9(d)(v)) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter(s) selected for such underwriting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 9(c), if the underwriter(s) advise the Investor in writing that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the number of Registrable Securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be reduced to such number as advised by the underwriter(s); provided, however, that the number of Registrable Securities held by the Investor to be included in such underwriting shall not be reduced unless all other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are reduced on a proportionate basis from the underwriting.

 

(ii) In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to Section 9(b), the Company shall not be required to include the Registrable Securities in such underwriting unless the Investor accepts the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and its underwriter(s), and then only in such quantity as the underwriter(s) in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total number of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities to be sold (other than by the Company) that the underwriter(s) in their reasonable discretion determine is compatible with the success of the offering, then the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such securities, including Registrable Securities, which the underwriter(s) and the Company in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering. If the underwriter(s) determine that less than all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be reduced to such amount as can be included, as determined by the underwriter(s) in their sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced unless all other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are reduced on a proportionate basis from the offering.

 

(iii) For purposes of Section 9(a), a registration shall not be counted as “effected” if, as a result of an exercise of the underwriter’s cutback provisions in Section 9(c)(i), fewer than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of Registrable Securities that Investor has requested to be included in such registration statement are actually included.

 

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(d) Obligations of the Company. Whenever required under this Section 9 to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

 

(i) prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and, upon the request of Investor, keep such registration statement effective for a period of up to one hundred twenty (120) days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the registration statement has been completed; provided, however, that such one hundred twenty (120) day period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period the Investor refrains, at the request of an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, from selling any securities included in such registration;

 

(ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement, and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement, as may be necessary to comply with the Securities Act in order to enable the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement;

 

(iii) furnish to the Investor such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, as required by the Securities Act, and such other documents as the Investor may reasonably request in order to facilitate its disposition of the Registrable Securities;

 

(iv) use its commercially reasonable efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or blue-sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the Investor; provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions, unless the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act;

 

(v) in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the underwriter(s) of such offering;

 

(vi) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be listed on a national securities exchange or trading system and each securities exchange and trading system (if any) on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

 

(vii) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement and provide a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration;

 

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(viii) promptly make available for inspection by the Investor, any underwriter(s) participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney or accountant or other agent retained by any such underwriter or selected by Investor, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents, and properties of the Company, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees, and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant, or agent, in each case, as necessary or advisable to verify the accuracy of the information in such registration statement and to conduct appropriate due diligence in connection therewith, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws;

 

(ix) notify the Investor, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement has been declared effective or a supplement to any prospectus forming a part of such registration statement has been filed; and

 

(x) after such registration statement becomes effective, notify the Investor of any request by the SEC that the Company amend or supplement such registration statement or prospectus.

 

In addition, the Company shall ensure that, at all times after any registration statement covering a public offering of securities of the Company under the Securities Act shall have become effective, its insider trading policy shall provide that the Company’s directors may implement a trading program under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act.

 

(e) Furnish Information. It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 9 with respect to the Registrable Securities of the Investor that such Investor shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as is reasonably required to effect the registration of the Investor’s Registrable Securities.

 

(f) Expenses of Registration. All expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incurred in connection with registrations, filings, or qualifications pursuant to Section 9, including all registration, filing, and qualification fees; printers’ and accounting fees; and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company shall be borne and paid by the Company. All Selling Expenses relating to Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 9 shall be borne and paid by the Investor.

 

(g) Delay of Registration. The Investor shall not have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any registration pursuant to this Agreement as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 9.

 

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(h) Indemnification. If any Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement under this Section 9:

 

(i) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Investor, and the partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders of the Investor; legal counsel and accountants for the Investor; any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for the Investor; and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any Damages, and the Company will pay to the Investor, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 9(h)(i) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, nor shall the Company be liable for any Damages to the extent that they arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of the Investor, any underwriter, any controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person expressly for use in connection with such registration.

 

(ii) To the extent permitted by law, the Investor will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each Person (if any), who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, legal counsel and accountants for the Company, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act), and any controlling Person of any such underwriter, against any Damages, in each case only to the extent that such Damages arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of the Investor expressly for use in connection with such registration; and the Investor will pay to the Company and each other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 9(h)(ii) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided further that in no event shall the aggregate amounts payable by the Investor by way of indemnity or contribution under Sections 9(h)(ii) and 9(h)(iv) exceed the proceeds from the offering received by the Investor (net of any Selling Expenses paid by the Investor), except in the case of fraud or willful misconduct by the Investor.

 

(iii) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 9(h) of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action) for which a party may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 9(h), give the indemnifying party notice of the commencement thereof. The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in such action and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, participate jointly with any other indemnifying party to which notice has been given, and to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Section 9(h), to the extent that such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party’s ability to defend such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 9(h).

 

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(iv) To provide for just and equitable contribution to joint liability under the Securities Act in any case in which either: (1) any party otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 9(h) but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, notwithstanding the fact that this Section 9(h) provides for indemnification in such case, or (2) contribution under the Securities Act may be required on the part of any party hereto for which indemnification is provided under this Section 9(h), then, and in each such case, such parties will contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses to which they may be subject (after contribution from others) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of each of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the statements, omissions, or other actions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability, or expense, as well as to reflect any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact, or the omission or alleged omission of a material fact, relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission; provided, however, that, in any such case (x) the Investor will not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the public offering price of all such Registrable Securities offered and sold by the Investor pursuant to such registration statement, and (y) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation; and provided further that in no event shall the Investor’s liability pursuant to this Section 9(h)(iv), when combined with the amounts paid or payable by the Investor pursuant to Section 9(h)(ii), exceed the proceeds from the offering received by the Investor (net of any Selling Expenses paid by the Investor), except in the case of willful misconduct or fraud by the Investor.

 

(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.

 

(vi) Unless otherwise superseded by an underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering, the obligations of the Company and Investor under this Section 9(h) shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration under this Section 9 and otherwise shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

(i) Reports Under Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of SEC Rule 144 and any other 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 or pursuant to a registration on Form S-3, the Company shall:

 

(i) make and keep available adequate current public information, as those terms are understood and defined in SEC Rule 144, at all times after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO;

 

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(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such reporting requirements); and

 

(iii) furnish to the Investor forthwith upon request (i) to the extent accurate, a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of SEC Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO), the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such reporting requirements), or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies); and (ii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing the Investor of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such securities without registration (at any time after the Company has become subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act) or pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies to use such form).

 

(j) Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Investor, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would provide to such holder or prospective holder the right to include securities in any registration on other than either (i) a pro rata basis with respect to the Registrable Securities or (ii) on a subordinate basis after the Investor has had the opportunity to include in the registration and offering all shares of Registrable Securities that it wishes to include.

 

(k) “Market Stand-off” Agreement. The Investor hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the registration by the Company of shares of its Common Stock or any other equity securities under the Securities Act on a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days in the case of the IPO, or such other period as may be requested by the Company or an underwriter to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (1) the publication or other distribution of research reports, and (2) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in FINRA Rule 2711(f)(4) or NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto), (i) lend; offer; pledge; sell; contract to sell; sell any option or contract to purchase; purchase any option or contract to sell; grant any option, right, or warrant to purchase; or otherwise Transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable (directly or indirectly) for Common Stock or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash, or otherwise. The underwriters in connection with such registration are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 9(k) and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. The Investor further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in connection with such registration that are consistent with this Section 9(k) or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of its capital stock of the Investor (and Transferees and assignees thereof) until the end of the restricted period.

 

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(l) The parties agree that (a) the registration rights provided in the A-1 Subscription Agreement shall apply solely with respect to (i) any Common Stock issuable or issued upon conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock held by the Investor; and (ii) any Common Stock issued as or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right, or other security that is issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, the shares referenced in clause (i) above, excluding in all cases any shares for which registration rights have terminated pursuant to the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement, and (b) the registration rights provided in this Agreement shall apply solely with respect to Registrable Securities (as defined herein). Investor acknowledges and agrees that notwithstanding clause (i) of the definition of “Registrable Securities” in the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement, such “Registrable Securities” shall not include any of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock or any other securities that are deemed Registrable Securities under this Agreement.

 

(m) Termination of Registration Rights. The right of the Investor to request registration or inclusion of Registrable Securities in any registration pursuant to Sections 9(a) or 9(b) shall terminate upon the earliest of:

 

(i) the closing of a Liquidity Event, as such term is defined in the Certificate of Designation;

 

(ii) such time as Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all of the Investor’s shares without limitation during a three-month period without registration; and

 

(iii) the fourth anniversary of the IPO.

 

10. Information Rights. The Company covenants and agrees that as of the First Tranche Closing, and for so long as Investor (for purposes of this Section 10, any purchaser, Transferee or successor of Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall be able to exercise all of Investor’s rights in Section 10 and any references to Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor) continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares; provided the Board of Directors has not reasonably determined that the Investor (or such permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor) is a competitor of the Company:

 

(a) Delivery of Financial Statements. The Company shall deliver to Investor:

 

(i) as soon as practicable, but in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (1) a balance sheet as of the end of such year, (2) statements of income and cash flows for such year, and a comparison between (x) the actual amounts as of and for such fiscal year and (y) the comparable amounts for the prior year and as included in the Budget (as defined herein) for such year (if prepared by the Company), with an explanation of any material differences between such amounts and a schedule as to the sources and applications of funds for such year, and (3) a statement of stockholders’ equity as of the end of such year, and all such financial statements audited and certified by independent public accountants of nationally or regionally recognized standing selected by the Company;

 

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(ii) as soon as practicable, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarters of such fiscal year of the Company, unaudited statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal quarter, and an unaudited balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal quarter, all prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that such financial statements may (1) be subject to normal year-end adjustments; and (2) not contain all notes thereto that may be required in accordance with GAAP);

 

(iii) as soon as practicable, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, a statement showing the number of shares of each class and series of capital stock and securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of capital stock outstanding at the end of the period, the Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of any outstanding securities convertible or exercisable for Common Stock and the exchange ratio or exercise price applicable thereto and the number of shares of issued stock options and stock options not yet issued but reserved for issuance, if any, all in sufficient detail as to permit the Investor to calculate its percentage equity ownership in the Company, and certified by the chief financial officer or chief executive officer of the Company as being true, complete, and correct;

 

(iv) if the Company prepares a Budget (as defined below), then as soon as practicable, but in any event thirty (30) days before the end of each fiscal year, a budget and business plan for the next fiscal year (collectively, the “Budget”), approved by the Board of Directors and prepared on a monthly basis, including balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flow for such months and, promptly after prepared, any other budgets or revised budgets prepared by the Company;

 

(v) such other information relating to the financial condition, business, prospects, or corporate affairs of the Company as Investor may from time to time reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated under this Section 10(a) to provide information (1) that the Company reasonably determines in good faith to be a trade secret or confidential information (unless covered by an enforceable confidentiality agreement, in a form acceptable to the Company); or (2) the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.

 

If, for any period, the Company has any subsidiary whose accounts are consolidated with those of the Company, then in respect of such period the financial statements delivered pursuant to the foregoing sections shall be the consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Company and all such consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 10(a) to the contrary, the Company may cease providing the information set forth in this Section 10(a) during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days before the Company’s good-faith estimate of the date of filing of a registration statement if it reasonably concludes it must do so to comply with the SEC rules applicable to such registration statement and related offering; provided that the Company’s covenants under this Section 10(a) shall be reinstated at such time as the Company is no longer actively employing its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective.

 

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To the extent the Company has agreed to provide more comprehensive financial information to any Person, the Company shall provide the Investor with such more comprehensive financial information in addition to the items described in this Section 10.

 

(b) Inspection. Upon reasonable advance notice, the Company shall permit Investor and Investor’s representatives at Investor’s expense, to visit and inspect the Company’s properties; examine and copy its books of account and records; and discuss the Company’s affairs, finances, and accounts with its officers, during normal business hours of the Company as may be reasonably requested by Investor; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated by this Section 10(b) to provide access to any information that it reasonably and in good faith considers to be a trade secret or confidential information (unless covered by an enforceable confidentiality agreement, in form acceptable to the Company), or the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.

 

(c) Termination of Information Rights. The covenants set forth in Sections 10(a) and 10(b) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, or (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon the closing of a Liquidity Event (as such term is defined in the Certificate of Designation), whichever event comes first.

 

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event any permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor of the Investor acquires the Preferred Threshold Shares, the holder of the Preferred Threshold Shares shall be entitled to exercise all rights and privileges available to the Investor as the holder of the Preferred Threshold Shares under this Agreement, including without limitation, the registration rights under Section 9, the information rights under Section 10, the preemptive rights under Section 11, and the Right of First Refusal under Section 13.

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, following an IPO, all restrictions upon Transfer in this Section 10 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.

 

11. Preemptive Rights.

 

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 11(a) and applicable securities laws, if the Company proposes to offer or sell any New Securities following the First Tranche Closing, the Company shall first offer such New Securities to the Investor (for purposes of this Section 11, any permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor of the Investor permitted in accordance with this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall also be able to exercise and enforce all of the Investor’s rights in Section 11 and any reference to the Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor) for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares.

 

(i) The Company shall give notice (the “Offer Notice”) to the Investor, stating (i) its bona fide intention to offer such New Securities, (ii) the number of such New Securities to be offered, and (iii) the price and terms, if any, upon which it proposes to offer such New Securities.

 

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(ii) By notification to the Company within twenty (20) days after the Offer Notice is given, the Investor may elect to purchase or otherwise acquire, at the price and on the terms specified in the Offer Notice, up to that portion of such New Securities which equals the proportion that the Common Stock then held by the Investor (including all shares of Common Stock then issuable upon conversion of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock then held by the Investor) bears to the total Common Stock of the Company then outstanding (assuming full conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of all Series A-3 Preferred Stock and other Derivative Securities) (the Investor’s “Pro Rata Share”).

 

(iii) The Company may, during the ninety- (90) day period following the Offer Notice, offer and sell the remaining unsubscribed portion of such New Securities to any Person or Persons at a price not less than, and upon terms no more favorable to the offeree than, those specified in the Offer Notice. If the Company does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the New Securities within such period, the right provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such New Securities shall not be offered unless first reoffered to the Investor in accordance with this Section 11(a).

 

(iv) The right of first offer in this Section 11(a) shall not be applicable to (i) Exempted Securities (as defined in the Certificate of Designation); (ii) shares of Common Stock issued in the IPO; and (iii) the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock or any Common Stock upon the conversion of Preferred Stock.

 

(v) Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to prevent a Person from purchasing for cash any New Securities without first complying with the provisions of this Section 11; provided, that (i) in connection with such purchase the delay caused by compliance with the provisions of this Section 11 in connection with such investment would be likely to cause harm to the Company (or applicable subsidiary); (ii) the Company gives prompt notice to the Investor, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the New Securities being purchased by the Person making such purchase (for purposes of this Section 11, the “Purchasing Holder”) and the purchase price thereof and (iii) the Company shall invite the Investor to exercise its rights under this Section 11 with respect to its purchase of its Pro Rata Share of the New Securities issued to the Purchasing Holder after such purchase by the Purchasing Holder on the terms specified in Section 11. Nothing in this Section 11 is intended to limit or expand the rights the Investor has under Section 11 of the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement.

 

(b) Termination. The covenants set forth in Section 11(a) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, or (ii) upon the Investor not continuing to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, whichever event occurs first.

 

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12. Additional Covenants.

 

(a) Board Matters. Unless otherwise determined by the vote of a majority of the directors then in office, the Board shall meet at least semi-annually in accordance with an agreed-upon schedule.

 

(b) Insurance. For so long as a Series A-3 Director is serving on the Board, the Company shall not cease to maintain a directors and officers liability insurance policy with substantially similar coverage to the directors and officers insurance policy maintained by the Company on the date hereof, unless approved by such Series A-3 Director.

 

(c) Personal Data. The Company and the Investor acknowledge and agree that (i) Investor and the Series A-3 Director shall not have access to any personal data of the subscribers of the Company and its subsidiaries or visitors to the website(s) of the Company and its subsidiaries, and (ii) the Investor and the Series A-3 Director shall not seek to influence editorial policy or content published by the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

(d) Tax Covenants.

 

(i) The Company shall notify the Investor within ten (10) Business Days of becoming aware that the Company is, or is reasonably likely to be, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code. In addition, at any time upon the Investor’s written request, the Company shall timely issue a statement to the Investor, in form and substance as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.897-2(h)(1) and signed under penalties of perjury, regarding whether any interest in the Company constitutes a “United States real property interest” within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code.

 

(ii) The Company and the Investor agree that (i) the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and the Series A-3 Preferred Stock shall be treated as stock that is not “preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 305 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, and (ii) the Investor shall not be required to include in income as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes any income or gain in respect of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-3 Preferred Stock on account of the accrual of dividends thereon (including any deemed dividends or as a result of any discount) unless and until such dividends are declared and paid in cash. The Company and the Investor agree to take no positions or actions inconsistent with such treatment (including on any IRS Form 1099), unless otherwise required by a change in applicable law after the date hereof.

 

(iii) The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Investor to structure any redemption or repurchase of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-3 Preferred Stock to be treated as a payment in exchange for stock pursuant to Section 302 of the Code.

 

(iv) The Company (and its applicable withholding agents and paying agents) shall only be entitled to deduct and withhold taxes on any payments on the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-3 Preferred Stock to the extent required by applicable tax law; provided that, if the Company determines that an amount is required to be deducted and withheld, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date the applicable payment is scheduled to be made, the Company shall (i) provide the Investor with written notice of the intent to deduct and withhold, which notice shall include the basis for the withholding and an estimate of the amount proposed to be deducted and withheld, and (ii) provide the Investor with a reasonable opportunity to provide forms or other evidence that would exempt such amounts from withholding, and shall otherwise reasonably cooperate to minimize any such withholding.

 

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(v) For so long as the Investor owns at least 10% of the shares of the Company’s capital stock held by the Investor as of immediately following the consummation of the Investment, the Company shall not be converted into a limited liability company or otherwise consummate a transaction pursuant to which the Company ceases to exist as an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and state and local tax purposes, where applicable) without the Investor’s prior written approval.

 

13. Right of First Refusal.

 

(a) Right of First Refusal for Capital Stock of the Majority Common Holder.

 

(i) If following the First Tranche Closing the Majority Common Holder proposes to sell any shares of its Common Stock, then the Company will have a Right of First Refusal to purchase such Transfer Stock. If the Company does not purchase all or any portion of the Transfer Stock, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Investor (for purposes of this Section 13, any permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor of the Investor permitted in accordance with this Agreement owning at least the Preferred Threshold Shares shall also be able to exercise and enforce all of the Investor’s rights in Section 13 and any reference to the Investor shall include such permitted purchaser, Transferee or successor) shall have the right to purchase any portion of the Transfer Stock not purchased by the Company, by the Series A-1 Holder pursuant to the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement or by the Series A-2 Holder pursuant to the Series A-2 Subscription Agreement. If the Company, the Series A-1 Holder and the Series A-2 Holder do not intend to exercise their Right of First Refusal with respect to all Transfer Stock subject to a Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares, the Company must deliver a Secondary Notice to the Investor to that effect no later than thirty (30) days after the Majority Common Holder delivers the Proposed Transfer Notice to the Company. To exercise its Secondary Refusal Right, the Investor must deliver an Investor Notice to the Majority Common Holder and the Company within ten (10) days after the Company’s deadline for its delivery of the Secondary Notice as provided in the preceding sentence.

 

(ii) Consideration; Closing. If the consideration proposed to be paid for the Transfer Stock is in property, services or other non-cash consideration, the fair market value of the consideration shall be as determined in good faith by the Board and as set forth in the Company Notice. If the Company or the Investor cannot for any reason pay for the Transfer Stock in the same form of non-cash consideration, the Company or the Investor may pay the cash value equivalent thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board and as set forth in the Company Notice. The closing of the purchase of Transfer Stock by the Company and the Investor shall take place, and all payments from the Company and the Investor shall have been delivered to the Majority Common Holder, by the later of (i) the date specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice as the intended date of the Proposed Majority Common Holder Transfer; and (ii) forty-five (45) days after delivery of the Proposed Transfer Notice.

 

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(b) Right of First Refusal with Respect to the Stockholders Agreement. In the event that following the First Tranche Closing the Majority Common Holder has any right of first refusal pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the Company will cause the Majority Common Holder, for so long as the Investor continues to hold the Preferred Threshold Shares (or, if converted, the Common Stock underlying such Series A-3 Preferred Stock), to invite the Investor to participate to the extent of its Pro Rata Share in the purchase under such right of first refusal and to cooperate in a good faith, commercially reasonable manner to facilitate such participation.

 

(c) Tag-Along Rights.

 

(i) Subject to prior satisfaction of the requirements of the Right of First Refusal in Section 13, in the event the Majority Common Holder intends to sell any Common Stock held by the Majority Common Holder, the Company shall cause the Majority Common Holder to notify the Investor, in writing, of such proposed sale and its terms and conditions, including the number of Common Stock proposed to be sold by the Majority Common Holder, the identity of the proposed Transferee(s), and the aggregate amount and type of consideration to be paid in respect thereof. Within ten (10) Business Days of the date of such notice, the Investor shall notify the Majority Common Holder if it elects to participate in such sale. If the Investor fails to notify the Majority Common Holder within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Investor shall be deemed to have waived its rights hereunder. If the Investor so notifies the Majority Common Holder within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Investor shall have the right to sell at the same price (subject to the provisions below) and on the same terms and conditions as the Majority Common Holder, an amount of Common Stock equal to the Common Stock the third party actually proposes to purchase multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock owned by the Investor and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock owned by the Majority Common Holder, other stockholders who are entitled to participate in such transaction, and the Investor; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that (i) in connection with any exercise by the Investor its rights under this Section 13(c), the Investor must convert the necessary amount of Series A-3 Preferred Stock in accordance with the Certificate of Designation into Common Stock sufficient to make such exercise, (ii) the calculation of the number of shares of Common Stock that the Investor is entitled to sell pursuant to this Section 13(c)(i) shall be calculated based only on the Common Stock issuable to the Investor upon the conversion of Series A-3 Preferred Stock owned by the Investor, and (iii) the calculation of the number of shares of Common Stock that the Investor is entitled to sell pursuant to Section 13(c)(i) of the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement shall be calculated based only on the Common Stock issuable to the Investor upon the conversion of Series A-1 Preferred Stock owned by the Investor.

 

(ii) In order to be entitled to exercise the tag-along rights described in this Section 13(c), the Investor shall be required to make to the proposed Transferee or purchaser in the applicable transaction substantially the same representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and agreements as the Majority Common Holder agrees to make in connection with such transaction, and agree to the same conditions to such transaction as the Majority Common Holder agrees (except that, in the case of representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, agreements and conditions pertaining specifically to the Majority Common Holder, the Investor shall make comparable representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and agreements and shall agree to comparable conditions, in each case to the extent applicable and pertaining specifically to itself and only to itself); provided, however, (w) that any representations and warranties or indemnities given by the Investor shall be several and not joint with the Majority Common Holder, (x) any liability of the Majority Common Holder shall be borne by the Majority Common Holder, (y) to the extent the Investor is required to provide indemnification in connection with any such transaction, without the consent of the Investor, the Investor shall not be required to provide any indemnification that would result in any liability for such indemnification for the Investor that exceeds the Investor’s gross proceeds from such transaction (excluding liability for breach of representations regarding (a) the Investor’s authority to sell, (b) the securities to be sold by the Investor being free and clear of any liens, claims or encumbrances (other than restrictions imposed pursuant to applicable laws), (c) the Investor being a beneficial owner and the sole record owner of such securities, and (d) the Investor having obtained or made all necessary consents, approvals, permits, filings and notifications from governmental authorities or third parties to consummate such transaction) and (z) to the extent the Investor is required to provide indemnification in connection with any such transaction, without the consent of the Investor, the Investor shall not be required to provide indemnification for the percentage of total losses exceeding the Investor’s pro rata share of the sale proceeds.

 

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14. Put Right. In the event that the Company does not make a filing with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) with respect to the transaction and CFIUS requests that the parties submit a joint voluntary notice of the transaction to CFIUS in accordance with Section 721 of the Defense Production Act (“DPA”) and 31 C.F.R. § 800.401(a), and CFIUS recommends that the President of the United States use the President’s authority under Section 721(d) of the DPA to order divestment, then the Investor shall have the right to cause the Company to (and the Company shall agree to) redeem the Investor’s Series A-3 Preferred Stock at the Per-Share-Price plus any accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

15. Further Assurances. The parties hereto will, upon reasonable request, execute and deliver all such further assignments, endorsements and other documents as may be necessary in order to perfect the purchase by the Investor of the Investor’s Securities. In no event shall the Company be responsible for all or any portion of any fees, commissions or other amounts owed by Investor to any of its brokers, financial advisors, consultants, finders, placement agents, investment bankers, banks or any other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

16. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modification; Survival. Except for the Certificate of Designation, the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement, the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation, the First Tranche Proxy, the Second Tranche Proxy and the Third Tranche Proxy, this Agreement (including exhibits and schedules hereto) contains the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto and this Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both of the parties hereto. The respective representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement and all other agreements, documents and certificates executed by the parties hereto in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall survive each Closing for a period of eighteen (18) months and terminate thereafter.

 

17. Binding Effect; Benefits. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, permitted Transferees, successors and permitted assigns, specifically including any purchaser, permitted Transferee or successor of the Investor permitted pursuant to this Agreement owning the Preferred Threshold Shares with respect to the exercise of all of the Investor’s rights under Sections 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13; provided however, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any other Person other than the parties hereto, or their respective heirs, permitted Transferees, successors or assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. In the event that any signature is delivered by electronic mail transmission, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such electronic mail signature page were an original thereof.

 

19. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Agreement or any dispute arising out of this Agreement or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

20. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and the Investor hereby waive, to the extent permitted by applicable law, trial by jury in any litigation in any court with respect to, in connection with, or arising out of this Agreement or the validity, protection, interpretation or enforcement thereof. The Company and the Investor agree that this section is a specific and material aspect of this Agreement and would not enter into this Agreement if this section were not part of this Agreement.

 

21. Prevailing Parties. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive, and the non-prevailing party shall pay upon demand, reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other remedy.

 

22. Specific Performance. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that each party could be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the other party in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise are breached. Accordingly, each party agrees that the other party may be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement by the breaching party and to enforce specifically this Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof (without a need to post a bond or provide other security), in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity.

 

23. No Strict Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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24. Notices. All communication hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by electronic mail, and such delivery shall be confirmed to the addresses as provided below:

 

If to the Investor:

 

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Investor) to:

 

 

If to the Company:

 

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Company) to:

 

 

25. Headings. The section headings herein are included for convenience only and are not to be deemed a part of this Agreement.

 

26. Fees and Expenses. Each party will pay its own fees and expenses in connection with this Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby; provided, however, that at the First Tranche Closing the Company shall reimburse the Investor for the out-of-pocket legal and administrative fees and expenses in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby in the amount of $75,000 (the “Fee Obligation”). The Fee Obligation shall be satisfied by the Investor withholding such amount from its payment of the purchase price for the First Tranche and paying such withheld amount to [____________], which withheld amount shall be deemed to have been paid to the Company in payment of a portion of the purchase price for the First Tranche.

 

27. Failure to Fund the Second Tranche or the Third Tranche. It is acknowledged and agreed that the consummation of each of the Second Tranche Closing and the Third Tranche Closing is not subject to any conditions and the Investor does not have the right to elect not to consummate the Second Tranche Closing by the Second Tranche Closing Date or the Third Tranche Closing by the Third Tranche Closing Date. Therefore, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Investor fails to (a) fund the Second Tranche by the Second Tranche Closing Date, (b) deliver the Second Tranche Proxy, (c) fund the Third Tranche by the Third Tranche Closing Date, or (d) deliver the Third Tranche Proxy, the rights provided to the Investor (or any Transferee or successor of the Investor) and the Series A-3 Director pursuant to Sections 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), 6(d), 10, 11, and 13 shall automatically terminate, and the Series A-3 Director (if appointed) will be automatically removed from the Board, in each case, without any further action by the Company, the Board, the stockholders of the Company or the Investor. In the event that the Investor fails to deliver the Second Tranche Proxy, the Second Tranche shall not be consummated and this Section 27 shall apply with respect to the termination of the Investor’s rights. In the event that the Investor fails to deliver the Third Tranche Proxy, the Third Tranche shall not be consummated and this Section 27 shall apply with respect to the termination of the Investor’s rights.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Its: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Subscription Agreement]

 

 

 

 

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

 

  INVESTOR
     
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
     
  By: Naples Financial Limited, its Member

 

  Signature:  /s/ Mark Hamilton

 

  Name of Signatory: Mark Hamilton
     
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
    JTC Directors Limited

 

  Signature:  /s/ Linda Garnier

 

  Name of Signatory: Linda Garnier
     
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
    Castle Directors Limited

 

  Address:
   
  Telephone Number:  

 

[Signature Page to Subscription Agreement]

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

Investor Questionnaire

 

I. For Individual Investor Only

 

(All individual investors must INITIAL where appropriate. Where there are joint investors both parties must INITIAL):

 

Initial _______I certify that I have a “net worth” of at least $1 million either individually or through aggregating my individual holdings and those in which I have a joint, community property or other similar shared ownership interest with my spouse. For purposes of calculating net worth under this paragraph, (i) the primary residence shall not be included as an asset, (ii) to the extent that the indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence is in excess of the fair market value of the primary residence, the excess amount shall be included as a liability, and (iii) if the amount of outstanding indebtedness that is secured by the primary residence exceeds the amount outstanding sixty (60) days prior to the execution of this Subscription Agreement, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability.

 

Initial _______I certify that I have had an annual gross income for the past two years of at least $200,000 (or $300,000 jointly with my spouse) and expect my income (or joint income, as appropriate) to reach the same level in the current year.

 

II. For Non-Individual Investors
(all Non-Individual Investors must INITIAL where appropriate):

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that is 100% owned by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business trust that has total assets of at least $5 million and was not formed for the purpose of investing in the Company.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary (as defined in ERISA §3(21)) that is a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company or registered investment adviser.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an employee benefit plan whose total assets exceed $5,000,000 as of the date of the Subscription Agreement.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a self-directed employee benefit plan whose investment decisions are made solely by persons who meet either of the criteria for Individual Investors, above.

 

Appendix A-1

 

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a U.S. bank, U.S. savings and loan association or other similar U.S. institution acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a broker-dealer registered pursuant to §15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an organization described in §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with total assets exceeding $5,000,000 and not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the Company.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a trust with total assets of at least $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of investing in the Company, and whose purchase is directed by a person with such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that he is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is a plan established and maintained by a state or its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, for the benefit of its employees, and which has total assets in excess of $5,000,000.

 

Initial _______The undersigned certifies that it is an insurance company as defined in §2(a)(13) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or a registered investment company.

 

Appendix A-2

 

 

APPENDIX B

 

Proxy

 

In accordance with the Series A-3 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subscription Agreement”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”), the Investor agrees as follows:

 

1. Grant of Proxy.

 

(a) On and subject to the terms set forth herein, the Investor with respect to all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Company (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock”) acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement in the First Tranche (as defined in the Subscription Agreement) (together with any shares of capital stock of the Company issued upon conversion of, or in respect of, such Series A-3 Preferred Stock, the “Shares”) hereby grants to the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (together with its successors and assigns, the “Majority Common Holder”) a proxy pursuant to Section 212 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, pursuant to which the Majority Common Holder may vote all of the Shares listed on Exhibit A hereto in any manner that the Majority Common Holder determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, at any meeting of stockholders of the Company or action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company with respect to any matter (this “Proxy”); provided (x) that such vote does not constitute a Prohibited Action, and (y) that the Investor shall be solely entitled to exercise the voting rights (including any amendment or waiver thereof) granted to the Investor pursuant to (i) Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Subscription Agreement and (ii) Section 3(a), subsection 6 of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock”, Section 5(e), Section 6(a), Section 6(c), and Section 8 of the Certificate of Designation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing proxy is hereby granted to the Majority Common Holder by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement and is coupled with an interest.

 

(b) The Majority Common Holder shall have no duty, liability and obligation whatsoever to the Investor arising out of the exercise by the Majority Common Holder of the voting rights granted to it in this Proxy. The Investor expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Investor will not impede or challenge the valid exercise of the Majority Common Holder’s rights under this Proxy and (ii) the Investor waives and relinquishes any claim, right or action the Investor might have, as a stockholder of the Company or otherwise, against the Majority Common Holder or any of his affiliates in connection with any valid exercise of the proxy granted hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing set forth in this Section 1(b) shall (x) limit the parties’ rights and obligations under Section 1(d) herein, prevent the Investor from exercising (or grant the Majority Common Holder the right to exercise) the voting rights reserved to the Investor in accordance with Section 1(a)(y) herein, or prevent the Investor from enforcing the terms of this Proxy, or (y) permit the Majority Common Holder to take any Prohibited Action.

 

(c) This Proxy shall expire upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Company’s IPO, (ii) five (5) years from the date of the execution of this Proxy, (iii) the closing of an issuance of voting securities by the Company in which (A) the Company raises $5,000,000 or more in one transaction from a single investor (taking into account all tranches of investment that such investor is committed to fund pursuant to the terms of the investment agreement) and (B) such investor does not execute a proxy pursuant to which such investor grants to the Majority Common Holder or his designee the right to vote the newly issued voting securities (provided, that this clause (iii) shall not apply on any issuances of non-voting securities, including if the holders thereof receive certain specified consent rights or are entitled to other voting rights under law), or (iv) such time that Christopher Ruddy no longer exercises sole and dispositive voting power on behalf of the Majority Common Holder (the “Term”).

 

Appendix B-1

 

 

(d) In the event that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise the voting rights granted pursuant to this Proxy, the Company shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Investor setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken no later than five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action (or in the case of appointing directors to the Board, no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to taking such action). If within such five (5) Business Days (or within such forty-eight (48) hours with respect to actions appointing directors to the Board) the Investor determines in good faith that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise its voting rights under this Proxy (x) in bad faith or in a manner designed deliberately to be detrimental to the Investor’s interests (including the Investor’s rights pursuant to the Subscription Agreement or the Certificate of Designation) compared to other stockholders of the Company or (y) in contravention of the Investor’s reserved voting rights set forth in Section 1(a)(y) herein (each of (x) and (y), a “Prohibited Action”), then within five (5) days from the delivery of the Company’s notice the Investor shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the Investor’s objection to such action and the basis for the Investor’s determination that the Majority Common Holder intends to conduct a Prohibited Action (a “Notice”). Within twenty one (21) days (the “Settlement Period”) following the Company’s receipt of a Notice, the Company and the Investor shall in good faith attempt to resolve the dispute set forth in the Notice. If, notwithstanding their good faith efforts, the parties are unable to resolve such dispute within the Settlement Period, then the Majority Common Holder shall be entitled to cast such vote, and the Investor may initiate arbitration with respect to the remaining disputed items by filing a written demand for arbitration with JAMS within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the Settlement Period. The Investor shall promptly (and in no event later than five (5) days) notify the Majority Common Holder of the initiation of arbitration under this Section 1(d). The place of the arbitration shall be New York City, New York, or such other place as may be mutually agreed by the parties. The arbitration shall be administered by a single arbitrator and pursuant to the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures. The Investor shall have the burden of proof to show that the Majority Common Holder engaged in a Prohibited Action. The fees and expenses payable to JAMS or the arbitrator shall be paid by the Investor and the Company in shares determined by the arbitrator. Each party shall be responsible for the fees and expenses incurred by such party in connection with the dispute and the arbitration. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action does not constitute a Prohibited Action, the vote casted by the Majority Common Holder shall remain unchanged. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action by the Majority Common Holder constituted a Prohibited Action, (i) the Majority Common Holder’s vote shall be canceled, (ii) the underlying action shall be deemed to have been void ab initio and shall be rescinded in full without any liability to the Investor if the underlying action would not have been approved but for the affirmative vote of the Shares subject to this Proxy (and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder); provided that if notwithstanding any such rescission the Investor incurs damages as a result of the underlying action, nothing set forth in this Proxy shall limit the remedies available to the Investor at law or in equity for recovery in connection therewith, and (iii) the Investor shall have the right to immediately revoke this Proxy and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder by delivery of written notice to the Majority Common Holder.

 

Appendix B-2

 

 

2. Legend. The Investor agrees to permit an appropriate legend on certificates evidencing the Shares reflecting the grant of this Proxy contained in the foregoing Section 1.

 

3. Representations and Warranties. The Investor represents and warrants to the Majority Common Holder as follows:

 

(a) The Investor has the all necessary rights, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform his obligations under this Proxy. This Proxy has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and constitutes its legal and valid obligation enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) The Investor is the record owner of the Shares listed under his name on Exhibit A hereto and the Investor has plenary voting and dispositive power with respect to such Shares; there are no proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which such Investor is a party or bound by and which expressly require that any of the Shares be voted in any specific manner other than this Proxy; and such Investor has not entered, and during the Term shall not enter, into any agreement or arrangement inconsistent with this Proxy.

 

4. Equitable Remedies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (including Section 1(d) above), each party acknowledges that irreparable damage would result if this Proxy is not specifically enforced and that, therefore, the rights and obligations of each party may be enforced by a decree of specific performance issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, not be exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which each party may otherwise have available. Each party further agrees that neither the other party nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 4, and each party hereto (i) irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument and (ii) shall cooperate fully in any attempt by the other party in obtaining such equitable relief.

 

5. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Proxy shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Proxy or any dispute arising out of this Proxy or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Proxy, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

6. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS PROXY OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR AGREE THAT THIS SECTION IS A SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS PROXY AND WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS PROXY IF THIS SECTION WERE NOT PART OF THIS PROXY.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

Appendix B-3

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor has executed this Proxy as of July 16, 2020.

 

  INVESTOR:
   
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
   
  By:                   
  Signature:
  Name of Signatory:
  Title of Signatory:

 

Appendix B-4

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

to Proxy

  

Certificate Number

 

Number of Shares

#0025   424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix B-5

 

 

APPENDIX C

 

Company Wire Instructions

 

[         ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix C-1

 

 

APPENDIX D

 

Proxy

 

In accordance with the Series A-3 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subscription Agreement”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”), the Investor agrees as follows:

 

1. Grant of Proxy.

 

(a) On and subject to the terms set forth herein, the Investor with respect to all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Company (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock”) acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement in the Second Tranche (as defined in the Subscription Agreement) (together with any shares of capital stock of the Company issued upon conversion of, or in respect of, such Series A-3 Preferred Stock, the “Shares”) hereby grants to the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (together with its successors and assigns, the “Majority Common Holder”) a proxy pursuant to Section 212 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, pursuant to which the Majority Common Holder may vote all of the Shares listed on Exhibit A hereto in any manner that the Majority Common Holder determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, at any meeting of stockholders of the Company or action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company with respect to any matter (this “Proxy”); provided (x) that such vote does not constitute a Prohibited Action, and (y) that the Investor shall be solely entitled to exercise the voting rights (including any amendment or waiver thereof) granted to the Investor pursuant to (i) Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Subscription Agreement and (ii) Section 3(a), subsection 6 of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock”, Section 5(e), Section 6(a), Section 6(c), and Section 8 of the Certificate of Designation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing proxy is hereby granted to the Majority Common Holder by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement and is coupled with an interest.

 

(b) The Majority Common Holder shall have no duty, liability and obligation whatsoever to the Investor arising out of the exercise by the Majority Common Holder of the voting rights granted to it in this Proxy. The Investor expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Investor will not impede or challenge the valid exercise of the Majority Common Holder’s rights under this Proxy and (ii) the Investor waives and relinquishes any claim, right or action the Investor might have, as a stockholder of the Company or otherwise, against the Majority Common Holder or any of his affiliates in connection with any valid exercise of the proxy granted hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing set forth in this Section 1(b) shall (x) limit the parties’ rights and obligations under Section 1(d) herein, prevent the Investor from exercising (or grant the Majority Common Holder the right to exercise) the voting rights reserved to the Investor in accordance with Section 1(a)(y) herein, or prevent the Investor from enforcing the terms of this Proxy, or (y) permit the Majority Common Holder to take any Prohibited Action.

 

Appendix D-1

 

 

(c) This Proxy shall expire upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Company’s IPO, (ii) five (5) years from the date of the execution of this Proxy, (iii) the closing of an issuance of voting securities by the Company in which (A) the Company raises $5,000,000 or more in one transaction from a single investor (taking into account all tranches of investment that such investor is committed to fund pursuant to the terms of the investment agreement) and (B) such investor does not execute a proxy pursuant to which such investor grants to the Majority Common Holder or his designee the right to vote the newly issued voting securities (provided, that this clause (iii) shall not apply on any issuances of non-voting securities, including if the holders thereof receive certain specified consent rights or are entitled to other voting rights under law), or (iv) such time that Christopher Ruddy no longer exercises sole and dispositive voting power on behalf of the Majority Common Holder (the “Term”).

 

(d) In the event that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise the voting rights granted pursuant to this Proxy, the Company shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Investor setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken no later than five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action (or in the case of appointing directors to the Board, no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to taking such action). If within such five (5) Business Days (or within such forty-eight (48) hours with respect to actions appointing directors to the Board) the Investor determines in good faith that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise its voting rights under this Proxy (x) in bad faith or in a manner designed deliberately to be detrimental to the Investor’s interests (including the Investor’s rights pursuant to the Subscription Agreement or the Certificate of Designation) compared to other stockholders of the Company or (y) in contravention of the Investor’s reserved voting rights set forth in Section 1(a)(y) herein (each of (x) and (y), a “Prohibited Action”), then within five (5) days from the delivery of the Company’s notice the Investor shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the Investor’s objection to such action and the basis for the Investor’s determination that the Majority Common Holder intends to conduct a Prohibited Action (a “Notice”). Within twenty one (21) days (the “Settlement Period”) following the Company’s receipt of a Notice, the Company and the Investor shall in good faith attempt to resolve the dispute set forth in the Notice. If, notwithstanding their good faith efforts, the parties are unable to resolve such dispute within the Settlement Period, then the Majority Common Holder shall be entitled to cast such vote, and the Investor may initiate arbitration with respect to the remaining disputed items by filing a written demand for arbitration with JAMS within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the Settlement Period. The Investor shall promptly (and in no event later than five (5) days) notify the Majority Common Holder of the initiation of arbitration under this Section 1(d). The place of the arbitration shall be New York City, New York, or such other place as may be mutually agreed by the parties. The arbitration shall be administered by a single arbitrator and pursuant to the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures. The Investor shall have the burden of proof to show that the Majority Common Holder engaged in a Prohibited Action. The fees and expenses payable to JAMS or the arbitrator shall be paid by the Investor and the Company in shares determined by the arbitrator. Each party shall be responsible for the fees and expenses incurred by such party in connection with the dispute and the arbitration. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action does not constitute a Prohibited Action, the vote casted by the Majority Common Holder shall remain unchanged. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action by the Majority Common Holder constituted a Prohibited Action, (i) the Majority Common Holder’s vote shall be canceled, (ii) the underlying action shall be deemed to have been void ab initio and shall be rescinded in full without any liability to the Investor if the underlying action would not have been approved but for the affirmative vote of the Shares subject to this Proxy (and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder); provided that if notwithstanding any such rescission the Investor incurs damages as a result of the underlying action, nothing set forth in this Proxy shall limit the remedies available to the Investor at law or in equity for recovery in connection therewith, and (iii) the Investor shall have the right to immediately revoke this Proxy and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder by delivery of written notice to the Majority Common Holder.

 

Appendix D-2

 

 

2. Legend. The Investor agrees to permit an appropriate legend on certificates evidencing the Shares reflecting the grant of this Proxy contained in the foregoing Section 1.

 

3. Representations and Warranties. The Investor represents and warrants to the Majority Common Holder as follows:

 

(a) The Investor has the all necessary rights, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform his obligations under this Proxy. This Proxy has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and constitutes its legal and valid obligation enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) The Investor is the record owner of the Shares listed under his name on Exhibit A hereto and the Investor has plenary voting and dispositive power with respect to such Shares; there are no proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which such Investor is a party or bound by and which expressly require that any of the Shares be voted in any specific manner other than this Proxy; and such Investor has not entered, and during the Term shall not enter, into any agreement or arrangement inconsistent with this Proxy.

 

4. Equitable Remedies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (including Section 1(d) above), each party acknowledges that irreparable damage would result if this Proxy is not specifically enforced and that, therefore, the rights and obligations of each party may be enforced by a decree of specific performance issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, not be exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which each party may otherwise have available. Each party further agrees that neither the other party nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 4, and each party hereto (i) irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument and (ii) shall cooperate fully in any attempt by the other party in obtaining such equitable relief.

 

5. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Proxy shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Proxy or any dispute arising out of this Proxy or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Proxy, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

6. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS PROXY OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR AGREE THAT THIS SECTION IS A SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS PROXY AND WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS PROXY IF THIS SECTION WERE NOT PART OF THIS PROXY.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

Appendix D-3

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor has executed this Proxy as of July 30, 2020.

 

  INVESTOR:
   
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
   
  By:                   
  Signature:
  Name of Signatory:
  Title of Signatory:

 

Appendix D-4

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

to Proxy

  

Certificate Number

 

Number of Shares

0026   212

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix D-5

 

 

APPENDIX E

 

Proxy

 

In accordance with the Series A-3 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subscription Agreement”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”), the Investor agrees as follows:

 

7. Grant of Proxy.

 

(a) On and subject to the terms set forth herein, the Investor with respect to all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Company (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock”) acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement in the Third Tranche (as defined in the Subscription Agreement) (together with any shares of capital stock of the Company issued upon conversion of, or in respect of, such Series A-3 Preferred Stock, the “Shares”) hereby grants to the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (together with its successors and assigns, the “Majority Common Holder”) a proxy pursuant to Section 212 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, pursuant to which the Majority Common Holder may vote all of the Shares listed on Exhibit A hereto in any manner that the Majority Common Holder determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, at any meeting of stockholders of the Company or action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company with respect to any matter (this “Proxy”); provided (x) that such vote does not constitute a Prohibited Action, and (y) that the Investor shall be solely entitled to exercise the voting rights (including any amendment or waiver thereof) granted to the Investor pursuant to (i) Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Subscription Agreement and (ii) Section 3(a), subsection 6 of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock”, Section 5(e), Section 6(a), Section 6(c), and Section 8 of the Certificate of Designation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing proxy is hereby granted to the Majority Common Holder by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement and is coupled with an interest.

 

(b) The Majority Common Holder shall have no duty, liability and obligation whatsoever to the Investor arising out of the exercise by the Majority Common Holder of the voting rights granted to it in this Proxy. The Investor expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Investor will not impede or challenge the valid exercise of the Majority Common Holder’s rights under this Proxy and (ii) the Investor waives and relinquishes any claim, right or action the Investor might have, as a stockholder of the Company or otherwise, against the Majority Common Holder or any of his affiliates in connection with any valid exercise of the proxy granted hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing set forth in this Section 1(b) shall (x) limit the parties’ rights and obligations under Section 1(d) herein, prevent the Investor from exercising (or grant the Majority Common Holder the right to exercise) the voting rights reserved to the Investor in accordance with Section 1(a)(y) herein, or prevent the Investor from enforcing the terms of this Proxy, or (y) permit the Majority Common Holder to take any Prohibited Action.

 

Appendix E-1

 

 

(c) This Proxy shall expire upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Company’s IPO, (ii) five (5) years from the date of the execution of this Proxy, (iii) the closing of an issuance of voting securities by the Company in which (A) the Company raises $5,000,000 or more in one transaction from a single investor (taking into account all tranches of investment that such investor is committed to fund pursuant to the terms of the investment agreement) and (B) such investor does not execute a proxy pursuant to which such investor grants to the Majority Common Holder or his designee the right to vote the newly issued voting securities (provided, that this clause (iii) shall not apply on any issuances of non-voting securities, including if the holders thereof receive certain specified consent rights or are entitled to other voting rights under law), or (iv) such time that Christopher Ruddy no longer exercises sole and dispositive voting power on behalf of the Majority Common Holder (the “Term”).

 

(d) In the event that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise the voting rights granted pursuant to this Proxy, the Company shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Investor setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken no later than five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action (or in the case of appointing directors to the Board, no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to taking such action). If within such five (5) Business Days (or within such forty-eight (48) hours with respect to actions appointing directors to the Board) the Investor determines in good faith that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise its voting rights under this Proxy (x) in bad faith or in a manner designed deliberately to be detrimental to the Investor’s interests (including the Investor’s rights pursuant to the Subscription Agreement or the Certificate of Designation) compared to other stockholders of the Company or (y) in contravention of the Investor’s reserved voting rights set forth in Section 1(a)(y) herein (each of (x) and (y), a “Prohibited Action”), then within five (5) days from the delivery of the Company’s notice the Investor shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the Investor’s objection to such action and the basis for the Investor’s determination that the Majority Common Holder intends to conduct a Prohibited Action (a “Notice”). Within twenty one (21) days (the “Settlement Period”) following the Company’s receipt of a Notice, the Company and the Investor shall in good faith attempt to resolve the dispute set forth in the Notice. If, notwithstanding their good faith efforts, the parties are unable to resolve such dispute within the Settlement Period, then the Majority Common Holder shall be entitled to cast such vote, and the Investor may initiate arbitration with respect to the remaining disputed items by filing a written demand for arbitration with JAMS within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the Settlement Period. The Investor shall promptly (and in no event later than five (5) days) notify the Majority Common Holder of the initiation of arbitration under this Section 1(d). The place of the arbitration shall be New York City, New York, or such other place as may be mutually agreed by the parties. The arbitration shall be administered by a single arbitrator and pursuant to the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures. The Investor shall have the burden of proof to show that the Majority Common Holder engaged in a Prohibited Action. The fees and expenses payable to JAMS or the arbitrator shall be paid by the Investor and the Company in shares determined by the arbitrator. Each party shall be responsible for the fees and expenses incurred by such party in connection with the dispute and the arbitration. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action does not constitute a Prohibited Action, the vote casted by the Majority Common Holder shall remain unchanged. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action by the Majority Common Holder constituted a Prohibited Action, (i) the Majority Common Holder’s vote shall be canceled, (ii) the underlying action shall be deemed to have been void ab initio and shall be rescinded in full without any liability to the Investor if the underlying action would not have been approved but for the affirmative vote of the Shares subject to this Proxy (and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder); provided that if notwithstanding any such rescission the Investor incurs damages as a result of the underlying action, nothing set forth in this Proxy shall limit the remedies available to the Investor at law or in equity for recovery in connection therewith, and (iii) the Investor shall have the right to immediately revoke this Proxy and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder by delivery of written notice to the Majority Common Holder.

 

Appendix E-2

 

 

8. Legend. The Investor agrees to permit an appropriate legend on certificates evidencing the Shares reflecting the grant of this Proxy contained in the foregoing Section 1.

 

9. Representations and Warranties. The Investor represents and warrants to the Majority Common Holder as follows:

 

(a) The Investor has the all necessary rights, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform his obligations under this Proxy. This Proxy has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and constitutes its legal and valid obligation enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) The Investor is the record owner of the Shares listed under his name on Exhibit A hereto and the Investor has plenary voting and dispositive power with respect to such Shares; there are no proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which such Investor is a party or bound by and which expressly require that any of the Shares be voted in any specific manner other than this Proxy; and such Investor has not entered, and during the Term shall not enter, into any agreement or arrangement inconsistent with this Proxy.

 

10. Equitable Remedies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (including Section 1(d) above), each party acknowledges that irreparable damage would result if this Proxy is not specifically enforced and that, therefore, the rights and obligations of each party may be enforced by a decree of specific performance issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, not be exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which each party may otherwise have available. Each party further agrees that neither the other party nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 4, and each party hereto (i) irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument and (ii) shall cooperate fully in any attempt by the other party in obtaining such equitable relief.

 

11. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Proxy shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Proxy or any dispute arising out of this Proxy or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Proxy, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

12. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS PROXY OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR AGREE THAT THIS SECTION IS A SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS PROXY AND WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS PROXY IF THIS SECTION WERE NOT PART OF THIS PROXY.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

Appendix E-3

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor has executed this Proxy as of December __, 2020.

 

  INVESTOR:
   
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
   
  By:              
  Signature:
  Name of Signatory:
  Title of Signatory:

 

Appendix E-4

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

to Proxy

  

Certificate Number

 

Number of Shares

0027   424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix E-5

 

 

APPENDIX F

 

Disclosure Schedule

 

[             ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix F-1

 

 

APPENDIX G

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix G-1

 

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July ___, 2020, by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ________________ (“Indemnitee”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee desire to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of providing Indemnitee with indemnification rights against expenses, liabilities and losses incurred by him in his good faith service as a director of the Company; and WHEREAS, the indemnification rights provided to the Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights for indemnification provided to the Indemnitee pursuant to the Company’s certificates of incorporation, by-laws and any resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) pursuant thereto and to any indemnification rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”).

 

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

 

1. Indemnity of Indemnitee. The Company hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time. In furtherance of the foregoing indemnification, and without limiting the generality thereof.

 

(a) Proceedings Other Than Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(a) if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status (as hereinafter defined), Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined) other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(a), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses (as hereinafter defined), judgments, penalties, 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 with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(b) Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(b) if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(b), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee, or on Indemnitee’s behalf, in connection with such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; provided, however, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is liable to the Company.

 

Appendix G-2

 

 

(c) Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time, against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf 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 each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

(d) Indemnification of Appointing Stockholder. If (i) the stockholder that has designated the Indemnitee for election to the Board (the “Appointing Stockholder”) is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, and (ii) the Appointing Stockholder’s involvement in the Proceeding arises out of or relates to any claim based on the Indemnitee’s service to the Company as a director or other fiduciary of the Company, then the Appointing Stockholder will be entitled to indemnification hereunder for Expenses to the same extent as Indemnitee, and the terms of this Agreement as they relate to procedures for indemnification of Indemnitee and advancement of Expenses shall apply to any such indemnification of Appointing Stockholder. The rights provided to the Appointing Stockholder under this Section 1(d) shall (i) be suspended during any period during which the Appointing Stockholder does not have a representative on the Company’s Board, and (ii) terminate on an initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock; provided, however, that in the event of any such suspension or termination, the Appointing Stockholder’s rights to indemnification will not be suspended or terminated with respect to any Proceeding based in whole or in part on facts and circumstances occurring at any time prior to such suspension or termination regardless of whether the Proceeding arises before or after such suspension or termination. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Appointing Stockholder is an express third party beneficiary of the terms of this Section 1(d).

 

2. Additional Indemnity. In addition to, and without regard to any limitations on, the indemnification provided for in Section 1 of this Agreement, the Company shall and hereby does indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf if, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company), including, without limitation, all liability arising out of the negligence or active or passive wrongdoing of Indemnitee. The only limitation that shall exist upon the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be that the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment to Indemnitee that is finally determined (under the procedures, and subject to the presumptions, set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof) to be unlawful.

 

Appendix G-3

 

 

3. Contribution.

 

(a) Whether or not the indemnification provided in Section 1 hereof is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

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

 

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

 

(d) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, 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).

 

Appendix G-4

 

 

4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness, or is made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests, 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.

 

5. Advancement of Expenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall include or be preceded or accompanied by a written undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay any Expenses advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses. Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 5 shall be unsecured and interest free.

 

6. Procedures and Presumptions for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification. It is the intent of this Agreement to secure for Indemnitee rights of indemnity that are as favorable as may be permitted under the DGCL and public policy of the State of Delaware. Accordingly, the parties agree that the following procedures and presumptions shall apply in the event of any question as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement:

 

(a) 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. 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of Indemnitee to provide such a request to the Company, or to provide such a request in a timely fashion, shall not relieve the Company of any liability that it may have to Indemnitee unless, and to the extent that, such failure actually and materially prejudices the interests of the Company.

 

(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6(a) hereof, a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case by one of the following four methods, which shall be at the election of the Board (1) by a majority vote of the disinterested directors of the Company, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of disinterested directors designated by a majority vote of the disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no disinterested directors or if the disinterested directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written advice to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee upon request, or (4) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company. For purposes hereof, disinterested directors are those members of the Board who are not parties to the action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

Appendix G-5

 

 

(c) If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 6(c). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board. Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company 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 12 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 a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or other court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 6(b) hereof. The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c) that are initiated by the Company, regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.

 

(d) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or independent legal 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 legal 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.

 

(e) 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 (as hereinafter defined), including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the 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 or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

Appendix G-6

 

 

(f) If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 6 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 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 sixty (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 such determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time to obtain or evaluate documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(f) shall not apply if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination, the Board or the Disinterested Directors, if appropriate, resolve 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.

 

(g) 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 Independent Counsel, member of the Board or stockholder of the Company shall act reasonably and in good faith in making a determination regarding Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by 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.

 

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

 

Appendix G-7

 

 

(i) 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.

 

7. Remedies of Indemnitee.

 

(a) In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification is made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, or (iv) payment of indemnification is not made within ten (10) business days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication within 90 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 7(a). The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication.

 

(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of the adverse determination under Section 6(b).

 

(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s misstatement not materially misleading in connection with the application for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(d) In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7, seeks a judicial adjudication of Indemnitee’s rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, or to recover under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, the Company shall pay on Indemnitee’s behalf, in advance, any and all expenses (of the types described in the definition of Expenses in Section 12 of this Agreement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in such judicial adjudication, if Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance recovery.

 

(e) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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

 

Appendix G-8

 

 

8. Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Primacy of Indemnification; Subrogation.

 

(a) The rights of indemnification as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders, a resolution of directors of the Company, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal 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 such Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in the DGCL, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. 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) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents or fiduciaries of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person serves at the request of the Company, 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 director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary 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 directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(c) The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by the Appointing Stockholder or its affiliate (collectively, the “Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors, and (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section (c).

 

Appendix G-9

 

 

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (c) above, in the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee (other than against the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors), 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.

 

(e) Except as provided in paragraph (c) above, the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

 

(f) 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, employee or agent of any other corporation, 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, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.

 

9. Exception to Right of Indemnification. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against 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, provided, that the foregoing shall not affect the rights of Indemnitee or the Appointing Stockholder Indemnitors set forth in Section 8(c) above; or

 

(b) for 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or

 

(c) in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee (or the Appointing Stockholder), including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee (or Appointing Stockholder) 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) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

 

Appendix G-10

 

 

10. Duration of Agreement. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee is a director of the Company (or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any Proceeding (or any proceeding commenced under Section 7 hereof) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, whether or not Indemnitee is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (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), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives.

 

11. Enforcement.

 

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

 

12. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving at the express written request of the Company.

 

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

 

(c) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that Indemnitee is or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

 

Appendix G-11

 

 

(d) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding, or responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding and 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, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersede as bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(e) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five 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 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 of the Independent Counsel referred to above.

 

(f) “Proceeding” includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee or of any inaction on Indemnitee’s part while acting in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status; in each case whether or not Indemnitee is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement; but excluding one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement or one initiated by Indemnitee or the Appointing Stockholder.

 

13. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. Further, the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof as to either Indemnitee or Appointing Stockholder shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any provision hereof as to the other. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to confer upon Indemnitee indemnification rights to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws. In the event any provision hereof conflicts with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed modified, consistent with the aforementioned intent, to the extent necessary to resolve such conflict.

 

14. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification, termination or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of 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 hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

Appendix G-12

 

 

15. Notice By Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with or otherwise receiving any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification covered hereunder. The failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise unless and only to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.

 

16. Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not so confirmed, then on the next business day, (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 shall be sent:

 

(a) To Indemnitee at the address set forth below Indemnitee signature hereto.

 

(b) To the Company at:

 

or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.

 

17. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

18. Headings. 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.

 

19. Governing 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. 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 Chancery Court 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) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (iv) 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.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

Appendix G-13

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Indemnification Agreement on and as of the day and year first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
   
  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By:               
  Name:   
  Its:  
     
  INDEMNITEE
     
   
  Name:  

 

  Address:  
     
     
     

 

Appendix G-14

 

 

APPENDIX H

 

Amendment to Bylaws

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix H-1

 

 

THIRD BYLAWS AMENDMENT

 

OF

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

 

This THIRD BYLAWS AMENDMENT, dated as of July 16, 2020 (this “Amendment”), is made pursuant to Article Eight of the Bylaws of Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), as may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time (the “Bylaws”).

 

1. Article Two, Section 8, of the Bylaws is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Section 8. Voting Per Share. Each outstanding share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, each outstanding share of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, each outstanding share of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and each outstanding share of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (or submitted for action by the stockholders by written consent without a meeting), as subject to adjustment pursuant to the Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 22, 2017, the Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 16, 2019, the Certificate of Designation of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 3, 2019, and the Certificate of Designation of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July __, 2020, respectively, each as may be amended from time to time (collectively, the “Certificates of Designation”). Each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (or submitted for action by the stockholders by written consent without a meeting). Except as otherwise required by law or as set forth in the Certificates of Designation, the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, holders of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock and holders of Class A Common Stock shall vote together as a single class. Only shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock and Class A Common Stock have the right and power to vote or take any action by written consent. Each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, is non-voting and has no right or power to vote or to take action by written consent.”

 

2. This Amendment shall supersede any and all previous amendments. All of the terms, conditions and provisions of the Bylaws continue in full force and effect except as expressly amended by this Amendment.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

Appendix H-2

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Amendment on behalf of the Corporation as of the date first written above.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

Appendix H-3

 

 

APPENDIX I

 

Amendment to Series A-1 Certificate of Designation

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix I-1

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
OF
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES A-1 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

 

 

 

Pursuant to Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware

 

July 14, 2020

 

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify as follows:

 

1.That by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”), and by a Certificate of Designation filed in the office of the Secretary of State of Delaware on April 16, 2019 (the “Series A-1 Certificate of Designation”), the Corporation authorized a series of 2,444.92 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Corporation (the “Series A-1 Stock”) and established the powers, preferences and rights of the Series A-1 Stock and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.

 

2.That as of the date hereof, 1,222.46 shares of Series A-1 Stock are issued and outstanding.

 

3.That the Board of Directors, acting pursuant to the authority conferred on the Board of Directors by its Certificate of Incorporation, filed on April 25, 2014, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 151(g) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, adopted resolutions to amend Section 2 of the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation to read in its entirety as follows:

 

Section 2. Number of Shares. The authorized number of shares of Series A-1 Stock is 1,223.”

 

Appendix I-2

 

 

4.That the Board of Directors, acting pursuant to the authority conferred on the Board of Directors by its Certificate of Incorporation, filed on April 125 2014, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 151(g) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, adopted resolutions to amend Section 4 of the Series A Certificate of Designation to read in its entirety as follows:

 

Section 4. Dividends.

 

(a) Dividend Rate on Series A-1 Stock. Other than as set forth in Section 4(b), dividends shall accrue on the Series A-1 Stock at an annual dividend rate per share of five percent (5%) of the Per Share Price. Dividends will accrue quarterly, whether or not declared, and, except as set forth below in Section 5(a), Section 6(b)(1) and Section 6(c)(1), be payable in cash only when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that a Liquidity Event, conversion or sale occurs prior to the end of a quarter, no portion of dividends shall be paid with respect to such partial quarter.

 

(b) Participation with Dividends on Common Stock. Dividends on the Series A-1 Stock will have preference over dividends payable in respect of the Common Stock. No cash or other dividend or distribution may be declared or paid on the Common Stock (other than a dividend or distribution solely in shares of Common Stock for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 6(f) and cash in lieu of fractional shares) unless a dividend or other distribution is also declared and paid on each share of the Series A-1 Stock in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the amount of accrued but unpaid dividends on a share of Series A-1 Stock, and (ii) the assets (whether cash or property) that a holder of a share of Series A-1 Stock would have received had such share been converted into the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which the holder would then be entitled immediately prior to the record date, distribution date or other applicable payment date with respect to such dividend or distribution. Payment of a dividend to the holders of Series A-1 Stock under this Section 4(b) shall reduce (dollar for dollar but not below zero) any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon determined under Section 4(a).”

 

*        *        *        *        *

 

Appendix I-3

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Amendment on behalf of the Corporation as of the date first written above.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: Authorized Officer

 

Appendix I-4

 

 

APPENDIX J

 

Amendment to Series A-1 Subscription Agreement

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix J-1

 

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

 

AMENDMENT TO SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment To Subscription Agreement (this “Amendment”) is made as of July 16, 2020 (the “Amendment Date”), by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. The Investor has purchased shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock from the Company pursuant to a Subscription Agreement dated April 16, 2019 (the “Agreement”). Capitalized terms used in this Amendment but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Agreement.

 

B. Section 16 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement among the Company and the Investor.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and the representations, warranties, covenants and conditions set forth below, the Company and the Investor, intending to be legally bound and to legally bind the parties, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendment of Section 7. Section 7 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

“7. Restrictions on Transfer.

 

(a) The Investor (including any transferee of the Investor) may not transfer any Preferred Stock (or any other securities issued with respect to any Preferred Stock, whether by stock dividend, stock split, merger, exchange, reorganization, or otherwise) or any interest in any Preferred Stock, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement and in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and other applicable law. The Investor will cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee, or transferee of the Investor’s Securities and the Registrable Securities held by the Investor to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and upon the conditions specified in this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “transfer” means any transfer, sale, assignment, gift, pledge, exchange, encumbrance, or other disposition, whether direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary; provided that a direct or indirect change of control of the Investor shall not constitute a transfer so long as the Person ultimately controlling the Investor as of immediately prior to such change of control continues to ultimately control the Investor after such change of control. The terms “transferee,” “transferred,” and other forms of the word “transfer” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

Appendix J-2

 

 

(b) Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing (i) the Investor’s Securities, (ii) the Registrable Securities, and (iii) any other securities issued in respect of the securities referenced in clauses (i) and (ii), upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Section 7(c) be notated with a legend substantially in the following form:

 

(i) THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.

 

(ii) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

 

(c) The Investor consents to the Company making a notation in its records and giving instructions to any transfer agent of the Restricted Securities in order to implement the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 7.

 

(d) The Investor, by acceptance of ownership thereof, agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 7. Before any proposed transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed transaction, the Investor shall give notice to the Company of the Investor’s intention to effect such transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed transfer in sufficient detail and, if reasonably requested by the Company, shall be accompanied at the Investor’s expense by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration under the Securities Act; (ii) a “no action” letter from the SEC to the effect that the proposed transfer of such Restricted Securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the SEC that action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect that the proposed transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Securities Act, whereupon the Investor shall be entitled to transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice given by the Investor to the Company (unless such transfer is otherwise restricted by the terms set forth in this Agreement, including this Section 7 and Section 9(g)). The Company will not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter with respect to transfers in accordance with Section 7(f). Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing the Restricted Securities transferred as Section 7(b).

 

Appendix J-3

 

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in no event shall any of the Investor’s Securities or the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof be transferred or otherwise made available to any U.S.-based cable channel or over the top (OTT) media services without the prior written consent of the Majority Common Holder.

 

(f) Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7(b) and notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the Investor’s Securities, or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, and the rights under this Agreement may be transferred and assigned (but only with all related obligations) by the Investor upon prior written notice to the Company to one or more affiliated partnerships of the Investor, funds managed by the Investor or any of their respective directors, officers or partners, or their respective family members; provided, however, that such transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the provisions of Section 9(g).”

 

2. Amendment of Section 24. The second paragraph of Section 24 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

If to the Investor:”

 

3. No Other Amendment. Except as modified by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in all respects without any modification. From and after the Amendment Date, all references in the Agreement to “the Agreement,” “this Agreement,” or any Section or Sections of the “Agreement”, shall mean the Agreement as amended through this Amendment (as the same may be further amended and/or restated from time to time).

 

4. Certification; Effectiveness. By executing this Amendment below, the Company and the Investor certify that this Amendment has been executed and delivered in compliance with the terms of Section 16 of the Agreement. This Amendment shall become effective when executed and delivered by the Investor and the Company as provided under Section 16 of the Agreement, and thereupon the Investor and the Company shall be bound thereby.

 

5. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Amendment by facsimile or any other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof.

 

[Remainder Of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

Appendix J-4

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to Subscription Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the Amendment Date.

 

  COMPANY:
     
  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  Address:      

 

Appendix J-5

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to Subscription Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the Amendment Date.

 

  INVESTOR:
     
  NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
     
  By:               
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

  Address:  

 

 

Appendix J-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.6

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.

 

amendment to SUBSCRIPTION agreement

 

This Amendment to Subscription Agreement (this “Amendment”) is made as of July 30, 2020 (the “Amendment Date”), by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. The Investor has purchased shares of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock from the Company pursuant to a Subscription Agreement dated July 16, 2020 (the “Agreement”). Capitalized terms used in this Amendment but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Agreement.

 

B. Section 16 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement among the Company and the Investor.

 

AGREEMENT

 

Now, Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing, and the representations, warranties, covenants and conditions set forth below, the Company and the Investor, intending to be legally bound and to legally bind the parties, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendment of Section 1. Section 1 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

“1. Purchase and Sale of the Securities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Investor hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to the Investor an aggregate of 1,060 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock at the purchase price per share of $23,619.00 (“Per-Share-Price”), and an aggregate purchase price of $25,036,140.00 (the “Investment”). The sale and issuance of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock will occur in three tranches. On the date hereof, the Investor shall purchase 424 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock in exchange for a purchase price of $10,014,456.00, payable by the Investor to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available cash to an account designated by the Company (the “First Tranche”). On or before August 30, 2020, the Investor shall purchase 212 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock in exchange for a purchase price of $5,007,228.00, payable by the Investor to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available cash to an account designated by the Company (the “Second Tranche”). On or before January 16, 2021, the Investor shall purchase the remaining 424 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock in exchange for a purchase price of $10,014,456.00, payable by the Investor to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available cash to an account designated by the Company (the “Third Tranche”).”

 

 

 

2. Amendment of Section 2. Section 2 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

“2. Closings. The closing of the First Tranche (the “First Tranche Closing”) will occur on the date hereof upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The closing of the Second Tranche (the “Second Tranche Closing”) will occur on August 30, 2020, or such other date as mutually agreed upon by the Investor and the Company (the “Second Tranche Closing Date”). The closing of the Third Tranche (the “Third Tranche Closing”) will occur on January 16, 2021, or such other date as mutually agreed upon by the Investor and the Company (the “Third Tranche Closing Date”). For the avoidance of doubt, the consummation of each of the Second Tranche Closing and the Third Tranche Closing is not subject to any conditions and the Investor shall not have the right to elect not to consummate the Second Tranche Closing or the Third Tranche Closing. The First Tranche Closing, the Second Tranche Closing and the Third Tranche Closing are each referred to herein as a “Closing.”

 

3. No Other Amendment. Except as modified by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in all respects without any modification. From and after the Amendment Date, all references in the Agreement to “the Agreement,” “this Agreement,” or any Section or Sections of the “Agreement”, shall mean the Agreement as amended through this Amendment (as the same may be further amended and/or restated from time to time).

 

4. Certification; Effectiveness. By executing this Amendment below, the Company and the Investor certify that this Amendment has been executed and delivered in compliance with the terms of Section 16 of the Agreement. This Amendment shall become effective when executed and delivered by the Investor and the Company as provided under Section 16 of the Agreement, and thereupon the Investor and the Company shall be bound thereby.

 

5. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Amendment by facsimile or any other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

2

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to Subscription Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the Amendment Date.

 

  COMPANY:
     
  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  Address:

 

[Amendment to Subscription Agreement

Signature Page]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to Subscription Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the Amendment Date.

 

  INVESTOR:
     
  NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Joel Chinn
  Name:  Joel Chinn
  Title: For and On Behalf of JTC Directors Limited
     
  By: /s/ Mark Hamilton
  Name: Mark Hamilton
  Title: For and On Behalf of Castle Directors Limited
     
  Address:

 

[Amendment to Subscription Agreement

Signature Page]

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.7

 

Execution Version

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

This ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of dated as of April 29, 2024, is by and among Newsmax Media, Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”) and Newsmax, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Parent”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company is party to that certain (i) Subscription Agreement, dated April 16, 2019, and between Naples Investment Holdco, LLC (the “Holder”) and the Company (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series A-1 Subscription Agreement”), and (ii) Subscription Agreement, dated July 16, 2020, and between Holder and the Company (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series A-3 Subscription Agreement”, and together with the Series A-1 Subscription Agreement, the “Subscription Agreements”).

 

WHEREAS, upon the receipt of the consent of the Holder, the Company wishes to assign the Subscription Agreements to Parent.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Subscription Agreements. All references to schedules and sections shall mean references to the Subscription Agreements, except as otherwise noted herein.

 

2. Assignment. Effective as of the date hereof, the Company does hereby irrevocably transfer, assign, convey and deliver to Parent and its successors and assigns forever, effective as of the date of this Agreement, free and clear of all encumbrances and other restrictions, all of the Company’s rights and obligations under the Subscription Agreements. For the avoidance of doubt, effective as of the date hereof, (i) all references to “Newsmax Media, Inc.” or “the Company” in the Subscription Agreements shall mean “Newsmax, Inc.”, as the context so requires, and (ii) all rights held by Holder in respect of the shares of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock of the Company issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreement shall be rights in respect of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock of Parent.

 

3. Assumption. Effective as of the date hereof, Parent and its successors and assigns forever does hereby accept the foregoing transfer, assignment, conveyance and delivery of all of the Company’s rights and obligations under the Subscription Agreements.

 

4. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterpart signature pages executed and delivered via email with scan or email attachment. Any such counterpart executed and delivered via email with scan or email attachment will be deemed an original for all intents and purposes, and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

 

 

5. Governing Law. The laws of the State of Florida (without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles) govern all matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement.

 

6. Forum Selection. Any Party bringing a legal action or proceeding against any other Party arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall bring the legal action or proceeding in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida or in any court of the State of Florida sitting in Palm Beach County. Each Party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, (a) any objection that the Party may now or later have to the laying of venue of any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida or in any court of the State of Florida sitting in Palm Beach County and (b) any claim that any action or proceeding brought in any court specified in clause (a) has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each Party submits and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and its appellate courts and any court of the State of Florida sitting in Palm Beach County and its appellate courts, for the purposes of all legal actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

7. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN ANY ACTION OR OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. THIS WAIVER APPLIES TO ANY ACTION OR OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDING, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS RECEIVED THE ADVICE OF COMPETENT COUNSEL

 

8. Further Assurances. Each party hereto covenants that it will do or cause to be done all such further acts, and shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such other documents and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to confirm or effectuate the assignments and assumptions contemplated hereby or by this Agreement.

 

*      *      *      *      *

 

-2-

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: CEO

 

  NEWSMAX, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: CEO

 

-3-

 

Exhibit 4.8

 

Execution Version

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

This ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of dated as of April 29, 2024, is by and among Newsmax Media, Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”) and Newsmax, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Parent”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company is party to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 3, 2019, by and among Conyers Investments LLC (the “Holder”), the Company and solely with respect to Section 10 of the SPA, the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “SPA”).

 

WHEREAS, upon the receipt of the consent of the Holder, the Company wishes to assign the SPA to Parent.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Subscription Agreements. All references to schedules and sections shall mean references to the Subscription Agreements, except as otherwise noted herein.

 

2. Assignment. Effective as of the date hereof, the Company does hereby irrevocably transfer, assign, convey and deliver to Parent and its successors and assigns forever, effective as of the date of this Agreement, free and clear of all encumbrances and other restrictions, all of the Company’s rights and obligations under the SPA. For the avoidance of doubt, effective as of the date hereof, (i) all references to “Newsmax Media, Inc.” or “the Company” in the Subscription Agreements shall mean “Newsmax, Inc.”, as the context so requires, and (ii) all rights held by Holder in respect of the shares of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock of the Company issued pursuant to the SPA shall be rights in respect of shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock of Parent.

 

3. Assumption. Effective as of the date hereof, Parent and its successors and assigns forever does hereby accept the foregoing transfer, assignment, conveyance and delivery of all of the Company’s rights and obligations under the Subscription Agreements.

 

4. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterpart signature pages executed and delivered via email with scan or email attachment. Any such counterpart executed and delivered via email with scan or email attachment will be deemed an original for all intents and purposes, and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

 

 

 

5. Governing Law. The laws of the State of Florida (without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles) govern all matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement.

 

6. Forum Selection. Any Party bringing a legal action or proceeding against any other Party arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall bring the legal action or proceeding in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida or in any court of the State of Florida sitting in Palm Beach County. Each Party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, (a) any objection that the Party may now or later have to the laying of venue of any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida or in any court of the State of Florida sitting in Palm Beach County and (b) any claim that any action or proceeding brought in any court specified in clause (a) has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each Party submits and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and its appellate courts and any court of the State of Florida sitting in Palm Beach County and its appellate courts, for the purposes of all legal actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

7. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN ANY ACTION OR OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. THIS WAIVER APPLIES TO ANY ACTION OR OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDING, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS RECEIVED THE ADVICE OF COMPETENT COUNSEL

 

8. Further Assurances. Each party hereto covenants that it will do or cause to be done all such further acts, and shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such other documents and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to confirm or effectuate the assignments and assumptions contemplated hereby or by this Agreement.

 

*     *     *     *     *

 

-2-

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
  Name: Christopher Ruddy
  Title: CEO
     
  NEWSMAX, INC.
     
  By:   /s/ Christopher Ruddy
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: CEO

 

 

-3-

 

Exhibit 4.9

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made as of [ ], 2024, by and among Newsmax Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), and the purchasers hereto (each a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company has determined to engage in an offering under Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act (as defined below) that permits general solicitation or general advertising in an offering of securities.

 

WHEREAS, the Company is offering up to thirty thousand (30,000) shares (the “Shares”) of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) at a purchase price of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per Share, for an aggregate of up to one hundred fifty million dollars ($150,000,000) in gross proceeds to the Company, in each case, as may be further increased pursuant to Section 1.3 hereof (the “Offering”). At the Company’s sole discretion, the Maximum Amount may be increased by up to fifty percent (50%), for an aggregate of two hundred twenty-five million dollars ($225,000,000) in gross proceeds to the Company (the “Maximum Amount”).

 

WHEREAS, the minimum investment by each Purchaser shall be five thousand dollars ($5,000), or one (1) Share.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale of Preferred Stock.

 

1.1 Sale and Issuance of Preferred Stock.

 

(a) The Company has adopted and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida a Certificate of Designation with respect to the Shares in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Series B COD”).

 

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Purchaser agrees to purchase, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to each Purchaser at the Closing (as defined below), that number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A, at a purchase price of $5,000 per Share (the “Purchase Price”).

 

1.2 Closing; Delivery.

 

(a) The initial purchase and sale of the Shares offered shall take place as proceeds are received and accepted by the Company, remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures, on the date hereof, or at such other time and place as the Company determines (which time and place are designated as the “Initial Closing”). In the event there is more than one closing, (i) the term “Closing” shall apply to the Initial Closing and each such subsequent closing unless otherwise specified and (ii) the time and place of each such subsequent closing shall be determined by the Company in its sole discretion.

 

 

 

 

(b) At each Closing, the Company shall deliver to each Purchaser, or cause to be registered in book-entry form with its transfer agent, a certificate representing the Shares being purchased by such Purchaser at such Closing, against payment of the Purchase Price therefor by check payable to the Company, by wire transfer to a bank account designated by the Company, or any combination thereof. The purchase price received by the Company prior to a Closing shall be held in an escrow account at Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Escrow Agent”) and shall not be released from such account and become available to the Company until satisfaction of all of the conditions to the applicable Closing set forth in Sections 4.1 through 4.5, inclusive.

 

1.3 Sale of Additional Shares. After the Initial Closing, the Company may from time to time sell, on the same terms and conditions as those contained in this Agreement, additional Shares (the “Additional Shares”), up to a total not to exceed the Maximum Amount (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, forward or reverse stock split, combination or recapitalization affecting the Securities), at the sole discretion of the Company, to one or more purchasers (the “Additional Purchasers”); provided that each Additional Purchaser shall become a party to the Transaction Documents (as defined below), by executing and delivering a counterpart signature page to each of the Transaction Documents to which it is to become a party. Thereafter, each Additional Purchaser shall be deemed a “Purchaser” for all purposes hereunder. No action or consent by the Purchasers shall be required for such joinder to this Agreement by such Additional Purchasers, so long as each such Additional Purchaser has agreed in writing to be bound by all of the obligations as a “Purchaser” hereunder. Exhibit A to this Agreement shall be updated to reflect the number of Additional Shares purchased at each such Closing and the parties purchasing such Additional Shares.

 

1.4 Use of Proceeds. In accordance with the directions of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company will use the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares as set forth in the PPM (as defined below).

 

1.5 Defined Terms Used in this Agreement. In addition to the terms defined above, the following terms used in this Agreement shall be construed to have the meanings set forth or referenced below.

 

(a) Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person.

 

(b) Capital Stock” means (a) shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock (whether now outstanding or hereafter issued in any context), (b) Conversion Securities, and (c) equity securities of the Company issued or issuable upon exercise or conversion, as applicable, of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities of the Company, in each case now owned or subsequently acquired by any Purchaser, or their respective successors or permitted transferees or assigns. For purposes of calculating the number of shares of Capital Stock held by a Purchaser (or any other calculation based thereon) for purposes of this Agreement, all Shares shall be deemed to have been converted into Conversion Securities at the then-applicable conversion ratio.

 

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(c) Certificate of Incorporation” means the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, including the Existing Certificates of Designation.

 

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

 

(e) Common Stock” means the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

(f)   Company Intellectual Property” means all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, service mark applications, tradenames, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names, mask works, information and proprietary rights and processes, similar or other intellectual property rights, subject matter of any of the foregoing, tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing, and licenses in, to and under any of the foregoing, as are necessary to the Company in the conduct of the Company’s business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted.

 

(g) Competitor” means a Person engaged, directly or indirectly (including through any partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture or similar arrangement (whether now existing or formed hereafter)), in a business competitive with the business of the Company.

 

(h) Conversion Securities” means the Class B Common Stock of the Company issuable upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock.

 

(i) Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(j) Existing Certificates of Designation” means, collectively, the Series A Certificate of Designation, Series A-1 Certificate of Designation, Series A-2 Certificate of Designation and Series A-3 Certificate of Designation.

 

(k) Knowledge” including the phrase “to the Company’s knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company after reasonable inquiry.

 

(l) Material Adverse Effect” means any event, occurrence, fact, condition or change that individually or in the aggregate has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, financial condition, property, prospects or results of operations of the Company or (ii) on the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or on the Company’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.

 

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(m) Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.

 

(n) PPM” means the Company’s private placement memorandum dated as of June 4, 2024.

 

(o) Preferred Stock” means the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, each with a par value $0.001 per share.

 

(p) Purchaser” means each of the Purchasers who are initially a party to this Agreement, any Additional Purchaser who becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Subsection 1.3, and any one of them, as the context may require.

 

(q) Qualified IPO” means an initial public offering of capital stock the Company, including without limitation, a public offering of securities pursuant to Regulation A promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

(r)   SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(s)   Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(t) Series A Certificate of Designation” means that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on April 24, 2024 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

(u) Series A-1 Certificate of Designation” means that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on April 24, 2024 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

(v) Series A-2 Certificate of Designation” means that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on April 24, 2024 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

(w) Series A-3 Certificate of Designation” means that certain Certificate of Designation of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on April 24, 2024 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

(x) Shareholders Agreement” means the Shareholders Agreement, by and among the Company and its shareholders, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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(y) Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Series B COD, the Registration Rights Agreement, Shareholders Agreement, and the Subscription Booklet relating to the Offering.

 

2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser that the following representations are true and complete as of the date hereof and will be true and complete as of the date of each Closing, except as otherwise indicated herein.

 

2.1 Organization, Good Standing, Corporate Power and Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in the state in which it maintains its principal place of business and in each other jurisdiction in which it is required to be so qualified, except where the failure to so qualify would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.2 Capitalization.

 

(a) The authorized capital of the Company consists, immediately prior to the Initial Closing, of: (A) 80,000 shares of Common Stock, of which (i) 20,000 shares have been designated Class A Common Stock and (ii) 60,000 shares have been designated Class B Common Stock and (B) 65,929.44 shares of Preferred Stock, of which (i) 646 shares have been designated Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) 1,223 shares have been designated Series A-1 Preferred Stock, (iii) 2,647 shares have been designated Series A-2 Preferred Stock, (iv) 1,413.44 shares have been designated Series A-3 Preferred Stock, and (v) 60,000 shares have been designated as Class B Preferred Stock, each with a par value of $0.001 per share. All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and are nonassessable and are not subject to preemptive rights (other than those that have or will be validly waived on or prior to the Closing).

 

(b) As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved 240 shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance of options (the “Options”) to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to its Equity Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”) duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and approved by the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the number of reserved shares of Class B Common Stock for issuance under the Stock Plan may be increased, decreased or otherwise adjusted in accordance with the Stock Plan and applicable law. Except for the Options and the Preferred Stock, as of the date hereof, there are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or acquire from the Company any equity interests in the Company, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such equity interests (other than those that have or will be validly waived on or prior to the Closing Date).

 

2.3 Subsidiaries. Except for Newsmax Broadcasting, LLC, Crown Atlantic Insurance, LLC, Humanix Publishing, LLC, Medix Health LLC, ROI Media Strategies, LLC and Newsmax Radio LLC (each, a “Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Subsidiaries”), the Company does not, as of the date hereof, have any other subsidiaries and does not currently own or control, directly or indirectly, any interest in any other corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, association, or other business entity. Each Subsidiary is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation.

 

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2.4 Authorization. All corporate action required to be taken by the Company’s Board of Directors and shareholders in order to authorize the Company to enter into the Transaction Documents, and to issue the Shares at each Closing, including the Initial Closing, and the Conversion Securities issuable upon conversion of the Shares, has been taken or will be taken prior to each applicable Closing. All action on the part of the officers of the Company necessary for the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents, the performance of all obligations of the Company under the Transaction Documents to be performed as of each Closing, and the issuance and delivery of the Shares has been taken or will be taken prior to such Closing. The Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Company, shall constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms except (a) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, or other laws of general application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, or (b) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

 

2.5 Valid Issuance of Shares. The Shares, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms and for the consideration set forth in this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under the Transaction Documents, the Certificate of Incorporation, or applicable state and federal securities laws, and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by a Purchaser. Assuming the accuracy of the representations of the Purchasers in Section 3 of this Agreement and subject to the filings described in Subsection 2.6 below, the Shares will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws. The Conversion Shares have been duly and validly reserved for issuance and, upon issuance, in accordance with the terms of the COD, the Conversion Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under the Transaction Documents, applicable federal and state securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by a Purchaser. Based in part upon the representations of the Purchasers in Section 3 of this Agreement, and subject to Subsection 2.6 below, the Conversion Securities will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

2.6 Governmental Consents and Filings. Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by the Purchasers in Section 3 of this Agreement, no consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any federal, state or local governmental authority is required on the part of the Company in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (a) the filing of the COD, which will have been filed as of the Initial Closing and (b) filings by the Company pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act, and applicable state securities laws, which have been made or will be made in a timely manner.

 

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2.7 Litigation. Other than as set forth in the PPM, there is no material claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or investigation or regulatory or governmental inquiry pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, currently threatened in writing or otherwise overtly threatened against the Company. To the Company’s knowledge, the Company is not named as subject to the provisions of any material order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or instrumentality.

 

2.8 Intellectual Property. The Company owns or possesses or believes it can acquire on commercially reasonable terms sufficient legal rights to all material Company Intellectual Property without any conflict with, or infringement of, the rights of others. To the Company’s knowledge, no product or service marketed or sold (or proposed to be marketed or sold) by the Company violates or will violate any license or infringes or will infringe any intellectual property rights of any other party. Other than with respect to commercially available software products under standard end-user object code license agreements, there are no material outstanding options, licenses, agreements, claims, encumbrances or shared ownership interests of any kind relating to the Company Intellectual Property, nor is the Company bound by or a party to any options, licenses or agreements of any kind with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, licenses, information, proprietary rights and processes of any other Person. The Company has obtained and possesses valid licenses to use all of the software programs present on the computers and other software-enabled electronic devices that it owns or leases or that it has otherwise provided to its employees for their use in connection with the Company’s business. To the Company’s knowledge, each employee and consultant has assigned to the Company all intellectual property rights he or she owns that are related to the Company’s business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted.

 

2.9 Compliance with Other Instruments and Law. The Company is not in violation, breach or default (a) of any provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation, the Series B COD or Bylaws, (b) of any instrument, judgment, order, writ or decree, (c) under any credit agreement, loan, note, indenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or agreement, (d) under any material lease, agreement, contract, agreement or purchase order to which it is a party or by which it is bound, except for any such violations, breaches or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is currently in compliance, and has in the past complied, with all provisions of federal, state and other statutes, rules, regulations or laws applicable to the Company, except for any such violations which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents will not result in any violation, breach or default (a) of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Series B COD or Bylaws, (b) of any instrument, judgment, order, writ or decree, (c) under any credit agreement, loan, note, indenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or agreement, (d) under any material lease, agreement, contract, agreement or purchase order to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, or (e) of any provision of federal, state or other statute, rule, regulation or law applicable to the Company, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.10 Rights of Registration. The Conversion Securities shall not be registered upon issuance and are subject to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, however they may have such registration rights with regard to future registrations of the Company’s securities pursuant to the Securities Act but not including any offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to Regulation A utilizing Form 1-A or registrations on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or similar successor forms as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

 

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2.11 Property. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, the property and assets that the Company owns are free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, loans and encumbrances, except for statutory liens for the payment of current taxes that are not yet delinquent, liens granted to the lenders under the Company’s existing line of credit, liens granted to cash flow financing providers, and any other liens or encumbrances that, in the aggregate, are immaterial in nature and arose in the ordinary course of business and that do not and will not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of its property or assets or have a Material Adverse Effect. With respect to the property and assets it leases, the Company is in compliance in all material respects with such leases and holds a valid leasehold interest free of any liens, claims or encumbrances other than those of the lessors of such property or assets. The Company does not own any real property.

 

2.12 Tax Returns and Payments. There are no federal, state, county, local or foreign taxes due and payable by the Company which have not been timely paid, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no material accrued and unpaid federal, state, country, local or foreign taxes of the Company which are due, whether or not assessed or disputed. There have been no material examinations or audits of any tax returns or reports by any applicable federal, state, local or foreign governmental agency currently pending or that have occurred in the last three years. The Company has duly and timely filed all material federal, state, county, local and foreign tax returns required to have been filed by it and there are in effect no waivers of applicable statutes of limitations with respect to taxes for any year.

 

2.13 Financial Statements. The Company has included as exhibits to the PPM, a copy of the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 (“Company Audited Financial Statements”) and a copy of the balance sheet and summary income statement of the Company as of and for the year ended ending December 31, 2023 (“Company Unaudited Balance Sheet”) (collectively, the Company Audited Financial Statements and the Company Unaudited Balance Sheet shall be referred to herein as the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated. The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and operating results of the Company as of the dates, and for the periods, indicated therein. Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company has no material liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities, obligations and commitments incurred in connection with the operation of the Company’s business in the ordinary course of business subsequent to December 31, 2023; and (ii) liabilities and obligations of a type or nature not required under GAAP to be reflected in the Financial Statements, and which, in all such cases, individually and in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company maintains and will continue to maintain a standard system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP.

 

2.14 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 2023, there has not been any change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition or operating results of the Company from that reflected in the Financial Statements, except changes in the ordinary course of business that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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2.15 Permits. The Company has all franchises, permits, licenses and any similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not in default in any material respect under any of such franchises, permits, licenses or other similar authority.

 

2.16 Books and Records. The books of account and other financial records of the Company (1) are accurate, complete, and correct in all material respects; (2) accurately and fairly reflect all transactions and dispositions of assets in all material respects; and (3) have been maintained in accordance with sound business practices in all material respects, including the maintenance of adequate internal accounting controls, which, without limitation, are reasonably designed to provide assurance that transactions are executed as documented in the books of account and other financial records, and that access to assets (including disposition of assets) is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization.

 

2.17 Data Privacy. In connection with its collection, storage, transfer and/or use of any personally identifiable information from any individuals, including, without limitation, any customers, prospective customers, employees and/or other third parties (collectively “Private Information”), the Company is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws in all relevant jurisdictions, the Company’s privacy policies and the requirements of any contract or codes of conduct to which the Company is a party or to which it is subject. The Company takes all steps reasonably necessary (including implementing and monitoring compliance with technical, organizational and administrative security measures) to protect Private Information against loss and against unauthorized access, use, modification, disclosure or other misuse. In the past three (3) years, there has been no modification, disclosure or other misuse of, nor to the Company’s knowledge, any unauthorized access to any Private Information, nor has there been any breach in security of any of the information systems used to store or otherwise process any Private Information. The Company is not subject to any material complaints, lawsuits, proceedings, audits, investigations or claims by any private party, the Federal Trade Commission, any state attorney general or similar state official, or any other governmental authority, foreign or domestic, regarding its collection, use, storage, disclosure, transfer or maintenance of any Private Information and, to the Company’s knowledge, there are no such complaints, lawsuits, proceedings, audits, investigations or claims pending or threatened in writing or otherwise overtly threatened.

 

2.18 Employment Matters.

 

(a) The Company is not a party to, or bound by, any collective bargaining or other agreement with a labor organization representing any of its employees. There has not been, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, has there been any threat of, any strike, slowdown, work stoppage, lockout, concerted refusal to work overtime or other similar labor activity or dispute affecting the Company.

 

(b) Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, all persons employed by the Company are employees at will and there are no contracts between the Company and any employee of the Company, including employment agreements, loans or promissory notes, change in control agreements, stay agreements or separation pay agreements.

 

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(c) Except as disclosed herein or in the Financial Statements, there are no long term incentive arrangements, stock options, stock appreciation rights, bonus agreements or stock purchase plans or other equity related grants (“Equity Grants”) of any kind in favor of any employees of the Company.

 

(d) The Company is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws pertaining to employment and employment practices (including the WARN Act) to the extent they relate to employees of the Company; and there are no actions, suits, claims, investigations or other legal proceedings against the Company pending, or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing or otherwise overtly threatened to be brought or filed, by or with any governmental authority or arbitrator in connection with the employment of any current or former employee of the Company, including, without limitation, any claim relating to unfair labor practices, employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, equal pay or any other employment related matter arising under applicable laws.

 

2.19 Insurance. The Company maintains insurance with reputable insurers in such amounts and with such coverages as the Company has reasonably determined to be prudent in accordance with industry standards. All such insurance policies currently maintained are in full force and effect on the date of this Agreement and all premiums due on all insurance policies have been paid, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no material outstanding unpaid claims under any such insurance policies, and the Company has not received any refusal of coverage under such insurance policies nor has it been notified of any reservation of rights by any insurance carrier with respect to any claim under such insurance policies.

 

2.20 Investment Company. The Company is not, and after giving effect to the issuance of the Shares and the application of the proceeds therefrom as contemplated by this Agreement, will not be an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, nor will the Company be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

3. Representations and Warranties of the Purchasers. Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, severally and not jointly, that as of the date hereof and as of the date of each Closing at which such Purchaser acquires Shares pursuant hereto:

 

3.1 Authorization; Enforceability. If Purchaser is an entity, Purchaser is duly organized or formed, as the case may be, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may be. Such Purchaser has full power and authority to enter into the Transaction Documents to which it is a party. Such Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and any other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

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3.2 Compliance with Other Instruments and Law. Purchaser is not in violation, breach or default (a) of any provisions of its governing documents, (b) of any instrument, judgment, order, writ or decree, (c) under any credit agreement, loan, note, indenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or agreement, (d) under any material lease, agreement, contract, agreement or purchase order to which it is a party or by which it is bound, except for any such violations, breaches or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Purchaser is currently in compliance, and has in the past complied, with all provisions of federal, state and other statutes, rules, regulations or laws applicable to the Company, except for any such violations which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents will not result in any material violation, breach or default (a) of any provision of its governing documents, (b) of any instrument, judgment, order, writ or decree, (c) under any credit agreement, loan, note, indenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or agreement, (d) under any material lease, agreement, contract, agreement or purchase order to which Purchaser is a party or by which it is bound, or (e) of any provision of federal, state or other statute, rule, regulation or law applicable to Purchaser.

 

3.3 Purchase for Own Account; Knowledge of Investment and its Risks.

 

(a) This Agreement is made with the Purchaser in reliance upon the Purchaser’s representation to the Company, which by the Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement, the Purchaser hereby confirms, that the Shares to be acquired by the Purchaser will be acquired for investment for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in violation of federal, state or other applicable securities laws, and that the Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same. By executing this Agreement, the Purchaser further represents that the Purchaser does not presently 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 any of the Shares. The Purchaser has not been formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares.

 

(b) Purchaser has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of Purchaser’s purchase of the Shares. Purchaser understands that an investment in the Company represents a high degree of risk and there is no assurance that the Company’s business or operations will be successful. Purchaser has considered carefully the risks attendant to an investment in the Company, and that, as a consequence of such risks, Purchaser could lose Purchaser’s entire investment in the Company.

 

3.4 Disclosure of Information. The Purchaser has received a copy of and reviewed the PPM and has access to the Company’s Financial Statements, has had an opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management, financial affairs and the terms and conditions of the Offering with the Company’s management, and has reviewed and considered the Risk Factors set forth in the PPM. Purchaser further represents that Purchaser has had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company regarding the business, properties, prospects and financial condition of the Company. All such questions have been answered to Purchaser’s full satisfaction. In entering into this Agreement, Purchaser relied solely upon the results of its own independent investigation and verification and the Company’s statements, representations, warranties, or agreements expressly contained in this Agreement. Other than as set forth above, Purchaser has not relied upon the Company’s any placement agents’ or any other person’s statement, representation, warranty or agreement in entering into this Agreement. The Purchaser has consulted his, her or its own legal, tax, financial, investment and other advisors in connection with such Purchaser’s execution and delivery of this Agreement to the extent such Purchaser has deemed appropriate and such Purchaser’s investment in the Shares to be acquired by such Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, and acknowledges that the Company is giving no such legal, tax, financial or investment advice to the Purchaser.

 

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3.5 Restricted Securities. The Purchaser understands that the Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act, by reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act which depends upon, among other things, the Purchaser’s representations as expressed herein. The Purchaser understands that the Shares are “restricted securities” under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and that, pursuant to these laws, the Purchaser may be required to hold the Shares indefinitely unless they are registered with the SEC and qualified by state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements is available. Except as provided under the Registration Rights agreement contemplated herein, the Purchaser acknowledges that the Company has no obligation to register or qualify the Shares for resale. The Purchaser 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 Shares, and on requirements relating to the Company which are outside of the Purchaser’s control, and which the Company may not be able to satisfy. The Purchaser understands that this offering is not intended to be part of a public offering, and that the Purchaser will not be able to rely on the protection of Section 11 of the Securities Act.

 

3.6 No Public Market. The Purchaser understands that no public market now exists for the Shares, and that the Company has made no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Shares.

 

3.7 Legends. The Purchaser understands that the Shares may be notated with one or all of the following legends:

 

“THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL OR OTHER EVIDENCE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.”

 

(a) Any other legend set forth in, or required by, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

 

(b) Any legend required by the securities laws of any state to the extent such laws are applicable to the Shares represented by the certificate, instrument, or book entry so legended.

 

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3.8 Accredited Investor. The Purchaser is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. The Purchaser acknowledges that he/she/it will be required to provide verification of their accredited investor status.

 

3.9 Disqualification Events. No “bad actor” disqualification event is applicable to the Purchaser or, to the Purchaser’s knowledge, any Person, with respect to such Purchaser as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act, listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1), except for a disqualification event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii–iv) or (d)(3), is applicable.

 

3.10 General Solicitation. Purchaser acknowledges that this offering is being made in reliance on the provision by the SEC that permits general solicitation or general advertising in an offering under Rule 506(c) based on the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule dated July 24, 2013 titled: “Eliminating the Prohibition against General Solicitation and General Advertising in Rule 506 and Rule 144A Offerings.”

 

3.11 Residence. If the Purchaser is an individual, then the Purchaser resides in the state or province identified in the address of the Purchaser set forth on Exhibit A. If the Purchaser is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity, then the Purchaser’s principal place of business is in the state or province identified in the address of the Purchaser set forth on Exhibit A.

 

3.12 Reliance by the Company. Purchaser acknowledges that the Company will be relying on the representations and warranties of the Investor made above for purposes of compliance with all applicable securities laws and any applicable exemptions from registration requirements thereunder, and otherwise, and consents to the Company’s reliance on such representations and warranties.

 

3.13 Anti-Money Laundering Matters. The Purchaser is in all material respects compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”), the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) and any other anti-money laundering laws and applicable regulations adopted to implement the provisions of such laws and applicable to the Purchaser, including, if applicable, policies and procedures that can be reasonably expected to detect and cause the reporting of transactions under Section 5318 of the BSA. Neither the Purchaser, nor any holder of any beneficial interest in the Shares (each a “Beneficial Owner”) is or will be:

 

(a) a person or entity listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13224 (2001) issued by the President of the United States (Executive Order Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism), which is posted on the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov);

 

(b) named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is posted on the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov);

 

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(c) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR Part 515;

 

(d) a Foreign Shell Bank;

 

(e) a person resident in or whose subscription funds are transferred from or through an account in a Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction; or

 

(f)   a person resident in a jurisdiction designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Sections 311 or 312 of the USA Patriot Act as warranting special measures due to money-laundering concerns.

 

The Purchaser agrees to promptly notify the Company of any material change in any information affecting this representation and warranty. Neither the Purchaser nor any Beneficial Owner is a senior foreign political figure, which means a current or former senior official in the executive, legislative, administrative, military, or judicial branches of a foreign government (whether or not elected), a senior official of a major foreign political party, or a senior executive of a foreign government-owned commercial enterprise. This restriction on senior foreign political figures also applies to any immediate family member of such figure (a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or a spouse’s parent, sibling or child) or close associate of such figure (a person who is publicly known to maintain, or who actually maintains, a close personal or professional relationship with such individual). No portion of the purchase price: (i) does or will originate from, nor will it be routed through, an account maintained at a Foreign Shell Bank, an “offshore bank”, or a bank organized or chartered under the laws of a Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction, (ii) has been or will be derived from, or related to, any activity that is deemed criminal under applicable law, or (iii) causes or will cause the Company, or any of its affiliates to be in violation of the BSA, the U.S. Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 or the U.S. International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act of 2001. The Purchaser is not otherwise prohibited from investing in the Company pursuant to applicable anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption, antiterrorist or asset or exchange control laws, regulations, rules or orders. The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that if at any time it is discovered that any of the representations in this Subsection 3.13 are incorrect in any material respect, or if otherwise required by applicable law related to money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption, antiterrorism or asset or exchange controls and similar activities, the Company may, in its sole discretion, undertake appropriate actions to ensure compliance with applicable law, including but not limited to freezing, segregating or withdrawing the Purchaser’s interest in the Company. The Purchaser agrees to provide to the Company any additional information or documentation that the Company reasonable deems necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance with all applicable laws concerning money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption, antiterrorism or asset or exchange controls and similar activities. The Purchaser shall promptly notify the Company if any of the representations in this Subsection 3.13 cease to be true and accurate in any material respect.

 

4. Conditions to the Purchasers’ Obligations at Closing. The obligations of each Purchaser to purchase Shares at the Initial Closing or any subsequent Closing, as applicable, are subject to the fulfillment, on or before such Closing, of each of the following conditions, unless otherwise waived:

 

4.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 2 shall be true and correct as of such Closing as if made on the date of such Closing, and, subsequent to the execution of this Agreement, no event, occurrence, fact, condition or change shall have occurred that individually or in the aggregate has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company.

 

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4.2 Performance. The Company shall have performed and complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by the Company on or before such Closing.

 

4.3 Qualifications. All authorizations, approvals or permits, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body of the United States or of any state that are required in connection with the lawful issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be obtained and effective as of such Closing.

 

4.4 Certificate of Designations. The Series B COD shall continue to be in full force and effect as of the Closing.

 

4.5 Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated at the Closing and all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser (or its counsel) shall have received all such counterpart original and certified or other copies of such documents as reasonably requested.

 

5. Conditions of the Company’s Obligations at Closing. The obligations of the Company to sell Shares to any Purchasers at the Initial Closing or any subsequent Closing are subject to the fulfillment, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, unless otherwise waived:

 

5.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of such Purchaser contained in Section 3 shall be true and correct in all respects as of such Closing.

 

5.2 Performance. Such Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by such Purchaser on or before each applicable Closing.

 

5.3 Qualifications. All authorizations, approvals or permits, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body of the United States or of any state that are required to be obtained by such Purchaser in connection with the lawful issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be obtained and effective as of each applicable Closing.

 

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6. “Market Stand-Off” Agreement.

 

(a) Agreement to Lock-Up. Each Purchaser hereby agrees that, in connection with a Qualified IPO of the Company, it will enter into a lock-up agreement in customary form and subject to customary exceptions pursuant to which such Purchaser will agree that it will not, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus or offering circular relating to a Qualified IPO and ending on the date specified by the managing underwriter or lead placement agent, not to exceed 180 days from the date of the final prospectus or offering circular relating to the Qualified IPO (unless reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or lead placement agent in order to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (1) the publication or other distribution of research reports, and (2) analyst recommendations and opinions, pursuant to any applicable the restrictions contained in FINRA Rule 2711(f)(4) or NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto): (a) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Capital Stock held immediately prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement or offering statement for the Qualified IPO; or (b) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Capital Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (a) or (b) above is to be settled by delivery of Capital Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing provisions of this Section 6 shall not apply to the sale of any shares to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement. The underwriters, placement agents and selling agents, if any, in connection with the Qualified IPO are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 6 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. Each Purchaser agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters, placement agents or selling agents in the Qualified IPO that are consistent with this Section 6 or that are necessary to give further effect thereto.

 

(b) Stop Transfer Instructions. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop transfer instructions with respect to the Shares of each Purchaser (and transferees and assignees thereof) until the end of such restricted period.

 

7. Confidentiality. Each Purchaser agrees that such Purchaser will keep confidential and will not disclose, divulge, or use for any purpose (other than to monitor its investment in the Company) any confidential information obtained from the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, unless such confidential information (a) is known or becomes known to the public in general (other than as a result of a breach of this Section 7 by such Purchaser), (b) is or has been independently developed or conceived by the Purchaser without use of the Company’s confidential information, or (c) is or has been made known or disclosed to the Purchaser by a third party without a breach of any obligation of confidentiality such third party may have to the Company; provided, however, that a Purchaser may disclose confidential information: (i) to its attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other professionals to the extent necessary to obtain their services in connection with monitoring its investment in the Company; (ii) to any existing Affiliate, partner, member, stockholder, or wholly owned subsidiary of such Purchaser in the ordinary course of business, provided that such Purchaser informs such Person that such information is confidential and directs such Person to maintain the confidentiality of such information; or (iii) as may otherwise be required by law, provided that the Purchaser promptly notifies the Company of such disclosure and takes reasonable steps to minimize the extent of any such required disclosure.

 

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8. Miscellaneous.

 

8.1 Survival of Warranties. Unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchasers contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall not survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing and shall in no way be affected by any investigation or knowledge of the subject matter thereof made by or on behalf of the Purchasers or the Company.

 

8.2 Successors and Assigns.

 

(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

 

(b) Any successor or permitted assignee of any Purchaser shall deliver to the Company and the Purchasers, as a condition to any transfer or assignment, a counterpart signature page hereto pursuant to which such successor or permitted assignee shall confirm their agreement to be subject to and bound by all of the provisions set forth in this Agreement that were applicable to the predecessor or assignor of such successor or permitted assignee.

 

8.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal law of the State of Florida. Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of Florida, 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 any 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.

 

8.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

8.5 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

 

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8.6 Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt, or (a) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) following written or electronic confirmation of delivery and receipt by the recipient, if sent by electronic mail (which sending by electronic mail shall promptly be followed by a copy sent by mail as provided in Section (c) below), (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid (which sending by mail shall promptly be followed by the sending of a copy by electronic mail as provided in clause (b) above), or (d) one (1) business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt (which sending by overnight courier shall be promptly be followed by the sending of a copy by electronic mail as provided in clause (b) above). All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their addresses as set forth on Exhibit A, or to the principal office of the Company and to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, in the case of the Company, or to such e-mail address, or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Subsection 8.6.

 

8.7 Fees. The parties acknowledge that the Company has entered into an Engagement Letter with Digital Offering LLC (“Digital Offering”), pursuant to which the Company shall pay to Digital Offering or its designees, with regard to sales of Shares sold in the Offering, a placement agent fee in cash equal to six percent (6%) and shall issue to Digital Offering a three-year warrant exercisable for a number of Shares equal to the quotient of (i) two percent (2%) of the dollar amount of all of the Shares sold by the Company in the Offering divided by (ii) the price per share paid by investors for Shares sold in the Offering. Each Purchaser agrees to indemnify and to hold harmless the Company from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of this transaction (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which each Purchaser or any of its officers, employees or representatives is responsible.

 

8.8 Amendments and Waivers. Except as set forth in Subsection 1.3 of this Agreement, any term of this Agreement may be amended, terminated or waived (either generally or in a particular instance, and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company, and (a) the holders of at least a majority of the then-outstanding Shares, or (b) for an amendment, termination or waiver effected prior to the Initial Closing. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Subsection 8.8 shall be binding upon the Purchasers and each transferee of the Shares (or the Conversion Securities issuable upon conversion thereof), each future holder of all such securities, and the Company.

 

8.9 Nature of Purchasers’ Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents. Nothing contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or to create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. Each Purchaser confirms that it has independently participated in the negotiation of the transactions contemplated hereby. All rights, powers and remedies provided to the Purchasers under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect thereof at law or in equity shall be cumulative and not alternative or exclusive, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise of any thereof by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other rights, powers or remedies by such party or any other party.

 

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8.10 Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, and such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be reformed and construed so that it will be valid, legal, and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

8.11 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such non-breaching or non-defaulting party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

 

8.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including any Exhibits hereto), the Series B COD, the PPM and the other Transaction Documents constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties are expressly canceled.

 

8.13 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 AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SHARES 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 WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS 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.

 

8.14 Specific Performance. In addition to any and all other remedies that may be available at law in the event of any breach of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance of the agreements and obligations of the Purchaser hereunder and to such other injunction or other equitable relief as may be granted by a court of competent jurisdiction, without posting a bond or undertaking and without proof of damages and this being in addition to any other remedy to which the Company may be entitled at law or in equity.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  COMPANY:
   
  NEWSMAX INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:  Christopher Ruddy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     

  

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PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGE

 

By executing the Subscription Booklet, each Purchaser is deemed to have executed the Purchase Agreement.

 

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EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A   SCHEDULE OF PURCHASERS

 

Exhibit B - CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

 

Exhibit C - REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

SCHEDULE OF PURCHASERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION

OF

SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.10

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of June 4, 2024, by and between Newsmax Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), and the investors set forth on Exhibit A of the Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “Investors” and, each individually, an “Investor”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investors are parties to that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Investor is purchasing shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (as defined below) of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, and pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement in order to grant certain registration rights to the Investors as set forth below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual and dependent covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency administering the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at the time.

 

Common Stock” means the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and any other shares of stock issued or issuable with respect thereto (whether by way of a change in par value, stock dividend or stock split or in exchange for or upon conversion of such shares or otherwise in connection with a combination of shares, distribution, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, other corporate reorganization or other similar event with respect to the Common Stock).

 

Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble and includes the Company’s successors by merger, acquisition, reorganization or otherwise.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of such government or political subdivision, or any self-regulated organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority or quasi-governmental authority (to the extent that the rules, regulations or orders of such organization or authority have the force of law), or any arbitrator, court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction.

 

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Holder” means the Investor, or any assignee of an Investor.

 

Investors” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, Governmental Authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity.

 

Prospectus” means the prospectus or prospectuses included in any registration statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance on Rule 430A under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus or prospectuses.

 

Registrable Securities” means (a) the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Investors upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and (b) any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable with respect to any shares described in subsection (a) above by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in exchange for or upon conversion of such shares or otherwise in connection with a combination of shares, distribution, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, other reorganization or other similar event with respect to the Common Stock (it being understood that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be a Holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person has the right to then acquire or obtain from the Company any Registrable Securities, whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected). As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) the Commission has declared a registration statement covering such securities effective and such securities have been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement, (ii) such securities are sold under circumstances in which all of the applicable conditions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act are met, (iii) such securities become eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions and without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information requirement under Rule 144(c)(1), (iv) such securities are otherwise transferred, or (v) such securities have ceased to be outstanding.

 

Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts and selling commissions applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities.

 

Series B Preferred Stock” means the Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, issued in connection with the Purchase Agreement.

 

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Purchase Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

 

2. Piggyback Registration. Following the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock, if the Company proposes to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering for its own account (other than (i) a registration statement relating to an initial public offering of the Company on Form 1-A or Form S-1 (or any successor forms), (ii) a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor form) or any other registration statement relating solely to employee benefit plans, (iii) a registration statement on Form S-4 (or any successor form) or filed in connection with an exchange offer, or a transaction to which Rule 145 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Act applies, or (iv) an offering of newly issued securities of the Company being made on a pro rata basis solely to the Company’s existing shareholders), then the Company shall in each case give written notice of such proposed filing to the Holder as soon as practicable (but no later than fifteen (15) days) before the anticipated filing date, and such notice shall offer each Holder the opportunity to register such number of shares of Registrable Securities as such Holder may request. Each Holder desiring to have Registrable Securities included in such registration statement shall so advise the Company in writing within ten (10) business days after the date on which the Company’s notice is so given, setting forth the number of shares of Registrable Securities for which registration is requested, it being understood that the failure of any Holder to provide the Company with notice of its desire to have its Registrable Securities so included shall constitute a waiver of such Holder’s rights under this paragraph 2. If the Company’s offering is to be an underwritten offering, the Company shall, subject to the further provisions of this Agreement, use its reasonable best efforts to cause the managing underwriter or underwriters to permit the Holders of the Registrable Securities requested to be included in the registration for such offering to include such Registrable Securities in such offering on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included therein. The right of each Holder to registration pursuant to this Section 2 in connection with an underwritten offering by the Company shall, unless the Company otherwise assents, be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation as a seller in such underwritten offering and its execution of an underwriting agreement in customary form with the managing underwriter or underwriters selected by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering advise the Company that the success of the offering would be materially and adversely affected by inclusion of the Registrable Securities requested to be included, then the Company shall include in such registration (i) first, the shares of Common Stock that the Company proposes to sell; (ii) second, (A) any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock of the Company requested to be included therein by holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock of the Company who have been granted registration rights pursuant to the subscription agreement, dated April 16, 2019, by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC (the “Series A-1 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement”), (B) any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock of the Company requested to be included therein by holders of Series A-2 Preferred Stock of the Company who have been granted registration rights pursuant to the subscription agreement, dated July 3, 2019, by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Conyers Investments LLC (the “Series A-1 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement”), and (C) the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock of the Company requested to be included therein by holders of Series A-3 Preferred Stock of the Company who have been granted registration rights pursuant to the subscription agreement, dated July 16, 2020, by and between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement”), (iii) third, shares of Common Stock requested to be included therein by holders of Registrable Securities, allocated pro rata among all such Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder; and (iv) fourth, the shares of Common Stock requested to be included therein by other holders of Common Stock other than holders of Registrable Securities, allocated pro rata among all such holders on the basis of the number of shares of Common Stock owned by each such Holder.

 

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3. Registration Procedures. Pursuant to Section 2, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration of the offer and sale of such Registrable Securities under the Securities Act in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall as soon as reasonably practicable and as applicable:

 

(a) prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement covering such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective;

 

(b) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for a period of not less than twelve (12) months (or, in the case of a firm commitment underwritten offering, ninety (90) days), or if earlier, until all of such Registrable Securities have been disposed of and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended methods of disposition set forth in such registration statement;

 

(c) as soon as reasonably practicable before filing such registration statement, Prospectus or amendments or supplements thereto with the Commission, furnish to the Holder of such Registrable Securities copies of such documents proposed to be filed, which documents shall be subject to the review, comment and approval of such Holder’s counsel;

 

(d) notify each selling Holder of Registrable Securities, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement has been declared effective or a supplement to any Prospectus forming a part of such registration statement has been filed with the Commission;

 

(e) furnish to each selling Holder of Registrable Securities such number of copies of the Prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary Prospectus) and any supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits and documents incorporated by reference therein), and such other documents as such Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller;

 

(f) use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any selling Holder reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Holders to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders; provided, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business, subject itself to general taxation or consent to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to do so;

 

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(g) notify the Holders of Registrable Securities promptly of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of such registration statement or Prospectus or for additional information;

 

(h) cooperate with the Holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of shares of Common Stock and registered in such names as the Holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request a reasonable period of time prior to sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement or Rule 144;

 

(i) take no direct or indirect action prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act; provided, that, to the extent that any prohibition is applicable to the Company, the Company will take all reasonable action to make any such prohibition inapplicable;

 

(j) otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities contemplated hereby; and

 

(k) in connection with an underwritten offering, the Company will enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting and lock-up agreements in customary form) and take all such other customary actions as the Holders of such Registrable Securities or the managing underwriter of such offering reasonably request in order to facilitate the intended disposition of the Registrable Securities.

 

4. Expenses. All expenses incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all (i) registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, any fees relating to filings required to be made with, or the listing of any Registrable Securities on, any securities exchange or over-the-counter trading market on which the Registrable Securities are listed or quoted); (ii) expenses of any audits incident to or required by any such registration; (iii) fees and expenses of complying with securities and “blue sky” laws (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company in connection with “blue sky” qualifications or exemptions of the Registrable Securities); (iv) printing expenses; (v) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses; (vi) fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants; and (vii) Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. filing fees (if any). In addition, the Company shall be responsible for all of its internal expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties) and the expense of any annual audits. All Selling Expenses relating to the offer and sale of Registrable Securities registered under the Securities Act by a Holder pursuant to this Agreement shall be borne and paid by such Holder. In addition, each Holder of Registrable Securities shall be responsible for paying any stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities by such.

 

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5. Indemnification. (a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, such Holder's officers, directors, managers, members, partners, stockholders and Affiliates, each underwriter, broker or other Person acting on behalf of such Holder of Registrable Securities and each “controlling person” (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), if any, who controls any of the foregoing Persons, against all losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities and expenses, joint or several, to which any of the foregoing Persons may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement, Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus, free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto) or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or free writing prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading; and shall reimburse such Persons for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, action, damage or liability, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein or by such Holder's failure to deliver a copy of the Registration Statement, Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus, free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto) or any amendments or supplements thereto (if the same was required by applicable law to be so delivered) after the Company has furnished such holder with a sufficient number of copies of the same prior to any written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the Company may otherwise have.

 

(b) In connection with any registration in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, each such Holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement or Prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify and hold harmless, the Company, each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who shall sign such registration statement, each underwriter, broker or other Person acting on behalf of the Holders of Registrable Securities and each “controlling person” (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) who controls any of the foregoing Persons against any losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities or expenses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in the registration statement, Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus, free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), information statement or offering circular or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or free writing prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information so furnished in writing by such Holder; provided, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, for each Holder and shall not exceed an amount equal to the net proceeds (after underwriting fees, commissions or discounts) actually received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the selling Holder may otherwise have.

 

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(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of notice of the commencement of any action involving a claim referred to in this Section 5, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of the commencement of such action. The failure of any indemnified party to notify an indemnifying party of any such action shall not (unless such failure shall have a material adverse effect on the indemnifying party) relieve the indemnifying party from any liability in respect of such action that it may have to such indemnified party hereunder. In case any such action is brought against an indemnified party, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in and to assume the defense of the claims in any such action that are subject or potentially subject to indemnification hereunder, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified to the extent that it may wish, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after written notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be responsible for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof; provided, that, if (i) any indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be one or more legal or equitable defenses available to such indemnified party which are additional to or conflict with those available to the indemnifying party, or that such claim or litigation involves or could have an effect upon matters beyond the scope of the indemnity provided hereunder, or (ii) such action seeks an injunction or equitable relief against any indemnified party or involves actual or alleged criminal activity, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party without such indemnified party's prior written consent (but, without such consent, shall have the right to participate therein with counsel of its choice) and such indemnifying party shall reimburse such indemnified party and any “controlling person” of such indemnified party for that portion of the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the indemnified party which is reasonably related to the matters covered by the indemnity provided hereunder. If the indemnifying party is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim, it shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. In such instance, the conflicting indemnified parties shall have a right to retain one separate counsel, chosen by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in the registration, at the expense of the indemnifying party.

 

(d) If the indemnification provided for hereunder is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any loss, claim, damage, liability or action referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage, liability or action in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, that the maximum amount of liability in respect of such contribution shall be limited, in the case of each Holder of Registrable Securities, to an amount equal to the net proceeds (after underwriting fees, commissions or discounts) actually received by such seller from the sale of Registrable Securities effected pursuant to such registration. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant hereto were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method or allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to herein. No Person guilty or liable of fraudulent misrepresentation within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

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6. Participation in Underwritten Registrations. No Person may participate in any registration hereunder which is underwritten unless such Person (a) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Person or Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

7. Rule 144 Compliance. With a view to making available to the Holders of Registrable Securities the benefits of Rule 144 and any other rule or regulation of the Commission that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, the Company shall:

 

(a) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, at all times after the Registration Date;

 

(b) use reasonable efforts to 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, at any time after the Registration Date; and

 

(c) furnish to any Holder so long as the Holder owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request, a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents so filed or furnished by the Company as such Holder may reasonably request in connection with the sale of Registrable Securities without registration.

 

8. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect when there shall no longer be any Registrable Securities outstanding; provided, that the provisions of Section 5 and Section 6 shall survive any such termination.

 

9. 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 (3rd) 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 addresses indicated in the Purchase Agreement.

 

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10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Purchase Agreement and other Transaction Documents (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any conflict between the terms and provisions of this Agreement and those of the Purchase Agreement or any other Transaction Document with respect to or relating to the registration rights provided for herein, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.

 

11. Successor and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. The Company may assign this Agreement at any time in connection with a sale or acquisition of the Company, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, or similar transaction, without the consent of the Investor; provided, that the successor or acquiring Person agrees in writing to assume all of the Company’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

12. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever, under or by reason of this Agreement; provided, however, the parties hereto hereby acknowledge that the Persons set forth in Section 5 are express third-party beneficiaries of the obligations of the parties hereto set forth in Section 5.

 

13. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

14. Amendment, Modification and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may only be amended, modified, supplemented or waived with the prior written consent of the Company and the Holders of a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Shares. No waiver by any party or parties shall operate or be construed as a waiver in respect of any failure, breach or default not expressly identified by such written waiver, whether of a similar or different character, and whether occurring before or after that waiver. 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.

 

15. Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, 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 contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

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16. Remedies. Each Holder of Registrable Securities, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, shall be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company acknowledges that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and the Company hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

17. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Florida or any other jurisdiction). Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of Florida, and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of process, summons, notice or other document by mail to such party’s address set forth herein shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or any 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.

 

18. Waiver of Jury Trial. Each party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy which may arise under this Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues and, therefore, each such party 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 or the transactions contemplated hereby. Each party to this Agreement certifies and acknowledges that (a) no representative of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not seek to enforce the foregoing waiver in the event of a legal action, (b) such party has considered the implications of this waiver, (c) such party makes this waiver voluntarily, and (d) such party has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 18.

 

19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by e-mail or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.

 

20. Further Assurances. Each of the parties to this Agreement shall, and shall cause their affiliates to, execute and deliver such additional documents, instruments, conveyances and assurances and take such further actions as may be reasonably required to carry out the provisions hereof and to give effect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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

 

COMPANY  
   
NEWSMAX INC.  
   
By          
Name:               
Title:    

 

INVESTORS

 

The Investors have executed a Subscription Booklet with the Company which provides, among other things, that by executing the Subscription Booklet, each Investor is deemed to have executed this Registration Rights Agreement in all respects.

 

 

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Exhibit 5.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

Proxy

 

In accordance with the Series A-3 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subscription Agreement”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”), the Investor agrees as follows:

 

1. Grant of Proxy.

 

(a) On and subject to the terms set forth herein, the Investor with respect to all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Company (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock”) acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement in the First Tranche (as defined in the Subscription Agreement) (together with any shares of capital stock of the Company issued upon conversion of, or in respect of, such Series A-3 Preferred Stock, the “Shares”) hereby grants to the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (together with its successors and assigns, the “Majority Common Holder”) a proxy pursuant to Section 212 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, pursuant to which the Majority Common Holder may vote all of the Shares listed on Exhibit A hereto in any manner that the Majority Common Holder determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, at any meeting of stockholders of the Company or action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company with respect to any matter (this “Proxy”); provided (x) that such vote does not constitute a Prohibited Action, and (y) that the Investor shall be solely entitled to exercise the voting rights (including any amendment or waiver thereof) granted to the Investor pursuant to (i) Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Subscription Agreement and (ii) Section 3(a), subsection 6 of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock”, Section 5(e), Section 6(a), Section 6(c), and Section 8 of the Certificate of Designation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing proxy is hereby granted to the Majority Common Holder by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement and is coupled with an interest.

 

(b) The Majority Common Holder shall have no duty, liability and obligation whatsoever to the Investor arising out of the exercise by the Majority Common Holder of the voting rights granted to it in this Proxy. The Investor expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Investor will not impede or challenge the valid exercise of the Majority Common Holder’s rights under this Proxy and (ii) the Investor waives and relinquishes any claim, right or action the Investor might have, as a stockholder of the Company or otherwise, against the Majority Common Holder or any of his affiliates in connection with any valid exercise of the proxy granted hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing set forth in this Section 1(b) shall (x) limit the parties’ rights and obligations under Section 1(d) herein, prevent the Investor from exercising (or grant the Majority Common Holder the right to exercise) the voting rights reserved to the Investor in accordance with Section 1(a)(y) herein, or prevent the Investor from enforcing the terms of this Proxy, or (y) permit the Majority Common Holder to take any Prohibited Action.

 

(c) This Proxy shall expire upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Company’s IPO, (ii) five (5) years from the date of the execution of this Proxy, (iii) the closing of an issuance of voting securities by the Company in which (A) the Company raises $5,000,000 or more in one transaction from a single investor (taking into account all tranches of investment that such investor is committed to fund pursuant to the terms of the investment agreement) and (B) such investor does not execute a proxy pursuant to which such investor grants to the Majority Common Holder or his designee the right to vote the newly issued voting securities (provided, that this clause (iii) shall not apply on any issuances of non-voting securities, including if the holders thereof receive certain specified consent rights or are entitled to other voting rights under law), or (iv) such time that Christopher Ruddy no longer exercises sole and dispositive voting power on behalf of the Majority Common Holder (the “Term”).

 

 

 

 

(d) In the event that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise the voting rights granted pursuant to this Proxy, the Company shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Investor setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken no later than five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action (or in the case of appointing directors to the Board, no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to taking such action). If within such five (5) Business Days (or within such forty-eight (48) hours with respect to actions appointing directors to the Board) the Investor determines in good faith that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise its voting rights under this Proxy (x) in bad faith or in a manner designed deliberately to be detrimental to the Investor’s interests (including the Investor’s rights pursuant to the Subscription Agreement or the Certificate of Designation) compared to other stockholders of the Company or (y) in contravention of the Investor’s reserved voting rights set forth in Section 1(a)(y) herein (each of (x) and (y), a “Prohibited Action”), then within five (5) days from the delivery of the Company’s notice the Investor shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the Investor’s objection to such action and the basis for the Investor’s determination that the Majority Common Holder intends to conduct a Prohibited Action (a “Notice”). Within twenty one (21) days (the “Settlement Period”) following the Company’s receipt of a Notice, the Company and the Investor shall in good faith attempt to resolve the dispute set forth in the Notice. If, notwithstanding their good faith efforts, the parties are unable to resolve such dispute within the Settlement Period, then the Majority Common Holder shall be entitled to cast such vote, and the Investor may initiate arbitration with respect to the remaining disputed items by filing a written demand for arbitration with JAMS within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the Settlement Period. The Investor shall promptly (and in no event later than five (5) days) notify the Majority Common Holder of the initiation of arbitration under this Section 1(d). The place of the arbitration shall be New York City, New York, or such other place as may be mutually agreed by the parties. The arbitration shall be administered by a single arbitrator and pursuant to the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures. The Investor shall have the burden of proof to show that the Majority Common Holder engaged in a Prohibited Action. The fees and expenses payable to JAMS or the arbitrator shall be paid by the Investor and the Company in shares determined by the arbitrator. Each party shall be responsible for the fees and expenses incurred by such party in connection with the dispute and the arbitration. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action does not constitute a Prohibited Action, the vote casted by the Majority Common Holder shall remain unchanged. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action by the Majority Common Holder constituted a Prohibited Action, (i) the Majority Common Holder’s vote shall be canceled, (ii) the underlying action shall be deemed to have been void ab initio and shall be rescinded in full without any liability to the Investor if the underlying action would not have been approved but for the affirmative vote of the Shares subject to this Proxy (and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder); provided that if notwithstanding any such rescission the Investor incurs damages as a result of the underlying action, nothing set forth in this Proxy shall limit the remedies available to the Investor at law or in equity for recovery in connection therewith, and (iii) the Investor shall have the right to immediately revoke this Proxy and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder by delivery of written notice to the Majority Common Holder.

 

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2. Legend. The Investor agrees to permit an appropriate legend on certificates evidencing the Shares reflecting the grant of this Proxy contained in the foregoing Section 1.

 

3. Representations and Warranties. The Investor represents and warrants to the Majority Common Holder as follows:

 

(a) The Investor has the all necessary rights, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform his obligations under this Proxy. This Proxy has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and constitutes its legal and valid obligation enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) The Investor is the record owner of the Shares listed under his name on Exhibit A hereto and the Investor has plenary voting and dispositive power with respect to such Shares; there are no proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which such Investor is a party or bound by and which expressly require that any of the Shares be voted in any specific manner other than this Proxy; and such Investor has not entered, and during the Term shall not enter, into any agreement or arrangement inconsistent with this Proxy.

 

4. Equitable Remedies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (including Section 1(d) above), each party acknowledges that irreparable damage would result if this Proxy is not specifically enforced and that, therefore, the rights and obligations of each party may be enforced by a decree of specific performance issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, not be exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which each party may otherwise have available. Each party further agrees that neither the other party nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 4, and each party hereto (i) irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument and (ii) shall cooperate fully in any attempt by the other party in obtaining such equitable relief.

 

5. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Proxy shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Proxy or any dispute arising out of this Proxy or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Proxy, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

6. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS PROXY OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR AGREE THAT THIS SECTION IS A SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS PROXY AND WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS PROXY IF THIS SECTION WERE NOT PART OF THIS PROXY.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

3

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor has executed this Proxy as of July 16, 2020.

 

  INVESTOR:
   
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
     
  By: Naples Financial Limited, its Member

 

  Signature: /s/ Mark Hamilton

 

  Name of Signatory: Mark Hamilton
     
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
    JTC Directors Limited

 

  Signature: /s/ Linda Garnier

 

  Name of Signatory: Linda Garnier
     
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
    Castle Directors Limited

 

[Signature Page to First Tranche Proxy]

 

4

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

to Proxy

 

Certificate Number   Number of Shares
#0025   424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

Exhibit 5.2

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

Proxy

 

In accordance with the Series A-3 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subscription Agreement”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”), the Investor agrees as follows:

 

1. Grant of Proxy.

 

(a) On and subject to the terms set forth herein, the Investor with respect to all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Company (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock”) acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement in the Third Tranche (as defined in the Subscription Agreement) (together with any shares of capital stock of the Company issued upon conversion of, or in respect of, such Series A-3 Preferred Stock, the “Shares”) hereby grants to the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (together with its successors and assigns, the “Majority Common Holder”) a proxy pursuant to Section 212 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, pursuant to which the Majority Common Holder may vote all of the Shares listed on Exhibit A hereto in any manner that the Majority Common Holder determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, at any meeting of stockholders of the Company or action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company with respect to any matter (this “Proxy”); provided (x) that such vote does not constitute a Prohibited Action, and (y) that the Investor shall be solely entitled to exercise the voting rights (including any amendment or waiver thereof) granted to the Investor pursuant to (i) Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Subscription Agreement and (ii) Section 3(a), subsection 6 of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock”, Section 5(e), Section 6(a), Section 6(c), and Section 8 of the Certificate of Designation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing proxy is hereby granted to the Majority Common Holder by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement and is coupled with an interest.

 

(b) The Majority Common Holder shall have no duty, liability and obligation whatsoever to the Investor arising out of the exercise by the Majority Common Holder of the voting rights granted to it in this Proxy. The Investor expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Investor will not impede or challenge the valid exercise of the Majority Common Holder’s rights under this Proxy and (ii) the Investor waives and relinquishes any claim, right or action the Investor might have, as a stockholder of the Company or otherwise, against the Majority Common Holder or any of his affiliates in connection with any valid exercise of the proxy granted hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing set forth in this Section 1(b) shall (x) limit the parties’ rights and obligations under Section 1(d) herein, prevent the Investor from exercising (or grant the Majority Common Holder the right to exercise) the voting rights reserved to the Investor in accordance with Section 1(a)(y) herein, or prevent the Investor from enforcing the terms of this Proxy, or (y) permit the Majority Common Holder to take any Prohibited Action.

 

(c) This Proxy shall expire upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Company’s IPO, (ii) five (5) years from the date of the execution of this Proxy, (iii) the closing of an issuance of voting securities by the Company in which (A) the Company raises $5,000,000 or more in one transaction from a single investor (taking into account all tranches of investment that such investor is committed to fund pursuant to the terms of the investment agreement) and (B) such investor does not execute a proxy pursuant to which such investor grants to the Majority Common Holder or his designee the right to vote the newly issued voting securities (provided, that this clause (iii) shall not apply on any issuances of non-voting securities, including if the holders thereof receive certain specified consent rights or are entitled to other voting rights under law), or (iv) such time that Christopher Ruddy no longer exercises sole and dispositive voting power on behalf of the Majority Common Holder (the “Term”).

 

 

 

 

(d) In the event that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise the voting rights granted pursuant to this Proxy, the Company shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Investor setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken no later than five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action (or in the case of appointing directors to the Board, no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to taking such action). If within such five (5) Business Days (or within such forty-eight (48) hours with respect to actions appointing directors to the Board) the Investor determines in good faith that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise its voting rights under this Proxy (x) in bad faith or in a manner designed deliberately to be detrimental to the Investor’s interests (including the Investor’s rights pursuant to the Subscription Agreement or the Certificate of Designation) compared to other stockholders of the Company or (y) in contravention of the Investor’s reserved voting rights set forth in Section 1(a)(y) herein (each of (x) and (y), a “Prohibited Action”), then within five (5) days from the delivery of the Company’s notice the Investor shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the Investor’s objection to such action and the basis for the Investor’s determination that the Majority Common Holder intends to conduct a Prohibited Action (a “Notice”). Within twenty one (21) days (the “Settlement Period”) following the Company’s receipt of a Notice, the Company and the Investor shall in good faith attempt to resolve the dispute set forth in the Notice. If, notwithstanding their good faith efforts, the parties are unable to resolve such dispute within the Settlement Period, then the Majority Common Holder shall be entitled to cast such vote, and the Investor may initiate arbitration with respect to the remaining disputed items by filing a written demand for arbitration with JAMS within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the Settlement Period. The Investor shall promptly (and in no event later than five (5) days) notify the Majority Common Holder of the initiation of arbitration under this Section 1(d). The place of the arbitration shall be New York City, New York, or such other place as may be mutually agreed by the parties. The arbitration shall be administered by a single arbitrator and pursuant to the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures. The Investor shall have the burden of proof to show that the Majority Common Holder engaged in a Prohibited Action. The fees and expenses payable to JAMS or the arbitrator shall be paid by the Investor and the Company in shares determined by the arbitrator. Each party shall be responsible for the fees and expenses incurred by such party in connection with the dispute and the arbitration. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action does not constitute a Prohibited Action, the vote casted by the Majority Common Holder shall remain unchanged. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action by the Majority Common Holder constituted a Prohibited Action, (i) the Majority Common Holder’s vote shall be canceled, (ii) the underlying action shall be deemed to have been void ab initio and shall be rescinded in full without any liability to the Investor if the underlying action would not have been approved but for the affirmative vote of the Shares subject to this Proxy (and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder); provided that if notwithstanding any such rescission the Investor incurs damages as a result of the underlying action, nothing set forth in this Proxy shall limit the remedies available to the Investor at law or in equity for recovery in connection therewith, and (iii) the Investor shall have the right to immediately revoke this Proxy and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder by delivery of written notice to the Majority Common Holder.

 

2. Legend. The Investor agrees to permit an appropriate legend on certificates evidencing the Shares reflecting the grant of this Proxy contained in the foregoing Section 1.

 

3. Representations and Warranties. The Investor represents and warrants to the Majority Common Holder as follows:

 

(a) The Investor has the all necessary rights, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform his obligations under this Proxy. This Proxy has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and constitutes its legal and valid obligation enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) The Investor is the record owner of the Shares listed under his name on Exhibit A hereto and the Investor has plenary voting and dispositive power with respect to such Shares; there are no proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which such Investor is a party or bound by and which expressly require that any of the Shares be voted in any specific manner other than this Proxy; and such Investor has not entered, and during the Term shall not enter, into any agreement or arrangement inconsistent with this Proxy.

 

4. Equitable Remedies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (including Section 1(d) above), each party acknowledges that irreparable damage would result if this Proxy is not specifically enforced and that, therefore, the rights and obligations of each party may be enforced by a decree of specific performance issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, not be exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which each party may otherwise have available. Each party further agrees that neither the other party nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 4, and each party hereto (i) irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument and (ii) shall cooperate fully in any attempt by the other party in obtaining such equitable relief.

 

5. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Proxy shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Proxy or any dispute arising out of this Proxy or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Proxy, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

6. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS PROXY OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR AGREE THAT THIS SECTION IS A SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS PROXY AND WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS PROXY IF THIS SECTION WERE NOT PART OF THIS PROXY.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

2

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor has executed this Proxy as of December __, 2020.

 

  INVESTOR:
   
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
   
  By: Naples Financial Limited, its Member
   
  Signature: /s/ Joel Chinn
  Name of Signatory:  Joel Chinn
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
    JTC Directors Limited
   
  Signature: /s/ Robert Monticelli
  Name of Signatory: Robert Monticelli
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
    Castle Directors Limited

 

3

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

to Proxy

 

Certificate Number   Number of Shares
0027   424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

Exhibit 5.3

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

Proxy

 

In accordance with the Series A-3 Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subscription Agreement”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Naples Investment HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”), the Investor agrees as follows:

 

1. Grant of Proxy.

 

(a) On and subject to the terms set forth herein, the Investor with respect to all of the shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Company (the “Series A-3 Preferred Stock”) acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement in the Second Tranche (as defined in the Subscription Agreement) (together with any shares of capital stock of the Company issued upon conversion of, or in respect of, such Series A-3 Preferred Stock, the “Shares”) hereby grants to the Christopher Ruddy Revocable Trust dated October 12, 2007 (together with its successors and assigns, the “Majority Common Holder”) a proxy pursuant to Section 212 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, pursuant to which the Majority Common Holder may vote all of the Shares listed on Exhibit A hereto in any manner that the Majority Common Holder determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, at any meeting of stockholders of the Company or action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company with respect to any matter (this “Proxy”); provided (x) that such vote does not constitute a Prohibited Action, and (y) that the Investor shall be solely entitled to exercise the voting rights (including any amendment or waiver thereof) granted to the Investor pursuant to (i) Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Subscription Agreement and (ii) Section 3(a), subsection 6 of the definition of “Additional Shares of Common Stock”, Section 5(e), Section 6(a), Section 6(c), and Section 8 of the Certificate of Designation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing proxy is hereby granted to the Majority Common Holder by the Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement and is coupled with an interest.

 

(b) The Majority Common Holder shall have no duty, liability and obligation whatsoever to the Investor arising out of the exercise by the Majority Common Holder of the voting rights granted to it in this Proxy. The Investor expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Investor will not impede or challenge the valid exercise of the Majority Common Holder’s rights under this Proxy and (ii) the Investor waives and relinquishes any claim, right or action the Investor might have, as a stockholder of the Company or otherwise, against the Majority Common Holder or any of his affiliates in connection with any valid exercise of the proxy granted hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing set forth in this Section 1(b) shall (x) limit the parties’ rights and obligations under Section 1(d) herein, prevent the Investor from exercising (or grant the Majority Common Holder the right to exercise) the voting rights reserved to the Investor in accordance with Section 1(a)(y) herein, or prevent the Investor from enforcing the terms of this Proxy, or (y) permit the Majority Common Holder to take any Prohibited Action.

 

(c) This Proxy shall expire upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Company’s IPO, (ii) five (5) years from the date of the execution of this Proxy, (iii) the closing of an issuance of voting securities by the Company in which (A) the Company raises $5,000,000 or more in one transaction from a single investor (taking into account all tranches of investment that such investor is committed to fund pursuant to the terms of the investment agreement) and (B) such investor does not execute a proxy pursuant to which such investor grants to the Majority Common Holder or his designee the right to vote the newly issued voting securities (provided, that this clause (iii) shall not apply on any issuances of non-voting securities, including if the holders thereof receive certain specified consent rights or are entitled to other voting rights under law), or (iv) such time that Christopher Ruddy no longer exercises sole and dispositive voting power on behalf of the Majority Common Holder (the “Term”).

 

 

 

(d) In the event that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise the voting rights granted pursuant to this Proxy, the Company shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Investor setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken no later than five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action (or in the case of appointing directors to the Board, no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to taking such action). If within such five (5) Business Days (or within such forty-eight (48) hours with respect to actions appointing directors to the Board) the Investor determines in good faith that the Majority Common Holder intends to exercise its voting rights under this Proxy (x) in bad faith or in a manner designed deliberately to be detrimental to the Investor’s interests (including the Investor’s rights pursuant to the Subscription Agreement or the Certificate of Designation) compared to other stockholders of the Company or (y) in contravention of the Investor’s reserved voting rights set forth in Section 1(a)(y) herein (each of (x) and (y), a “Prohibited Action”), then within five (5) days from the delivery of the Company’s notice the Investor shall provide written notice (including by email) to the Company setting forth in reasonable detail the Investor’s objection to such action and the basis for the Investor’s determination that the Majority Common Holder intends to conduct a Prohibited Action (a “Notice”). Within twenty one (21) days (the “Settlement Period”) following the Company’s receipt of a Notice, the Company and the Investor shall in good faith attempt to resolve the dispute set forth in the Notice. If, notwithstanding their good faith efforts, the parties are unable to resolve such dispute within the Settlement Period, then the Majority Common Holder shall be entitled to cast such vote, and the Investor may initiate arbitration with respect to the remaining disputed items by filing a written demand for arbitration with JAMS within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the Settlement Period. The Investor shall promptly (and in no event later than five (5) days) notify the Majority Common Holder of the initiation of arbitration under this Section 1(d). The place of the arbitration shall be New York City, New York, or such other place as may be mutually agreed by the parties. The arbitration shall be administered by a single arbitrator and pursuant to the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures. The Investor shall have the burden of proof to show that the Majority Common Holder engaged in a Prohibited Action. The fees and expenses payable to JAMS or the arbitrator shall be paid by the Investor and the Company in shares determined by the arbitrator. Each party shall be responsible for the fees and expenses incurred by such party in connection with the dispute and the arbitration. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action does not constitute a Prohibited Action, the vote casted by the Majority Common Holder shall remain unchanged. In the event that it is finally determined that the proposed action by the Majority Common Holder constituted a Prohibited Action, (i) the Majority Common Holder’s vote shall be canceled, (ii) the underlying action shall be deemed to have been void ab initio and shall be rescinded in full without any liability to the Investor if the underlying action would not have been approved but for the affirmative vote of the Shares subject to this Proxy (and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder); provided that if notwithstanding any such rescission the Investor incurs damages as a result of the underlying action, nothing set forth in this Proxy shall limit the remedies available to the Investor at law or in equity for recovery in connection therewith, and (iii) the Investor shall have the right to immediately revoke this Proxy and any other proxy granted by the Investor to the Majority Common Holder by delivery of written notice to the Majority Common Holder.

 

2. Legend. The Investor agrees to permit an appropriate legend on certificates evidencing the Shares reflecting the grant of this Proxy contained in the foregoing Section 1.

 

2

 

 

3. Representations and Warranties. The Investor represents and warrants to the Majority Common Holder as follows:

 

(a) The Investor has the all necessary rights, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform his obligations under this Proxy. This Proxy has been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and constitutes its legal and valid obligation enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) The Investor is the record owner of the Shares listed under his name on Exhibit A hereto and the Investor has plenary voting and dispositive power with respect to such Shares; there are no proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which such Investor is a party or bound by and which expressly require that any of the Shares be voted in any specific manner other than this Proxy; and such Investor has not entered, and during the Term shall not enter, into any agreement or arrangement inconsistent with this Proxy.

 

4. Equitable Remedies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (including Section 1(d) above), each party acknowledges that irreparable damage would result if this Proxy is not specifically enforced and that, therefore, the rights and obligations of each party may be enforced by a decree of specific performance issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, not be exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which each party may otherwise have available. Each party further agrees that neither the other party nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 4, and each party hereto (i) irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument and (ii) shall cooperate fully in any attempt by the other party in obtaining such equitable relief.

 

5. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Proxy shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware, both substantive and remedial, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Any judicial proceeding brought against either of the parties to this Proxy or any dispute arising out of this Proxy or any matter related hereto shall be brought in the state or federal courts residing in the State of New York borough of Manhattan and, by its execution and delivery of this Proxy, each party to this Agreement accepts the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

6. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS PROXY OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. THE COMPANY AND THE INVESTOR AGREE THAT THIS SECTION IS A SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS PROXY AND WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS PROXY IF THIS SECTION WERE NOT PART OF THIS PROXY.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

3

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor has executed this Proxy as of July 30, 2020.

 

  INVESTOR:
     
  Name of Entity: NAPLES INVESTMENT HOLDCO, LLC
     
  By: Naples Financial Limited, its Member
  Signature: /s/ Joel Chinn
  Name of Signatory:  Joel Chinn
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
    JTC Directors Limited
     
  Signature: /s/ Mark Hamilton
  Name of Signatory: Mark Hamilton
  Title of Signatory: Authorized Signatory
Castle Directors Limited

 

4

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

to Proxy

 

Certificate Number   Number of Shares
0026   212

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

Exhibit 6.1

 

Obligor File Name: Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

 

Loan Account #

Officer Name:

Amount $9,000,000.00

 

Dated as of October 8, 2023

 

MASTER NOTE

 

This Note (as modified from time to time, the “Note”) has been executed by Newsmax Media, Inc., a corporation organized under the law of the State of Delaware (“Borrower”), with Borrower’s principal residence or office at _______________________. If more than one party executes this Note, “Borrower” refers to each of them individually and some or all of them collectively, and their obligations hereunder shall be joint and several. If any party comprising “Borrower” is a trustee(s), “Trust Agreement” means the governing trust agreement and/or instruments governing the trust, as modified from time to time, and all related documents and instruments, and “Borrower” also refers to the trustee(s) in its capacity as such and the trust individually and collectively. Various capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in the Section entitled “DEFINITIONS.”

 

1.  REVOLVING UNCOMMITTED LINE OF CREDIT LOANS.

 

(a)  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, on or before October 2, 2024 (the “Scheduled Maturity Date”), Borrower promises to pay to the order of THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY, an Illinois banking corporation (hereafter, together with any subsequent holder hereof, called “Lender”), at its banking office at ________________________, or at such other place as Lender may direct, the aggregate unpaid principal balance of each advance (together with portions thereof outstanding from time to time hereunder, as applicable, each a “Loan” and collectively the “Loans”) made by Lender to Borrower hereunder. The total principal amount of Loans outstanding at any one time hereunder shall not exceed NINE MILLION AND 00/100 UNITED STATES DOLLARS ($9,000,000.00). Subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, including Lender’s right to decline to make any Loan as provided in (b) of this Section, Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow hereunder until the Scheduled Maturity Date. Lender has no obligation to refinance this Note.

 

(b)  By its acceptance of this Note, Lender shall be deemed to have agreed to make available to Borrower an uncommitted revolving line of credit. Borrower may request one or more Loans hereunder from time to time until the Scheduled Maturity Date, provided, however, that the making of any Loan hereunder shall remain in the sole and absolute discretion of Lender and Lender shall have no obligation whatsoever to make any Loan or otherwise to extend credit to Borrower hereunder. Lender shall have no obligation to give Borrower or any other person or entity notice of the existence of any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default or of any decision not to make any Loan or otherwise extend credit to Borrower hereunder.

 

-1-

 

 

(c)  Without limiting any other rights of Lender under this Note or any Related Document, including Lender’s right to determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether to make any Loan to Borrower hereunder, Lender may request that Borrower furnish to Lender certified copies of Constituent Documents, resolutions, legal opinions, and other documents and information in such form as Lender may request. Borrower’s satisfaction of any such request shall not require Lender to make any Loan and any failure by Lender to request (or any delay in requesting) such documents and information from Borrower shall not be construed as a waiver of any of Lender’s rights under this Note, any Related Document or applicable law.

 

2.  DEFINITIONS.

 

(a)  As used in this Note the following terms shall have the indicated meanings:

 

Affiliate” means any entity (other than a Subsidiary) which, directly or indirectly is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Borrower. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the power, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, to direct or cause the direction of the management of such entity whether through the exercise of voting power, by contract or otherwise.

 

Anti-Terrorism Law” means any law relating to terrorism or money-laundering, including Executive Order No. 13224 and the USA Patriot Act.

 

Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. §1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

Constituent Documents” means the articles or certificate of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreement, certificate of limited partnership, limited liability company operating agreement, limited liability company articles of organization or certificate of formation, trust agreement, and all other documents and instruments pertaining to the formation and ongoing existence of any person or entity which is not a natural person.

 

Credit Support Party” means any person, or any persons severally, who now or hereafter guarantees payment or collection of all or any part of this Note or provides any collateral for this Note.

 

Dollar” and “$” means lawful money of the United States of America, unless otherwise specified.

 

Event of Default” – see Section entitled “EVENTS OF DEFAULT.”

 

Executive Order No. 13224” means Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing, effective September 24, 2001.

 

Lender Affiliate” means Northern Trust Corporation or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Northern Trust Corporation (other than Lender itself).

 

-2-

 

 

The term “margin stock” shall have the same meaning herein as in Federal Reserve Board Regulation U, or any successor regulation, as and if modified from time to time. The verbs “purchase” and “carry” when used with respect to margin stock shall have the same meaning as in such Regulation or successor and applicable authorities thereunder.

 

The term “person” means any individual, corporation, company, limited liability company, voluntary association, partnership, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, other entity, or government (or any agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof).

 

Prohibited Person” means: (i) a person that is listed in the Annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224; (ii) a person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any person that is listed in the Annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224; (iii) a person with whom Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law; (iv) a person who commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in Executive Order No. 13224; (v) a person that is named as a “specially designated national and blocked person” on the most current list published by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control at its official website or at any replacement website or at any other official publication of such list; and (vi) a person who is affiliated with a person described in clauses (i)- (v) above.

 

Related Document(s)” means this Note as well as any note, agreement, guaranty, Swap Agreement, or other document or instrument previously, now or hereafter delivered to Lender in connection with this Note.

 

Related Party(ies)” means any Credit Support Party, any Subsidiary, and, in addition: (i) as to any Borrower which is a natural person, trusts for the benefit of Borrower; and (ii) as to any Borrower which is not a natural person, to the extent applicable, any general or limited partner, controlling shareholder, joint venturer, member or manager, of Borrower.

 

Subsidiary” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, or other legal entity of which Borrower owns directly or indirectly 50% or more of the outstanding voting stock or interest, or of which Borrower has effective control, by contract or otherwise.

 

Swap Agreement” means any agreement, document or instrument executed or delivered by Borrower or any Credit Support Party pertaining to any Swap Obligation.

 

Swap Obligation” means, with respect to Borrower or any Credit Support Party, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract, or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section l(a)(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended from time to time, if entered into with Lender or any Lender Affiliate.

 

Unmatured Event of Default” means any event or condition that would become an Event of Default with notice or the passage of time or both.

 

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USA Patriot Act” means the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 200 l” (Public Law 107-56, signed into law on October 26, 2001), as amended from time to time.

 

(b)  As used in this Note, unless otherwise specified: the term “including” means “including without limitation;” the term “days” means “calendar days”; and terms such as “herein,” “hereof’ and words of similar import refer to this Note as a whole. Unless otherwise defined herein or the context requires othe1wise, all terms (including those not capitalized) that are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of Florida shall have the same meanings herein as in such Code, as such Code may be amended from time to time (the “UCC”); however, no amendment to the UCC after the date hereof shall limit any rights of Lender hereunder or in connection herewith. Unless the context requires otherwise, wherever used herein the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the use of one gender shall also denote the others. Captions herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof; references herein to sections or provisions without reference to the document in which they are contained are references to this Note.

 

3.  INTEREST; PAYMENTS & PREPAYMENTS.

 

(a)  Borrower agrees to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount from time to time outstanding hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at a rate per year equal to the “Prime-Based Rate,” defined as the greater of (i) one percent (1.000%) or (ii) the Prime Rate minus seventy five hundredths percent (-0.750%).

 

(b)  For purposes hereof:

 

Banking Day” means a day on which Lender is generally open for banking business at its main office in Chicago, Illinois.

 

Index Floor” means a per annum rate of interest equal to zero percent (0%).

 

Prime Rate” means the rate announced from time to time by Lender called its prime rate, which may not at any time be the lowest rate charged by Lender, provided that if such prime rate shall be less than the Index Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be the Index Floor for the purposes of this Note. Changes in the rate of interest resulting from a change in the Prime Rate shall take effect on the date set forth in each announcement of a change in the Prime Rate. Subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Prime-Based Rate is subject to change on a daily basis.

 

(c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower agrees to pay interest on the Loans outstanding at a rate per year equal to two percent (2%) in addition to the rate otherwise applicable under this Note.

 

(d)  If Borrower wishes to borrow funds, it shall, at or before 11:00 A.M. Chicago time on the day such borrowing is to take effect (which day must be a Banking Day), give Lender written or telephonic notice thereof, which shall be irrevocable. Borrowings requested after such time may not be available until the next Banking Day.

 

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(e)  Borrower agrees to pay accrued interest monthly on the 2nd day of each month, beginning with the first of such dates to occur after the date of the first Loan, at maturity of this Note, and upon payment in full, whichever is earlier or more frequent. After maturity, whether by acceleration or otherwise, interest shall be payable upon demand.

 

(f) All payments of principal and interest shall be made net of any taxes, costs, fees, losses and expenses incurred or charged by Lender resulting from having principal outstanding hereunder at the Prime-Based Rate, including:

 

(i) Taxes (or the withholding of amounts for taxes) of any nature whatsoever including income, excise, and interest equalization taxes (other than income taxes imposed by the United States or any State thereof on the income of Lender), as well as all levies, imposts, duties, or fees whether now in existence or resulting from a change in, or promulgation of, any treaty, statute, regulation, interpretation thereof, or any directive, guideline, or otherwise, by a central bank or fiscal authority (whether or not having the force of law) or a change in the basis of, or time of payment of, such taxes and other amounts resulting therefrom;

 

(ii) Any reserve or special deposit requirements against assets or liabilities of, or deposits with or for the account of, Lender with respect to principal outstanding at the Prime-Based Rate (including those imposed under Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board) or resulting from a change in, or the promulgation of, such requirements by treaty, statute, regulation, interpretation thereof, or any directive, guideline, or otherwise by a central bank or fiscal authority (whether or not having the force of law); and

 

(iii) Any other costs resulting from compliance with treaties, statutes, regulations, interpretations, or any directives or guidelines, or otherwise by a central bank or fiscal authority (whether or not having the force of law).

 

If Lender incurs or charges any such taxes, costs, fees, losses and expenses, Borrower, upon demand in writing specifying the amounts thereof, shall promptly pay them; save for manifest error Lender’s specification shall be presumptively deemed correct.

 

(g)  Borrower may from time to time prepay this Note in whole or in part without breakage fee, premium or penalty.

 

(h)  Interest shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a year consisting of 360 days, including the date a Loan is made and excluding the date a Loan (or any portion thereof, if applicable) is paid or prepaid. Calculating interest on the basis of a year other than a calendar year may result in a higher effective interest rate than any numeric rate stated in or determined pursuant to this Note.

 

(i) Lender is hereby authorized by Borrower at any time and from time to time at Lender’s sole option to attach a schedule (grid) to this Note and to endorse thereon notations with respect to each Loan specifying the date and principal amount thereof, the applicable interest rates, the date and amount of each payment of principal and interest made by Borrower with respect to each Loan, and other relevant details. Lender’s endorsements as well as its records relating to the Loans shall be rebuttably presumptive evidence of the outstanding principal, interest and other relevant details, and, in the event of inconsistency, shall prevail over any records of Borrower and any written confirmations of Loans given by Borrower.

 

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(j) If any payment of principal or interest to be made pursuant to this Note, other than a prepayment or a payment due on the maturity date of this Note, shall fall due on a day that is not a Banking Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding Banking Day, except that, if such next succeeding Banking Day would fall in the next calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Banking Day. Any extension or contraction of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

 

(k)  Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision hereof or of any Related Document, in no event shall the interest rate under this Nate exceed the maximum interest rate allowed under applicable law.

 

4.  CROSS-REFERENCES.

 

(a)  This Note amends, restates, and replaces in its entirety the note dated October 13, 2022, in the amount of $9,000,000.00. All collateral and guaranties given for such prior note shall secure or guarantee this Note. All amounts and (if applicable) Interest Periods outstanding under such previous note shall be deemed automatically outstanding hereunder.

 

(b)  This Note is secured without limitation as provided in the following and all related documents, in each case as amended, modified, renewed, restated or replaced from time to time:

 

Pledge Agreement dated as of October 13, 2022, in favor of Lender.

 

(c)  Florida Documentary Stamp Taxes with respect to the prior indebtedness has been paid in the amount of $2,450.00. Documentary Stamp Cap Indemnification Agreement in file.

 

5.  USE OF PROCEEDS. Borrower agrees not to use proceeds of Loans directly or indirectly to purchase or carry margin stock unless both: (a) Lender has consented thereto; and (b) if the Loans are secured directly or indirectly by margin stock, Borrower has indicated such in an FR U- 1 statement furnished to Lender.

 

Borrower represents and warrants that the proceeds of this Note will be used solely for business purposes, and not for personal, family or household use, within the meaning of Federal Truth-in-Lending and similar state laws and regulations.

 

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6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

(a)  Borrower represents and warrants to, and agrees in favor of, Lender that:

 

(i)  (A) If Borrower is an organization (including a trust that is a registered organization), then Borrower is an entity of the type, and is organized under the laws of the jurisdiction, specified in the preamble hereto. Borrower’s name as shown in the preamble hereto is the full exact name that appears in Borrower’s organizational documents. If Borrower is a registered organization, Borrower’s name as shown in the preamble hereto is as shown on the public organic record most recently filed with or issued or enacted by Borrower’s jurisdiction of organization which purports to state, amend, or restate Borrower’s name. If Borrower is an organization but not a registered organization, if it has only one place of business that place of business is at Borrower’s address indicated in the preamble hereto, but if it has more than one place of business, its chief executive office is at such address.

 

(B) If Borrower is a trust which is not itself a registered organization, then: (1) if the Trust Agreement specifies a name for the trust, Borrower’s name as shown in the preamble hereto is the name so specified; (2) Borrower has provided the name of its settlor(s) or testator(s) to Lender; and (3) if Borrower has only one place of business, that place of business is at Borrower’s address indicated in the preamble hereto, but if it has more than one place of business, its chief executive office is at such address.

 

(C) If Borrower is a natural person, then:

 

(1)Borrower’s principal ·residence is located at the address shown in the preamble hereto; and

 

(2)i. if Borrower has a driver’s license or alternative identification that has not expired and that was issued by the state of Borrower’s principal residence, Borrower’s name shown in the preamble hereto is exactly the same as shown on that driver’s license or alternative identification card; or

 

ii.  if Borrower does not have a driver’s license or alternative identification card that has not expired and that was issued by the state of Borrower’s principal residence, then: (x) Borrower’s first given name and surname are as shown in the preamble hereto; and (y) if Borrower obtains a driver’s license or alternative identification card from the state of Borrower’s principal residence, then Borrower shall, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such driver’s license or alternative identification card, provide Lender with a true and accurate copy of such driver’s license or alternative identification card, showing Borrower’s name and address, the state of issuance and the expiration date thereof; and

 

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(3)in any event, Borrower shall provide Lender notice within thirty (30) days of the happening of each of the following events:

 

i. Borrower’s principal residence has changed;

 

ii. the name of Borrower on Borrower’s driver’s license or alternative identification card has changed in any manner, no matter how small;

 

iii. Borrower’s driver’s license or alternative identification has been surrendered, suspended, changed or terminated in any manner, no matter how small or for how short a time;

 

iv. Borrower’s driver’s license or alternative identification card has expired; or

 

v.  Borrower has changed his or her first given name or surname, whether as a result of marriage, divorce, legal proceeding or otherwise.

 

(D) The representations and warranties made by Borrower in (A)-(C) of this (i), as applicable, would have been accurate at all times during the five years and six months prior to the date hereof except as and if Borrower has specifically notified Lender in writing prior to Borrower’s execution of this Note.

 

(ii) Borrower (if Borrower is not a natural person) and any Subsidiary are validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their state of organization or formation, and are duly qualified, in good standing and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where failure to do so would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on the assets, condition or prospects of Borrower.

 

(iii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Note and all Related Documents: are within Borrower’s powers and have been authorized by all necessary action required by law and (unless Borrower is a natural person) Borrower’s Constituent Documents; have received any and all necessary governmental approval; and do not and will not contravene or conflict with any provision of law, any Constituent Document or any agreement affecting Borrower or its property. This Note and all Related Documents are enforceable against Borrower and/or the applicable Related Parties in accord with their terms, except to the extent, if any, that such enforceability may be limited by equitable principles, whether applied in a court of law or equity, or by bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

 

(iv) There has been no material adverse change in the business, financial condition, properties, assets, operations or prospects of Borrower or any Related Party since the date of the latest financial statements or other documentation provided by or on behalf of Borrower or any Related Party to Lender.

 

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(v)  Borrower has filed or caused to be filed all foreign, federal, state, and local tax returns that are required to be filed, and has paid or has caused to be paid all of its taxes, including any taxes shown on such returns or on any assessment received by it, to the extent that such taxes have become due.

 

(vi) The execution, delivery and performance of this Note and all Related Documents are in Borrower’s best interest in its current and future operations and will materially benefit Borrower. Borrower has received adequate, fair and valuable consideration, and at least reasonably equivalent value, to enter into and perform this Note and all Related Documents. Borrower’s assets at fair valuation exceed the sum of Borrower’s debts. Borrower is able to pay its debts as they become due. Borrower does not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct its business.

 

(vii) This sub-subsection applies if and only if “Borrower” consists of two or more persons. Each person comprising “Borrower” acknowledges that by acting together to borrow on a combined joint and several basis, each Borrower is able to and does obtain a larger amount of credit, better terms and conditions and at a lower cost of funds than would otherwise be available to each Borrower individually. Each Borrower acknowledges that it thereby receives fair, reasonable and equivalent value for the joint and several obligations undertaken under this Note. Each Borrower’s obligations hereunder shall not be subject to any setoff, defense or counterclaim that is or would be available at law or in equity to a guarantor, surety or accommodation party, all of which setoffs, defenses or counterclaims each Borrower hereby expressly waives. Each party comprising Borrower shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder and under the Related Documents regardless of whether such Borrower has received the proceeds of any Loan or has benefited from any Loan.

 

(b)  The request or application for any(the) Loan shall be a representation and warranty by Borrower as of the date of such request or application that: (i) no Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of such date; and (ii) Borrower’s representations and warranties herein and in any Related Document are true and correct as of such date as though made on such date.

 

7.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default”:

 

(a)  (i) failure to pay, when and as due, any principal, interest or other amounts payable hereunder or under any Related Document; (ii) failure by any Affiliate to pay, when and as due, any principal, interest or other amounts payable under any note or instrument issued by Affiliate to Lender in connection with a loan from Lender to such Affiliate; (iii) failure to comply with or perform any agreement or covenant of Borrower or any Related Party contained herein or in any Related Document, which failure does not otherwise constitute an Event of Default, subject to any applicable notice, grace or cure period; or (iv) if Borrower or any Related Party is a natural person, failure to furnish or cause to be furnished to Lender when and as requested by Lender, but not more often than once every twelve months, fully completed personal financial statements of Borrower or such Related Party on Lender’s then-standard form together with such supporting information pertaining to creditworthiness of Borrower or such Related Party as Lender may reasonably request; or

 

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(b)  any default, event of default, or similar event shall occur or continue under any Related Document or under any note, agreement, guaranty, Swap Agreement or other instrument delivered by any Affiliate to Lender in connection with a loan from Lender to such Affiliate, and shall continue beyond any applicable notice, grace or cure period set forth in such Related Document; or

 

(c)  there shall occur any default or event of default, any similar event, any event that requires the prepayment of borrowed money or permits the acceleration of the maturity thereof, or any event or condition that might become any of the foregoing with notice or the passage of time or both, under the terms of any evidence of indebtedness or other agreement issued or assumed or entered into by Borrower or any Related Party, or under the terms of any document or instrument under which any such evidence of indebtedness or other agreement is issued, assumed, secured, or guaranteed, and such event shall continue beyond any applicable notice, grace or cure period; or

 

(d)  any representation, warranty, certificate, financial statement, report, notice, or other writing furnished by or on behalf of Borrower or any Related Party to Lender is false or misleading in any material respect on the date as of which the facts therein set forth are stated or certified; or

 

(e)  this Note or any Related Document, including any guaranty of or pledge of collateral security for this Note, shall be repudiated or shall become unenforceable or incapable of performance in accord with its terms; or

 

(f)   Borrower or any Related Party (in each case if not a natural person) shall fail to maintain their existence in good standing in their state of organization or formation or shall fail to be duly qualified, in good standing and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where failure to do so would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on the assets, condition or prospects of Borrower or any Related Party; or

 

(g)  Borrower or any Related Party shall die, be declared legally incompetent, dissolve, liquidate, merge, consolidate, or cease to be in existence for any reason; or, if Borrower is a partnership or joint venture, any general or limited partner or joint venturer of Borrower shall withdraw from Borrower, or any general partner shall become a limited partner; or the trust under the Trust Agreement shall terminate in whole or in part or be the subject of a distribution of other than income but, in the case of a distribution, only if such distribution would otherwise cause an Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default to occur; or

 

(h)  except for a successor trustee under the Trust Agreement, any person or entity presently not in control of a Borrower or Related Party which is not a natural person shall obtain control directly or indirectly of such a Borrower or Related Party, whether by purchase or gift of stock or assets, by contract, or otherwise; or

 

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(i) any proceeding Gudicial or administrative) shall be commenced against Borrower or any Related Party, or with respect to any of their assets, which would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect on the ability of Borrower to repay this Note; or a judgment or settlement shall be entered or agreed to in any such proceeding which would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect on the ability of Borrower to repay this Note; or any garnishment, summons, writ of attachment, citation, levy or the like is issued against or served upon Lender for the attachment of any property of Borrower or any Related Party in Lender’s possession or control; or

 

(j)  Lender shall not have a perfected security interest in any collateral for this Note, of first-priority, and enforceable in accord with the applicable Related Documents; or any notice of a federal tax lien against Borrower or any Related Party shall be filed with any public recorder; or

 

(k)  there shall be any material loss or depreciation in the value of any collateral for this Note for any reason (except that the preceding part of this subsection shall not apply if Borrower and any Related Party are in compliance with any “Minimum Liquidity Balance” or other specific borrowing base or like requirement under all Related Documents); or Lender shall otherwise reasonably deem itself insecure; or, unless expressly permitted by this Note or the Related Documents, all or any part of any such collateral or any direct, indirect, legal, equitable or beneficial interest therein is assigned, transferred or sold without Lender’s prior written consent; or

 

(l) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution, or similar proceeding, domestic or foreign, is instituted by or against Borrower or any Related Party, and, if instituted against Borrower or any Related Party, shall not be dismissed or vacated within sixty (60) days after the filing or other institution thereof; or

 

(m) Borrower or any Related Party shall become insolvent, generally shall fail or be unable to pay its debts as they mature, shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, shall enter into any composition or similar agreement, or shall suspend the transaction of all or a substantial portion of its usual business.

 

8.  DEFAULT REMEDIES.

 

(a)  Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default specified in (a)-(k) of the Section entitled “EVENTS OF DEFAULT,” Lender at its option may declare this Note (principal, interest and other amounts) immediately due and payable without notice or demand of any kind, ALL OF WHICH ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVED BY BORROWER (except as and if otherwise specifically set forth herein), whereupon the entire unpaid principal balance of this Note, all interest accrued thereon, and any other amounts payable hereunder shall thereupon at once mature and become due and payable. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default specified in (1)-(m) of the Section entitled “EVENTS OF DEFAULT,” this Note (principal, interest and other amounts) shall be immediately and automatically due and payable without notice, demand or other action of any kind, ALL OF WHICH ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVED BY BORROWER. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, Lender may exercise any rights and remedies under this Note or any Related Document (including any Related Document pertaining to collateral), and at law or in equity. The time of payment of this Note is also subject to acceleration if an Event of Default occurs.

 

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(b)  Lender may, by written notice to Borrower, at any time and from time to time, waive any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default which shall be for such period and subject to such conditions as shall be specified in any such notice. In the case of any such waiver, Lender and Borrower shall be restored to their former position and rights hereunder, and any Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default so waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing; but no such waiver shall extend to or impair any subsequent or other Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, on the part of Lender of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies of Lender herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

 

(c)  Except as and if otherwise specifically set forth herein, Borrower irrevocably waives presentment, protest, notice of protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, demand, diligence, grace, notice of dishonor or default, notice of nonpayment, notice of acceptance, notice of any loans made, extensions granted or other action taken in reliance hereon, and all other demands and notices of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

9.  NO INTEREST OVER LEGAL RATE. It is the intent of Lender and Borrower in the execution of this Note and all other instruments now or hereafter securing this Note to contract in strict compliance with applicable usury law. In furtherance thereof, Lender and Borrower stipulate and agree that none of the terms and provisions contained in this Note, or in any other instrument executed in connection herewith, shall ever be construed to create a contract to pay for the use, forbearance or detention of money, interest at a rate in excess of the maximum interest rate permitted to be charged by applicable law; that neither the undersigned nor any guarantors, endorsers or other parties now or hereafter becoming liable for payment of this Note shall ever be obligated or required to pay interest on this Note at a rate in excess of the maximum interest that may be lawfully charged under applicable law; and that the provisions of this paragraph shall control over all other provisions of this Note and any other instruments now or hereafter executed in connection herewith which may be in apparent conflict herewith. The holder of this Note expressly disavows any intention to charge or collect excessive unearned interest or finance charges in the event the maturity of this Note is accelerated. If the maturity of this Note shall be accelerated for any reason or if the principal of this Note is paid prior to the end of the term of this Note, and as a result thereof the interest received for the actual period of existence of the Loans evidenced by this Note exceeds the applicable maximum lawful rate, the holder of this Note shall, at its option, either refund to the undersigned the amount of such excess or credit the amount of such excess against the principal balance of this Note then outstanding and thereby shall render inapplicable any and all penalties of any kind provided by applicable law as a result of such excess interest. In the event that Lender or any other holder of this Note shall contract for, charge or receive any amount or amounts and/or any other thing of value which are determined to constitute interest which would increase the effective interest rate on this Note to a rate in excess of that permitted to be charged by applicable law, an amount equal to interest in excess of the lawful rate shall, upon such determination, at the option of the holder of this Note, be either immediately returned to the undersigned or credited against the principal balance of this Note then outstanding, in which event any and all penalties of any kind under applicable law as a result of such excess interest shall be inapplicable. By execution of this Note Borrower acknowledges that it believes the Loans evidenced by this Note to be non-usurious and agrees that if, at any time, Borrower should have reason to believe that any such Loan is in fact usurious, it will give the holder of this Note notice of such condition and the undersigned agrees that said holder shall have ninety (90) days in which to make appropriate refund or other adjustment in order to correct such condition if in fact such exists. The term “applicable law” as used in this Note shall mean the laws of the State of Florida or the laws of the United States, whichever laws allow the greater rate of interest, as such laws now exist or may be changed or amended or come into effect in the future.

 

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10.  PAYMENTS, ETC. All payments hereunder shall be made in immediately available funds, and shall be applied first to accrued interest and then to principal; however, if an Event of Default occurs, Lender may, in its sole discretion, and in such order as it may choose, apply any payment to interest, principal and/or lawful charges and expenses then accrued. Borrower shall receive immediate credit on payments received during Lender’s normal banking hours if made in cash, immediately available funds, or by debit to available balances in an account at Lender; otherwise payments shall be credited after clearance through normal banking channels. Borrower authorizes Lender to charge any account of Borrower maintained with Lender for any amounts of principal, interest, taxes, duties, or other charges or amounts due or payable hereunder or under any Related Document, with the amount of such payment subject in Lender’s discretion to availability of collected balances. Unless Borrower instructs otherwise, all Loans shall be credited to an account(s) of Borrower with Lender. All payments shall be made without deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties or other charges levied or imposed on this Note, the proceeds, Lender, Borrower or any Related Party by any government or political subdivision thereof. Borrower shall upon request of Lender pay all such taxes, duties or other charges in addition to principal and interest, including all documentary stamp and intangible taxes, but excluding income taxes based solely on Lender’s income.

 

11.  SETOFF. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any account, deposit or other indebtedness owing by Lender to Borrower, and any securities or other property of Borrower delivered to or left in the possession of Lender or any affiliate or subsidiary of Lender, or its or their nominee or bailee, may (at any time and without notice of any kind) be set off against and applied in payment of any obligation hereunder or under any Related Document.

 

12.  NOTICES. Except as and if otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests and demands to or upon the respective parties hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given or made five business days after a record has been deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, or one business day after a record has been deposited with a recognized overnight courier, charges prepaid or to be billed to the sender, or on the day of delivery if delivered manually with receipt acknowledged, in each case addressed or delivered:

 

a. if to Lender to _________________________; and

 

b. if to Borrower to its address indicated in the preamble hereto,

 

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or to such other address as may be hereafter designated in writing by the respective parties hereto by a notice in accord with this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise provided herein to the contrary: Borrower may make requests for Loans (including directions to disburse Loan proceeds) and select among interest rate options (if this Note provides for more than one interest rate option) orally, by e-mail or such other means as Lender and Borrower may establish from time to time; and Lender may rely upon such requests and selections.

 

13.  MISCELLANEOUS. Except as and if otherwise specifically agreed in any Related Document, and only as to such Related Document, and to the extent, if any, that the UCC or other law provides for the application of the law of a different state, this Note and the Related Documents shall be: (i) governed by and construed in accordance with the internal law of the State of Florida; and (ii) deemed to have been executed in the State of Florida. This Note shall bind Borrower, its(his)(her) heirs, trustees (including successor and replacement trustees), executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Lender, its successors and assigns, except that Borrower may not transfer or assign any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Lender. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, legal costs and expenses, and time charges of attorneys who may be employees of Lender, in each case whether in or out of court, in original or appellate proceedings or in bankruptcy) incurred or paid by Lender in connection with the enforcement or preservation of its rights hereunder or under any Related Document. Time is of the essence in the performance of all obligations under this Note. This Note is, and is intended to take effect as, an instrument under seal. Whenever possible, each provision of this Note shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Note shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent and duration of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision, the applicability of such provision in any other instance, or the remaining provisions of this Note. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Lender is hereby authorized by Borrower without notice to Borrower to fill in any blank spaces and dates herein or in any Related Document to conform to the terms of the transaction and/or understanding evidenced hereby. This Note may not be amended, waived or terminated without the prior written consent of Lender, and shall remain in effect notwithstanding that at any particular time there shall be no amounts outstanding hereunder. This Note shall continue to be effective or be automatically reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time a payment made to Lender hereunder is rescinded or otherwise must be restored or returned by Lender upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of Borrower, as though such payment had not been made. THIS NOTE AND THE RELATED DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AS TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

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14.  NO PUNITIVE DAMAGES. NO PARTY HERETO MAY SEEK OR RECOVER PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN ANY PROCEEDING BROUGHT UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH TIDS NOTE OR ANY RELATED DOCUMENT. TIDS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO LENDER TO PROVIDE THE LOAN(S).

 

15.  TELEPHONIC INSTRUCTIONS; AUTHORIZATION TO RECORD PHONE CALLS. LENDER AT ITS OPTION MAY MAKE LOANS HEREUNDER UPON TELEPHONIC INSTRUCTIONS AND IN SO DOING SHALL BE FULLY ENTITLED TO RELY SOLELY UPON INSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO THIRD PARTIES, REASONABLY BELIEVED BY LENDER TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY AN AUTHORIZED PERSON, WITHOUT INDEPENDENT INQUIRY OF ANY TYPE FOR IT SELF AS WELL AS ANY RELATED PARTY AND ANY AGENT, DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE, MANAGER, MEMBER, OFFICER, OR PARTNER OF BORROWER, AS APPLICABLE, BORROWER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO LENDER’S RECORDING OF ANY TELEPHONE CONVERSATION PERTAINING TO LOANS UNDER THIS NOTE.

 

16.  ANTI-TERRORISM LAW.

 

(a)  By its acceptance of this Note as evidenced by its making of any Loan Lender hereby notifies Borrower and any Related Party that, pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, Lender may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower and any Related Party, which information may include the name and address of Borrower and any Related Party and other information that will allow Lender to identify Borrower and any Related Party in accord with the USA Patriot Act. Borrower hereby agrees to take any action necessary to enable Lender to comply with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act.

 

(b)  Borrower covenants, represents and warrants as follows:

 

(i) Neither Borrower nor any Related Party is or, to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, will be in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

(ii)  Neither Borrower nor any Related Party is or, to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, will be a Prohibited Person.

 

(iii) Neither Borrower nor any Related Party: (A) conducts any business or engages in any transaction or dealing with any Prohibited Person, including making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Prohibited Person; (B) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224; or (C) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

(iv) Neither Borrower nor any Related Party will engage in any of the activities described in (iii) of this subsection (b) in the future.

 

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(v)  Borrower and each Related Party will ensure that the proceeds of the Loans are not used to violate any foreign asset control regulations of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) or of any enabling statute or any Executive Order relating thereto.

 

(vi) Borrower will deliver to Lender any certification or other evidence requested from time to time by Lender in its sole reasonable discretion, confirming Borrower’s and any Related Party’s compliance with this Section.

 

(vii) Borrower has implemented procedures, and will consistently apply those procedures while this Note is in effect, to ensure that the representations and warranties in this Section remain true and correct while this Note is in effect.

 

17.  JURISDICTION AND VENUE. Except as and if otherwise specifically agreed in any Related Document, and only as to suits, actions or other proceedings pertaining to such Related Document, Borrower and (by its acceptance hereof) Lender:

 

(a)  agree irrevocably that all suits, actions or other proceedings with respect to, arising out of or in connection with this Note or any Related Document shall be subject to litigation in courts having situs within or jurisdiction over Palm Beach County, State of Florida;

 

(b)  consent and submit to the jurisdiction of any such court; and

 

(c)  waive any right to transfer or change the venue of any suit, action or other proceeding brought in accordance with this Section, or to claim that any such proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

18.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BORROWER AND (BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF) LENDER VOLUNTARILY, KNOWINGLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY OR ANY OF THEM MAY HAVE TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BETWEEN OR AMONG BORROWER AND LENDER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS NOTE, ANY RELATED DOCUMENT, OR ANY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LENDER AND BORROWER.

 

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To the extent applicable under any state law, Borrower executed this Note as of the date stated at the top of the first page, intending to create an instrument executed under seal.

 

BORROWER:  
     
Newsmax Media, Inc., a Delaware Corporation  
     
By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy  
Print Name:  Christopher Ruddy  
Title: CEO/Director  

 

 

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Exhibit 6.2

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of June 3, 2024 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Florida corporation, with its principal executive office at 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (the “Company”) and Christopher Ruddy an individual residing at ______________________ (the “Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, the Executive currently serves in the position of President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, on January 1, 2015, the Company and the Executive entered into an Employment Agreement, dated as of such date (the “Prior Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to continue to be employed by the Company, and the parties desire to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of amending and restating the Prior Agreement in its entirety to reflect current employment terms agreed to by the parties.

 

Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1. General Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of Newsmax, Inc.

 

Cause” means (i) the Executive’s willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of the Executive’s duties to the Company; (ii) the Executive’s repeated failure to perform the Executive’s duties to the Company or to follow the lawful directives of the Board of Directors (other than as a result of death or Disability); (iii) the Executive’s commission of, indictment for, conviction of, or pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (other than vehicular felonies); (iv) the Executive’s performance of any material act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, malfeasance, dishonesty or misappropriation of the Company Group’s property; (v) (A) the Executive’s use of illegal drugs, or (B) the Executive’s abuse of alcohol, in each case, that impairs the Executive’s ability to perform the Executive’s duties contemplated hereunder; or (vi) the Executive’s material breach of this Agreement, in each case, which is not cured in all material respects within thirty (30) days after written notice from the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Executive has caused a Cause event to occur.

 

Company Group” means, collectively, the Company, its parent company, and its subsidiaries.

 

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Disability” of the Executive means the inability of the Executive to have performed the Executive’s material duties hereunder after reasonable accommodation due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for one hundred eighty (180) days (including weekends and holidays) in any three hundred, sixty-five (365)-day period as determined by the Board of Directors. If the Executive is prevented from performing his duties because of Disability, upon request of the Company, the Executive shall submit to an examination by a physician selected by the Company, at the Company’s expense, and the Executive hereby authorizes his personal physician to disclose to the selected physician all of the Executive’s medical records.

 

Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events, without the express written consent of the Executive, unless such events are fully corrected in all material respects by the Company within thirty (30) days following written notification by the Executive to the Company of the occurrence of one of the following events (i) diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities or responsibilities (other than temporarily while physically or mentally incapacitated or as required by applicable law); or (ii) diminution in the Executive’s Salary or other rights and benefits provided to the Executives or other executives of the Company.

 

Restricted Period” means during the Employment Period and for eighteen (18) months after the Employment Termination Date.

 

Section 2. Employment and Term. The Company agrees to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to be so employed by the Company, for a term of two (2) years (the “Initial Term”) commencing as of the Effective Date. On each anniversary of the Effective Date following the Initial Term, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods; provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least sixty (60) days prior to any such anniversary date. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term”.

 

Section 3. Employment Capacities and Duties. The Executive shall be employed throughout the Employment Period as the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Executive shall have the duties and responsibilities normally associated and incumbent with such positions and shall perform such other tasks as may reasonably be requested by the Board of Directors. The Executive shall supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of the Company Group. The Executive will report to the Board of Directors and not to any other officer of the Company.

 

Section 4. Executive Performance Covenants. The Executive accepts the employment described in Section 3 herein and agrees to devote his full working time and efforts (except for absences due to illness and vacations) to the business and affairs of the Company and the performance of the aforesaid duties and responsibilities.

 

Section 5. Salary. In compensation for his services hereunder, the Executive shall be paid a base salary at an annual rate of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars (US $400,000) (the “Salary”). The Salary shall be paid to the Executive in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies. The Executive shall be eligible for annual merit-based increases of the Salary or cost-of-living increases at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall determine any bonus opportunities or other compensation to the Executive.

 

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Section 6. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Period, in addition to any and all compensation and benefits required or permitted to be made by the Company to the Executive hereunder, the Executive shall receive the benefits and enjoy the perquisites described below:

 

(a)Vacation referred to as Paid Time Off (PTO). The Executive shall be entitled to accumulate twenty-seven (27) days of PTO per annum to be taken at such times for such lengths as are reasonable given the tasks of the Executive and obligations of the Company Group. Accrued, but unused, PTO days from this Agreement shall be payable to Executive on the Employment Termination Date (the “Accrued Vacation”); provided that if at the end of each fiscal year, the Executive has more than ten (10) PTO days accrued and unused, then the Company shall pay the Executive the value of such excess PTO days in cash during the first payroll run of the new calendar year. For the avoidance of doubt, this section shall not reduce the number of PTO days accrued by the Executive prior to the date hereof; and

 

(b)Benefit Plans. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s benefit plans, including but not limited to group hospitalization, health, life, disability, travel or accident insurance, restricted or stock purchase plan, stock option plan, retirement income or pension plan, 401(k) plan or other present or future group employee benefit plan or programs of the Company for which executives of the Company are or will become eligible. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Company from amending or otherwise altering any such plan, program or arrangement during the Employment Period; and

 

(c)Insurance Reimbursement. The Executive (or an affiliate of the Executive) shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for all expenses and premiums associated with personal liability, personal liability umbrella, and life insurances in which an affiliate of the Executive (or his trust) is the beneficiary; and

 

(d)Car Allowance. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for car expenses including but not limited to lease and insurance payments; and

 

(e)Housing Allowance. The Executive (or an affiliate of the Executive) shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for all expenses in connection with an apartment located in New York, New York to be used by the Executive at his sole discretion, including for travel to the Company’s offices located in New York, New York (and a tax gross-up to cover any taxes resulting from such housing expenses and such tax gross-up); and

 

(f)Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled to directors and officers indemnification and protection from liability as provided in the Company’s Bylaws and articles of incorporation, and as set forth in Section 10.

 

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Section 7. Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred in providing services to the Company upon the Executive’s submission of appropriate documentation evidencing such expenses in accordance with the Company’s reimbursement policy.

 

Section 8. Termination of Employment. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive shall be communicated by a written notice of termination to the other party hereto (each, a “Notice of Termination”).

 

(a)Employment Termination Date” shall mean the date on which the Executive’s right and obligation to perform employment services for the Company Group shall terminate and the Executive ceases to be employed by the Company, effective upon the first to occur of the following:

 

(1)The termination of the Employment Period;

 

(2)The death of the Executive;

 

(3)If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Disability, the date on which the Notice of Termination is given;

 

(4)If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the date on which a Notice of Termination is given;

 

(5)If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, Disability or death of the Executive, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; and

 

(6)If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the resignation of the Executive, the date specified in the Notice of Termination.

 

(b)Termination Upon Executive’s Death. In the event of the Executive’s death, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s estate (or trust) any accrued and unpaid amount of Salary, Accrued Vacation, benefits and un-reimbursed expenses through the date of death.

 

(c)Termination for Disability. The Board of Directors may terminate the Executive’s employment because of the Disability of the Executive and thereafter the Company shall pay to the Executive (or his successors) his unpaid Salary, Accrued Vacation, benefits and un-reimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date.

 

(d)Termination for Cause or Resignation not for Good Reason. The Board of Directors may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Board of Directors for Cause or the Executive resigns from his position with the Company not for Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive (or his successors) his unpaid Salary, Accrued Vacation, benefits and un-reimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date.

 

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(e)Termination not for Cause or Resignation for Good Reason. In the event of termination of Executive’s employment without Cause and/or the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to:

 

a.Earned but unpaid Salary through the Employment Termination Date;

 

b.Un-reimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date;

 

c.Severance compensation, payable in equal installments in accordance with normal Company payroll practices, beginning immediately following the Employment Termination Date and for twenty-four (24) months thereafter (the “Severance Period”); provided, however, that if Executive’s review and revocation period for the general release of claims required pursuant to subparagraph (g) below spans two of Executive’s taxable years, the first payment shall be made on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the later taxable year, provided that such general release has become irrevocable prior to such payment date, and shall include all amounts accrued prior thereto;

 

d.Any bonuses earned but not yet paid for any completed full fiscal year or calendar quarter immediately preceding the Employment Termination Date;

 

e.Accrued Vacation; and

 

f.During the Severance Period, continuation of the Company’s employee benefits provided to the Executive during the Employment Period (other than health insurance), to the extent permitted by the terms of the applicable benefit plans and applicable law; provided that subject to (a) the Executive’s timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), (b) the Executive’s continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost to the Executive as if the Executive were an employee of the Company, and (c) the Company not being subject to material tax or other penalties, continued participation in the Company’s group health plan (to the extent permitted under applicable law) which covers the Executive (and the Executive’s eligible dependents) for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Employment Termination Date, at the Company’s expense, provided that in the event that the Employee obtains other employment that offers group health benefits, such continuation of coverage by the Company under this Section 8(f) shall immediately cease.

 

g.Any amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to this Agreement beyond the unpaid Salary through the Employment Termination Date, Accrued Vacation and un-reimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date shall only be payable (i) if the Executive delivers to the Company a general release of claims in favor of the Company in a form to be provided by the Company, which general release shall comply with all requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and shall become irrevocable within fifty-five (55) days following termination, and (ii) if Executive has not breached and remains in compliance with the terms of Section 9.

 

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Section 9. Non-Solicitation; Confidentiality.

 

(a)Non-Solicitation. During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not induce or solicit any employee of the Company Group to terminate his or her employment with the Company Group. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9(a) shall not be violated by general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company Group-related persons or entities.

 

(b)Confidentiality. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that, by reason of the nature of his duties as employee of the Company, he will have or may have access to confidential information of the Company Group, such as, lists of customers or subscribers, financial statistics, research data or any other statistics and plans contained in profit plans, capital plans, critical issue plans, strategic plans or marketing or operation plans or other trade secrets of the Company Group (“Confidential Information”). The Executive agrees that during the Restricted Period, the Executive shall keep in strict confidence, and not, either directly or indirectly disclose (except in the regular course of his employment duties) any Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges that all manuals, instruction books, price lists, experiment logs or papers, information and records and other information and aids relating to the Company Group’s business, and any and all other documents containing Confidential Information furnished to the Executive by the Company Group or otherwise acquired or developed by the Executive, shall at all times be the property of the Company Group. Upon termination of the Employment Period, the Executive shall return to the Company or destroy any such property or documents which are in his possession, custody or control. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive understands that pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit Executive’s ability to communicate with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission, including to provide documents or other information, without notice to the Company. Further, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude Executive from testifying truthfully under oath if Executive is required or compelled by law to testify in any judicial action or before any government authority or agency or from making any other legally-required truthful statements or disclosures.

 

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(c)Remedies. It is expressly agreed by the Executive and the Company that these provisions are reasonable for purposes of preserving for the Company its business, goodwill and proprietary information. It is also agreed that if any provision is found by a court having jurisdiction to be unreasonable because of scope or time, then that provision shall be amended to correspond in scope or time that is considered reasonable by the court and as amended shall be enforced and the remaining provisions shall remain effective. In the event of any breach of these provisions by the Executive, the parties recognize and acknowledge that a remedy at law may be inadequate and the Company may suffer irreparable injury. The Executive acknowledges that the services to be rendered by him are of a character giving them peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be adequately compensated for in damages. In the event of a breach by the Executive of any of the provisions set forth in Section 9(a) or (b), the Company may seek injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief without the posting of any type of bond or surety. Such relief shall be in addition to any other relief to which the Company may be entitled at law or in equity.

 

Section 10. Indemnification. The Executive shall be covered by the directors and officers indemnification rights in the Company’s Bylaws and any directors and officers insurance policy maintained by the Company and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.

 

Section 11. Successors and Assigns. Except as hereinafter expressly provided, the agreements, covenants, terms and provisions of this Agreement shall bind the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties. This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties shall, without the consent of the other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, the Executive’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, and in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer in contravention of this Section 11, the Company shall have no liability to pay to the purported assignee or transferee any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall be entitled to enforce any obligations of the Executive to the other members of the Company Group under this Agreement.

 

Section 12. Notices. All notices and other communications that are required or may be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by certified mail (return receipt requested), or by overnight courier, addressed to the receiving party at the address noted below, or any other address provided by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, in a written notice delivered pursuant to this Section 12. All notices shall be effective upon receipt.

 

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If to the Company:

 

If to the Executive:

 

Section 13. Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No waiver of any right or option hereunder by any party shall operate as a waiver of any other right or option, or the same right or option as respects any subsequent occasion for its exercise, or of any legal remedy. No waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement or of any agreement or covenant contained herein shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other breach or a continuation of the same breach. All remedies provided in this Agreement are in addition to all other remedies provided under this Agreement or applicable law.

 

Section 14. Governing Law; Severability. Subject to Section 10, this Agreement and the various terms, provisions, covenants and agreements, shall be construed, interpreted and enforced under and with reference to the laws of the State of Florida. It is the intention of the Company and the Executive to fully comply with all laws and matters of public policy relating to employment agreements and restrictive covenants, and this Agreement shall be construed consistently with such laws and public policy to the extent possible. If any one or more covenants, agreements, terms or provisions of this Agreement or any portion or portions thereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such covenants, agreements, terms or provisions (or portions thereof) shall be deemed separable from the remaining covenants, agreements, terms or provisions of this Agreement and such holding shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any of the other covenants, agreements, terms or provisions hereof.

 

Section 15. Jurisdiction and Venue. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any suit, action or legal proceeding must be brought in Palm Beach County, Florida; (b) consent to the jurisdiction of such court in any suit, action or proceeding; (c) waive any objection which it may have to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any of such courts; and (d) agree that service of any court paper may be effected on such party by mail, as provided in this Agreement, or in such other manner as may be provided under applicable laws or court rules in the State of Florida. Notwithstanding the above, the parties hereto agree that any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of the terms of this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in Palm Beach county under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

 

Section 16. Code Section 409A.

 

16.1 The parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder to the extent applicable (collectively “Code Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. In no event whatsoever will the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on Executive under Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

 

16.2 A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 15.2 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period to Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

 

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16.3 With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, to be provided in any other taxable year, provided, that, this clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Internal Revenue Code Section 105(b) solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

 

16.4 For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

 

Section 17. Miscellaneous. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be modified, changed or amended except in a writing signed by each of the parties hereto. This Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original hereof. The captions of the several sections and the subsections of this Agreement are not part of the context hereof, are inserted only for convenience in locating such subsections and shall be ignored in construing this Agreement.

 

Section 18. Withholdings. The Company shall deduct and withhold from the compensation payable to the Executive any and all applicable federal, state and local income and employment withholding taxes and any other amounts required to be deducted or withheld by the Company under applicable statutes, regulations, ordinances or orders governing or requiring the withholding or deduction of amounts otherwise payable as compensation or wages to employees.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Amended and Restated Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Andrew Brown
  Its: COO

 

  CHRISTOPHER RUDDY
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy

 

 

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Exhibit 6.3

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of June 3, 2024 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Newsmax Media, Inc., a Florida corporation, with its principal executive office at 750 Park of Commerce Drive, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (the “Company”) and Darryle Burnham an individual residing at _____________________ (the “Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, the Executive currently serves in the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, on January 15, 2015, the Company and the Executive entered into an Employment Agreement, dated as of such date (the “Prior Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to continue to be employed by the Company, and the parties desire to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of amending and restating the Prior Agreement in its entirety to reflect current employment terms agreed to by the parties.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1. General Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

Cause” means (i) the Executive’s willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of the Executive’s duties to the Company Group; (ii) the Executive’s repeated failure to perform the Executive’s duties to the Company or to follow the lawful directives of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (other than as a result of death or Disability); (iii) the Executive’s commission of, indictment for, conviction of, or pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (other than vehicular felonies); (iv) the Executive’s performance of any material act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, malfeasance, dishonesty or misappropriation of the Company Group’s property; (v) (A) the Executive’s use of illegal drugs, or (B) the Executive’s abuse of alcohol, in each case, that impairs the Executive’s ability to perform the Executive’s duties contemplated hereunder; or (vi) the Executive’s material breach of this Agreement, in each case, which is not cured in all material respects within thirty (30) days after written notice from the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Executive has caused a Cause event to occur.

 

Company Group” means, collectively, the Company, its parent company, and its subsidiaries.

 

Disability” of the Executive means the inability of the Executive to have performed the Executive’s material duties hereunder after reasonable accommodation due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for one hundred eighty (180) days (including weekends and holidays) in any three hundred sixty-five (365)-day period as determined by the Chief Executive Officer. If the Executive is prevented from performing his duties because of Disability, upon request of the Company, the Executive shall submit to an examination by a physician selected by the Company, at the Company’s expense, and the Executive hereby authorizes his personal physician to disclose to the selected physician all of the Executive’s medical records.

 

 

 

 

Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events, without the express written consent of the Executive, unless such events are fully corrected in all material respects by the Company within thirty (30) days following written notification by the Executive to the Company of the occurrence of one of the following events (i) diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities or responsibilities (other than temporarily while physically or mentally incapacitated or as required by applicable law); or (ii) diminution in the Executive’s Salary or other rights and benefits provided to the Executives as of the date of this Agreement.

 

Restricted Period” means during the Employment Period and for twelve (12) months after the Employment Termination Date.

 

Section 2. Employment and Term . The Company agrees to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to be so employed by the Company, for a term of two (2) years (the “Initial Term”) commencing as of the Effective Date. On each anniversary of the Effective Date following the Initial Term, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods; provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least sixty (60) days prior to any such anniversary date. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term”.

 

Section 3. Employment Capacities and Duties. The Executive shall be employed throughout the Employment Period as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company Group. The Executive shall have the duties and responsibilities normally associated and incumbent with such positions and shall perform such other tasks as may reasonably be requested by the Chief Executive Officer. The Executive shall supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of the Company Group. The Executive will report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

Section 4. Executive Performance Covenants. The Executive accepts the employment described in Section 3 herein and agrees to devote his full working time and efforts (except for absences due to illness and vacations) to the business and affairs of the Company Group and the performance of the aforesaid duties and responsibilities.

 

Section 5. Salary. In compensation for his services hereunder, the Executive shall be paid a base salary by the Company at an annual rate of Three Hundred Fifty-Seven Thousand Dollars (US $357,000) (the “Salary”). The Salary shall be paid to the Executive in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies. The Executive shall be eligible for annual merit-based increases to his Salary or cost-of-living increases at the discretion of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer shall determine any bonus opportunities or other compensation to the Executive.

 

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Section 6. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Period, in addition to any and all compensation and benefits required or permitted to be made by the Company to the Executive hereunder, the Executive shall receive the benefits and enjoy the perquisites described below:

 

(a)Vacation referred to as Paid Time Off (PTO). The Executive shall be entitled to accumulate twenty-seven (27) days of PTO per annum to be taken at such times for such lengths as are reasonable given the tasks of the Executive and obligations of the Company Group. Accrued, but unused, PTO days from this Agreement shall be payable to Executive on the Employment Termination Date (the “Accrued Vacation”); provided that if at the end of each fiscal year, the Executive has more than ten (10) PTO days accrued and unused, then the Company shall pay the Executive the value of such excess PTO days in cash during the first payroll run of the new calendar year. For the avoidance of doubt, this section shall not reduce the number of PTO days accrued by the Executive prior to the date hereof; and

 

(b)Benefit Plans. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s benefit plans, including but not limited to group hospitalization, health, life, disability, travel or accident insurance, restricted or stock purchase plan, stock option plan, retirement income or pension plan, 401(k) plan or other present or future group employee benefit plan or programs of the Company for which executives of the Company are or will become eligible. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Company from amending or otherwise altering any such plan, program or arrangement during the Employment Period; and

 

(c)Car Allowance. The Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for lease payments for a vehicle approved by the Company; and

 

(d)Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled to directors and officers indemnification and protection from liability as provided in the Company’s Bylaws and as set forth in Section 10.

 

Section 7. Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred in providing services to the Company upon the Executive’s submission of appropriate documentation evidencing such expenses in accordance with the Company’s reimbursement policy.

 

Section 8. Termination of Employment. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive shall be communicated by a written notice of termination to the other party hereto (each, a “Notice of Termination”).

 

(a)Employment Termination Date” shall mean the date on which the Executive’s right and obligation to perform employment services for the Company Group shall terminate and the Executive ceases to be employed by the Company, effective upon the first to occur of the following:

 

(1)The termination of the Employment Period;

 

(2)The death of the Executive;

 

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(3)If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Disability, the date on which the Notice of Termination is given;

 

(4)If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the date on which a Notice of Termination is given;

 

(5)If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, Disability or death of the Executive, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; and

 

(6)If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the resignation of the Executive, the date specified in the Notice of Termination.

 

(b)Termination Upon Executive’s Death. In the event of the Executive’s death, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s estate any accrued and unpaid amount of Salary, Accrued Vacation, benefits and un-reimbursed expenses through the date of death.

 

(c)Termination for Disability. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment because of the Disability of the Executive and thereafter the Company shall pay to the Executive (or his successors) his unpaid Salary, Accrued Vacation, benefits and un-reimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date.

 

(d)Termination for Cause or Resignation not for Good Reason. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company for Cause or the Executive resigns from his position with the Company not for Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive (or his successors) his unpaid Salary, Accrued Vacation, benefits and un-reimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date.

 

(e)Termination not for Cause or Resignation for Good Reason. In the event of termination of Executive’s employment without Cause and/or the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to:

 

a.Earned but unpaid Salary through the Employment Termination Date;

 

b.Unreimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date;

 

c.Severance compensation, payable in equal installments in accordance with normal Company payroll practices, beginning immediately following the Employment Termination Date and for twenty-four (24) months thereafter (the “Severance Period”); provided, however, that if Executive’s review and revocation period for the general release of claims required pursuant to subparagraph (g) below spans two of Executive’s taxable years, the first payment shall be made on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the later taxable year, provided that such general release has become irrevocable prior to such payment date, and shall include all amounts accrued prior thereto;

 

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d.Any bonuses earned but not yet paid for any completed full fiscal year or calendar quarter immediately preceding the Employment Termination Date;

 

e.Accrued Vacation; and

 

f.During the Severance Period, continuation of the Company’s employee benefits provided to the Executive during the Employment Period (other than health insurance), to the extent permitted by the terms of the applicable benefit plans and applicable law; provided that subject to (a) the Executive’s timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), (b) the Executive’s continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost to the Executive as if the Executive were an employee of the Company, and (c) the Company not being subject to material tax or other penalties, continued participation in the Company’s group health plan (to the extent permitted under applicable law) which covers the Executive (and the Executive’s eligible dependents) for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Employment Termination Date, at the Company’s expense, provided that in the event that the Employee obtains other employment that offers group health benefits, such continuation of coverage by the Company under this Section 8(f) shall immediately cease.

 

g.Any amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to this Agreement beyond the unpaid Salary through the Employment Termination Date, Accrued Vacation and un-reimbursed expenses through the Employment Termination Date shall only be payable (i) if the Executive delivers to the Company a general release of claims in favor of the Company in a form to be provided by the Company, which general release shall comply with all requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and shall become irrevocable within fifty-five (55) days following termination, and (ii) if Executive has not breached and remains in compliance with the terms of Section 9.

 

Section 9. Non-Solicitation; Confidentiality.

 

(a)Non-Solicitation. During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not induce or solicit any employee of the Company Group to terminate his or her employment with the Company Group. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9(a) shall not be violated by general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company Group-related persons or entities.

 

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(b)Confidentiality. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that, by reason of the nature of his duties as employee of the Company, he will have or may have access to confidential information of the Company Group, such as, lists of customers or subscribers, financial statistics, research data or any other statistics and plans contained in profit plans, capital plans, critical issue plans, strategic plans or marketing or operation plans or other trade secrets of the Company Group (“Confidential Information”). The Executive agrees that during the Restricted Period, the Executive shall keep in strict confidence, and not, either directly or indirectly disclose (except in the regular course of his employment duties) any Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges that all manuals, instruction books, price lists, experiment logs or papers, information and records and other information and aids relating to the Company Group’s business, and any and all other documents containing Confidential Information furnished to the Executive by the Company Group or otherwise acquired or developed by the Executive, shall at all times be the property of the Company Group. Upon termination of the Employment Period, the Executive shall return to the Company or destroy any such property or documents which are in his possession, custody or control. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive understands that pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit Executive’s ability to communicate with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission, including to provide documents or other information, without notice to the Company. Further, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude Executive from testifying truthfully under oath if Executive is required or compelled by law to testify in any judicial action or before any government authority or agency or from making any other legally-required truthful statements or disclosures.

 

(c)Remedies. It is expressly agreed by the Executive and the Company that these provisions are reasonable for purposes of preserving for the Company its business, goodwill and proprietary information. It is also agreed that if any provision is found by a court having jurisdiction to be unreasonable because of scope or time, then that provision shall be amended to correspond in scope or time that is considered reasonable by the court and as amended shall be enforced and the remaining provisions shall remain effective. In the event of any breach of these provisions by the Executive, the parties recognize and acknowledge that a remedy at law may be inadequate and the Company may suffer irreparable injury. The Executive acknowledges that the services to be rendered by him are of a character giving them peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be adequately compensated for in damages. In the event of a breach by the Executive of any of the provisions set forth in Section 9(a), or (b), the Company may seek injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief without the posting of any type of bond or surety. Such relief shall be in addition to any other relief to which the Company may be entitled at law or in equity.

 

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Section 10. Indemnification. The Executive shall be covered by the directors and officers indemnification rights in the Company’s Bylaws and any directors and officers insurance policy maintained by the Company and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.

 

Section 11. Successors and Assigns. Except as hereinafter expressly provided, the agreements, covenants, terms and provisions of this Agreement shall bind the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties. This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties shall, without the consent of the other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, the Executive’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, and in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer in contravention of this Section 11, the Company shall have no liability to pay to the purported assignee or transferee any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall be entitled to enforce any obligations of the Executive to the other members of the Company Group under this Agreement.

 

Section 12. Notices. All notices and other communications that are required or may be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by certified mail (return receipt requested), or by overnight courier, addressed to the receiving party at the address noted below, or any other address provided by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, in a written notice delivered pursuant to this Section 12. All notices shall be effective upon receipt.

 

If to the Company:

 

If to the Executive:

 

Section 13. Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No waiver of any right or option hereunder by any party shall operate as a waiver of any other right or option, or the same right or option as respects any subsequent occasion for its exercise, or of any legal remedy. No waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement or of any agreement or covenant contained herein shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other breach or a continuation of the same breach. All remedies provided in this Agreement are in addition to all other remedies provided under this Agreement or applicable law.

 

Section 14. Governing Law; Severability. Subject to Section 10, this Agreement and the various terms, provisions, covenants and agreements, shall be construed, interpreted and enforced under and with reference to the laws of the State of Florida. It is the intention of the Company and the Executive to fully comply with all laws and matters of public policy relating to employment agreements and restrictive covenants, and this Agreement shall be construed consistently with such laws and public policy to the extent possible. If any one or more covenants, agreements, terms or provisions of this Agreement or any portion or portions thereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such covenants, agreements, terms or provisions (or portions thereof) shall be deemed separable from the remaining covenants, agreements, terms or provisions of this Agreement and such holding shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any of the other covenants, agreements, terms or provisions hereof.

 

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Section 15. Code Section 409A.

 

(a)The parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder to the extent applicable (collectively “Code Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. In no event whatsoever will the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on Executive under Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

 

(b)A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 15.2 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period to Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

 

(c)With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, to be provided in any other taxable year, provided, that, this clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Internal Revenue Code Section 105(b) solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

 

(d)For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

 

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Section 16. Jurisdiction and Venue. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any suit, action or legal proceeding must be brought in Palm Beach County, Florida; (b) consent to the jurisdiction of such court in any suit, action or proceeding; (c) waive any objection which it may have to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any of such courts; and (d) agree that service of any court paper may be effected on such party by mail, as provided in this Agreement, or in such other manner as may be provided under applicable laws or court rules in the State of Florida. Notwithstanding the above, the parties hereto agree that any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of the terms of this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in Palm Beach county under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

 

Section 17. Miscellaneous. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be modified, changed or amended except in a writing signed by each of the parties hereto. This Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original hereof. The captions of the several sections and the subsections of this Agreement are not part of the context hereof, are inserted only for convenience in locating such subsections and shall be ignored in construing this Agreement.

 

Section 18. Withholdings. The Company shall deduct and withhold from the compensation payable to the Executive any and all applicable federal, state and local income and employment withholding taxes and any other amounts required to be deducted or withheld by the Company under applicable statutes, regulations, ordinances or orders governing or requiring the withholding or deduction of amounts otherwise payable as compensation or wages to employees.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Amended and Restated Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEWSMAX MEDIA, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Christopher Ruddy
    Christopher Ruddy
   
  Its: Chief Executive Officer
   
  DARRYLE BURNHAM
   
  /s/ Darryle Burnham

 

 

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Exhibit 6.4

 

August 13, 2012

 

Mr. Andrew Brown

 

Re: Employment with Newsmax Media, Inc.

 

Dear Andrew:

 

Newsmax Media, Inc. (the “Company”) is pleased to offer you a position as General Manager of Newsmox Books on the terms set forth in this letter agreement. In this position, you will report to the company’s CEO. This offer is for a full time position, located at the offices of the Company, except as travel to other locations may be necessary to fulfill your responsibilities. We hope your skills, knowledge and experience will be the most valuable assets to our company.

 

Your compensation will be $3,125.00 semi-monthly, which is equivalent to $75,000 per year. Your first 90 days of employment is considered an introductory period. You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s health, dental, vision, 401(K) and any other applicable benefits on the 1st of the month following your 90-days of employment.

 

Please note that this letter supersedes all other commitments, either written or verbal, that may have been made to you during the course of the interview process, unless otherwise articulated herein and affirmed within this document.

 

The offer described above is contingent upon the results of your employment reference, background check, a successful drug screening, and execution of our Confidentiality/Non-Compete Agreement.

 

This offer is also contingent upon your eligibility to be legally employed in the United States. Please bring with you on your first day of employment documents that will establish your identity and employment eligibility. A list of acceptable documents is included with the I-9.

 

As an employee of the Company, you will have access to certain confidential information and you may, during the course of your employment, develop certain information or inventions, which will be the property of the Company. We wish to impress upon that we do not wish for you to bring with you any confidential or proprietary material of any former employer or to violate any other obligation to your former employers.

 

 

 

 

While we look forward to a long and profitable relationship, should you decide to accept our offer, you will be an at-will employee of the Company, which means that the employment relationship can be terminated by either of us for any reason and at any time.

 

This offer of employment, if not previously accepted by you, will expire on August 24, 2012. If you wish to accept the offer, your start date will be September 10, 2012. Please sign and/or initial in the places provided below indicating your acceptance and return both pages to me within the prescribed time.

 

Andrew, we are excited and pleased to have you join the Newsmax Team. I am confident that we will have a successful relationship that will be mutually rewarding to both parties. Should you have any questions about this offer, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Sincerely,  
   
/s/ Brian Todd  
Brian Todd  
Chief Operating Officer  

 

  Acknowledged, Accepted and Agreed
   
  /s/ Andrew Brown
  Employee
   
  August 13, 2012
  Date

 

Newsmax Media, Inc - Human Resources Department

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 6.7

 

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

 

This Indemnity Agreement, dated as of _________ ____, 202_ is made by and between Newsmax Inc. , a Florida corporation (the “Company”), and _____________________, a director, officer or key employee of the Company or one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries or other service provider who satisfies the definition of Indemnifiable Person (as defined herein) set forth below (“Indemnitee”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. The Company is aware that competent and experienced persons are increasingly reluctant to serve as representatives of corporations unless they are protected by comprehensive liability insurance and indemnification, due to increased exposure to litigation costs and risks resulting from their service to such corporations, and due to the fact that the exposure frequently bears no relationship to the compensation of such representatives;

 

B. The members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) have concluded that to retain and attract talented and experienced individuals to serve as representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined herein) and Affiliates (as defined herein) and to encourage such individuals to take the business risks necessary for the success of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, it is necessary for the Company to contractually indemnify certain of its representatives and the representatives of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and to assume for itself maximum liability for Expenses (as defined herein) and Other Liabilities (as defined herein) in connection with claims against such representatives in connection with their service to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates;

 

C. Section 607.0851 of the Florida Business Corporation Act (“FBCA”), empowers the Company to indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents, and persons who serve, at the request of the Company, as a director or officer, manager, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or another enterprise or entity;

 

D. The Company desires and has requested Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a representative of the Company and/or the Subsidiaries or Affiliates of the Company free from undue concern about inappropriate claims for damages arising out of or related to such services to the Company and/or the Subsidiaries or Affiliates of the Company; and

 

E. The Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification and/or insurance which are intended to be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify Indemnitee as provided herein, with the Company’s acknowledgment and agreement to the foregoing being a material condition to Indemnitee’s willingness to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions.

 

(a) Affiliate. For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” of the Company means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise in respect of which Indemnitee is or was or will be serving as a director, officer, trustee, manager, member, partner, employee, agent, attorney, consultant, member of the entity’s governing body (whether constituted as a board of directors, board of managers, general partner or otherwise), fiduciary, or in any other similar capacity at the request, election or direction of the Company, and including, but not limited to, any employee benefit plan of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company.

 

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(b) Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” means any event or circumstance where (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), other than a Subsidiary or a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or Subsidiary is or becomes the “Beneficial Owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding capital stock, (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board , cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof, (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the outstanding capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into capital stock of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the capital stock of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (iv) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

(c) Expenses. For purposes of this Agreement, “Expenses” means all reasonable and documented direct and indirect costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, and other out-of-pocket costs), paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with either the investigation, defense or appeal of, or being a witness or otherwise involved in, a Proceeding (as defined below), or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement, the FBCA or otherwise; provided, however, that Expenses shall not include any judgments, fines, taxes (including Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or other benefit plan related excise taxes or penalties) or amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding (as defined herein).

 

(d) Indemnifiable Event. For purposes of this Agreement, “Indemnifiable Event” means any event or occurrence related to Indemnitee’s service for the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person, or by reason of anything done or not done, or any act or omission, by Indemnitee in any such capacity.

 

(e) Indemnifiable Person. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Indemnifiable Person” means any person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, manager, member, partner, employee, attorney, consultant, member of an entity’s governing body (whether constituted as a board of directors, board of managers, general partner or otherwise) or other agent or fiduciary of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company.

 

(f) Independent Counsel. For purposes of this Agreement, “Independent Counsel” means legal counsel that has not performed services for the Company or Indemnitee in the five (5) years preceding the time in question and that would not, under applicable standards of professional conduct, have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee.

 

(g) Independent Director. For purposes of this Agreement, “Independent Director” means a member of the Board who is not a party to the Proceeding for which a claim is made under this Agreement.

 

(h) Other Liabilities. For purposes of this Agreement, “Other Liabilities” means any and all liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, penalties, taxes (including ERISA or other benefit plan related excise taxes or penalties), and amounts paid in settlement and all interest, taxes, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any such judgments, fines, ERISA (or other benefit plan related) excise taxes or penalties, or amounts paid in settlement).

 

(i) Proceeding. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, legislative or any other type whatsoever, preliminary, informal or formal, including any arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution and including any appeal of any of the foregoing.

 

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(j) Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiary” means any entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities is owned directly or indirectly by the Company or for which the Company serves as general partner, managing member or manager.

 

2. Agreement to Serve. The Indemnitee agrees to serve and/or continue to serve as an Indemnifiable Person in the capacity or capacities in which Indemnitee currently serves the Company as an Indemnifiable Person, and any additional capacity in which Indemnitee may agree to serve, until such time as Indemnitee’s service in a particular capacity shall end according to the terms of an agreement, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, governing law, or otherwise. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to create any right to continued employment or other form of service for the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company by Indemnitee.

 

3. Mandatory Indemnification.

 

(a) Agreement to Indemnify. In the event Indemnitee is a person who was or is a party to or witness in or is threatened to be made a party to or witness in any Proceeding by reason of an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee from and against any and all Expenses and Other Liabilities incurred by Indemnitee in connection with (including in preparation for) such Proceeding to the fullest extent not prohibited by the provisions of the Company’s Bylaws and the FBCA, as the same may be amended from time to time (but only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Bylaws or the FBCA permitted prior to the adoption of such amendment).

 

(b) Exception for Amounts Covered by Insurance and Other Sources. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses or Other Liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to judgments, fines, penalties, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) to the extent such have been paid directly to Indemnitee (or paid directly to a third party on Indemnitee’s behalf) by any directors and officers, or other type, of insurance maintained by the Company; providedhowever, that payment made to Indemnitee pursuant to an insurance policy purchased and maintained by Indemnitee at his or her own expense of any amounts otherwise indemnifiable or obligated to be made pursuant to this Agreement shall not reduce the Company’s obligations to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(c) Company Obligations Primary. The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee may have rights to indemnification for Expenses and Other Liabilities provided by an institutional investor, private equity or venture capital firm or other sponsoring organization (“Other Indemnitor”). The Company agrees with Indemnitee that the Company is the indemnitor of first resort of Indemnitee with respect to matters for which indemnification is provided under this Agreement and that the Company will be obligated to make all payments due to or for the benefit of Indemnitee under this Agreement without regard to any rights that Indemnitee may have against the Other Indemnitor. The Company hereby waives any equitable rights to contribution or indemnification from the Other Indemnitor in respect of any amounts paid to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company further agrees that no reimbursement of Other Liabilities or payment of Expenses by the Other Indemnitor to or for the benefit of Indemnitee shall affect the obligations of the Company hereunder, and that the Company shall be obligated to repay the Other Indemnitor for all amounts so paid or reimbursed to the extent that the Company has an obligation to indemnify Indemnitee for such Expenses or Other Liabilities hereunder.

 

4. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Expenses or Other Liabilities but not entitled, however, to indemnification for the total amount of such Expenses or Other Liabilities, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for such total amount except as to the portion thereof for which indemnification is prohibited by the provisions of the Company’s Bylaws or the FBCA. In any review or Proceeding to determine the extent of indemnification, the Company shall bear the burden to establish, by clear and convincing evidence, the lack of a successful resolution of a particular claim, issue or matter and which amounts sought in indemnity are allocable to claims, issues or matters which were not successfully resolved.

 

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5. Liability Insurance. So long as Indemnitee shall continue to serve the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company as an Indemnifiable Person and thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible claim or threatened, pending or completed Proceeding as a result of an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect for the benefit of Indemnitee as an insured liability insurance issued by one or more reputable insurers and having the policy amount and deductible deemed appropriate by the Board. The purchase, establishment and maintenance of any such insurance or other arrangements shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such insurance or other arrangement.

 

6. Mandatory Advancement of Expenses. If requested by Indemnitee, the Company shall advance prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with (including in preparation for) a Proceeding related to an Indemnifiable Event within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee. The right to advances under this section shall in all events continue until final disposition of any Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay such amounts advanced if, and only if and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Company’s Bylaws or the FBCA, and no additional form of undertaking with respect to such obligation to repay shall be required. Indemnitee’s undertaking to repay any Expenses advanced to Indemnitee hereunder shall be unsecured and shall not be subject to the accrual or payment of any interest thereon. In the event that Indemnitee’s request for the advancement of expenses shall be accompanied by an affidavit of counsel to Indemnitee to the effect that such counsel has reviewed such Expenses and that such Expenses are reasonable in such counsel’s view, then such expenses shall be deemed reasonable in the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

 

7. Notice and Other Indemnification Procedures.

 

(a) Notification. Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of or the threat of commencement of any Proceeding, unless the Company is a named co-defendant with Indemnitee, Indemnitee shall, if Indemnitee believes that indemnification or advancement of Expenses with respect thereto may be sought from the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company of the commencement or threat of commencement thereof. However, a failure so to notify the Company promptly following Indemnitee’s receipt of such notice shall not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee except to the extent that the Company is materially prejudiced in its defense of such Proceeding as a result of such failure, provided, however, that the Company shall have the burden to prove the existence of such material prejudice by clear and convincing evidence.

 

(b) Insurance and Other Matters. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of the commencement of a Proceeding pursuant to Section 7(a) above, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all reasonable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such insurance policies. In addition, the Company will instruct the insurers and the Company’s insurance broker that they may communicate directly with Indemnitee regarding such claim.

 

(c) Assumption of Defense. In the event the Company shall be obligated to advance the Expenses for any Proceeding against Indemnitee, the Company, if deemed appropriate by the Company, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding as provided herein. Such defense by the Company may include the representation of two (2) or more parties by one (1) attorney or law firm as permitted under the ethical rules and legal requirements related to joint representations. Following delivery of written notice to Indemnitee of the Company’s election to assume the defense of such Proceeding, the approval by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) of counsel designated by the Company and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees and expenses of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding. If (A) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) Indemnitee shall have notified the Board in writing that Indemnitee has reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense, (C) the Company fails to employ counsel to assume the defense of such Proceeding, or (D) after a Change in Control, the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been approved by the Independent Counsel, the Expenses related to work conducted by Indemnitee’s counsel shall be subject to indemnification and/or advancement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Nothing herein shall prevent Indemnitee from employing counsel for any such Proceeding at Indemnitee’s expense. Indemnitee agrees that any such separate counsel retained by Indemnitee will be a member of any approved list of panel counsel under the Company’s applicable directors’ and officers’ insurance policy, should the applicable policy provide for a panel of approved counsel.

 

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(d) Settlement. The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without the Company’s written consent; provided, however, that if a Change in Control has occurred subsequent to the date of this Agreement, the Company shall be liable for indemnification of Indemnitee for amounts paid in settlement if the Independent Counsel has approved the settlement. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary or Affiliate shall enter into a settlement of any Proceeding that might result in the imposition of any Expense, Other Liability, penalty, limitation or detriment on Indemnitee, whether indemnifiable under this Agreement or otherwise, without Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold consent from any settlement of any Proceeding. The Company shall promptly notify Indemnitee upon the Company’s receipt of an offer to settle, or if the Company makes an offer to settle, any Proceeding, and provide Indemnitee with a reasonable amount of time to consider such settlement, in the case of any such settlement for which the consent of Indemnitee would be required hereunder. The Company shall not, on its own behalf, settle any part of any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party with respect to other parties (including the Company) without the written consent of Indemnitee if any portion of the settlement is to be funded from insurance proceeds unless approved by a majority of the Independent Directors, provided that this sentence shall cease to be of any force and effect if it has been determined in accordance with this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification hereunder with respect to such Proceeding or if the Company’s obligations hereunder to Indemnitee with respect to such Proceeding have been fully discharged.

 

8. Determination of Right to Indemnification.

 

(a) Success on the Merits or Otherwise. To the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding referred to in Section 3(a) above or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter described therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against Expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith.

 

(b) Indemnification in Other Situations. In the event that Section 8(a) is inapplicable, the Company shall also indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee has not failed to meet the applicable standard of conduct for indemnification.

 

(c) Expenses. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any hearing or Proceeding under this Section 8 involving Indemnitee and against all Expenses and Other Liabilities incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any other Proceeding between the Company and Indemnitee involving the interpretation or enforcement of the rights of Indemnitee under this Agreement unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that each of the material claims of Indemnitee in any such Proceeding was frivolous or made in bad faith.

 

(d) Determination of “Good Faith”. For purposes of any determination of whether Indemnitee acted in “good faith” or acted in “bad faith”, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith or not acted in bad faith if in taking or failing to take the action in question Indemnitee relied on the records or books of account of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, including financial statements, or on information, opinions, reports or statements provided to Indemnitee by the officers or other employees of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, or by any other person (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors) as to matters Indemnitee 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 Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate. In connection with any determination as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified hereunder, or to advancement of Expenses, the court shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct and is entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the burden of proof shall be on the Company to establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that Indemnitee is not so entitled. The provisions of this Section 8(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any other person serving the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification hereunder.

 

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9. Exceptions. Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding,

 

(a) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee. The Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify or advance Expenses to Indemnitee with respect to Proceedings or claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except (1) with respect to Proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement, any other statute or law, as permitted under the FBCA, or otherwise, (2) where the Board has consented to the initiation of such Proceeding, or (3) with respect to Proceedings brought to discharge Indemnitee’s fiduciary responsibilities, whether under ERISA or otherwise, but such indemnification or advancement of Expenses may be provided by the Company in specific cases if the Board finds it to be appropriate; or

 

(b) Actions Based on Federal Statutes Regarding Profit Recovery and Return of Bonus Payments. The Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee on account of (i) any suit in which judgment is rendered against Indemnitee by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final adjudication not subject to further appeal for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and amendments thereto or similar provisions of any federal, state or local statutory law, or (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, as amended (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

 

(c) Unlawful Indemnification. The Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee for Other Liabilities if such indemnification is prohibited by law as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final adjudication not subject to further appeal.

 

10. Non-exclusivity. The provisions for indemnification and advancement of Expenses set forth in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which Indemnitee may have under any provision of law, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, the vote of the Company’s stockholders or disinterested directors, other agreements, or otherwise, both as to acts or omissions in his or her official capacity and to acts or omissions in another capacity while serving the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person and Indemnitee’s rights hereunder shall continue after Indemnitee has ceased serving the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of Indemnitee.

 

11. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

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12. Supersession, Modification and Waiver. This Agreement supersedes any prior indemnification agreement between the Indemnitee and the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates. If the Company and Indemnitee have previously entered into an indemnification agreement providing for the indemnification of Indemnitee by the Company, parties entry into this Agreement shall be deemed to amend and restate such prior agreement to read in its entirety as, and be superseded by, this Agreement. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) and except as expressly provided herein, no such waiver shall constitute a continuing waiver.

 

13. Successors and Assigns. The terms of this Agreement shall bind, and shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs and personal and legal representatives. In addition, the Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

14. Notice. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (i) if delivered by hand and a receipt is provided by the party to whom such communication is delivered, (ii) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, return receipt requested, on the signing by the recipient of an acknowledgement of receipt form accompanying delivery through the U.S. mail, (iii) by personal service by a process server, or (iv) by delivery to the recipient’s address by overnight delivery (e.g., FedEx, UPS or DHL) or other commercial delivery service. Addresses for notice to either party are as shown on the signature page of this Agreement, or as subsequently modified by written notice complying with the provisions of this Section 14. Delivery of communications to the Company with respect to this Agreement shall be sent to the attention of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

 

15. No Presumptions. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Proceeding, by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law or otherwise. Any admission of liability by the Company in connection with any settlement by the Company with a regulatory agency shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law or otherwise.

 

16. Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on Indemnitee by this Agreement shall continue after Indemnitee has ceased to serve the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company as an Indemnifiable Person and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.

 

17. Subrogation and Contribution.

 

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, in the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

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(b) 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 or on behalf of 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).

 

18. Specific Performance, Etc. The parties recognize that if any provision of this Agreement is violated by the Company, Indemnitee may be without an adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, in the event of any such violation, Indemnitee shall be entitled, if Indemnitee so elects, to institute Proceedings (without having to post any bond or other security), either in law or at equity, to obtain damages, to enforce specific performance, to enjoin such violation, or to obtain any relief or any combination of the foregoing as Indemnitee may elect to pursue.

 

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

 

20. Headings. The headings of the sections and 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 or interpretation thereof.

 

21. Governing 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 Florida, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. 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 federal or state courts seated in the County of Palm Beach, Florida, 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 such courts for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (iii) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in such a court; and (iv) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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    The parties hereto have entered into this Indemnity Agreement effective as of the date first above written.
       
    NEWSMAX INC.  
         
    By:          
         
    Its:    
         
    INDEMNITEE:  
       
         
  Address:    
         
       

 

 

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Exhibit 6.8

 

NEWSMAX INC.

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and effective as of this ___ day of _________ (the “Grant Date”), by and between Newsmax Inc., a Florida corporation (“Company”), and ____________________________________ (“Participant”).

 

W I T N E S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company is desirous of increasing the incentive of Participant whose contributions are important to the continued success of the Company;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable consideration, the Company hereby grants Participant options to purchase shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock (“Class B Common Stock”) pursuant to the Newsmax Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), upon the following terms and conditions. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Plan.

 

1. GRANT OF OPTION

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant an Option to purchase an aggregate of ___________________________ (_____________) shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock. [This Option is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Code Section 422. However, to the extent the Option fails to continue to meet the requirements of Code Section 422 it shall automatically be re-designated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option on the date of such failure to continue to meet such requirements.]

 

2. EXERCISE PRICE

 

The Exercise Price of this Option shall be $______ per share of Common Stock of the Company, which is no less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock on the Grant Date.

 

3. TERM AND VESTING OF OPTION

 

(a) Option Period. This Option shall terminate and all rights to purchase shares hereunder shall cease on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date.

 

 

 

 

(b) Vesting. Subject to Section 5 and 6 hereof, this Option shall become vested upon the dates described in the following schedule:

 

Date 

Incremental Percentage

of Option that Vests

   Cumulative Percentage of Vested Option 
         
91st day of Grant Date   25%   25%
182nd day of Grant Date   25%   50%
273rd day of Grant Date   25%   75%
365th day of Grant Date   25%   100%

 

There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods between the vesting dates and all vesting shall occur only on the aforementioned vesting dates.

 

4. EXERCISE AND PAYMENT

 

(a) General. No portion of the Option granted pursuant to this Agreement may be exercised until the earlier of (i) the date the Company has concluded an Initial Public Offering, (ii) the date immediately prior to the specified effective date of a Change in Control, or (iii) nine and one-half (9-1/2) years from the Grant Date.

 

(b) Method of Exercise. When the Option has vested and is eligible to be exercised, Participant may exercise the Option accordance with the following provisions. Participant shall deliver to the Company a written notice stating that Participant is exercising the Option and specifying the number of shares of Common Stock which are to be purchased pursuant to the Option, and such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full of the Exercise Price of the shares for which the Option is being exercised, by one or more of the methods provided for in the Plan. Said notice must be delivered to the Company at its principal office and addressed to the attention of Chief Financial Officer. An attempt to exercise any Option granted hereunder other than as set forth in the Plan shall be invalid and of no force and effect.

 

(c) Payment of the Exercise Price. Payment of the Exercise Price for the shares of Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall be made by one of the following methods:

 

(i) cash, certified or cashier’s check, bank draft or money order;

 

(ii) to the extent permitted by the Committee at the time of exercise, by delivering to the Company of shares of Common Stock which have been previously owned by Participant for the requisite period necessary to avoid a charge to the Company’s earnings for financial reporting purposes; such shares shall be valued, for purposes of determining the extent to which the Exercise Price has been paid thereby, at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise; without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may require Participant to furnish an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Committee to the effect that such delivery would not result in the Company incurring any liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; or

 

2

 

 

(iii) by any other method which the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, may permit, including, but not limited to through a “cashless exercise sale and remittance procedure” pursuant to which Participant shall concurrently provide irrevocable instructions (1) to a brokerage firm approved by the Committee to effect the immediate sale of the requisite number of the purchased shares and remit to the Company, out of the sale proceeds available on the settlement date, sufficient funds to cover the aggregate Exercise Price payable for the purchased shares plus all applicable federal, state and local income, employment, excise, foreign and other taxes required to be withheld by the Company by reason of such exercise and (2) to the Company to deliver the certificates for the purchased shares directly to such brokerage firm in order to complete the sale.

 

5. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Upon Participant’s termination of employment or other service with the Company all of the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately be forfeited. Subject to Section 4 of this Agreement and Section 8 of the Plan, any vested portion of the Option at the time of Participant’s termination of employment may be exercised for up to 90 days following the date of such termination; provided, however, in the event that Participant’s employment is terminated because of his or her death or Disability, and subject to Section 4 of this Agreement and Section 8 of the Plan, the Participant (or his or her estate) shall have one year to exercise the vested portion of the Option.

 

6. MISCELLANEOUS

 

(a) Company’s Right to Repurchase Award Stock and Right to First Refusal. All shares of Class B Common Stock that are issued pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the Company’s right to repurchase and right of first refusal as provided for in Section 11 of the Plan.

 

(b) Controlling Law. This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement (including, without limitation, provisions concerning limitations of actions), shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

(c) Binding Nature of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

 

(d) Provisions of Plan Control. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, including, without limitation, the amendment provisions thereof, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan as may be adopted by the Board and as may be in effect from time to time. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. If and to the extent that this Agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, the Plan shall control, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be modified accordingly.

 

(e) Withholding. In connection with the exercise of the Option, the Participant agrees (a) to pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding payment of, any federal, state or local, domestic or foreign taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such exercise, and (b) that the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to the exercise of the Option.

 

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(f) No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

(g) Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement (including the documents and exhibits referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement among the parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, that may have related in any way to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, or modified in whole or in part except by an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties against whom enforcement of any such amendment, supplement, or modification is sought.

 

(h) No Rights to Continued Employment. Nothing contained herein shall give the Participant the right to be retained in the employment or service of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or affect the right of any such employer to terminate the Participant.

 

(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

  NEWSMAX INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:            
  Title:  

 

     
  PARTICIPANT:
     
     
  Name:  
  Address:                    
     

 

 

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Exhibit 11.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We agree to the inclusion in this Offering Statement of our report dated September 3, 2024, except for the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 2 and Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is December 13, 2024, on our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Newsmax Media, Inc.

 

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

 

Miami, Florida

 

February 7, 2025