UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 


 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 14, 2016

 


Nuvectra Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


 

         

Delaware

 

001-37525

 

30-0513847

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

   

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100,

Plano, Texas 75024

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(972) 668-4107

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 


 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

   

 
1

 

 

Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

On March 14, 2016, Greatbatch, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “ Greatbatch ”), completed the previously announced spin-off (the “ Spin-off ”) of Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation that was formerly a Delaware limited liability company known as QiG Group, LLC (“ Nuvectra ” or the “ Company ”). The Spin-off was accomplished by the distribution of all Nuvectra’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock to Greatbatch’s stockholders on the basis of one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock held on March 7, 2016, the record date of the distribution.

 

In connection with the Spin-off, Nuvectra and its subsidiaries (i) entered into several agreements with Greatbatch that, among other things, set forth the terms and conditions of the Spin-off and provide a framework for Nuvectra’s relationship with Greatbatch after the Spin-off, and (ii) entered into several agreements to support Nuvectra as an independent public company (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, the “ Transaction Agreements ”). The Transaction Agreements include the following:

 

 

Separation and Distribution Agreement;

 

Transition Services Agreement;

 

Tax Matters Agreement;

 

Employee Matters Agreement;

 

Supply Agreement;

 

Product Component Agreement;

 

Unrestricted License;

 

Restricted License;

 

NeuroNexus License;

 

Sublease Agreement;

 

Office Lease;

 

Loan Agreement;

 

Warrants;

 

Director Indemnification Agreements;

 

Officer Indemnification Agreements;

 

Equity Incentive Plan; and

 

Form of Award Agreements for grants under the Equity Incentive Plan.

 

A summary of certain provisions of some of the Transaction Agreements can be found in Nuvectra’s Information Statement, dated March 2, 2016 (the “ Information Statement ”), which is included in this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “ Current Report ”) as Exhibit 99.1. These summaries are incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01 and Item 5.02 below as if restated in full. Descriptions of the Transaction Agreements are also included in this Current Report.

 

Separation and Distribution Agreement

 

On March 14, 2016, the Company entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Greatbatch that sets forth the agreements between the Company and Greatbatch regarding the principal transactions necessary to effect the separation of the Company from Greatbatch (the “ Separation and Distribution Agreement ”). It also sets forth other agreements that govern certain aspects of the Company’s ongoing relationship with Greatbatch after the completion of the Spin-off.

 

The Separation and Distribution Agreement generally provides that the Company directly or indirectly holds:

 

   

all of the assets previously owned by Greatbatch or any of its subsidiaries which are reflected on the Company’s most recent unaudited condensed combined pro forma balance sheet set forth in the Information Statement, or subsequently acquired or created assets that would have been reflected on a later-dated balance sheet; and

 

 

all of the assets that are expressly contributed or transferred to the Company pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement or other agreements with Greatbatch;

   

 
2

 

 

and that the Company is subject to:

 

 

all outstanding liabilities reflected on the Company’s most recent unaudited condensed combined pro forma balance sheet set forth in the Information Statement, or subsequently-incurred or accrued liabilities that would have been reflected on a later-dated balance sheet;

   

liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of, or resulting from the Company’s business on or prior to the Spin-off, or any assets owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries as of or after the Spin-off; and

 

liabilities the Company assumed under the Separation and Distribution Agreement or other Transaction Agreements.

 

Except as set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, the assets were transferred on an “as is, where is” basis. As a result, Nuvectra and Greatbatch each bear the economic and legal risks that any conveyances of capital stock or assets were insufficient to vest good and marketable title to such capital stock or assets, as the case may be, in the party who should have title under the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

 

Prior to the completion of the Spin-off, Greatbatch made a cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to Nuvectra for general corporate purposes, including funding operations after the Spin-off.

 

Nuvectra is responsible for obtaining and maintaining its own insurance coverage at its cost. Additionally, with respect to certain claims arising prior to the Spin-off, the Company may seek coverage under specified Greatbatch third-party insurance policies to the extent that coverage may be available to Nuvectra.

 

Subject to confidentiality provisions and other restrictions, Nuvectra and Greatbatch will each provide the other party any information in its possession that can be retrieved without unreasonable disruption to its business and that the requesting party reasonably needs (i) to comply with requirements imposed on the requesting party by a governmental authority, (ii) for use in any judicial, regulatory or other proceeding or investigation, in satisfying audit requirements, or in connection with any accounting, insurance claim, regulatory, litigation or other similar requirement, (iii) so the requesting party can comply with its obligations under the Separation and Distribution Agreement or other Transaction Agreements or (iv) for any other significant business need as mutually determined in good faith by the parties.

 

In general, Nuvectra will indemnify Greatbatch and its affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees against liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

 

 

the Company’s failure to pay, perform or otherwise discharge any of the Company’s liabilities or any of the Company’s agreements;

 

the operation of the Company’s business, whether before or after the Spin-off;

   

any of the Company’s assets or the Company’s liabilities (including assets and liabilities transferred to the Company in connection with the Spin-off), whether before or after the Spin-off;

   

any breach by the Company of any provision of the Separation and Distribution Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement, subject to any limitation of liability provision set forth therein; and

   

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or material omission or alleged material omission in the Information Statement, solely with respect to information provided by Nuvectra to Greatbatch in writing for inclusion in the Information Statement.

 

In general, Greatbatch will indemnify the Company and its affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees against liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

 

the failure of Greatbatch to pay, perform or otherwise discharge any liability of Greatbatch;

   

the operation of Greatbatch’s business (other than Nuvectra’s business), whether before or after the Spin-off;

   

any of Greatbatch’s assets or Greatbatch’s liabilities, whether before or after the Spin-off;

   

any breach by Greatbatch of any provision of the Separation and Distribution Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement, subject to any limitation of liability provision set forth therein; and

   

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or material omission or alleged material omission in the Information Statement, only for certain information relating to or provided by Greatbatch.

   

 
3

 

 

The Company generally released Greatbatch and its affiliates, agents, successors and assigns, and Greatbatch generally released the Company and its affiliates, agents, successors and assigns, from any liabilities between the Company or its subsidiaries on the one hand, and Greatbatch or its subsidiaries on the other hand, existing or arising from acts or events occurring on or before the Spin-off, including acts or events occurring in connection with the Spin-off. The general release does not apply to certain obligations, including obligations arising under the Separation and Distribution Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement between the parties.

 

Any indemnity payment will be net of insurance proceeds and net of taxes. With respect to any indemnity claim for which it is reasonably likely that Nuvectra has a right of recovery under an insurance plan maintained by Greatbatch, then prior to asserting such indemnity claim, the Company must seek recovery from insurance.

 

The foregoing description of the Separation and Distribution Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Transition Services Agreement

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra and Greatbatch entered into a Transition Services Agreement pursuant to which Greatbatch will provide or make available to Nuvectra various general corporate administrative services (the “ Transition Services Agreement ”). Generally, these services will be provided for two years. The Company may terminate the provision of any service being provided by Greatbatch prior to the scheduled termination date upon at least 30 days’ prior written notice. The services Greatbatch will provide Nuvectra include (i) human resource services, (ii) information technology services, (iii) legal support services, (iv) tax services, (v) accounting services, (vi) treasury services, and (vii) other support services specified in the Transition Services Agreement.

 

Nuvectra will pay Greatbatch fees in consideration for providing these services. The charge for such services is generally intended to allow Greatbatch to recover its direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred in providing these services. Any incremental third party costs incurred by Greatbatch directly related to providing any of these services will be directly reimbursed by the Company.

 

The personnel performing services for Nuvectra under the Transition Services Agreement will be employees and independent contractors of Greatbatch and will not be under the Company’s direction or control.

 

The Transition Services Agreement also contains customary indemnification and confidentiality provisions. If Greatbatch breaches its obligations to Nuvectra under the Transition Services Agreement, the Company may be unable to recover the full amount of damages it may incur because the damages payable by Greatbatch under the Transition Services Agreement are capped at a maximum of $750,000 in the aggregate.

 

The foregoing description of the Transition Services Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Transition Services Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Tax Matters Agreement

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra and Greatbatch entered into a Tax Matters Agreement which governs the Company’s and Greatbatch’s respective rights, responsibilities, and obligations with respect to tax liabilities (including taxes, if any, incurred as a result of any failure of the Spin-off or certain related transactions to qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings and other matters regarding taxes (the “ Tax Matters Agreement ”).

 

Nuvectra is liable for and will indemnify Greatbatch against all taxes attributable to the Company’s business and will be allocated all tax benefits attributable to such business. Greatbatch generally is liable for, and will indemnify Nuvectra against, all taxes attributable to its other businesses and will be allocated all tax benefits attributable to such other businesses.

 

 
4

 

 

Greatbatch generally is responsible for preparing and filing all tax returns that contain both (i) taxes or tax benefits allocable to Greatbatch and (ii) taxes or tax benefits allocable to Nuvectra. Greatbatch generally is responsible for preparing and filing all tax returns that include only taxes or tax benefits allocable to Greatbatch, and Nuvectra generally is responsible for preparing and filing all tax returns that include only taxes or tax benefits allocable to Nuvectra. However, Nuvectra and Greatbatch will not be permitted to take a position on any such tax return that is inconsistent with the Company’s or Greatbatch’s past practice, as applicable, or that would adversely affect the other party without such other party’s prior written consent.

 

The party responsible for preparing and filing a tax return generally will also have the authority to control all tax proceedings, including tax audits, involving any taxes or adjustment to taxes reported on such tax return. In regard to any joint returns prepared by Greatbatch, generally, Nuvectra will be entitled to control any tax proceedings (or portion thereof) to the extent that it is liable for the taxes or adjustments at issue and provided Nuvectra acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify Greatbatch for the taxes or adjustments at issue. However, in regard to any tax proceedings where the taxes or adjustments at issue relate to whether the Spin-off qualifies under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code as a tax-free transaction, Nuvectra and Greatbatch will jointly control and defend the tax proceedings, provided the Company acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify Greatbatch for the tax at issue. The Tax Matters Agreement further provides for cooperation between Nuvectra and Greatbatch with respect to tax matters, including the exchange of information and the retention of records that may affect the Company’s respective tax liabilities.

 

The Tax Matters Agreement requires that Nuvectra and Greatbatch will not take, or fail to take, any action that (i) prior to the second anniversary of the Tax Matters Agreement, would reasonably be likely to be inconsistent with or cause to be untrue any covenant, representation or material statement in any tax opinion obtained by Greatbatch or (ii) would preclude the Spin-off from qualifying under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as a tax-free transaction for Nuvectra, Greatbatch and Greatbatch’s stockholders.

 

In addition, to preserve the tax-free treatment to Greatbatch of the Spin-off, for two years following the Spin-off, Nuvectra generally is restricted, except in specified circumstances, from:

 

 

causing or permitting to occur any transaction or series of transactions, subject to certain exceptions provided under the U.S. federal income tax rules, in connection with which one or more persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire an interest in Nuvectra’s capital stock that, when combined with any other acquisition of an interest in Nuvectra’s capital stock that occurs after the Spin-off, comprises 30% or more of the value or the total combined voting power of all interests that are treated as outstanding equity of Nuvectra for U.S. federal income tax purposes immediately after such transaction or, in the case of a series of related transactions, immediately after any transaction in such series;

 

transferring, selling or otherwise disposing of 35% or more of Nuvectra’s gross assets if such transfer, sale or other disposition would violate the IRS’ rules and regulations;

 

liquidating Nuvectra’s business; or

   

ceasing to maintain Nuvectra’s active business.


Moreover, Greatbatch generally is liable for and will indemnify Nuvectra for any taxes arising from the Spin-off or certain related transactions that are imposed on the Company, Greatbatch or its subsidiaries. However, Nuvectra remains liable for and will indemnify Greatbatch for any such taxes to the extent such taxes result from certain actions or failures to act as described above by Nuvectra that occur after the Spin-off. Nuvectra’s obligations under the Tax Matters Agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap.

 

The foregoing description of the Tax Matters Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Tax Matters Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

 
5

 

 

Employee Matters Agreement

 

On March 14, 2016, the Company and Greatbatch entered into an Employee Matters Agreement, which generally provides that Nuvectra and Greatbatch each have responsibility for its employees (the “ Employee Matters Agreement ”). The Employee Matters Agreement also contains provisions concerning benefit protection for both Greatbatch’s and Nuvectra’s employees, treatment of Greatbatch stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding at the time of the Spin-off, and cooperation between the Company and Greatbatch in the sharing of employee information and maintenance of confidentiality. With respect to former employees, the Employee Matters Agreement provides that, unless otherwise specified, Greatbatch will be responsible for liabilities associated with former employees who worked for a business that continues to be owned by Greatbatch, and Nuvectra will be responsible for liabilities associated with former employees who worked for a business that is now owned by the Company.

 

In general, Nuvectra’s employees previously participated in various retirement, health and welfare, and other employee benefit plans through Greatbatch. Pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, the Company and Greatbatch each retain responsibility for its respective current employees and compensation plans. Nuvectra’s employees participate in retirement, health and welfare plans that the Company has established and will maintain, which may contain benefits that are different than those previously provided by Greatbatch.

 

The Employee Matters Agreement provides for the conversion of all awards outstanding as of the Spin-off that were granted under Greatbatch’s equity compensation plans (whether held by Greatbatch or Nuvectra employees or other participants) into adjusted awards based on both shares of Greatbatch common stock and Nuvectra common stock. For purposes of award vesting, continued employment or service with Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as applicable, is treated as continued employment or service for both Greatbatch and Nuvectra awards.

 

With the exception of holders of performance-based restricted stock units that became employees of Nuvectra, holders of Greatbatch restricted stock or restricted stock units retained those awards and received restricted stock or restricted stock units of Nuvectra. Holders of performance-based restricted stock units that became employees of Nuvectra had their Greatbatch performance-based restricted stock units converted into time-based restricted stock units of Greatbatch and of Nuvectra. In each case, the Greatbatch and Nuvectra awards together were intended to preserve the value of the original Greatbatch restricted stock or restricted stock units as measured immediately before and immediately after the Spin-off. The original Greatbatch restricted stock and restricted stock units and the newly received Nuvectra restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions as applied to the original Greatbatch restricted stock and restricted stock units immediately before the Spin-off.

 

Each Greatbatch stock option was converted into an adjusted Greatbatch stock option and a Nuvectra stock option. Together the adjusted Greatbatch stock option and the Nuvectra stock option were intended to preserve the intrinsic value of the original Greatbatch stock option as measured immediately before and immediately after the Spin-off. The Nuvectra stock option will allow the holder to purchase a number of shares of Nuvectra common stock based upon the distribution ratio. The adjusted Greatbatch stock options and the Nuvectra stock options are subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions, post-termination exercise rules, and other restrictions that applied to the original Greatbatch stock option immediately before the Spin-off.

 

The foregoing description of the Employee Matters Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employee Matters Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Supply Agreement

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra entered into a Supply Agreement with Greatbatch pursuant to which Greatbatch will manufacture and supply, and the Company will purchase, fully assembled Algovita systems and most of the products, parts and components necessary for the production and assembly of Algovita systems exclusively from Greatbatch (the “ Supply Agreement ”). In addition, during the term of the Supply Agreement, to the extent that Nuvectra desires to have a product or component manufactured that incorporates any of the intellectual property that Nuvectra licenses to Greatbatch and such product or component will be used in the neurostimulation (“ NeuroStim ”) field of use, the Company will purchase such product or component exclusively from Greatbatch. Furthermore, to the extent that the product or component will be used in the NeuroStim field of use, but does not incorporate any of the intellectual property that Nuvectra licenses to Greatbatch, the Company must provide Greatbatch with a right of first refusal to match the terms of any third party supplier’s manufacturing proposal before entering into any definitive supply agreement with that third party with respect to such product or component.

 

 
6

 

 

The initial term of the Supply Agreement is in effect until November 20, 2020, which is the fifth anniversary of the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (the “ FDA ”) approval permitting sales of Algovita systems in the United States. The Supply Agreement will thereafter renew automatically for successive one year terms, unless Nuvectra or Greatbatch provides the other party notice of non-renewal at least three months prior to the end of such term. During the 180-day period prior to the expiration of the term and continuing until the date that is six months following the expiration of the term, if Nuvectra intends to seek to purchase from a third party the Company’s requirements for any products, parts or components previously purchased under the Supply Agreement, Nuvectra must give Greatbatch notice of that fact prior to taking any steps towards engaging a third party, and thereafter negotiate exclusively and in good faith with Greatbatch for a period of 90 days with respect to that purchase. If these negotiations do not result in a definitive agreement, Nuvectra must thereafter provide Greatbatch with a right of first refusal to match the terms of any third party supplier’s proposal before entering into any definitive supply agreement with that third party.

 

The Supply Agreement contains general terms and provisions, including with respect to (i) part and component specifications, forecast planning and lead time requirements, (ii) delivery, payment and inspection requirements, (iii) warranty and indemnity provisions and (iv) quality requirements. Any intellectual property developed from the collaboration between Nuvectra and Greatbatch under the Supply Agreement will be owned jointly by Nuvectra and Greatbatch, and will be subject to a joint determination by the Company and Greatbatch as whether to prosecute a patent with respect to such intellectual property.

 

The foregoing description of the Supply Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Supply Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Product Component Agreement

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra and Greatbatch entered into a Product Component and Framework Agreement providing Greatbatch with the exclusive right to supply the Company with products, parts and components necessary for production of future sacral nerve stimulation (“ SNS ”) or deep brain stimulation (“ DBS ”) neurostimulation devices that Nuvectra may seek to commercialize (the “ Product Component Agreement ”). With respect to each of the Company’s future SNS and DBS neurostimulation devices, the term during which Nuvectra will be required to purchase products, parts and components exclusively from Greatbatch will run from the date of substantial completion of the development of a device until the fifth anniversary of the date of FDA approval permitting commercial sales of such device in the United States or, with respect to any product that is never to be sold in the United States, the fifth anniversary of the regulatory approval necessary to permit commercial sale of such product outside of the United States. Upon substantial completion of the development of any SNS and DBS neurostimulation device, Nuvectra will negotiate exclusively and in good faith with Greatbatch for a period of 120 days regarding entry into a definitive manufacturing and supply agreement with respect to such device, which manufacturing and supply agreement will contain terms, including with respect to profit margins, warranty periods and indemnification obligations, that are substantially similar to the terms of the Supply Agreement. If Nuvectra and Greatbatch are unable to execute a manufacturing and supply agreement during the 120-day negotiation period, Nuvectra will be free to negotiate a manufacturing and supply agreement with respect to such device with a third party but will be required to provide Greatbatch with a right of first refusal to match the terms of such third party supplier’s proposal before entering into any definitive supply agreement with such third party.

 

The foregoing description of the Product Component Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Product Component Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.5 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01

 

Nuvectra Licenses and NeuroNexus License

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra and Greatbatch entered into both a Restricted License Agreement (the “ Restricted License ”) and an Unrestricted License Agreement (the “ Unrestricted License ” and together with the Restricted License, the “ Nuvectra Licenses ”). Also, on March 13, 2016, NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc., a Michigan corporation wholly-owned by the Company (“ NeuroNexus ”), entered into a License Agreement with Greatbatch (the “ NeuroNexus License ”).

 

 
7

 

 

Nuvectra Licenses . Under the terms of the Restricted License, Nuvectra granted Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import specified intellectual property (which includes patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights) underlying Nuvectra’s neurostimulation technology platform only for applications outside of the neurostimulation fields of use. Under the terms of the Unrestricted License, Nuvectra granted Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import other specified intellectual property (which includes patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights) underlying Nuvectra’s neurostimulation technology platform for any application. Under the terms of each of the Nuvectra Licenses, Greatbatch is required to pay the Company a nominal royalty fee of $100 per year and is permitted to sublicense its rights to third parties in its sole discretion. Further, pursuant to the terms of each of the Nuvectra Licenses, Greatbatch has agreed that it will not challenge the validity of, or take any material and documented step to support any proceeding that is intended to invalidate or otherwise limit the scope of, any of the intellectual property licensed under such agreement. Under each of the Nuvectra License, all rights with respect to any improvements that incorporate the licensed intellectual property that were conceived of or developed solely by Greatbatch during the term of such license will be the sole and exclusive property of Greatbatch. In addition, under the terms of each of the Nuvectra Licenses, Nuvectra is required to indemnify Greatbatch, subject to a per occurrence and aggregate limitation of liability provision, against damages and other costs, other than any incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages (including lost profits) or any damages arising from Greatbatch’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, from any third party claims arising out of or relating to (i) Nuvectra’s breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under such license agreement or (ii) any claim for patent or other intellectual property infringement resulting from Greatbatch’s use of such licensed intellectual property, except for certain claims that are based solely upon the combination of the licensed intellectual property with other products or equipment that do not incorporate the licensed intellectual property, customization of a product incorporating the licensed intellectual property by Greatbatch or any other third party or modification of a product incorporating the licensed intellectual property by Greatbatch that is not authorized by the Company. Each Nuvectra License may be terminated by either party in the event of a material breach of such agreement by the other party (subject to customary cure periods) or the other party’s bankruptcy or insolvency.

 

NeuroNexus License . Under the NeuroNexus License, NeuroNexus granted Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import NeuroNexus’ patents, patent applications and other intellectual property outside of the neurostimulation fields of use. The NeuroNexus License provides Greatbatch with the right to sublicense its rights to third parties upon written approval from NeuroNexus, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld. All rights to any improvements incorporating the licensed intellectual property conceived of or made solely by Greatbatch during the term of the NeuroNexus License will be the sole and exclusive property of Greatbatch. The NeuroNexus License may be terminated by NeuroNexus in the event of a material breach by Greatbatch (subject to customary cure periods), bankruptcy or insolvency of Greatbatch or Greatbatch taking, directly or indirectly, any material and documented steps with the effect of invalidating any of the licensed NeuroNexus intellectual property.

 

The foregoing descriptions are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Restricted License, the Unrestricted License, and the NeuroNexus License, which are filed as Exhibit 10.6, Exhibit 10.7 and Exhibit 10.8, respectively, to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Sublease Agreement

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra entered into an Agreement of Sublease with Greatbatch, pursuant to which the Company is subleasing office space from Greatbatch (the “ Sublease Agreement ”). The Sublease is for 11,600 square feet of office space in Plano, Texas, which is currently Nuvectra’s corporate headquarters. During the term of the Sublease Agreement, the Company will pay Greatbatch annual rent of $200,000. The Sublease Agreement has a term of two years.

 

The foregoing description of the Sublease Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Sublease Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.9 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Office Lease

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement with Greatbatch pursuant to which Greatbatch assigned to the Company all of its rights and interest as tenant under the Office Lease, dated December 2, 2015, between EOS Development 1 LLC and Greatbatch Ltd. (the “ Office Lease ”), and the Company accepted such assignment and assumed all obligations as tenant under the Office Lease. The Office Lease is for approximately 13,219 square feet of office space in Broomfield, Colorado. The initial annual rent under the Office Lease is $251,161, which increases periodically over the term of the Office Lease to $290,818 per year. The Office Lease has a term of 78 months commencing on the earlier of April 1, 2016 or the date that the Company first takes possession of the premises.

 

 
8

 

 

The foregoing description of the Office Lease is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Office Lease, which is filed as Exhibit 10.10 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Loan Agreement

 

On March 18, 2016, the Company, Algostim LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ Algostim ”), PelviStim LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ PelviStim ”), and NeuroNexus (the Company, Algostim, PelviStim and NeuroNexus, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), and Oxford Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Silicon Valley Bank, a California corporation (collectively, the “ Lenders ”), entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “ Loan Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Lenders are providing the Borrowers with credit facilities for the financing of working capital and other business purposes of the Borrowers.

 

The credit facilities consist of (a) term loan facilities in an aggregate maximum principal amount of $40,000,000 comprised of (i) a $15,000,000 Term Loan A Commitment, which was funded in full at the initial closing under the Loan Agreement, (ii) a $12,500,000 Term Loan B Commitment, which is available for draw December 31, 2016 through June 30, 2017, and (iii) a $12,500,000 Term Loan C Commitment, which is available for draw June 30, 2017 through December 31, 2017 (collectively, the “ Term Loans ”); and (b) a Revolving Line Commitment in a maximum principal amount of $5,000,000 (the “ Revolving Loans ” and collectively with the Term Loans, the “ Loans ”), in each case provided 50% by each Lender severally and not jointly. Availability of the Term Loan B Commitment is subject to the Borrowers achieving consolidated trailing six month revenues of at least $13,500,000, and the availability of the Term Loan C Commitment is subject to the Borrowers achieving consolidated trailing six month revenues of at least $20,000,000. The Borrowers must draw on each Term Loan B and C Commitments within 60 days of achieving the applicable revenue threshold. The Revolving Line Commitment is subject to a borrowing base of 80% of the aggregate amount of eligible accounts receivable of the Borrowers, which advance rate and eligibility criteria may be modified by the Lenders from time to time based on periodic collateral examinations.

 

The Term Loans bear interest at a floating rate equal to the prime rate plus 4.15%, with a floor of 7.65%. The Borrowers pay monthly accrued interest only on the Term Loans through September 2017 (or March 2018 if the Term Loan B Commitment is funded), and thereafter the Borrowers will pay monthly accrued interest on the Term Loans plus equal payments of principal for 36 months (or 30 months if the Term Loan B Commitment is funded). At the maturity of the Term Loans, all principal on the Term Loans then outstanding, plus an additional 7.75% of the funded loan amounts (the “ Final Payment ”), will be due and payable. The Revolving Loans bear interest at a floating rate equal to the prime rate plus 3.45%, with a floor of 6.95%. The Borrowers pay monthly accrued interest only on the Revolving Loans until maturity on March 18, 2018, at which time all principal on the Revolving Loans will be due and payable.

 

At the initial closing under the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers paid a commitment fee of $200,000 for all of the Term Loan A, B and C Commitments, and one-half of a $25,000 commitment fee for the Revolving Loans, with the remaining one-half due and payable on the one year anniversary of the initial closing. The Term Loan B Commitment and the Term Loan C Commitment are subject to a non-use fee of 2% of the amount of such commitment if the commitment becomes available, but the Borrowers decline to borrow Term Loans thereunder. If any Term Loans are voluntarily prepaid prior to their scheduled maturity, the Borrowers must pay, in addition to the Final Payment, a prepayment fee equal to 3% of the prepaid principal if paid in the first year after the initial closing, 2% of the prepaid principal if paid in the second year after the initial closing, and 1% of the prepaid principal if paid thereafter. The Borrowers have agreed to pay the Lenders’ expenses associated with the Loan Agreement up to an aggregate of $60,000.

 

The Loans are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers, including, without limitation, all cash, deposit accounts, accounts receivable, equipment, inventory, contract rights and the Company’s real property located in Blaine, Minnesota, but excluding all intellectual property of the Borrowers (other than accounts receivable and proceeds of intellectual property). The Borrowers’ intellectual property is subject to a negative pledge. The Borrowers must maintain their primary operating and investment accounts with Silicon Valley Bank, which accounts are subject to customary control agreements.

 

 
9

 

 

The Loan Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, reporting and other covenants for credit facilities of this kind. If the Lenders fund the Term Loan B Commitment, the Borrowers will be subject to a quarterly financial covenant requiring the Borrowers to achieve consolidated revenues of at least 75% of Nuvectra’s forecasts that have been previously approved by the Lenders. The events of default in the Loan Agreement are customary for credit facilities of this kind, and include failure to pay interest or principal, breaches of affirmative and negative covenants, a material adverse change occurring, and cross defaults to other material agreements of the Borrowers.

 

The foregoing description of the Loan Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Loan Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.11 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Warrants

 

As a condition to the Lenders’ funding the Loans under the Loan Agreement, concurrently with the funding under the Term Loan A Commitment on March 18, 2016, (i) the Company issued to Oxford Finance LLC a warrant to purchase 56,533 shares of Nuvectra common stock at an exercise price of $ 5.97 per share, which warrant is exercisable until March 18, 2026 (the “ Oxford Warrant ”), and (ii) the Company issued to Silicon Valley Bank a warrant to purchase initially 56,533 shares of Nuvectra common stock at an exercise price of $ 5.97 per share, which warrant is exercisable until March 18, 2016 (the “ Silicon Valley Warrant ”). Upon the funding of each of the Term Loan B Commitment and the Term Loan C Commitment, as applicable, the Silicon Valley Warrant will be automatically adjusted so that (i) the number of shares subject to the Silicon Valley Warrant will be increased by an amount equal to the Term Loan made by such Lender multiplied by 4.50%, and divided by a fair market value of Nuvectra common stock determined by then current trading prices, and (ii) the exercise price of such increased shares will be equal to a fair market value of Nuvectra common stock on the date of funding, determined by then current trading prices. The Company has the obligation to issue additional warrants to Oxford Finance LLC upon the funding of each of the Term Loan B Commitment and the Term Loan C Commitment, as applicable, in substantially the same form as the Oxford Warrant with (i) the number of shares subject to such warrant being equal to the amount of the Term Loan made by such Lender multiplied by 4.50%, and divided by a fair market value of Nuvectra common stock determined by then current trading prices, and (ii) the exercise price of such warrant being equal to a fair market value of Nuvectra common stock on the date of issuance determined by then current trading prices.

 

The foregoing description of the Oxford Warrant and the Silicon Valley Warrant are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Oxford Warrant and the Silicon Valley Warrant, which are filed as Exhibit 4.1 and Exhibit 4.2 to this Current Report, respectively, and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Item 2.03

Creation of Financial Obligation.

 

The information regarding the Loan Agreement included in Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 3.02

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

The information regarding the Oxford Warrant and the Silicon Valley Warrant included in Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. The Company relied on exemptions from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D, Rule 506 thereunder, for the issuance of the Oxford Warrant and the Silicon Valley Warrant to the Lenders.

 

Item 5.01

Change of Control.

 

Immediately prior to the Spin-off, Nuvectra was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch. On March 14, 2016, Greatbatch completed the Spin-off by distributing 100% of Nuvectra’s issued and outstanding common stock to Greatbatch’s stockholders on the basis of one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock held of record as of the close of business on March 7, 2016, the record date for the distribution. Following completion of the Spin-off, Nuvectra became an independent, publicly traded company. Greatbatch retains no ownership interest in Nuvectra.

 

The descriptions of the Spin-off included under Item 1.01 of this Current Report and in the Information Statement are incorporated into this Item 5.01 by reference.

 

 
10

 

 

Item 5.02

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

 

Election of Directors

 

On March 14, 2016 prior to the Spin-off and in connection with the conversion of the Company into a Delaware corporation, each member of the Board of Managers of the Company resigned from all positions with the Company, and Greatbatch, as the sole stockholder of the Company, appointed eight directors to serve as the Nuvectra Board of Directors. The newly appointed directors of the Nuvectra are (i) Dr. Joseph Miller, Jr., who stepped down from the Greatbatch Board of Directors and is serving as Chairman of the Nuvectra Board, (ii) Scott F. Drees the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, (iii) Anthony P. Bihl III, who stepped down from the Greatbatch Board of Directors, (iv) Kenneth G. Hawari; (v) David D. Johnson, (vi) Dr. Fred B. Parks, PhD, (vii) Jon T. Tremmel, and (viii) Thomas E. Zelibor.

 

Biographical information for each of the directors (other than Scott Drees) can be found in the Information Statement under the section entitled “Management – Our Directors,” which biographical information of each director is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02. Biographical information for Scott Drees can be found in the Information Statement under the section entitled “Management – Our Executive Officers,” which biographical information of Scott Drees is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

The Nuvectra’s Board of Directors is constituted into three classes, as follows:

 

 

Class I : David Johnson, Jon Tremmel and Fred Parks serve in the first class of directors whose terms expire at the first annual meeting of Nuvectra stockholders following the Spin-off, which the Company expects to hold in 2017;

 

 

Class II : Kenneth Hawari, Thomas Zelibor and Anthony Bihl serve in the second class of directors whose terms expire at the second annual meeting of Nuvectra stockholders following the Spin-off, which the Company expects to hold in 2018; and

 

 

Class III : Joseph Miller and Scott Drees serve in the third class of directors whose terms expire at the third annual meeting of Nuvectra stockholders following the Spin-off, which the Company expects to hold in 2019.

 

Commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Spin-off, directors for each class will be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the year in which the term for that class expires and thereafter will serve for a term of three years.

 

Nuvectra’s Board of Directors has three standing committees: (i) the Audit Committee, (ii) the Compensation and Organization Committee and (iii) the Governance and Nomination Committee.

 

 

David Johnson, Kenneth Hawari and Anthony Bihl are members of the Audit Committee, with Mr. Johnson serving as Chair. The Board of Directors has determined that each member is independent under SEC rules and NASDAQ Listing Rules applicable to audit committee members, and that David Johnson qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of the rules of the SEC.

 

 

Anthony Bihl, Fred Parks, and Thomas Zelibor are members of the Compensation and Organization Committee, with Anthony Bihl serving as Chair. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members are independent under SEC rules and NASDAQ Listing Rules applicable to compensation committee members.

 

 

Kenneth Hawari, Jon Tremmel, and Thomas Zelibor are members of the Governance and Nomination Committee with Kenneth Hawari serving as Chair. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members are independent under NASDAQ Listing Rules.

 

The non-employee directors of Nuvectra will receive compensation for their service as members of the Board of Directors and as members of the committees of the Board of Directors on which they serve. Director compensation is in accordance with the plans and programs more fully described in the Information Statement under the heading “Executive Compensation - Director Compensation,” which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

 
11

 

 

There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the Nuvectra directors and any other person pursuant to which such individuals were selected as directors of Nuvectra. There are no transactions involving any of the Nuvectra directors that would be required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

Appointment of Certain Officers

 

Prior to the completion of the Spin-off, the following individuals were serving as executive officers of Nuvectra and continue to serve in such capacity as of and after the Spin-off:

 

Name

 

Position

Scott F. Drees

 

President, Chief Executive Officer

Walter Z.   Berger

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kathy J. Fahey

 

Executive Vice President of Quality, Regulatory, and Clinical Affairs

Thomas K. Hickman

 

Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing

 

Biographical information for Scott Drees and Walter Berger can be found in the Information Statement under the section entitled “Management – Our Officers,” which biographical information is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Kathy Jo Fahey , age 55, joined the Nuvectra organization as part of QiG Group in 2012 as Executive Vice President of Quality, Regulatory, and Clinical Affairs and is responsible for strategic direction, planning, and management of global quality, regulatory, and clinical affairs for Nuvectra. Ms. Fahey has more than 25 years of medical device experience in quality, regulatory, and clinical trial design for class I, II, and III medical devices, including numerous worldwide approvals. Prior to Nuvectra, she spent time at Respicardia as Sr. Director of Regulatory and Clinical Development and also more than ten years at Medtronic, where she held multiple leadership roles in the cardiac rhythm management, structural heart, and neurological businesses. She has a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.

 

Thomas K. Hickman , age 50, joined the Nuvectra organization as part of QiG Group in 2013 as Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing. Mr. Hickman has more than 20 years of medical device experience in all aspects of sales, marketing and product management. Prior to Nuvectra, he spent more than twelve years with Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS) and, later, St. Jude Medical (SJM) leading to his roles as VP of Product Management and VP of Marketing for Chronic Pain Therapies. During this time at ANS and SJM, he was responsible for the commercialization of multiple product lines and new product introductions. Prior to ANS, Mr. Hickman was a Regional Sales Manager for Genzyme Biosurgery and Territory Manager for Snowden-Pencer. Mr. Hickman has a B.Sc. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

 

Information regarding the compensation and employment arrangements of Scott Drees and Walter Berger is described in the Information Statement under the heading “Executive Compensation,” which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan and Award Agreements

 

Prior to, and in contemplation of, the Spin-off and before the conversion of the Company into a Delaware corporation, the Board of Managers of the Company and Greatbatch, as the sole member of the Company, adopted the Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Equity Plan ”). On March 14, 2016, the newly appointed Nuvectra Board of Directors ratified and confirmed the Equity Plan. The purpose of the Equity Plan is to promote the interests of Nuvectra and its stockholders by providing employees, non-employee directors, and non-employee consultants and service providers of the Company and its subsidiaries with appropriate incentives and rewards to encourage them to enter into or continue in service to the Company and its subsidiaries and to acquire a proprietary interest in the long-term success of the Company, while aligning the interests of those employees, non-employee directors, and non-employee consultants and service providers with the interests of the stockholders.

 

The persons who are eligible to receive incentive awards under the Equity Plan are employees, non-employee consultants, or service providers and non-employee directors of Nuvectra and its subsidiaries. In addition, at the time of the Spin-off any person who held an incentive award granted under a Greatbatch equity incentive award plan also received incentive awards under the Equity Plan in accordance with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement (the “ Spin-off Awards ”). The Compensation and Organization Committee administers the Equity Plan and sets out the terms and conditions of all incentive awards under the Equity Plan, including any vesting and vesting acceleration conditions. The Equity Plan provides for the grant of stock options, including incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or RSUs, SARs, and stock bonuses. Incentive awards granted under the Equity Plan may qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

 
12

 

 

The aggregate number of shares of Nuvectra common stock that may be issued pursuant to incentive awards under the Equity Plan is 1,128,410 shares (the “ Share Limit ”), plus an additional number of shares of Nuvectra common stock equal to the number of shares subject to all of the Spin-off Awards. The Share Limit will increase on the first day of each fiscal year for a period of nine years in an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the total number of shares Nuvectra stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year. Other than with respect to Spin-off Awards, shares underlying incentive awards that are forfeited, expire, cancelled or lapse become available for future grants. Shares that are (i) used to pay the exercise price of a stock option, (ii) delivered or withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations, (iii) covered by a stock-settled stock appreciation right (“S AR ”) that are not issued upon settlement of such SAR or (iv) not issued because cash is issued in lieu of shares will, in each case, not be available for future grants. When a stock settled SAR is exercised, the shares subject to a SAR grant agreement will be counted against the shares available for award as one share for every share subject thereto, regardless of the number of shares used to settle the stock appreciation right upon exercise. Shares issued under the Equity Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of an entity acquired in any form of business combination with Nuvectra will not be counted towards the Share Limit.

 

The Board of Directors may at any time, suspend or terminate the Equity Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever; provided, however, that stockholder approval is required if and to the extent required by Exchange Act Rule 16b-3 or by any comparable or successor exemption that the Board of Directors believes it is appropriate for the Equity Plan to qualify, or if and to the extent the Board determines that such approval is appropriate for purposes of satisfying Sections 162(m), 422 or 409A of the Internal Revenue Code or any applicable rule or listing standard of any stock exchange, automated quotation system or similar organization. The Equity Plan terminates on the tenth anniversary of its initial effective date, which is March 14, 2026.

 

The foregoing description of the Equity Plan is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Plan, which is filed as Exhibit 10.12 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

All incentive awards under the Equity Plan will be set forth in award agreements, which will detail all terms and conditions of the incentive awards, including any applicable vesting and payment terms and post-termination exercise limitations. On March 14, 2016, the Nuvectra Board of Directors approved and adopted the forms of award agreements for the grant under the Equity Plan of (i) non-qualified stock options for employees, (ii) restricted stock units for employees, (iii) non-qualified stock options for non-employee directors and (iv) restricted stock units for non-employee directors, which forms are attached to this Current Report as Exhibits 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, and 10.16, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification Agreements

 

On March 14, 2016, Nuvectra entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of its directors (the “ Director Indemnification Agreements ”) and certain of its officers (the “ Officer Indemnification Agreements ”), which contain provisions that may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law. Subject to certain exceptions, the Director Indemnification Agreements and the Officer Indemnification Agreements generally require Nuvectra, among other things, to indemnify the directors and those officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as director or officer of the Company, as the case may be. The Director Indemnification Agreements and the Officer Indemnification Agreements also generally require the Company to advance expenses as they are incurred by the directors and those officers as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.

 

The foregoing descriptions of the Director Indemnification Agreements and the Officer Indemnification Agreements are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the each, the forms of which are filed as Exhibit 10.17 and Exhibit 10.18, respectively, to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Item 5.05

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

 

In connection with the Spin-off, the Board of Directors of Nuvectra adopted a Code of Ethics and a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers. Nuvectra’s Code of Ethics and its Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers are available under the Investor Relations section of Nuvectra’s website at nuvectramed.com .

 

 
13

 

 

Item 8.01

Other Events.

 

Conversion, Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

On March 14, 2016, the Company, then a Delaware limited liability company named QiG Group, LLC, converted into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation, by filing a certificate of conversion (the “ Certificate of Conversion ”), and a certificate of incorporation (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. In connection with the conversion from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation, Nuvectra also adopted Bylaws (the “ Bylaws ”).

 

The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Company to issue two classes of capital stock designated as “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The total number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue is 120,000,000, of which 100,000,000 shares are Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 20,000,000 are Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share. Upon the effectiveness of the Certificate of Conversion and the Certificate of Incorporation, all limited liability interests in the Company outstanding were deemed to be 10,258,278 issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock. Immediately following the Spin-off, no shares of Preferred Stock were outstanding.

 

The Board of Directors, without the approval of the Company’s stockholders, has authority to issue shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of one or more series of Preferred Stock, any or all of which may be greater than those of the Common Stock.

 

The Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted on by the Company’s stockholders, including the election of directors, and, subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding series of Preferred Stock as provided in any resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, the holders of Common Stock possess all voting power. There are no cumulative voting rights. Except with respect to the election of directors, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, voting together as a single class. The election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast in respect of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, meaning that the nominees with the greatest number of votes received, even if less than a majority, will be elected.

 

Summaries of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and the Certificate of Conversion can be found in the Information Statement under the heading “Description of Nuvectra Capital Stock,” which summaries are incorporated by reference into this Item 8.01 as if restated in full. The foregoing descriptions of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and the Certificate of Conversion are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such documents, which are filed as Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3, respectively, to this Current Report and incorporated by reference into this Item 8.01.

 

Press Release Announcing Completion of the Spin-off

 

On March 14, 2016, the Company issued a press release announcing the completion of the Spin-off, a copy of which is included with this Current Report as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated by reference into this Item 8.01.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

   
(d)     Exhibits  
   
Exhibit No. Description
   
2.1 Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC*
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Nuvectra Corporation
3.2 Bylaws of Nuvectra Corporation
3.3 Certificate of Conversion of Nuvectra Corporation
4.1 Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, dated March 18, 2016, issued to Oxford Finance LLC
4.2 Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, dated March 18, 2016, issued to Silicon Valley Bank
10.1 Transition Services Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC*
10.2 Tax Matters Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC

 

 
14

 

 

10.3

Employee Matters Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC*

10.4

Supply Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC+

10.5

Product Component and Framework Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC

10.6

Restricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC*

10.7

Unrestricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC*

10.8

License Agreement, dated March 13, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.*

10.9

Agreement of Sublease, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC

10.10

Office Lease, dated December 2, 2015, by and between EOS Development 1 LLC and Greatbatch Ltd., as assigned by Greatbatch Ltd. to Nuvectra Corporation on March 14, 2016

10.11

Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 18, 2016, among Oxford Finance, LLC, Silicon Valley Bank, Nuvectra Corporation, Algostim, LLC, PelviStim LLC and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.

10.12

Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Nuvectra Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on March 14, 2016)†

10.13

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement - Employee†

10.14

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement - Employee†

10.15

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement – Non-Employee Director†

10.16

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement – Non-Employee Director†

10.17

Form of Director Indemnification Agreement†

10.18

Form of Officer Indemnification Agreement†

99.1

Information Statement of Nuvectra Corporation, dated March 2, 2016

99.2

Press Release dated March 14, 2016

 

 

*

Nuvectra Corporation hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to such agreement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

+

Confidential treatment is requested for certain portions of this Exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which portions are omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Management contract or compensatory plan arrangement

   

 
15

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

   

Date: March 18, 2016

/s/ Walter Z. Berger

 

Walter Z. Berger,

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 
16

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.   Description
   

2.1

Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC*

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of Nuvectra Corporation

3.2

Bylaws of Nuvectra Corporation

3.3

Certificate of Conversion of Nuvectra Corporation

4.1

Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, dated March 18, 2016, issued to Oxford Finance LLC

4.2

Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, dated March 18, 2016, issued to Silicon Valley Bank

10.1

Transition Services Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC*

10.2

Tax Matters Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC

10.3

Employee Matters Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc. and QiG Group, LLC*

10.4

Supply Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC+

10.5

Product Component and Framework Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC

10.6

Restricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC*

10.7

Unrestricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC*

10.8

License Agreement, dated March 13, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.*

10.9

Agreement of Sublease, dated March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch Ltd. and QiG Group, LLC

10.10

Office Lease, dated December 2, 2015, by and between EOS Development 1 LLC and Greatbatch Ltd., as assigned by Greatbatch Ltd. to Nuvectra Corporation on March 14, 2016

10.11

Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 18, 2016, among Oxford Finance, LLC, Silicon Valley Bank, Nuvectra Corporation, Algostim, LLC, PelviStim LLC and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.

10.12

Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Nuvectra Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on March 14, 2016) †

10.13

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement - Employee†

10.14

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement - Employee†

10.15

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement – Non-Employee Director†

10.16

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement – Non-Employee Director†

10.17

Form of Director Indemnification Agreemen†

10.18

Form of Officer Indemnification Agreement†

99.1

Information Statement of Nuvectra Corporation, dated March 2, 2016

99.2

Press Release dated March 14, 2016

 

 

*

Nuvectra Corporation hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to such agreement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

+

Confidential treatment is requested for certain portions of this Exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which portions are omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Management contract or compensatory plan arrangement

 

 

17

Exhibit 2.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

between

 

GREATBATCH, INC.

 

and

 

QIG GROUP, LLC

(to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation)

 

 

 

 

 

dated as of March 14, 2016

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page(s)

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

2

Section 1.1

Definitions

2

Section 1.2

Interpretation

11

     

ARTICLE II SEPARATION AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

13

Section 2.1

The Separation

13

Section 2.2

Charter and Bylaws

13

Section 2.3

Instruments of Transfer and Assumption

13

Section 2.4

No Representations or Warranties

14

Section 2.5

Agreements

14

Section 2.6

Transfers Not Effected Prior to the Distribution Time

15

     

ARTICLE III MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION

16

Section 3.1

Release of Pre-Distribution Claims

16

Section 3.2

Termination of Intercompany Agreements

18

Section 3.3

Indemnification by Nuvectra

18

Section 3.4

Indemnification by Greatbatch

19

Section 3.5

Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds

20

Section 3.6

Indemnification Obligations Net of Taxes

21

Section 3.7

Procedures for Indemnification of Third Party Claims

21

Section 3.8

Additional Matters

24

Section 3.9

Contribution

25

Section 3.10

Remedies Cumulative

25

Section 3.11

Survival of Indemnities

25

Section 3.12

Limitation of Liability

26

Section 3.13

Spin-off Agreements

26

     

ARTICLE IV THE DISTRIBUTION

26

Section 4.1

Delivery to Distribution Agent

26

Section 4.2

Mechanics of the Distribution

26

Section 4.3

Conditions Precedent to Consummation of the Separation and the Distribution

27

     

ARTICLE V ARBITRATION; DISPUTE RESOLUTION

29

Section 5.1

General

29

Section 5.2

Negotiation

29

Section 5.3

Demand for Arbitration

30

Section 5.4

Arbitrators

30

Section 5.5

Hearings

31

Section 5.6

Discovery and Certain Other Matters

31

Section 5.7

Certain Additional Matters

32

Section 5.8

Continuity of Service and Performance

33

Section 5.9

Law Governing Arbitration Procedures

33

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI COVENANTS AND OTHER MATTERS

33

Section 6.1

Other Agreements

33

Section 6.2

Further Instruments

33

Section 6.3

Provision of Books and Records

34

Section 6.4

Agreement For Exchange of Information

35

Section 6.5

Preservation of Legal Privileges; Attorney Representation

37

Section 6.6

Payment of Expenses

39

Section 6.7

[Reserved.]

39

Section 6.8

Confidentiality

39

Section 6.9

Insurance

40

     

ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS

43

Section 7.1

Authority

43

Section 7.2

Termination

43

Section 7.3

Entire Agreement

43

Section 7.4

Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment

43

Section 7.5

Amendment

43

Section 7.6

Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative

43

Section 7.7

Notices

44

Section 7.8

Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures

44

Section 7.9

Severability

44

Section 7.10

Governing Law

44

Section 7.11

Specific Performance

44

Section 7.12

Construction

45

Section 7.13

Performance

45

Section 7.14

Limited Liability

45

Section 7.15

Exclusivity of Tax Matters

45

 

 
ii 

 

 

SCHEDULES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule

Description

   

I

Internal Transactions

II

Nuvectra Employees

1.1(d)

Nuvectra Intellectual Property

1.1(e)

Nuvectra Marks

2.2(a)

Form of Certificate of Incorporation of Nuvectra

2.2(b)

Form of Bylaws of Nuvectra

3.2

Surviving Agreements

3.7(j)(i)

Nuvectra Controlled Proceedings

3.7(j)(ii)

Joint Controlled Proceedings

 

 
iii 

 

 

SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

This SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT is entered into as of March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Greatbatch”), and QiG Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“QiG”), which in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby will be converted into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Nuvectra”). Greatbatch and Nuvectra are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party,” and collectively as the “Parties.” References to Nuvectra are deemed to include, for all periods prior to the Nuvectra Conversion (defined below), QiG. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Article I hereof.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , Nuvectra is a direct Subsidiary of GB Ltd. and an indirect Subsidiary of Greatbatch;

 

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of Greatbatch has determined that it would be appropriate and in the best interests of Greatbatch and its stockholders to separate the Nuvectra Business from the Greatbatch Business;

 

WHEREAS , it is the intention of the Parties that following the Separation and prior to the Distribution, QiG will be converted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation in accordance with the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “Nuvectra Conversion”);

 

WHEREAS , in furtherance thereof, the Board of Directors of Greatbatch has determined that, following the Separation, it would be appropriate and in the best interests of Greatbatch and its stockholders for Greatbatch to distribute (the “Distribution”) on a pro rata basis to the holders of outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Greatbatch (“Greatbatch Common Stock”) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Nuvectra (“Nuvectra Common Stock”) owned by Greatbatch as of the Distribution Date immediately prior to the Distribution Time;

 

WHEREAS , for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Separation and Distribution together are intended to qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and

 

WHEREAS , the Parties intend in this Agreement, including the Schedules hereto, to set forth the principal arrangements between them regarding the Separation and the Distribution.

 

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

 
 

 

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1      Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1:

 

“AAA” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

 

“AAA Rules” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the specified Person. For this purpose “control” of a Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and includes all Schedules attached hereto or delivered pursuant hereto.

 

“Ancillary Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.

 

“Arbitration Act” means the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq .

 

“Arbitration Demand Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

 

“Assets” means all rights, properties or assets, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, of any kind, nature and description, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, and wheresoever situated and whether or not carried or reflected, or required to be carried or reflected, on the books of any Person.

 

“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions located in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by applicable Law or executive order to close.

 

“Code” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.8(a).

 

“Consent” means any consents, waivers or approvals from, or notification requirements to, any third parties, including any notices or reports to be submitted to, filings to be made with, or consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, any Governmental Authority.

 

“Contract” means any written, oral, implied or other contract, agreement, covenant, lease, license, guaranty, indemnity, representation, warranty, assignment, sales order, purchase order, power of attorney, instrument or other commitment, assurance, undertaking or arrangement that is binding on any Person or entity or any part of its property under applicable Law.

 

 
2

 

 

“Covered Matter” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.9(k).

 

“D&O Policy” means the directors and officers insurance policy or policies (including any agreements related to such policies) of the Greatbatch Group existing and in effect as of the Distribution Date.

 

“Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

“Distribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Distribution Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

 

“Distribution Date” means the date on which the Distribution occurs, such date to be determined by, or under the authority of, the Board of Directors of Greatbatch in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

“Distribution Multiple” means the number determined by the Greatbatch Board of Directors in its sole discretion at the time of its approval of the Distribution as the number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock to be distributed in respect of each share of Greatbatch Common Stock, which number will be multiplied by the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date to determine the number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock to be issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Time.

 

“Distribution Time” means the time at which the Distribution is effective on the Distribution Date.

 

“Employee Matters Agreement” means the Employee Matters Agreement, dated the date hereof, by and between Greatbatch and Nuvectra.

 

“Escalation Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

“GB Ltd.” means Greatbatch Ltd., a New York corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Greatbatch and the parent corporation of QiG.

 

“Good Faith Judgment” shall mean (a) the good faith judgment of the General Counsel of Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, in office immediately after the Distribution Time, or (b) the good faith judgment of a successor General Counsel of Greatbatch or Nuvectra in office after the Distribution Time, as the case may be, or (c) the good faith judgment of the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of either Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as applicable, following his consultation with outside counsel or other advisors..

 

“Greatbatch” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Greatbatch Assets” means all Assets of Greatbatch, Nuvectra, and their respective Subsidiaries, excluding the Nuvectra Assets.

 

 
3

 

 

“Greatbatch Books and Records” means the corporate books and records (whether in hard copy or electronic format and including all minute books, corporate charters and bylaws or comparable constitutive documents, records of share issuances and related corporate records) of the Greatbatch Group and such other books and records, including operating, accounting, engineering, corporate department and any other written record, whether in hard copy or electronic format, to the extent they relate to the Greatbatch Business, the Greatbatch Assets, or the Greatbatch Liabilities, excluding the Nuvectra Books and Records. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Greatbatch Books and Records” shall not include any Tax Returns or other information, documents or materials relating to Taxes. For the avoidance of doubt, no Information meeting the definition of “Greatbatch Books and Records” shall be deemed not to be Greatbatch Books and Records because it is provided (or made available) by any member of the Greatbatch Group to any member of the Nuvectra Group after the Distribution Time in connection with the provision of services pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, or because it is generated, maintained or held by any member of the Nuvectra Group in connection with the provision of services pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement after the Distribution Time. Furthermore, Nuvectra and Greatbatch each acknowledge and agree that the Greatbatch Books and Records described in the immediately preceding sentence shall belong solely to Greatbatch and shall not, as between the Parties, be considered Privileged Information of Nuvectra.

 

“Greatbatch Business” means the business and operations conducted by the Greatbatch Group other than the Nuvectra Business.

 

“Greatbatch Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Greatbatch Group” means Greatbatch and the Subsidiaries of Greatbatch, other than the Nuvectra Group.

 

“Greatbatch Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

 

“Greatbatch Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property rights, including the Greatbatch Marks, patents, copyrights, design rights, rights in know-how, trade secrets and other rights of a similar nature subsisting anywhere in the world, in each case whether registered or unregistered, and including all applications for the registration of the same, owned or used by any member of the Greatbatch Group or the Nuvectra Group on or prior to the Distribution Date, excluding the Nuvectra Intellectual Property.

 

“Greatbatch Liabilities” means all Liabilities of Greatbatch and its Subsidiaries, whether arising prior to, on or after the Distribution Date, other than the Nuvectra Liabilities.

 

“Greatbatch Marks” means trade names, registered and unregistered trademarks, service marks, domain names and e-mail addresses used on or in connection with the Greatbatch Business or the Nuvectra Business, including any such names, marks, domain names and e-mail addresses that incorporate the terms “Greatbatch” or any related trademarks or trade names, or any translations or derivatives thereof, or any terms of a confusingly similar nature, and all goodwill embodied in the foregoing, excluding the Nuvectra Marks.

 

 
4

 

 

“Governmental Authority” shall mean any U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. court, government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, official or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

 

“Group” means either the Greatbatch Group or the Nuvectra Group.

 

“Indebtedness” of any specified Person means (a) all obligations of such specified Person for borrowed money or arising out of any extension of credit to or for the account of such specified Person (including reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to surety bonds, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and similar instruments), (b) all obligations of such specified Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such specified Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such specified Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to Assets purchased by such specified Person, (e) all obligations of such specified Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, (f) all Liabilities secured by (or for which any Person to which any such liability is owed has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any mortgage, lien, pledge or other encumbrance on property owned or acquired by such specified Person (or upon any revenues, income or profits of such specified Person therefrom), whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed by the specified Person or otherwise become Liabilities of the specified Person, (g) all capital lease obligations of such specified Person, (h) all securities or other similar instruments convertible or exchangeable into any of the foregoing, but excluding daily cash overdrafts associated with routine cash operations, and (i) any liability of others of a type described in any of the preceding clauses (a) through (h) in respect of which the specified Person has incurred, assumed or acquired a liability by means of a guaranty, excluding any obligations related to Taxes.

 

“Indemnifiable Loss” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).

 

“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).

 

“Indemnitee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).

 

“Indemnity Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).

 

“Information” means information, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, stored in any medium, including studies, reports, records, books, contracts, instruments, surveys, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, data, computer data, disks, diskettes, tapes, computer programs or other software, marketing plans, customer names, communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memos and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), and other technical, financial, employee or business information or data.

 

“Information Statement” means the information statement and any related documentation to be provided to holders of Greatbatch Common Stock in connection with the Distribution, including any amendments or supplements thereto.

 

 
5

 

 

“Insurance Policies” means any insurance policies (including any agreements related to such policies) together with all rights, benefits and privileges thereunder; provided, however, that any D&O Policies shall not constitute Insurance Policies.

 

“Insurance Proceeds” means those monies:

 

(a)     received by an insured Person from any insurer, insurance underwriter, mutual protection and indemnity club or other risk collective; or

 

(b)     paid on behalf of an insured Person by any insurer, insurance underwriter, mutual protection and indemnity club or other risk collective on behalf of the insured; in any such case net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof.

 

“Intercompany Agreement” means any Contract between any member of the Nuvectra Group, on the one hand, and any member of the Greatbatch Group, on the other hand, entered into prior to the Distribution Time, excluding any Contract to which a Person other than Greatbatch, Nuvectra or a member of the Greatbatch Group or Nuvectra Group is a party.

 

“Internal Transactions” means the transactions set forth in Schedule I .

 

“Law” means any law, statute, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order, writ, proclamation, judgment, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority.

 

“Liabilities” means any and all Indebtedness, liabilities and obligations (other than Taxes), whether accrued, fixed or contingent, mature or inchoate, known or unknown, reflected on a balance sheet or otherwise, including those arising under any Law, Proceeding or any judgment of any court of any kind or any award of any arbitrator of any kind, and those arising under any Contract.

 

“License Agreements” means (i) that certain restricted license agreement dated as of the date hereof between GB Ltd. and Nuvectra, (ii) that certain unrestricted license agreement dated as of the date hereof between GB Ltd. and Nuvectra and (iii) that certain license agreement dated as of the date hereof between GB Ltd. and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.

 

“Losses” shall mean any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, Liabilities, obligations, penalties, judgments, settlements, claims, payments, interest costs, fines and expenses incurred in the investigation or defense thereof or the enforcement of rights hereunder, other than Taxes, including the costs and expenses of any and all Proceedings, and settlements and compromises relating thereto, and attorneys’, accountants’, consultants’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses.

 

“Nuvectra” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

 
6

 

 

“Nuvectra Assets” means only the following Assets of Greatbatch, Nuvectra and their respective Groups:

 

(i)     all of the outstanding classes of capital stock or other equity interests of the members of the Nuvectra Group that are owned beneficially or of record by Nuvectra or any member of the Nuvectra Group as of the Distribution Time;

 

(ii)     all Assets reflected on the Nuvectra Pro Forma Balance Sheet or any subledger thereto that are owned by Greatbatch, Nuvectra or any other member of their respective Groups as of the Distribution Time;

 

(iii)     all Assets expressly contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed or delivered to Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group pursuant to the Ancillary Agreements;

 

(iv)     all Assets owned by Greatbatch, Nuvectra or any member of their respective Groups as of the Distribution Time that were acquired or created after the date of the Nuvectra Pro Forma Balance Sheet and that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in them being reflected on a pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of Nuvectra and its Subsidiaries and the notes or subledgers thereto as of the Distribution Time (were the balance sheet, notes and subledgers to be prepared as of that time) on a basis consistent with the determination of the Assets reflected on the Nuvectra Pro Forma Balance Sheet or any subledger thereto, including Assets allocated to Nuvectra in accordance with the definition of “Separation” herein; and

 

(v)     the Nuvectra Intellectual Property.

 

“Nuvectra Books and Records” means the corporate books and records (whether in hard copy or electronic format and including all minute books, corporate charters and bylaws or comparable constitutive documents, records of share issuances and related corporate records) of or any member of the Nuvectra Group and such other books and records, whether in hard copy or electronic format, to the extent they exclusively relate to the Nuvectra Business, the Nuvectra Assets or the Nuvectra Liabilities, including, without limitation, all such books and records exclusively relating to Persons who are employees of any member of the Nuvectra Group as of the Distribution Time, the purchase of materials, supplies and services, dealings with customers of the Nuvectra Business, and all files relating to any Proceeding the liability with respect to which is a Nuvectra Liability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Nuvectra Books and Records” shall not include any Tax Returns or other information, documents or materials relating to Taxes. For the avoidance of doubt, no Information meeting the definition of “Nuvectra Books and Records” shall be deemed not to be Nuvectra Books and Records because it is provided (or made available) by any member of the Nuvectra Group to any member of the Greatbatch Group after the Distribution Date in connection with the provision of services by any member of the Greatbatch Group pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, or because it is generated, maintained or held in connection with the provision of services by any member of the Greatbatch Group pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement after the Distribution Date. Furthermore, Nuvectra and Greatbatch each acknowledge and agree that the Nuvectra Books and Records described in the immediately preceding sentence shall belong solely to Nuvectra and shall not, as between the Parties, be considered Privileged Information of Greatbatch.

 

 
7

 

 

“Nuvectra Business” means the business and operations conducted by the Nuvectra Group as of the Distribution Date, as such business and operations are described in the Information Statement.

 

“Nuvectra Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Nuvectra Conversion” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Nuvectra Group” means Nuvectra and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Nuvectra immediately prior to the Distribution Time.

 

“Nuvectra Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

 

“Nuvectra Intellectual Property” means the Nuvectra Marks and the patents, copyrights, design rights, rights in know-how, trade secrets and other rights of a similar nature, including all applications for the registration of the same set forth on Schedule 1.1(d) .

 

“Nuvectra Liabilities” shall mean (without duplication):

 

(i)     all Liabilities reflected on the Nuvectra Pro Forma Balance Sheet or any subledger thereto that remain outstanding as of the Distribution Time;

 

(ii)     all other Liabilities that are incurred or accrued by Greatbatch, Nuvectra or any of their respective Subsidiaries after the date of the Nuvectra Pro Forma Balance Sheet and that remain outstanding as of the Distribution Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in the Liabilities being reflected on a pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of Nuvectra and its Subsidiaries and the notes or subledgers thereto as of the Distribution Time (were the balance sheet, notes or subledgers to be prepared as of that time) on a basis consistent with the determination of the Liabilities reflected on the Nuvectra Pro Forma Balance Sheet or any subledger thereto;

 

(iii)     all Liabilities delegated or allocated to, or assumed by, Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any Surviving Agreement; and

 

(iv)     except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or one or more Ancillary Agreements, all Liabilities arising out of the Nuvectra Assets or the operation of the Nuvectra Business (including all Liabilities arising out of the use by any member of the Nuvectra Group of any of the Greatbatch Intellectual Property), whether prior to, on or after the Distribution Date and whether or not such Liabilities arise out of, result from or relate to any service or function used by Nuvectra at facilities or locations shared with any member of the Greatbatch Group or any service or function performed by any member of the Greatbatch Group for (but not exclusively for) Nuvectra.

 

 
8

 

 

For the avoidance of doubt: (A) Liabilities that are Nuvectra Liabilities pursuant to the definition set forth in clause (iv) of the immediately preceding sentence shall not be excluded from the definition of Nuvectra Liabilities simply because such Nuvectra Liabilities are attributable to, relate to, arose out of or resulted from operations or Assets no longer owned by Greatbatch, any other member of the Greatbatch Group or Nuvectra as of the Distribution Time (e.g., previously sold, disposed or lost operations or Assets); (B) the designation in this Agreement of any Liability as a Nuvectra Liability shall be binding on the Nuvectra Group, notwithstanding that such Liability may arise out of, directly or indirectly, the negligence, gross negligence, strict liability or other legal fault of any one or more members of the Greatbatch Group; and (C) except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, the designation in this Agreement of Liabilities as Nuvectra Liabilities or Greatbatch Liabilities is only for purposes of allocating responsibility for such Liabilities as between the Parties and their respective Groups and shall not affect any obligations to, or give rise to any rights of, any third parties.

 

“Nuvectra Marks” means trade names, trademarks, service marks, domain names and e-mail addresses used in connection with the Nuvectra Business that are listed on Schedule 1.1( e ) , and all goodwill embodied in the foregoing.

 

“Nuvectra Pro Forma Balance Sheet” means the unaudited condensed combined pro forma balance sheet of Nuvectra and its Subsidiaries as of January 1, 2016 included in the Information Statement.

 

“NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

 

“Party” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, a union, an unincorporated organization or a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

“Prior Transfer” means (i) a transfer prior to the date of this Agreement of any Nuvectra Asset from Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group to Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group, (ii) an assumption prior to the date of this Agreement by Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group of any of the Nuvectra Liabilities from Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group, (iii) a transfer prior to the date of this Agreement of any Greatbatch Asset from Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group to Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group, or (iv) an assumption prior to the date of this Agreement by Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group of any of the Greatbatch Liabilities from Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

“Privilege” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).

 

“Privileged Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).

 

“Proceedings” means any claim, demand, action, suit, litigation, dispute, audit, inquiry, order, writ, injunction, judgment, assessment, decree, grievance, arbitral action, investigation or other proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority.

 

“Record Date” means the close of business on the date to be determined by the Board of Directors of Greatbatch as the record date for determining stockholders of Greatbatch entitled to receive shares of Nuvectra Common Stock on the Distribution Date pursuant to Section 4.2.

 

 
9

 

 

“Record Holders” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

 

“Registration Statement” means the registration statement on Form 10 of Nuvectra with respect to the registration under the Exchange Act of the Nuvectra Common Stock, including any amendments or supplements thereto.

 

“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Separation” means:

 

(i)     the transfer to Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group of all rights, titles and interests of Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group in any Nuvectra Assets that are held by Greatbatch or any member of the Greatbatch Group;

 

(ii)     the assumption by Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group of any Nuvectra Liabilities that were incurred by, or as to which there exists any obligation of Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group;

 

(iii)     the transfer to Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group of all rights, titles and interests of Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group in any Greatbatch Assets that are held by Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group;

 

(iv)     the assumption by Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group of any Greatbatch Liabilities that were incurred by, or as to which there exists any obligation of Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group; and

 

(v)     the issuance by Nuvectra to GB Ltd., for subsequent distribution to Greatbatch, of a number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock, such that the number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately before the Distribution Time will equal the product of (A) the Distribution Multiple and (B) the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.

 

“Shared Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.

 

“Spin-off Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which at least a majority of the securities or interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such specified Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such specified Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

 

“Supply Agreements” means the Supply Agreement and the Product Component Framework Agreement, each dated as of the date hereof, by and between GB Ltd. and Nuvectra.

 

 
10

 

 

“Surviving Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.

 

“Taxes” has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

 

“Tax Returns” has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

 

“Tax Matters Agreement” means the Tax Matters Agreement, dated the date hereof, by and between Greatbatch and Nuvectra.

 

“Third Party Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(a).

 

“Transition Services Agreement” means the Transition Services Agreement, dated the date hereof, between Greatbatch, as service provider, and Nuvectra, as service receiver.

 

Section 1.2      Interpretation . In this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

 

(a)     words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural include the singular;

 

(b)     if a word or phrase is defined in this Agreement, its other grammatical forms, as used in this Agreement, shall have a corresponding meaning;

 

(c)     reference to any gender includes the other gender and the neuter;

 

(d)     the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

 

(e)     the words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably and have the same meaning;

 

(f)     the word “or” shall have the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or”;

 

(g)     relative to the determination of any period of time, “from” means “from and including,” “to” means “to but excluding” and “through” means “through and including”;

 

(h)     all references to a specific time of day in this Agreement shall be based upon Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Savings Time, as applicable, on the date question;

 

(i)     whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified;

 

(j)     accounting terms used herein shall have the meanings historically ascribed to them by Greatbatch and its Subsidiaries, including Nuvectra and its Subsidiaries, in its and their internal accounting and financial policies and procedures in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement;

 

 
11

 

 

(k)     reference to any Article, Section or Schedule means such Article or Section of, or such Schedule to, this Agreement, as the case may be, and references in any Section or definition to any clause means such clause of such Section or definition;

 

(l)     the words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “hereto” and words of similar import shall be deemed references to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other provision of this Agreement;

 

(m)     the term “commercially reasonable efforts” means efforts which are commercially reasonable to enable a Party, directly or indirectly, to satisfy a condition to or otherwise assist in the consummation of a desired result and which do not require the performing Party to expend funds or assume Liabilities other than expenditures and Liabilities which are customary and reasonable in nature and amount in the context of a series of related transactions similar to the Separation;

 

(n)     reference to any agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and by this Agreement;

 

(o)     reference to any Law (including statutes and ordinances) means such Law (including any and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect at the time of determining compliance or applicability;

 

(p)     references to any Person include such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement; a reference to such Person’s “Affiliates” shall be deemed to mean such Person’s Affiliates following the Distribution and any reference to a third party shall be deemed to mean a Person who is not a Party or an Affiliate of a Party;

 

(q)     if there is any conflict between the provisions of the main body of this Agreement and the Schedules hereto, the provisions of the main body of this Agreement shall control unless explicitly stated otherwise in such Schedule;

 

(r)     if there is any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, the provisions of such Ancillary Agreement shall control (but only with respect to the subject matter thereof and that Ancillary Agreement) unless explicitly stated otherwise therein;

 

(s)     the titles to Articles and headings of Sections contained in this Agreement, in any Schedule and in the table of contents to this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; and

 

(t)     any portion of this Agreement obligating a Party to take any action or refrain from taking any action, as the case may be, shall mean that such Party shall also be obligated to cause its relevant Subsidiaries to take such action or refrain from taking such action, as the case may be.

 

 
12

 

 

ARTICLE II 

SEPARATION AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

Section 2.1      The Separation . Each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra will use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, any actions, including the transfer of Assets , the assumption of Liabilities, and the Internal Transactions, necessary to effect the Separation on or prior to the Distribution Date. As of and after the Distribution Time, the Nuvectra Group will, as between the Nuvectra Group and the Greatbatch Group, be responsible for all Nuvectra Liabilities, regardless of when or where such Nuvectra Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the date hereof, regardless of where or against whom such Nuvectra Liabilities are asserted or determined or whether asserted or determined prior to, at or after the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of statute or Law, fraud or misrepresentation, breach of contract or other theory, by any member of the Greatbatch Group or the Nuvectra Group or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates. As of and after the Distribution Time , Greatbatch and the Greatbatch Group will, as between the Greatbatch Group and the Nuvectra Group, be responsible for all Greatbatch Liabilities, regardless of when or where such Greatbatch Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the date hereof, regardless of where or against whom such Greatbatch Liabilities are asserted or determined or whether asserted or determined prior to, at or after the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of statute or Law, fraud or misrepresentation, breach of contract or other theory, by any member of the Greatbatch Group or the Nuvectra Group or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates. Each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra agrees on behalf of itself and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates as of the Distribution Time that the provisions of the Tax Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern the allocation of Tax Items (as defined in the Tax Matters Agreement).

 

Section 2.2      Charter and Bylaws . At the Distribution Time, the Certificate of Incorporation and the By -laws of Nuvectra shall be substantially in the forms of Schedule 2.2(a) and Schedule 2.2(b) , respectively.

 

Section 2.3      Instruments of Transfer and Assumption . Greatbatch and Nuvectra agree that (i) transfers of Assets required to be transferred by this Agreement shall be effected by delivery by the transferring entity to the transferee of such good and sufficient instruments of contribution, conveyance, assignment and transfer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Greatbatch and Nuvectra, as shall be necessary, in each case, to vest in the designated transferee all of the title and ownership interest of the transferor in and to any such Asset, and (ii) to the extent necessary, the assumption of the Liabilities contemplated pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be effected by delivery by the transferee to the transferor of such good and sufficient instruments of assumption, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Greatbatch and Nuvectra, as shall be necessary for the assumption by the transferee of such Liabilities. Greatbatch and Nuvectra agree that, to the extent that the documents described in clause (i) and clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence have not previously been delivered in connection with any Prior Transfers, the documents relating to such Prior Transfers shall be delivered by the appropriate Party or Subsidiary thereof. Each Party also agrees to deliver to the other Party such other documents, instruments and writings as may be reasonably requested by the other Party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or by Prior Transfers .

 

 
13

 

 

Section 2.4      No Representations or Warranties . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or in an Ancillary Agreement, Nuvectra and Greatbatch understand and agree that (a) no member of the Greatbatch Group is making any representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever, express or implied, to Nuvectra or any member of the Nuvectra Group in any way as to the Nuvectra Business, the Nuvectra Assets, the Nuvectra Liabilities or the Nuvectra Intellectual Property and (b) no member of the Nuvectra Group is making any representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever, express or implied, to Greatbatch or any member of the Greatbatch Group in any way as to the Greatbatch Business, the Greatbatch Assets, the Greatbatch Liabilities or the Greatbatch Intellectual Property. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING (X) THE TRANSFERS, LICENSES AND ASSUMPTIONS REFERRED TO IN THIS ARTICLE II (INCLUDING PRIOR TRANSFERS) HAVE BEEN, OR WILL BE, MADE WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AT COMMON LAW, BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE, RELATING TO (A) THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ENCUMBRANCE OF, ANY ASSETS, (B) THE CONDITION OR SUFFICIENCY OF ANY ASSETS (INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MARKETABILITY, TITLE, VALUE, FREEDOM FROM ENCUMBRANCE OR OF CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN OR ON, OR DISPOSED OR DISCHARGED FROM, SUCH ASSETS), (C) THE NON-INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PATENT OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT OF ANY THIRD PARTY, (D) ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING ANY ASSETS OR (E) AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSETS, AND (Y) THE INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER OR ASSUMPTION REFERRED TO IN THIS ARTICLE II SHALL NOT INCLUDE ANY REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OTHER THAN AS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED HEREIN. GREATBATCH AND NUVECTRA HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT ALL ASSETS TRANSFERRED OR LICENSED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE II AND ALL ASSETS INCLUDED IN PRIOR TRANSFERS ARE BEING OR WERE TRANSFERRED “AS IS, WHERE IS.” To the extent that the instruments of transfer and assumption with respect to any Prior Transfers are inconsistent with this Section 2.4, Nuvectra and the Greatbatch Group agree that the inconsistent provisions of such instruments are hereby amended and superseded by the provisions of this Section 2.4 . To the extent reasonably requested by a member of the Greatbatch Group or Nuvectra, each Party will, or will cause its Subsidiaries to, execute any documents necessary to evidence such amendment.

 

Section 2.5      Agreements . Prior to the Distribution Time, Greatbatch and Nuvectra shall execute and deliver (or shall cause their appropriate Subsidiaries to execute and deliver, as applicable) the agreements between them designated as follows:

 

(i)     the Transition Services Agreement;

 

(ii)     the Employee Matters Agreement;

 

 
14

 

 

(iii)     the Tax Matters Agreement;

 

(iv)     the License Agreements (collectively, items (i) through (iv) of this Section 2.5, the “Spin-off Agreements”);

 

(v)     the Supply Agreements; and

 

(vi)     such other written agreements, documents or instruments as the Parties may agree are necessary or desirable and which are delivered in connection with this Agreement (collectively, items (i) through (vi) of this Section 2.5, the “Ancillary Agreements”).

 

Section 2.6      Transfers Not Effected Prior to the Distribution Time .

 

(a)     To the extent that any transfers contemplated by this Article II shall not have been consummated as of the Distribution Time, the Parties shall cooperate to effect such transfers as promptly following the Distribution Time as shall be practicable. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the transfer of any Assets or the assumption of any Liabilities that by their terms or operation of Law cannot be transferred or assumed; provided, however, that the Nuvectra Group and the Greatbatch Group shall cooperate and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any necessary Consents for the transfer of all Assets and the assumption of all Liabilities contemplated to be transferred or assumed pursuant to this Article II and shall, even in the absence of necessary Consents, transfer the equitable ownership of Assets when such a transfer is permitted. In the event that any such transfer of Assets or assumption of Liabilities has not been consummated effective as of the Distribution Time (or such earlier time as any such Asset may have been acquired or Liability assumed), the Party retaining such Asset or Liability shall thereafter hold such Asset in trust for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto (at the expense of the Party entitled thereto) and retain such Liability for the account of the Party by whom such Liability is to be assumed pursuant hereto, and take such other action as may be reasonably requested by the Party to which such Asset is to be transferred, or by whom such Liability is to be assumed, as the case may be, in order to place such Party, insofar as reasonably possible, in the same position as would have existed had such Asset or Liability been transferred or assumed as contemplated hereby. As and when any such Asset becomes transferable or such Liability can be assumed, such transfer or assumption shall be effected forthwith. Subject to the foregoing, the Parties agree that, as of the Distribution Time (or such earlier time as any such Asset may have been acquired or Liability assumed), each Party shall be deemed to have acquired complete and sole beneficial ownership over all of the Assets, together with all rights, powers and privileges incident thereto, and shall be deemed to have assumed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement all of the Liabilities, and all duties, obligations and responsibilities incident thereto, which such Party is entitled to acquire or required to assume pursuant to the terms of this Agreement .

 

(b)     Beginning one year after the Distribution Date, if any Asset remains subject to an arrangement described in Section 2.6(a), the beneficial owner may (i) direct the Party acting as trustee to transfer the Asset to the beneficial owner, at the sole risk of such beneficial owner (who will thereafter indemnify the trustee/transferor from all Losses and Liabilities arising as a result of such transfer), (ii) direct the Party acting as trustee to sell or liquidate the subject Asset for the account of, and at the sole risk and expense of, such beneficial owner, who shall be entitled to receive all of the net proceeds of such sale or liquidation or (iii) continue the arrangement described in Section 2.6(a) .

 

 
15

 

 

ARTICLE III

MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 3.1      Release of Pre-Distribution Claims .

 

(a)     Except as provided in Section 3.1(c), effective as of the Distribution Time, Nuvectra does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Nuvectra Group, their respective, successors and assigns, and all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time have been stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Nuvectra Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge Greatbatch, each member of the Greatbatch Group and their respective Affiliates, successors and assigns, and all stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Greatbatch Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all Liabilities whatsoever to Nuvectra and each member of the Nuvectra Group, whether at law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether arising under any Contract, by operation of Law or otherwise, existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to have existed at or before the Distribution Time, including in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement any Prior Transfers, the Separation and the Distribution .

 

(b)     Except as provided in Section 3.1(c), effective as of the Distribution Time, Greatbatch does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Greatbatch Group, their respective, successors and assigns, and all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time have been stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Greatbatch Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge Nuvectra, each member of the Nuvectra Group and their respective Affiliates , successors and assigns, and all stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Nuvectra Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all Liabilities whatsoever to Greatbatch and each other member of the Greatbatch Group, whether at law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether arising under any Contract, by operation of Law or otherwise, existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to have existed at or before the Distribution Time, including in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement any Prior Transfers, the Separation and the Distribution .

 

(c)     Nothing contained in Section 3.1(a) or (b) shall impair any right of any Person to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement, any Surviving Agreement or any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings that are specified in, or contemplated to continue pursuant to, this Agreement , any Ancillary Agreement or any Surviving Agreement. Nothing contained in Section 3.1(a) or (b) shall release any Person from:

 

(i)     any Liability, contingent or otherwise, assumed, transferred, assigned or allocated to the Group of which such Person is a member in accordance with, or any other Liability of any member of that Group under, this Agreement , any Ancillary Agreement or any Surviving Agreement;

 

 
16

 

 

(ii)     any Liability that such Person may have with respect to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement , any Ancillary Agreement or any Surviving Agreement for claims brought against the Parties by third Persons, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Article III and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of the Ancillary Agreements or the Surviving Agreements;

 

(iii)     any unpaid accounts payable or receivable arising from or relating to the sale, provision or receipt of goods, payment for goods, property or services purchased, obtained or used by any member of the Greatbatch Group from any member of the Nuvectra Group, or by any member of the Nuvectra Group from any member of the Greatbatch Group, including pursuant to any Surviving Agreement or other agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business prior to the Distribution Date; and

 

(iv)     any Liability, including any Liability that qualifies as a Covered Matter, the release of which would result in the release of any Person, including under any Insurance Policy or D&O policy, other than an Indemnitee; provided, however, that the Parties agree not to bring suit or permit any member of their respective Group to bring suit against any Indemnitee with respect to such Liability .

 

(d)     Nuvectra shall not make, and shall not permit any member of the Nuvectra Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Proceeding asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or indemnification, against Greatbatch or any member of the Greatbatch Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 3.l (a), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 3.1(a). Greatbatch shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the Greatbatch Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Proceeding asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 3.1(b), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 3.1(b) .

 

(e)     It is the intent of each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra by virtue of the provisions of this Section 3.1 to provide for a full and complete release and discharge of all Liabilities existing or arising from all acts and events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur and all conditions existing or alleged to have existed at or before the Distribution Time, between or among Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group, on the one hand, and Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group, on the other hand (including any Contracts existing or alleged to exist between or among any such members at or before the Distribution Time), except as expressly set forth in Section 3.l(c). At any time, at the reasonable request of the other Party, each Party shall cause each member of its respective Group to , execute and deliver releases reflecting the provisions hereof .

 

 
17

 

 

Section 3.2      Termination of Intercompany Agreements . Without limiting the generality of Section 3.l(e) and subject to the provisions of Section 3.l(c), each of the Parties agrees that, except for this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (including any amounts owed with respect to such agreements) and except for those agreements set forth in Schedule 3.2 (the “Surviving Agreements”), all Intercompany Agreements and all other intercompany arrangements and course of dealings, whether or not in writing and whether or not binding or in effect immediately prior to the Distribution Time shall terminate immediately prior to the Distribution Time unless the Parties thereto otherwise agree in writing after the date of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.3      Indemnification by Nuvectra . In addition to any provision in any of the Spin-off Agreements requiring indemnification, Nuvectra will, except as provided in Sections 3.5 and 3.6 , indemnify, defend and hold harmless Greatbatch, each member of the Greatbatch Group and their respective Affiliates, successors and assigns, and all stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Greatbatch Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Greatbatch Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Losses of the Greatbatch Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from any of the following (without duplication):

 

(a)     the failure of Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Nuvectra Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Time;

 

(b)     the Nuvectra Business or any Nuvectra Asset or Nuvectra Liability;

 

(c)     any breach by Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group of any provision of this Agreement , any of the other Spin-off Agreements or any of the Surviving Agreements, subject (in the case of each of the Spin-off Agreements and the Surviving Agreements) to any limitations of liability provisions and other provisions applicable to any such breach set forth therein; and

 

(d)     any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all Information contained in the Registration Statement or the Information Statement, solely with respect to Information provided by Nuvectra in writing to Greatbatch expressly for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Information Statement;

 

in each case, regardless of when or where the loss, claim, accident, occurrence, event or happening giving rise to the Loss took place, or whether any such loss, claim, accident, occurrence, event or happening is known or unknown, or reported or unreported and regardless of whether such loss, claim, accident, occurrence, event or happening giving rise to the Loss existed prior to, on or after the Distribution Date or relates to, arises out of or results from actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to, on or after the Distribution Date.

 

 
18

 

 

Section 3.4      Indemnification by Greatbatch . In addition to any provision in any of the Spin-off Agreements requiring indemnification, Greatbatch will, except as provided in Sections 3.5 and 3.6, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Nuvectra, each member of the Nuvectra Group and their respective Affiliates, successors and assigns, and all shareholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Nuvectra Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Nuvectra Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Losses of the Nuvectra Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from any of the following (without duplication):

 

(a)     the failure of Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Greatbatch Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Time;

 

(b)     the Greatbatch Business or any Greatbatch Asset or Greatbatch Liability;

 

(c)     any breach by Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group of any provision of this Agreement , any of the other Spin-off Agreements or any of the Surviving Agreements, subject (in the case of each of the Spin-off Agreements and the Surviving Agreements) to any limitations of liability provisions and other provisions applicable to any such breach set forth therein; and

 

(d)     any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, solely with respect to information provided by Greatbatch in writing to Nuvectra expressly for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Information Statement;

 

in each case, regardless of when or where the loss, claim, accident, occurrence, event or happening giving rise to the Loss took place, or whether any such loss, claim, accident, occurrence, event or happening is known or unknown, or reported or unreported and regardless of whether such loss, claim, accident, occurrence, event or happening giving rise to the Loss existed prior to, on or after the Distribution Date or relates to, arises out of or results from actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to, on or after the Distribution Date.

 

 
19

 

 

Section 3.5      Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds .

 

(a)     Any Loss subject to indemnification or reimbursement pursuant to this Article III (an “Indemnifiable Loss”) will be net of Insurance Proceeds actually recovered on account of such Loss. Accordingly, the amount that either Party (an “Indemnifying Party”) is required to pay to any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder (an “Indemnitee”) will be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds theretofore actually recovered by or on behalf of the Indemnitee on account of the related Loss. If an Indemnitee receives a payment (an “Indemnity Payment”) required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of any Loss and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds on account of such Loss, then the Indemnitee will pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payments received over the amount of the Indemnity Payments that would have been due after taking into account the Insurance Proceeds received on account thereof. The Indemnitee shall use and cause its Affiliates to use commercially reasonable efforts to recover any proceeds of Insurance Policies to which the Indemnitee is directly or indirectly entitled with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss. Except as set forth in Section 3.5(b), the existence of a claim by an Indemnitee for insurance or against a third party in respect of any Indemnifiable Loss shall not, however, delay any payment pursuant to the indemnification provisions contained in this Article III and otherwise determined to be due and owing by an Indemnifying Party; rather, the Indemnifying Party shall make payment in full of such amount so determined to be due and owing by it against a concurrent written assignment by the Indemnitee to the Indemnifying Party of the portion of the claim of the Indemnitee for such insurance or against such third party equal to the amount of such payment. The Indemnitee shall use and cause its Affiliates to use commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Indemnifying Party in recovering or to recover on behalf of the Indemnifying Party, any Insurance Proceeds to which the Indemnifying Party is directly or indirectly entitled with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss as a result of such assignment. The Indemnitee shall make available to the Indemnifying Party and its counsel all employees, books and records, communications, documents, items or matters within its knowledge, possession or control that are necessary, appropriate or reasonably deemed relevant by the Indemnifying Party with respect to the recovery of such Insurance Proceeds; provided, however, that subject to Section 6.5 hereof, nothing in this sentence shall be deemed to require a Party to make available books and records, communications, documents or items which (i) in such Party’s Good Faith Judgment could result in a waiver of any Privilege with respect to a third party even if Nuvectra and Greatbatch cooperated to protect such Privilege as contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) such Party is not permitted to make available because of any Law or any confidentiality obligation to a third party, in which case such Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek a waiver of or other relief from such confidentiality restriction. Unless the Indemnifying Party has made payment in full of any Indemnifiable Loss, such Indemnifying Party shall use and cause its Affiliates to use commercially reasonable efforts to recover any Insurance Proceeds to which it or such Affiliate is entitled with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss .

 

(b)     Notwithstanding anything set forth in Section 3.5(a), in the case of any Indemnifiable Loss for which it is reasonably likely that an Nuvectra Indemnitee may have a direct or indirect right of recovery of Insurance Proceeds as a Covered Matter under an insurance program maintained by Greatbatch or any member of the Greatbatch Group, then prior to asserting a claim for indemnification under Section 3.4, such Nuvectra Indemnitee shall notify Greatbatch of such Covered Matter and such insurance claim so that Greatbatch may report such claim to the insurance carrier in accordance with Section 6.9(k). To the extent that an Nuvectra Indemnitee actually obtains recovery in respect of any such Indemnifiable Losses pursuant to this Section 3.5(b), such Nuvectra Indemnitee shall use the funds provided by such recovery to pay or otherwise satisfy such Indemnifiable Losses and the amount that Greatbatch may be required to pay to any Nuvectra Indemnitee with respect to such Indemnifiable Loss under this Article III shall be reduced by the amount of such Insurance Proceeds actually paid to the Nuvectra Indemnitee. The Nuvectra Indemnitee shall use and cause its Affiliates to use commercially reasonable efforts to assist in recovering any Insurance Proceeds to which the Nuvectra Indemnitee is directly or indirectly entitled with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss. The Nuvectra Indemnitee shall make available to the insurance carrier and its counsel all employees, books and records, communications, documents, items or matters within its knowledge, possession or control that are necessary, appropriate or reasonably deemed relevant by the Indemnifying Party with respect to the recovery of such Insurance Proceeds; provided, however, that subject to Section 6.5 hereof, nothing in this sentence shall be deemed to require a Party to make available books and records, communications, documents or items which (i) in such Party’s Good Faith Judgment could result in a waiver of any Privilege with respect to a third party even if Nuvectra and Greatbatch cooperated to protect such Privilege as contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) such Party is not permitted to make available because of any Law or any confidentiality obligation to a third party, in which case such Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek a waiver of or other relief from such confidentiality restriction .

 

 
20

 

 

(c)     An insurer who would otherwise be obligated to pay any claims shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by virtue of the indemnification provisions hereof, have any subrogation rights with respect thereto, it being expressly understood and agreed that no insurer or any other third party shall be entitled to a “windfall” (i.e., a benefit it would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement) by virtue of the indemnification provisions hereof .

 

Section 3.6      Indemnification Obligations Net of Taxes . The Parties intend that any Loss subject to indemnification or reimbursement pursuant to this Article III will be net of Taxes. Accordingly, the amount which an Indemnifying Party is required to pay to an Indemnitee will be adjusted to reflect any tax benefit to the Indemnitee from the underlying Loss and to reflect any Taxes imposed upon the Indemnitee as a result of the receipt of such payment. Such an adjustment will first be made at the time that the Indemnity Payment is made and will further be made, as appropriate, to take into account any change in the liability of the Indemnitee for Taxes that occurs in connection with the final resolution of an audit by a taxing authority. For purposes of this Section 3.6, the value of any tax benefit to the Indemnitee from the underlying Loss shall be an amount equal to the product of (a) the amount of any present or future deduction allowed or allowable to the Indemnitee by the Code, or other applicable Law, as a result of such Loss and (b) the highest statutory rate applicable under Section 11 of the Code, or other applicable Law. Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the Parties will characterize any Indemnity Payment made pursuant to this Agreement or any Spin-off Agreement in the same manner as if such payment were a contribution made by Greatbatch to Nuvectra or as a distribution made by Nuvectra to Greatbatch, as the case may be, immediately before the Distribution Time .

 

Section 3.7      Procedures for Indemnification of Third Party Claims .

 

(a)     If an Indemnitee shall receive notice or otherwise learn of the assertion by a Person (including any Governmental Authority) who is not a member of the Nuvectra Group or a member of the Greatbatch Group of any claims or of the commencement by any such Person of any Proceeding (each such claim or Proceeding being a “Third Party Claim”) with respect to which an Indemnifying Party may be obligated to provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to Section 3.3 or 3.4, or any other Section of this Agreement or any Spin-off Agreement, such Indemnitee shall promptly give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof, and in any event within 10 days after such Indemnitee received notice of such Third Party Claim. Any such notice shall describe the Third Party Claim in reasonable detail. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of any Indemnitee or other Person to give notice as provided in this Section 3.7(a) shall not relieve the applicable Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Article III, except to the extent that such Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure.

 

 
21

 

 

(b)     If the Indemnifying Party does not dispute its potential liability to the Indemnitee, the Indemnifying Party may elect to defend (and to settle or compromise in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Section 3.7), at such Indemnifying Party’s own expense and by such Indemnifying Party’s own counsel, any Third Party Claim. Within 30 days after the receipt of notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 3.7(a) (or sooner, if the nature of such Third Party Claim so requires), the Indemnifying Party shall notify the Indemnitee of its election whether the Indemnifying Party will assume responsibility for defending such Third Party Claim. The failure to give such notice of election within the 30-day period shall be deemed a rejection of the opportunity to assume responsibility. After notice from an Indemnifying Party to an Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise or settlement thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such non-defending Person, except that the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee (i) for any period during which the Indemnifying Party has not assumed the defense of such Third Party Claim (other than during any period in which the Indemnitee shall have failed to give notice of the Third Party Claim in accordance with Section 3.7(a)) or (ii) to the extent that such engagement of counsel is as a result of actual or potential differing defenses or conflicts of interests that make joint representation inappropriate, as reasonably determined in the Good Faith Judgment of the Indemnitee .

 

(c)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.7, (i) Greatbatch will have the right to assume the defense of, and/or settle or compromise (or seek to settle or compromise or reject any proposed settlement or compromise), any Third Party Claim based upon any disclosure or omission with respect to Greatbatch’s QiG operating segment in any of Greatbatch’s reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act or any financial statements or financial data with respect to Greatbatch’s QiG operating segment contained therein asserted in whole or in part against any member of the Greatbatch Group or any of their respective current or former officers, directors, employees or Affiliates and (ii) Greatbatch will have the right to settle or compromise such Third Party Claim without the consent of Nuvectra if such settlement or compromise provides for an unconditional and irrevocable release of all affected Nuvectra Indemnitees with respect to all Liabilities relating to the subject matter of such Third Party Claim without any admission of wrong-doing and does not involve any monetary damages (including monetary fines or penalties) or injunctive relief to be imposed upon Nuvectra or any member of the Nuvectra Group .

 

 
22

 

 

(d)     An Indemnifying Party’s defense of any Third Party Claim pursuant to Section 3.7(b) or (c) includes the right to compromise, settle or consent to the entry of any judgment or determination of liability concerning such Third Party Claim; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 3.7(c), the Indemnifying Party shall not compromise, settle or consent to the entry of judgment or determination of liability concerning any Third Party Claim without prior written approval of the Indemnitee (which may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) if the terms or conditions of such compromise, settlement or consent would, (i) impose injunctive relief on the Indemnitee or any of its Affiliates, (ii) require the payment or performance by the Indemnitee of any amount other than the expenditure of an immaterial sum of money or (iii) in the reasonable judgment of the Indemnitee, have a material adverse financial impact or a material adverse effect upon the ongoing operations of the Indemnitee (taken together with its Subsidiaries). If the Indemnitee unreasonably withholds a consent required by this Section 3.7(d) to the terms of a compromise or settlement of a Third Party Claim, proposed to the Indemnitee by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party’s obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee for such Third Party Claim, if any, shall not exceed the total amount that had been proposed in such compromise or settlement offer plus the amount of all expenses incurred by the Indemnitee with respect to such Third Party Claim through the date on which such compromise or settlement was requested. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3.7, unless otherwise specifically agreed to by the Parties in writing (which agreement may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), neither Party shall enter into any compromise or settlement or consent to the entry of any judgment which does not include as an unconditional and irrevocable term thereof the giving by the third party of a release of both the Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party from all further Liabilities concerning such Third Party Claim .

 

(e)     If the Party having the right to elect to defend a particular Third Party Claim pursuant to Section 3.7(b) or (c) elects, or is deemed to have elected, not to defend a particular Third Party Claim, the other Party may defend such Third Party Claim without any prejudice to its rights to indemnification from the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Article III. In such case, (i) such other Party shall have the right to compromise, settle or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to such Third Party Claim as provided in Section 3.7(d) without the consent of the Indemnifying Party and (ii) the amount of such compromise, settlement or judgment shall be determinative of the amount of the Loss (but such compromise, settlement or judgment shall not necessarily be determinative of which party hereunder is entitled to indemnification).

 

(f)     The Indemnifying Party shall bear all costs and expenses of defending any Third Party Claim; provided, however, that (i) if both Parties may be Indemnifying Parties with respect to such Third Party Claim but only one Party is defending such Third Party Claim, the non-defending Party shall reimburse the defending Party promptly upon demand by the defending Party for the non-defending Party’s proportionate share, allocated based on each Party’s proportionate responsibility for the Indemnifiable Loss pursuant to this Agreement, of all out-of-pocket costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the defending Party’s defense of such Third Party Claim, and (ii) if both Parties may be Indemnifying Parties with respect to such Third Party Claim and both Parties are defending such Third Party Claim, the Parties shall effect such reimbursements necessary so that each Party bears its proportionate share, allocated based on each Party’s proportionate responsibility for the Indemnifiable Loss pursuant to this Agreement, of all out-of-pocket costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claim .

 

 
23

 

 

(g)     The non-defending or co-defending Party shall make available to the defending Party and its counsel all employees, books and records, communications, documents, items or matters within its knowledge, possession or control that are necessary, appropriate or reasonably deemed relevant by the defending Party with respect to such defense; provided, however, that subject to Section 6.5 hereof, nothing in this Section 3.7(g) shall be deemed to require a Party to make available books and records, communications, documents or items which (i) in such Party’s Good Faith Judgment could result in a waiver of any Privilege with respect to a third party even if Nuvectra and Greatbatch cooperated to protect such Privilege as contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) such Party is not permitted to make available because of any Law or any confidentiality obligation to a third party, in which case such Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek a waiver of or other relief from such confidentiality restriction .

 

(h)     With respect to any Third Party Claim in which both Parties are, or reasonably may be expected to be, named as parties, or that otherwise implicates both Parties to a material degree, the Parties shall reasonably cooperate with respect to such Third Party Claim and maintain a joint defense in a manner that will preserve applicable Privileges .

 

(i)     Upon final judgment, determination, settlement or compromise of any Third Party Claim, and unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, the Indemnifying Party shall pay promptly on behalf of the Indemnitee, or to the Indemnitee in reimbursement of any amount theretofore required to be paid by it, all amounts required to be paid by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Article III with respect to such claim as determined by such final judgment, determination, settlement or compromise.

 

(j)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.7 but subject to Section 3.7(d), the Parties agree that (i) except for the Proceedings set forth on Schedule 3.7(j)(i) , Greatbatch shall continue to control the defense of Proceedings pending on the date hereof and arising out of the Greatbatch Business and the Nuvectra Business , (ii) Nuvectra shall control the defense of the Proceedings pending on the date hereof and arising out of the Nuvectra Business set forth on Schedule 3.7(j)(i) and (iii) the Parties shall jointly manage in accordance with Section 3.7(h) the defense of the Proceedings set forth on Schedule 3.7(j)(ii) .

 

Section 3.8      Additional Matters .

 

(a)     Any claim on account of a Loss which does not result from a Third Party Claim shall be asserted by written notice given by the Indemnitee to the Indemnifying Party. Any such notice shall describe the claim in reasonable detail. Such Indemnifying Party shall have a period of 30 days after the receipt of such notice within which to respond thereto. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such 30-day period, such Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have refused to accept responsibility to make payment. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such 30-day period or rejects such claim in whole or in part, such Indemnitee shall be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to such Party as contemplated by this Agreement and the Spin-off Agreements .

 

(b)     In the event of payment by or on behalf of any Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee in respect of any rights, defenses or claims of such Indemnitee relating to such Third Party Claim. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party as may reasonably be required in connection with the prosecution of any subrogated right, defense or claim, and its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection therewith shall be reimbursed by the Indemnifying Party .

 

 
24

 

 

(c)     In the event of an Proceeding involving a Third Party Claim in which the Indemnitee is a named defendant, if either the Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party shall so request, the Parties shall endeavor to cause the Indemnitee not to remain a named defendant, if reasonably practicable.

 

(d)     Except as expressly provided herein, the indemnity obligations under this Article III shall apply notwithstanding any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee and shall apply without regard to whether the Loss for which indemnity is claimed hereunder is based on strict liability, absolute liability or any other theory of liability or arises as an obligation for contribution.

 

(e)     THE PARTIES UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT THE RELEASE FROM LIABILITIES AND INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER AND UNDER THE SPIN-OFF AGREEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO APPLY REGARDLESS OF CAUSE AND MAY INCLUDE RELEASE FROM LIABILITIES, INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION FOR LOSSES RESULTING FROM, OR ARISING OUT OF, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, AND IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AN INDEMNITEE’S OWN NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT OR ACTIVE OR PASSIVE), STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER LEGAL FAULT.

 

Section 3.9      Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Article III is unavailable to an Indemnitee in respect of any Losses for which indemnification is provided for herein, then the Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnitee, shall contribute to the Losses paid or payable by such Indemnitee as a result of such Indemnifiable Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of Nuvectra and each other member of the Nuvectra Group, on the one hand, and Greatbatch and each other member of the Greatbatch Group, on the other hand, in connection with the circumstances which resulted in such Indemnifiable Loss. For purposes of this Section 3.9, with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss relating to matters covered by Sections 3.3(d) or 3.4(d) or otherwise relating to misstatements or omissions under securities or antifraud Laws, the relative fault of a member of the Nuvectra Group, on the one hand, and of a member of the Greatbatch Group, on the other hand, 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 (i) relates to a member of the Nuvectra Group or a member of the Greatbatch Group and (ii) relates to information that was supplied by a member of the Nuvectra Group or a member of the Greatbatch Group .

 

Section 3.10      Remedies Cumulative . The remedies provided in this Article III shall be cumulative and, subject to the provisions of Article V, shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party .

 

Section 3.11      Survival of Indemnities . The rights and obligations of each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra and their respective Indemnitees under this Article III shall survive the Distribution Date indefinitely, unless a specific survival or other applicable period is expressly set forth herein, and shall survive the sale or other transfer by any Party or any of its Subsidiaries of any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities .

 

 
25

 

 

Section 3.12      Limitation of Liability . EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED IN ANY SPIN-OFF AGREEMENT, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY MEMBER OF THE NUVECTRA GROUP OR ANY MEMBER OF THE GREATBATCH GROUP OR THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES BE LIABLE FOR ANY EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, REMOTE OR SPECULATIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING IN RESPECT OF LOST PROFITS OR REVENUES), HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND GROSS NEGLIGENCE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS SHALL NOT LIMIT EACH PARTY’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS FOR LIABILITIES TO THIRD PARTIES AS SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE III OR ANY SPIN-OFF AGREEMENT .

 

Section 3.13      Spin-off Agreements . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent any Spin-off Agreement contains any indemnification obligation relating to any Greatbatch Liability, Greatbatch Asset, Nuvectra Liability or Nuvectra Asset contributed, assumed, retained, licensed, transferred, delivered or conveyed pursuant to such Spin-off Agreement, the indemnification obligations contained herein shall not apply to such Greatbatch Liability, Greatbatch Asset, Nuvectra Liability or Nuvectra Asset and, in lieu thereof, the indemnification obligations set forth in such Spin-off Agreement shall govern instead with respect to such Greatbatch Liability, Greatbatch Asset, Nuvectra Liability or Nuvectra Asset.

 

ARTICLE IV

THE DISTRIBUTION

 

Section 4.1      Delivery to Distribution Agent . Subject to Section 4.3, on or prior to the Distribution Date , Greatbatch will authorize Computershare Trust Company N.A., as settlement and distribution agent (the “Distribution Agent”), for the benefit of holders of record of Greatbatch Common Stock on the Record Date (the “Record Holders”) to effect the book-entry transfer of all of the outstanding shares of Nuvectra Common Stock owned by Greatbatch as of the Distribution Date and will order the Distribution Agent to effect the Distribution at the Distribution Time in the manner set forth in Section 4.2. No investment decision or action by any such holder of Greatbatch Common Stock shall be necessary for such stockholder (or such stockholder’s designated transferee or transferees) to receive the applicable number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock .

 

Section 4.2      Mechanics of the Distribution .

 

(a)     On the Distribution Date, Greatbatch will direct the Distribution Agent to distribute, effective as of the Distribution Time, to each Record Holder a number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock held by such Record Holder multiplied by the Distribution Multiple, except that the Distribution Agent will not issue any fractional shares of Nuvectra Common Stock and will distribute cash in lieu of fractional shares as provided in Section 4.2(b). All such shares of Nuvectra Common Stock to be so distributed shall be distributed as uncertificated shares registered in book-entry form through the direct registration system. No certificates therefor shall be distributed. Nuvectra shall cause the Distribution Agent to deliver an account statement to each holder of Nuvectra Common Stock reflecting such holder’s ownership thereof. All of the shares of Nuvectra Common Stock distributed in the Distribution will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

 
26

 

 

(b)     Greatbatch will direct the Distribution Agent to determine, as soon as is practicable after the Distribution Date, the number of fractional shares, if any, of Nuvectra Common Stock allocable to each Record Holder entitled to receive Nuvectra Common Stock in the Distribution and to promptly aggregate all the fractional shares and sell the shares obtained thereby, in open market transactions or otherwise, at the then-prevailing trading prices, and to cause to be distributed to each Record Holder, in lieu of any fractional share, each Record Holder’s ratable share of the proceeds of the sale, after making appropriate deductions of the amounts required to be withheld for federal income tax purposes and after deducting an amount equal to all brokerage charges, commissions and transfer taxes attributed to the sale . The Distribution Agent, in its sole discretion, will determine the timing and method of selling such shares and the selling price of such shares. Neither Greatbatch nor Nuvectra will pay any interest on the proceeds from the sale of such shares.

 

(c)     Any Nuvectra Common Stock or cash in lieu of fractional shares with respect to Nuvectra Common Stock that remains unclaimed by any Record Holder on the first anniversary of the Distribution Date will be delivered by the Distribution Agent to Nuvectra. Nuvectra will hold, or have the Distribution Agent hold on its behalf, the Nuvectra Common Stock or cash for the account of the Record Holders and any Record Holder will look only to Nuvectra for the Nuvectra Common Stock or cash, if any, in lieu of fractional shares, subject in each case to applicable escheat or other abandoned property Laws .

 

(d)     Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.2, the rights of holders of Greatbatch restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance stock units or stock options shall be as provided in the Employee Matters Agreement .

 

Section 4.3      Conditions Precedent to Consummation of the Separation and the Distribution . Neither the Separation, the Distribution nor the related transactions set forth in this Agreement or in any of the Ancillary Agreements will become effective unless the following conditions have been satisfied or waived by Greatbatch, in its sole and absolute discretion, at or before the Distribution Time:

 

(a)     Nuvectra shall have mailed or caused to be mailed to the Record Holders the Information Statement .

 

(b)     Greatbatch will have received an opinion from a third party tax advisor, dated the Distribution Date, in form and substance acceptable to Greatbatch, substantially to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Separation and Distribution together should qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368 of the Code;

 

(c)     Greatbatch will have received an opinion, in form and substance acceptable to it, of Stout Risius Ross, Inc. as to the solvency of Nuvectra following the Separation;

 

 
27

 

 

(d)     the Registration Statement will have become effective, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect or, to the knowledge of either Greatbatch or Nuvectra, threatened by the SEC, and the Information Statement or a notice of the Internet availability thereof shall have been mailed to the stockholders of Greatbatch;

 

(e)     the actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable federal or state securities and blue sky Laws and any comparable laws under any foreign jurisdictions in connection with the Distribution will have been taken and, if applicable, become effective;

 

(f)     Greatbatch will have established a Record Date and shall have delivered not less than 10 days’ advance notice thereof to NYSE in compliance with Exchange Act Rule 10b-17 and applicable NYSE listing rules;

 

(g)     the Nasdaq Stock Market will have approved the Nuvectra Common Stock for listing, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

(h)     this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements will have been executed and delivered by each of the Parties hereto and thereto and no party to this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements will have materially breached this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, as applicable;

 

(i)     this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements entered into prior to the Distribution will not have been terminated and will not violate, conflict with or result in a breach (with or without the passage of time) of any Law or any material agreements of Greatbatch;

 

(j)     all material Consents required to be received before the Distribution may take place will have been received and be in full force and effect;

 

(k)     the lenders under any credit agreement to which Greatbatch or GB Ltd. is a party shall have consented to or otherwise approved the Separation and the Distribution (if such consent or approval is required) and, if applicable, released any liens or pledge encumbering the Nuvectra Common Stock;

 

(l)     no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decree, or ruling issued by a Governmental Authority, and no statute (as interpreted through orders or rules of any Governmental Authority duly authorized to effectuate the statute), rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or enacted by any Governmental Authority will be in effect preventing, or materially limiting the benefits of, the Separation or the Distribution, and no other event outside Greatbatch’s control will have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the completion of the Separation or the Distribution;

 

(m)     the Internal Transactions will have been completed and be effective;

 

(n)     each Person who is an officer or director of any member of the Nuvectra Group and also an officer or director of any member of the Greatbatch Group (a “Shared Person”) and who is to continue as an officer or director of any member of the Nuvectra Group after the Distribution Date has resigned, at or prior to the Distribution Time, from each of such Person’s positions with each member of the Greatbatch Group and each such Shared Person who is to continue as an officer or director of any member of the Greatbatch Group after the Distribution Date has resigned, at or prior to the Distribution Time, from each of such Person’s positions with each member of the Nuvectra Group; and

 

 
28

 

 

(o)     no other events or developments will have occurred that in the judgment of the Board of Directors of Greatbatch, in its sole and absolute discretion, would result in the Separation or the Distribution having a material adverse effect on Greatbatch or its stockholders.

 

Each of the conditions set forth in this Section 4.3 is for the benefit of Greatbatch, and Greatbatch may, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine whether to waive any condition, in whole or in part. Any determination made by Greatbatch concerning the satisfaction or waiver of any or all of the conditions in this Section 4.3 will be conclusive and binding on the Parties. The satisfaction of those conditions will not create any obligation on the part of Greatbatch to Nuvectra or any other Person to effect the Separation or the Distribution or in any way limit Greatbatch’s right of termination as set forth in Section 7.2 or alter the consequences of any termination from those specified in Section 7.2.

 

ARTICLE V

ARBITRATION; DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

Section 5.1      General . Except as otherwise specifically provided in any Spin-off Agreement, the procedures for negotiation and binding arbitration set forth in this Article V shall apply to any dispute, controversy or claim (whether sounding in contract, tort or otherwise) that arises out of or relates to this Agreement or any Spin-off Agreement, any breach or alleged breach hereof or thereof, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including all actions taken in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby on or prior to the date hereof), or the construction, interpretation, enforceability or validity hereof or thereof (a “Dispute”). Each Party agrees on behalf of itself and each member of its respective Group that the procedures set forth in this Article V shall be the sole and exclusive remedy in connection with any Dispute and irrevocably waives any right to commence any Proceeding in or before any Governmental Authority, except (i) as expressly provided in Section 5.7(b), (ii) as provided for under the Arbitration Act, and (iii) as required by applicable Law. Each Party , on behalf of itself and each member of its respective Group , irrevocably waives any right to any trial by jury and any right to any trial in a court with respect to any Dispute. As used in the following provisions of this Article V, any reference to “party” or “parties” shall mean and refer to a party or parties involved in a Dispute .

 

Section 5.2      Negotiation .

 

(a)     It is the intent of the Parties to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to resolve expeditiously any Dispute that may arise on a mutually acceptable negotiated basis. In furtherance of the foregoing, any party involved in a Dispute may deliver a notice (an “Escalation Notice”) demanding an in-person meeting involving senior management level representatives of the parties (or if the parties agree, of the appropriate strategic business unit within such entity). A copy of any such Escalation Notice shall be given to the General Counsel, or, if one does not exist, the Chief Executive Officer, of each party involved in the Dispute (which copy shall state that it is an Escalation Notice pursuant to this Agreement). Any agenda, location or procedures for such discussions or negotiations between the Parties may be established by the parties from time to time; provided, however, that the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to meet within 30 days of delivery of the Escalation Notice .

 

 
29

 

 

(b)     The parties may, by mutual consent, select a mediator to aid the parties in their discussions and negotiations. Any opinion expressed by the mediator shall be strictly advisory and shall not be binding on the parties to the dispute, nor shall any opinion expressed by the mediator be admissible in any arbitration proceedings. Costs of any mediation shall be borne equally by the parties involved in the Dispute, except that each party involved in the Dispute shall be responsible for its own expenses. Mediation is not a prerequisite to a demand for arbitration under Section 5.3.

 

Section 5.3      Demand for Arbitration .

 

Any Dispute that has not been resolved in accordance with Section 5.1 and Section 5.2, and as to which an Arbitration Notice is provided in accordance with the immediately following sentence, shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration pursuant to the then current Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “AAA Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), except as modified by the provisions of this Article V. At any time after 30 days from the delivery of an Escalation Notice, any party involved in the related Dispute (regardless of whether such party delivered the Escalation Notice) may deliver a notice demanding arbitration of such Dispute (an “Arbitration Demand Notice”). In the event that any party involved in a Dispute shall deliver an Arbitration Demand Notice to another party, such other party may itself deliver an Arbitration Demand Notice to such first party with respect to any related Dispute without the requirement of delivering an Escalation Notice. No party involved in a Dispute may assert that the failure to resolve any matter during any discussions or negotiations, the course of conduct during the discussions or negotiations or the failure to agree on a mutually acceptable time, agenda, location or procedures for the meeting, in each case, as contemplated by Section 5.2, is a prerequisite to a demand for arbitration under this Section 5.3. In the event that any party delivers an Arbitration Demand Notice with respect to any Dispute that is the subject of any then pending arbitration proceeding or of a previously delivered Arbitration Demand Notice, all such Disputes shall be resolved in the arbitration proceeding for which an Arbitration Demand Notice was first delivered unless the arbitrators in their sole discretion determine that it is impracticable or otherwise inadvisable to do so.

 

Section 5.4      Arbitrators .

 

(a)     The party delivering the Arbitration Demand Notice shall, within five days of the date of such notice, notify the AAA and the other parties in writing describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Dispute. The arbitration shall be conducted before three neutral arbitrators. Each party shall, within 20 days of the date of the Arbitration Demand Notice, select one arbitrator. The parties shall mutually agree upon a third arbitrator. If the third arbitrator is not selected within 30 days of the date of the Arbitration Demand Notice, the two arbitrators already selected shall select the third arbitrator. In the event that any arbitrator is or becomes unable to serve, his or her replacement will be selected in the same manner described above. The extent, if any, to which testimony previously given shall be repeated or as to which any replacement arbitrator elects to rely on the stenographic record (if there is one) of such testimony shall be determined by the arbitrators. The vote of two of the three arbitrators shall be required for any decision under this Article V.

 

 
30

 

 

(b)     The arbitrators will set a time for the hearing of the matter, which will commence no later than 180 days (or the soonest Business Day thereafter) after the date of appointment of the third arbitrator pursuant to Section 5.4(a) above, and which hearing will be no longer than 15 days. The arbitrators shall use their best efforts to reach a final decision and render the same in writing to the parties not later than 60 days after the last hearing date, unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing. Failure of the arbitrators to do so, however, shall not be a basis for challenging the decision. An arbitrator dissenting from a decision or portion thereof may issue a dissent from the decision or portion thereof in writing, stating the reasons therefor.

 

(c)     The place of any arbitration hereunder will be Dallas, Texas, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties .

 

Section 5.5      Hearings . Within the time period specified in Section 5.4(b), the matter shall be presented to the arbitrators at a hearing by means of written submissions of memoranda and verified witness statements, filed simultaneously, and responses, if necessary in the judgment of the arbitrators or both the Parties. Live direct and cross-examination will be permitted upon request of any party. The arbitrators shall actively manage the arbitration with a view to achieving a just, speedy and cost-effective resolution of the Dispute. The arbitrators may, in their discretion, set time and other limits on the presentation of each party’s case, its memoranda or other submissions, and refuse to receive any proffered evidence, which the arbitrators, in their discretion, find to be cumulative, unnecessary, irrelevant or of low probative value. The decision of the arbitrators will be final and binding on the parties, and judgment thereon may be had and will be enforceable in any court having jurisdiction over the parties. Arbitration awards will bear interest at an annual rate of nine (9%) per annum, subject to any maximum amount permitted by applicable Law. To the extent that the provisions of this Agreement and the AAA Rules conflict, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.

 

Section 5.6      Discovery and Certain Other Matters .

 

(a)     Any party involved in a Dispute subject to this Article V may request limited document production from the other party or parties of specific and expressly relevant documents, with the reasonable expenses of the producing party incurred in such production paid by the requesting party. Any such discovery shall be conducted expeditiously and shall not cause the hearing provided for in Section 5.5 to be adjourned except upon consent of all parties involved in the applicable Dispute or upon an extraordinary showing of cause demonstrating that such adjournment is necessary to permit discovery essential to a party to the proceeding. Interrogatories or other forms of discovery (other than the document production and depositions set forth above) shall not occur except by consent of the parties involved in the applicable Dispute. Disputes concerning the scope of document production or depositions and enforcement of the document production or deposition requests will be determined by written agreement of the parties involved in the applicable Dispute or, failing such agreement, will be referred to the arbitrators for resolution. All discovery requests will be subject to the parties’ rights (and the rights of any witness) to claim any applicable Privilege. The arbitrators will adopt procedures to protect the proprietary rights of the parties and to maintain the confidential treatment of the arbitration proceedings (except as may be required by Law). Subject to the foregoing, the arbitrators shall have the power to issue subpoenas to compel the production of documents relevant to the dispute, controversy or claim.

 

 
31

 

 

(b)     The arbitrators shall have full power and authority to determine issues of arbitrability but shall otherwise be limited to interpreting or construing the applicable provisions of this Agreement or any Spin-off Agreement, and will have no authority or power to limit, expand, alter, amend, modify, revoke or suspend any condition or provision of this Agreement or any Spin-off Agreement; it being understood, however, that the arbitrators will have full authority to implement the provisions of this Agreement or any Spin-off Agreement, and to fashion appropriate remedies for breaches of this Agreement (including interim or permanent injunctive relief); provided, however, that the arbitrators shall not have (i) any authority in excess of the authority a court having jurisdiction over the parties and the Dispute would have absent these arbitration provisions or (ii) any right or power to award exemplary, punitive, special, indirect, consequential, remote or speculative damages (including in respect of lost profits or revenues) or treble damages (provided, however, that this clause (ii) shall not limit the award of any such damages to the extent they are included in any Liabilities to third parties as to which the provisions of this Article V are applicable). It is the intention of the Parties that in rendering a decision the arbitrators should give effect to the applicable provisions of this Agreement and the Spin-off Agreements and follow applicable Law (it being understood and agreed that this sentence shall not give rise to a right of judicial review of the arbitrators’ award).

 

(c)     If a party fails or refuses to appear at and participate in an arbitration hearing after due notice, the arbitrators may hear and determine the controversy upon evidence produced by the appearing party. Any decision rendered under such circumstances shall be as valid and enforceable as if the parties had appeared and participated fully at all stages.

 

(d)     Without limiting the generality of Section 6.6, each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with any arbitration under this Article V; provided, however, that the parties shall share equally the fees and expenses of the third arbitrator.

 

Section 5.7      Certain Additional Matters .

 

(a)     Any arbitration award shall be an award with a holding in favor of or against a party and shall include findings as to facts, issues or conclusions of Law (including with respect to any matters relating to the validity or infringement of patents or patent applications) and shall include a statement of the reasoning on which the award rests. The award must also be in adequate form so that a judgment of a court may be entered thereupon. Judgment upon any arbitration award hereunder may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any award shall not be vacated or appealed except on the bases of (i) the award being procured by fraud or corruption, (ii) an arbitrator being partial or corrupt, (iii) the arbitrators wrongfully refusing to postpone a hearing or hear evidence, or (iv) the arbitrators exceeding the scope of the power granted to them in this Agreement .

 

 
32

 

 

(b)     Regardless of whether an Escalation Notice has been delivered, at any time prior to the time at which arbitrators are appointed pursuant to Section 5.4, any party may seek one or more temporary restraining orders or other injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction if necessary in order to preserve and protect the status quo. Neither the request for, nor the grant or denial of, any such temporary restraining order or other injunctive relief shall be deemed a waiver of the right or obligation to arbitrate as set forth herein, and the arbitrators may dissolve, continue or modify any such order after their appointment. Any such temporary restraining order or other injunctive relief shall remain in effect until the first to occur of the expiration of the order in accordance with its terms or the dissolution thereof by the arbitrators.

 

(c)     Except as required by applicable Law, the parties shall hold, and shall cause their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and other representatives to hold, the existence, content and result of discussions, negotiations, mediation or arbitration under this Article V in confidence in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.8 and except as may be required in order to enforce any award. Each of the parties shall request that any mediator or arbitrator comply with such confidentiality requirement.

 

Section 5.8      Continuity of Service and Performance . Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the parties will continue to provide service and honor all other commitments under this Agreement and each Spin-off Agreement during the course of dispute resolution pursuant to the provisions of this Article V with respect to all matters not subject to such Dispute .

 

Section 5.9      Law Governing Arbitration Procedures . The interpretation of the provisions of this Article V, only insofar as they relate to the agreement to arbitrate and any procedures pursuant thereto, shall be governed by the Arbitration Act and other applicable U.S. federal Law. In all other respects, the interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed as set forth in Section 7.10.

 

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS AND OTHER MATTERS

 

Section 6.1      Other Agreements . In addition to the specific agreements, documents and instruments annexed to this Agreement, Greatbatch and Nuvectra agree to execute or cause to be executed by the appropriate Parties and deliver, as appropriate, such other agreements, instruments and other documents as may be reasonably requested by either Party and necessary or desirable in order to effect the purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements .

 

 
33

 

 

Section 6.2      Further Instruments . Subject to Section 2.3, at the request of Nuvectra or Greatbatch and without payment of any further consideration, the other Party will execute and deliver, and will cause the applicable members of its Group to execute and deliver, to the requesting Party and the applicable members of its Group such other instruments of transfer, conveyance, assignment, substitution and confirmation and to make all filings with, and to obtain all Consents of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any permit, license, agreement, indenture or other instrument, and to take such other actions as the requesting Party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order more effectively to transfer, convey and assign to the requesting Party and the members of its Group and confirm the requesting Party’s and its Group members’ title to all of the Assets, rights and other things of value contemplated to be transferred to the requesting Party and the members of its Group pursuant to this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, any documents referred to therein and any Prior Transfers, to put the requesting Party and the applicable members of its Group in actual possession and operating control thereof and to permit the requesting Party and the applicable members of its Group to exercise all rights with respect thereto (including rights under the Surviving Agreements and the Contracts and other arrangements as to which the Consent of any third party to the transfer thereof shall not have previously been obtained), free and clear of any security interest, if and to the extent it is practicable to do so. At the request of Nuvectra or Greatbatch and without payment of any further consideration, the other Party will execute and deliver, and will cause the applicable members of its Group to execute and deliver, to the requesting Party and the applicable members of its Group all instruments, assumptions, novations, undertakings, substitutions or other documents and take such other action as the requesting Party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to have the other Party fully and unconditionally assume and discharge the Liabilities contemplated to be assumed by such Party under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement, any document in connection herewith or the Prior Transfers and to relieve the Nuvectra Group or the Greatbatch Group, as applicable, of any Liability or obligation with respect thereto and evidence the same to third parties. Neither Greatbatch nor Nuvectra (nor any members of their respective Groups) shall be obligated, in connection with the foregoing, to expend money other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, attorneys’ fees and recording or similar fees. Furthermore, each Party, at the request of the other Party, shall execute and deliver such other instruments and do and perform such other acts and things as may be necessary or desirable for effecting completely the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Prior Transfers .

 

Section 6.3      Provision of Books and Records . Subject to the provisions of this Section 6.3, Greatbatch shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver or make available or cause to be delivered or made available to Nuvectra all Nuvectra Books and Records in the possession or control of the Greatbatch Group, and Nuvectra shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver or make available or cause to be delivered or made available to Greatbatch all Greatbatch Books and Records in the possession or control of Nuvectra. The foregoing shall be limited by, and subject to, the following:

 

(a)     To the extent any document can be subdivided without unreasonable effort or cost into two portions, one of which constitutes a Nuvectra Book and Record and the other of which constitutes a Greatbatch Book and Record, such document shall be so subdivided and the appropriate portions shall be delivered or made available to the Parties. To the extent any document cannot be so separated without unreasonable effort or cost, Greatbatch shall retain such document and upon reasonable request by Nuvectra, deliver a complete copy thereof to Nuvectra.

 

(b)     Each Party may retain copies of books and records delivered or made available to the other, subject to holding in confidence in accordance with Section 6.8 Information contained in such books and records.

 

 
34

 

 

(c)     Without limiting the generality of the first sentence of this Section 6.3, for a period beginning on the Distribution Date and continuing for five years following the Distribution Date, if either Greatbatch or Nuvectra identifies any Greatbatch Books and Records then in the possession of a member of the Nuvectra Group or any Nuvectra Books and Records then in the possession of a member of the Greatbatch Group, as applicable, Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, shall or shall cause any such Greatbatch Books and Records or Nuvectra Books and Records to be conveyed, assigned, transferred and delivered, or otherwise made available, to the entity identified by Nuvectra or Greatbatch, as the case may be, as the appropriate transferee.

 

(d)     Each Party may refuse to furnish any Information if so doing, in such Party’s Good Faith Judgment, could result in a waiver of any Privilege with respect to a third party even if Nuvectra and Greatbatch cooperated to protect such Privilege as contemplated by this Agreement .

 

(e)     Neither Party shall be required to deliver or make available to the other books and records or portions thereof which are subject to any applicable Law or confidentiality agreements which would by their terms prohibit such delivery; provided, however, if requested by the other Party, such Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek a waiver of or other relief from such confidentiality restriction .

 

(f)     To the extent any Nuvectra Books and Records or Greatbatch Books and Records are subject to restrictions or limitations set forth the Employee Matters Agreement, such restrictions and limitations shall apply to such Nuvectra Books and Records or Greatbatch Books and Records, notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement .

 

Section 6.4      Agreement For Exchange of Information .

 

(a)     Subject to any limitations or restrictions pursuant to any applicable Law or except as otherwise agreed in writing, or as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, from and after the Distribution Date each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra agrees to provide or make available, or cause to be provided or made available, to each other as soon as reasonably practicable after written request therefor, any Information in the possession or under the control of such Party that can be retrieved without unreasonable disruption to its business and that the requesting Party reasonably needs (i) to comply with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements, requests or Laws imposed on the requesting Party (including under applicable securities Laws) by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the requesting Party, (ii) for use in any pending or threatened judicial, regulatory, arbitration, mediation or other proceeding or investigation or in order to satisfy audit requirements (whether in connection with audits conducted by independent accounting firms, internal audits, or audits conducted by third parties entitled to do so by Contract, including customers and vendors), or in connection with accounting, claims, regulatory, litigation or other similar requirements, except in the case of a Dispute subject to Article V brought by a Party against the other Party (which shall be governed by such discovery rules as may be applicable under Article V), (iii) to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any Contract with a third party that is not an Affiliate, employee or agent of the requesting Party, or (iv) for any other significant business need as mutually determined in the Good Faith Judgment of the Parties; provided, however, that in the event that either Party determines that any such provision (or making available) of Information is reasonably likely to be commercially detrimental or violate any Law or Contract or waive any Privilege, the Parties shall take all reasonable measures to permit compliance with such obligations in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence; provided, however, that this Section 6.4(a) shall not limit any Party’s ability to implement such Party’s records retention policies, as such policies may be amended from time to time (including the record destruction provisions thereof).

 

 
35

 

 

(b)     [Reserved].

 

(c)     Any Information owned by a Party that is provided or made available to a requesting Party pursuant to this Section 6.4 shall be deemed to remain the property of the Party providing or making available such Information. Unless specifically set forth herein, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring rights of license or otherwise in any such Information .

 

(d)     The Party requesting the Information under this Section 6.4 will reimburse the other Party for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs of gathering, compiling and copying the Information .

 

(e)     Except as otherwise agreed in writing, or as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, each Party will use commercially reasonable efforts to retain in accordance with such Party’s record retention policies in effect from time to time (which will comply with all applicable Laws) all significant Information in the Party’s possession or under its control relating to the business, Assets or Liabilities of the other Party’s Group, and, before destroying or disposing of any Information relating to the business, Assets or Liabilities of the other Party’s Group, (i) the Party proposing to dispose of or destroy the Information will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide no less than 90 days’ prior written notice to the other Party, specifying the Information proposed to be destroyed or disposed of and (ii) if, before the scheduled date for the destruction or disposal, the other Party requests in writing that any of the Information proposed to be destroyed or disposed of be delivered or made available to the other Party, the Party proposing to dispose of or destroy the Information will promptly arrange for the delivery or making available of the requested Information to or at a location specified by, and at the expense of, the requesting Party; provided, however, that each Party may destroy or dispose of any Information that the other Party has previously copied.

 

(f)     Except as otherwise provided for herein or in any Ancillary Agreement, neither Party shall have any liability to the other Party or any member of such other Party’s Group in the event that any Information exchanged or provided pursuant to this Section 6.4 is found to be inaccurate or incomplete (including by misstatement or omission), in the absence of willful misconduct or fraud by the Party providing such Information .

 

(g)     The rights and obligations granted under this Section 6.4 are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange or confidential treatment of Information set forth in this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement .

 

 
36

 

 

(h)     Each Party shall, except in the case of a dispute subject to Article V brought by a Party against the other Party (which shall be governed by such discovery rules as may be applicable under Article V or otherwise), use commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, (i) the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of such Party’s Group for fact finding, consultation and interviews and as witnesses to the extent such Persons may reasonably be required in connection with any Proceedings (other than Proceedings in which both Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group, on the one hand, and Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group, on the other hand, as the case may be, are parties and may be adverse to one another in such Proceeding) in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved relating to the conduct of the Nuvectra Business or the Greatbatch Business and (ii) any books, records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that any such Person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with any judicial proceeding or other proceeding in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved, regardless of whether such judicial proceeding or other proceeding is a matter with respect to which indemnification may be sought hereunder. The requesting Party shall bear all costs and expenses in connection therewith.

 

Section 6.5      Preservation of Legal Privileges; Attorney Representation .

 

(a)     Greatbatch and Nuvectra recognize that they and their respective Affiliates possess and will possess information and advice that has been previously developed but is or may become legally protected from disclosure under legal privileges, such as the attorney-client privilege or work product exemption and other concepts of legal privilege (“Privilege”). Each Party recognizes that it shall be jointly entitled to the Privilege with respect to such privileged information and that each shall be entitled to maintain and use for its own benefit all such information and advice, but both Parties shall ensure that such information is maintained so as to protect the Privilege with respect to the other Party’s interest. Greatbatch and Nuvectra agree that their respective rights and obligations to maintain, preserve, assert or waive any or all Privileges belonging to either Party with respect to the Nuvectra Business or the Greatbatch Business shall be governed by the provisions of this Section 6.5. With respect to matters relating to the Greatbatch Business, Greatbatch shall have sole authority in perpetuity to determine whether to assert or waive any or all Privileges, and Nuvectra shall take no action (or permit any other member of the Nuvectra Group to take action) without the prior written consent of Greatbatch that could, in Greatbatch’s Good Faith Judgment, result in any waiver of any Privilege that could be asserted by Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group under applicable Law and this Agreement. With respect to matters relating to the Nuvectra Business, Nuvectra shall have sole authority in perpetuity to determine whether to assert or waive any or all Privileges, and Greatbatch shall take no action (or permit any other member of the Greatbatch Group to take action) without the prior written consent of Nuvectra that could, in Nuvectra’s Good Faith Judgment, result in any waiver of any Privilege that could be asserted by Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group under applicable Law and this Agreement. The rights and obligations created by this Section 6.5 shall apply to all Information as to which Greatbatch or Nuvectra or their respective Groups would be entitled to assert or has asserted a Privilege without regard to the effect, if any, of the Separation and the Distribution (“Privileged Information”). Privileged Information of Greatbatch includes (i) any and all Privileged Information existing prior to the Distribution regarding the Greatbatch Business but which after the Distribution is in the possession of the Nuvectra Group; (ii) all communications subject to a Privilege occurring prior to the Distribution between counsel for Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group (including in-house counsel and former in-house counsel who are employees of Nuvectra) and any person who, at the time of the communication, was an employee of the Greatbatch or any of its Subsidiaries, regardless of whether such employee is or becomes an employee of the Nuvectra Group; and (iii) all Privileged Information generated, received or arising after the Distribution that refers or relates to Privileged Information generated, received or arising prior to the Distribution. Privileged Information of Nuvectra includes (i) any and all Privileged Information existing prior to the Distribution regarding the Nuvectra Business but which after the Distribution is in the possession of Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group; (ii) all communications subject to a Privilege occurring prior to the Distribution between counsel for Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group (including in-house counsel and former in-house counsel who are employees of the Greatbatch Group) and any person who, at the time of the communication, was an employee of the Nuvectra Group, regardless of whether such employee is or becomes an employee of the Greatbatch Group; and (iii) all Privileged Information generated, received or arising after the Distribution that refers or relates to Privileged Information generated, received or arising prior to the Distribution . Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Joint Defense and Common Interest Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, entered into by and between GB Ltd. and Nuvectra contains terms or requirements that differ from the those set forth in this Section 6.5, the terms or requirements of such Joint Defense and Common Interest Agreement will govern.

 

 
37

 

 

(b)     Upon receipt by Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, of any subpoena, discovery or other request from any third party that calls for the production or disclosure of Privileged Information of the other or if Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, obtains knowledge that any current or former employee of Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, has received any subpoena, discovery or other request from any third party that actually or arguably calls for the production or disclosure of Privileged Information of the other, Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, shall promptly notify the other of the existence of the request and shall provide the other a reasonable opportunity to review the Privileged Information and to assert any rights it may have under this Section 6.5 or otherwise to prevent the production or disclosure of Privileged Information. Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, will not produce or disclose to any third party any of the other’s Privileged Information under this Section 6.5 unless (i) the other has provided its express written consent to such production or disclosure, or (ii) a court of competent jurisdiction has entered an order not subject to interlocutory appeal or review finding that the Information is not entitled to protection from disclosure under any applicable Privilege, doctrine or rule.

 

(c)     Greatbatch’s transfer of Nuvectra Books and Records and other Information to Nuvectra, Greatbatch’s agreement to permit Nuvectra to obtain Information existing prior to the Distribution, Nuvectra’s transfer of Greatbatch Books and Records and other Information to Greatbatch, and Nuvectra’s agreement to permit Greatbatch to obtain Information existing prior to the Distribution are made in reliance on Greatbatch’s and Nuvectra’s respective agreements, as set forth in Section 6.8 and this Section 6.5, to maintain the confidentiality of such Privileged Information and to take the steps provided herein for the preservation of all Privileges that may belong to or be asserted by Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be. The access to Privileged Information being granted pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof, the agreement to provide witnesses and individuals pursuant to Section 6.4(h) hereof and the disclosure to Nuvectra and Greatbatch of Privileged Information relating to the Nuvectra Business or the Greatbatch Business pursuant to this Agreement in connection with the Separation and the Distribution shall not be asserted by Greatbatch or Nuvectra to constitute, or otherwise be deemed, a waiver of any Privilege that has been or may be asserted under this Section 6.5 or otherwise. Nothing in this Agreement shall operate to reduce, minimize or condition the rights granted to Greatbatch and Nuvectra in, or the obligations imposed upon Greatbatch and Nuvectra by, this Section 6.5.

 

 
38

 

 

Section 6.6     Payment of Expenses. From and after the Distribution Date, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, each Party will bear its own expenses in connection with the Separation, the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that Greatbatch agrees that it is responsible for the payment of legal fees and expenses of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP incurred for services rendered prior to the Distribution Date on behalf of Nuvectra in connection with the Separation and the Distribution regardless of whether such fees are invoiced or submitted to Greatbatch following the Distribution Date.

 

Section 6.7     [Reserved.]

 

Section 6.8      Confidentiality .

 

(a)     Greatbatch and Nuvectra shall hold and shall cause the members of the Greatbatch Group and the Nuvectra Group, respectively, to hold, and shall each cause their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors to hold, in strict confidence and not to disclose or release without the prior written consent of the other Party, any and all Confidential Information (as defined herein); provided, however, that the Parties may disclose, or may permit disclosure of, Confidential Information (i) to their respective auditors, attorneys, lenders, investors, financing sources, financial advisors, bankers and other appropriate consultants and advisors who have a need to know such information and are informed of their obligation to hold such information confidential to the same extent as is applicable to the Parties and in respect of whose failure to comply with such obligations, Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, will be responsible or (ii) to the extent any member of the Greatbatch Group or the Nuvectra Group is compelled to disclose any such Confidential Information by judicial or administrative process or, in the opinion of legal counsel, by other requirements of Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any demand or request for disclosure of Confidential Information is made pursuant to clause (ii) above, Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as the case may be, shall promptly notify the other of the existence of such request or demand and shall provide the other a reasonable opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order or other remedy, which both Parties will cooperate in seeking to obtain. In the event that such appropriate protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Party whose Confidential Information is required to be disclosed shall or shall cause the other Party to furnish, or cause to be furnished, only that portion of the Confidential Information that is legally required to be disclosed. As used in this Section 6.8, “Confidential Information” shall mean all confidential and proprietary Information (including proprietary Information relating to the ages, birth dates, social security numbers, health-related matters or other confidential matters concerning employees or former employees) of one Party which, prior to or following the Distribution Time, has been disclosed by Greatbatch or members of the Greatbatch Group, on the one hand, or Nuvectra or members of the Nuvectra Group, on the other hand, in written, oral (including by recording), electronic, or visual form to, or otherwise has come into the possession of, the other, including pursuant to the access provisions of Section 6.4 hereof or any other provision of this Agreement or by virtue of employees of the Greatbatch Group becoming employees of Nuvectra as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby; except to the extent that such Information can be shown to have been (i) in the public domain or generally available to the public through no fault of such Party (or, in the case of Greatbatch, any other member of the Greatbatch Group or, in the case of Nuvectra, any other member of the Nuvectra Group), (ii) later lawfully acquired from other sources by the Party (or, in the case of Greatbatch, any other member of the Greatbatch Group or, in the case of Nuvectra, any other member of the Nuvectra Group) to which it was furnished, which sources are not themselves bound by a confidentiality obligation or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such Confidential Information or (iii) independently developed or generated without reference to or use of the respective Confidential Information of the other Party .

 

 
39

 

 

(b)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) Greatbatch and the other members of the Greatbatch Group, on the one hand, and Nuvectra and the other members of the Nuvectra Group, on the other hand, shall be deemed to have satisfied their obligations hereunder with respect to Confidential Information if they exercise the same degree of care (but no less than a reasonable degree of care) as they take to preserve confidentiality for their own similar Information and (ii) confidentiality obligations provided for in any agreement between Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group or Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group, on the one hand, and any employee of Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group, or Nuvectra or any other member of the Greatbatch Group, on the other hand, shall remain in full force and effect. Confidential Information of Greatbatch or any other member of the Greatbatch Group, on the one hand, or Nuvectra or any other member of the Nuvectra Group, on the other hand, in the possession of and used by the other as of the Distribution Time may continue to be used by such Person in possession of the Confidential Information in and only in the operation of the Greatbatch Business or the Nuvectra Business, as the case may be, and may be used only so long as the Confidential Information is maintained in confidence and not disclosed in violation of Section 6.8(a). Such continued right to use may not be transferred to any third party unless the third party purchases all or substantially all of the business and Assets of Greatbatch or Nuvectra, or any Asset of Greatbatch or Nuvectra in which the relevant Confidential Information is used or employed, in one transaction or in a series of related transactions, and such prospective purchaser executes a written agreement with Nuvectra or Greatbatch, as the case may be (which agreement shall be fully and directly enforceable by Nuvectra or Greatbatch, respectively), in which such Party agrees to be bound in perpetuity by the terms of this Section 6.8 .

 

Section 6.9      Insurance .

 

(a)     The Parties intend by this Agreement that, to the extent that the terms of any applicable Insurance Policy or D&O Policy provide for coverage for a Covered Matter, Nuvectra, each other member of the Nuvectra Group and each of their respective directors, officers and employees will be successors in interest and will have and be fully entitled to continue to exercise all rights that any of them may have as of the Distribution Time (with respect to events occurring or claimed to have occurred before the Distribution Time) as a Subsidiary, Affiliate, division, director, officer or employee of Greatbatch before the Distribution Time under any Insurance Policy or D&O Policy with respect to that Covered Matter, including any rights that Nuvectra, any other member of the Nuvectra Group or any of their respective directors, officers, or employees may have as an insured or additional named insured, Subsidiary, Affiliate, division, director, officer or employee to avail itself, himself or herself of any policy of insurance or any agreements related to the policies in effect before the Distribution Time, with respect to events occurring before the Distribution Time .

 

 
40

 

 

(b)     For a period of six years from and after the Distribution Date, Greatbatch shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect a directors and officers insurance policy substantially similar to the D&O Policy and to otherwise maintain the rights of Nuvectra, the other members of the Nuvectra Group and their respective directors, officers, and employees under the D&O Policy .

 

(c)     For a period of six years from and after the Distribution Date, Nuvectra agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of each other member of the Nuvectra Group, that Greatbatch and each other member of the Greatbatch Group shall be named as an additional insured under Nuvectra’s or any member of the Nuvectra Group’s commercial general liability policies, products liability policies, and excess liability policies.  Nuvectra and any member of the Nuvectra Group further agrees that such insurance will be primary and non-contributory in regard to the interest of these additional insureds and that any insurance maintained by these additional insureds is excess.   Nuvectra and any member of the Nuvectra Group will provide not only certificates of insurance naming Greatbatch and any member of the Greatbatch Group as additional insureds but will also provide actual copies of the relevant declaration pages and endorsements naming Greatbatch and any member of the Greatbatch Group as additional insureds.

 

(d)     After the Distribution Time, Greatbatch (and each other member of the Greatbatch Group) and Nuvectra (and each other member of the Nuvectra Group) shall not, without the consent of Nuvectra or Greatbatch, respectively (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), provide any insurance carrier with a release or amend, modify or waive any rights under any Insurance Policy or D&O Policy if such release, amendment, modification or waiver thereunder would materially adversely affect any rights of any member of the Group of the other Party with respect to insurance coverage otherwise afforded to such other Party for Covered Matters or other pre-Distribution claims; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not (i) preclude any member of any Group from presenting any claim or from exhausting any policy limit, (ii) require any member of any Group to pay any premium or other amount or to incur any Liability or (iii) subject to the obligations of Greatbatch in Section 6.9(b) and of Nuvectra in Section 6.9(c), require any member of any Group to renew, extend or continue any policy in force.

 

(e)     The provisions of this Agreement are not intended to relieve any insurer of any Liability under any policy.

 

(f)     No member of the Greatbatch Group or any Greatbatch Indemnitee will have any Liabilities whatsoever as a result of the Insurance Policies or D&O Policies as in effect at any time before the Distribution Time, including as a result of (i) the level or scope of any insurance, (ii) the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, (iii) the terms and conditions of any policy, or (iv) the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim.

 

 
41

 

 

(g)     Except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 6.9(b), in no event will Greatbatch, any other member of the Greatbatch Group or any Greatbatch Indemnitee have any Liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the Nuvectra Group if any Insurance Policy or D&O Policy is terminated or otherwise ceases to be in effect for any reason, is unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the Nuvectra Group for any reason whatsoever or is not renewed or extended beyond the current expiration date.

 

(h)     This Agreement is not intended as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and will not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any members of the Greatbatch Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.

 

(i)     Nothing in this Agreement will be deemed to restrict any member of the Nuvectra Group from acquiring at its own expense any other insurance policy in respect of any Liabilities or covering any period.

 

(j)     To the extent that any Insurance Policy or D&O Policy provided for the reinstatement of policy limits, and both Greatbatch and Nuvectra desire to reinstate such limits, the cost of reinstatement will be shared by Greatbatch and Nuvectra as the Parties may agree. If either Party, in its sole discretion, determines that such reinstatement would not be beneficial, that Party shall not contribute to the cost of reinstatement and will not make any claim thereunder nor otherwise seek to benefit from the reinstated policy limits.

 

(k)     For purposes of this Agreement, “Covered Matter’’ shall mean any matter, whether arising before or after the Distribution Time, with respect to which any Nuvectra Indemnitee may seek to exercise any right under any Insurance Policy or D&O Policy pursuant to this Section 6.9. If Nuvectra receives notice or otherwise learns of any Covered Matter, Nuvectra shall promptly give Greatbatch written notice thereof. Any such notice shall describe the Covered Matter in reasonable detail. With respect to each Covered Matter, Greatbatch shall have sole responsibility for reporting the claim to the insurance carrier and will provide a copy of such report to Nuvectra. If Greatbatch or another member of the Greatbatch Group fails to notify Nuvectra within 10 days that it has submitted an insurance claim with respect to a Covered Matter, Nuvectra shall be permitted to submit (on behalf of the applicable Nuvectra Indemnitee) such insurance claim.

 

(l)     Each of Nuvectra and Greatbatch will share such information as is reasonably necessary in order to permit the other Party to manage and conduct its insurance matters in an orderly fashion and provide the other Party with any assistance that is reasonably necessary or beneficial in connection such Party’s insurance matters.

 

 
42

 

 

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 7.1      Authority . Each of the Parties represents to the other that (a) it has the corporate or other requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by it have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other actions, (c) it has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to be executed and delivered on or prior to the Distribution Time, and (d) this Agreement and such Ancillary Agreements are legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general equity principles.

 

Section 7.2      Termination . This Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements may be terminated at any time prior to the Distribution Time by and in the sole discretion of Greatbatch without the approval of Nuvectra. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section, neither Party shall have any Liability of any kind to the other Party .

 

Section 7.3      Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the Schedules referenced herein or therein or attached hereto or thereto, constitute the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior written and oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

Section 7.4      Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns; and, except as provided in Article III and Section 6.9, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person except the Parties and their respective Groups any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be assigned by either Party, except with the prior written consent of the other Party .

 

Section 7.5      Amendment . No change or amendment may be made to this Agreement except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of both of the Parties .

 

Section 7.6      Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative . No failure or delay on the part of either Party in the exercise of any right hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement or the Schedules attached hereto are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available. Greatbatch shall be permitted to set-off any unpaid amount owed by Nuvectra under this Agreement , any of the Ancillary Agreements or any of the Surviving Agreements against any amounts owed by Greatbatch or any member of the Greatbatch Group to Nuvectra or any member of its Group under this Agreement , any Ancillary Agreement or any Surviving Agreement.

 

 
43

 

 

Section 7.7      Notices . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices, claims, certificates, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given (i) when personally delivered or (ii) if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, on the date the return receipt is executed or the letter is refused by the addressee or its agent or (iii) if sent by overnight courier which delivers only upon the signed receipt of the addressee, on the date the receipt acknowledgment is executed or refused by the addressee or its agent or (iv) if sent by facsimile or electronic mail, on the date confirmation of transmission is received (provided, however, that a copy of any notice delivered pursuant to this clause (iv) shall also be sent pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or (iii)), addressed to the attention of the addressee’s General Counsel at the address of its principal executive office or to such other address or facsimile number for a Party as it shall have specified by like notice.

 

Section 7.8      Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Agreement, including the Schedules hereto and the other documents referred to herein, may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement . Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement, and any of the other agreements, documents and instruments contemplated hereby, by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof or thereof

 

Section 7.9      Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement or the Schedules attached hereto is determined by a non-appealable decision by a court, administrative agency or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to either Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the court, administrative agency or arbitrator shall interpret this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible. If any sentence in this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only as broad as is enforceable.

 

Section 7.10      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any conflicts of law provisions thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 7.11      Specific Performance . Except as may be provided otherwise in any Ancillary Agreement, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party or the Parties who are or are to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of their rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, and waive any defense in any Proceeding for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived.

 

 
44

 

 

Section 7.12      Construction . This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall be construed as if jointly drafted by Nuvectra and Greatbatch and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either Party. The Parties represent that this Agreement is entered into with full consideration of any and all rights which the Parties may have. The Parties have relied upon their own knowledge and judgment and upon the advice of the attorneys of their choosing. The Parties have had access to independent legal advice, have conducted such investigations they and their counsel thought appropriate, and have consulted with such other independent advisors as they and their counsel deemed appropriate regarding this Agreement and their rights and asserted rights in connection therewith. The Parties are not relying upon any representations or statements made by any other Party, or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys, regarding this Agreement, except to the extent such representations are expressly set forth or incorporated in this Agreement. The Parties are not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of the other Party (or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys) to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or its preparation, it being expressly understood that neither Party shall ever assert any failure to disclose information on the part of the other Party as a ground for challenging this Agreement .

 

Section 7.13      Performance . Each Party shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Group member or Affiliate of such Party .

 

Section 7.14      Limited Liability . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no individual who is a stockholder, director, employee, officer, members, manager, agent or representative of Greatbatch or Nuvectra, in such individual’s capacity as such, shall have any liability in respect of or relating to the covenants or obligations of Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as applicable, under this Agreement or any Spin-off Agreement or in respect of any certificate delivered with respect hereto or thereto and, to the fullest extent legally permissible, each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra, for itself and its respective stockholders, directors, employees, officers, managers, members, agents and representatives, waives and agrees not to seek to assert or enforce any such liability that any such Person otherwise might have pursuant to applicable Law .

 

Section 7.15      Exclusivity of Tax Matters . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (other than Sections 2.1, 3.6, 4.3(b) and Article V), the provisions of the Tax Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern all matters related to Taxes.

 


[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 
45

 

 

 

 

WHEREFORE , the Parties have signed this Separation and Distribution Agreement effective as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

 

 

GREATBATCH, INC.

   
   
  By: /s/ Thomas J. Hook  
    Name: Thomas J. Hook
    Title: CEO
     
     
 

QIG GROUP, LLC

  (to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation)
   
   
  By: /s/ Scott F. Drees  
    Name: Scott F. Drees
    Title: CEO

 

 

46

Exhibit 3.1

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
NUVECTRA CORPORATION

 

The undersigned, for the purpose of organizing a corporation for conducting the business and promoting the purposes hereinafter stated, under the provisions and subject to the requirements of the laws of the State of Delaware (particularly the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or any applicable successor thereto, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ Delaware General Corporation Law ”)), hereby certifies that:

 

ARTICLE I
NAME

 

The name of the corporation is Nuvectra Corporation (the “ Corporation ”).

 

ARTICLE II
REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

 

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801.  The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

ARTICLE III

DETAILS OF INCORPORATOR

 

Name:

  

Mailing Address:

Walter Z. Berger

  

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

Plano, Texas 75024

 

ARTICLE IV
PURPOSE AND DURATION

 

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law.  The Corporation is being incorporated in connection with the conversion of QiG Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ LLC ”), to the Corporation, and this Certificate of Incorporation is being filed simultaneously with the Certificate of Conversion of the LLC (the “ Certificate of Conversion ”) to the Corporation. The Corporation is to have a perpetual existence.

 

ARTICLE  V
CAPITAL STOCK

 

Section 1.      The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of capital stock which shall be designated, respectively, “ Common Stock ” and “ Preferred Stock .”  The total number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue is One Twenty Hundred Million (120,000,000), of which One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock and Twenty Million (20,000,000) shares shall be Preferred Stock.  The Common Stock shall have a par value of $0.001 per share and the Preferred Stock shall have a par value of $0.001 per share.  Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock of the Corporation with the power to vote thereon irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any successor provision thereof, and no vote of the holders of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock voting separately as a class shall be required therefor.

 

 

 
 

 

 

Section 2.     Upon the effectiveness of the Certificate of Conversion and this Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Effective Time ”), all limited liability company interests in the LLC outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be deemed to be 10,258,278 issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, without any action required on the part of the Corporation or the former holders of such limited liability company interests.

 

 

Section 3.     Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) is hereby authorized to provide from time to time by resolution or resolutions for the creation and issuance, out of the authorized and unissued shares of Preferred Stock, of one or more series of Preferred Stock by filing a certificate (a “ Certificate of Designation ”) pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, setting forth such resolution and, with respect to each such series, establishing the designation of such series and the number of shares to be included in such series and fixing the voting powers (full or limited, or no voting power), preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of the shares of each such series. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the resolution or resolutions providing for the establishment of any series of Preferred Stock may, to the extent permitted by law, provide that such series shall be superior to, rank equally with or be junior to the Preferred Stock of any other series.  In addition, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Board of Directors is authorized, with respect to each such series, to determine in the resolution or resolutions providing for the establishment of such series of Preferred Stock (i) the redemption provisions, if any, applicable to such series, including the redemption price or prices to be paid, (ii) whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or noncumulative, the dividend rate of such series, and the dates, conditions and preferences of dividends on such series, (iii) the rights of such series upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation, (iv) the provisions, if any, pursuant to which the shares of such series are convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock or other securities of the Corporation, at such price or prices or at such exchange rate or rates and with such adjustments applicable thereto, (v) the right, if any, to subscribe for or to purchase any securities of the Corporation, and (vi) the provisions, if any, of a sinking fund applicable to such series. The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may be different from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the resolution or resolutions providing for the establishment of any series of Preferred Stock, no vote of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock shall be a prerequisite to the issuance of any shares of any series of the Preferred Stock so authorized in accordance with this Certificate of Incorporation. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Designation establishing a series of Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors may, by resolution or resolutions, increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of such series and, if the number of shares of such series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status that they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.

 

Section 4.

 

(a)     Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by law or the relevant Certificate of Designation of any class or series of Preferred Stock, the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by law, each holder of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each share of Common Stock held thereby of record on the books of the Corporation for the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.

 

 

 
2

 

 

(b)     Subject to applicable law, the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available therefor at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors may determine in its sole discretion, subject to any preferential dividend rights of outstanding Preferred Stock.

 

(c)     Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “ Liquidation Event ”), after the payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Corporation and all preferential amounts to which the holders of any outstanding class or series of Preferred Stock may be entitled pursuant to the terms thereof with respect to the distribution of assets in liquidation, the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to share ratably in the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution. The term “ Liquidation Event ” shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any voluntary consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or entity or other corporations or entities or a sale, lease or conveyance of all or a part of the Corporation’s assets.

 

(d)     No holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to any pre-emptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights.

 

ARTICLE V I
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation it is further provided that:

 

Section 1.

 

(a)     The management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in the Board of Directors.  The number of directors which shall constitute the whole Board of Directors shall be fixed exclusively by one or more resolutions adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Except as otherwise expressly delegated by resolution of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power and authority to appoint and remove officers of the Corporation.

 

(b)     Other than any directors elected by the separate vote of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors shall be and is divided into three classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as possible.  Directors shall be assigned to each class in accordance with a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.  At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Qualifying Record Date ”), the term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years.  At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Qualifying Record Date, the term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years.  At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Qualifying Record Date, the term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, at each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting.

 

 

 
3

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article VI Section 1(b), each director shall serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification, retirement or removal.  No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

(c)     Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation having the power to vote in the election of directors (the “ Voting Stock ”), voting together as a single class.

 

(d)     Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, retirement, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall, except as otherwise provided by law, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and shall not be filled by the stockholders.  Any director appointed in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of the class to which the director shall have been appointed and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification, retirement or removal. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible.

 

Section 2.

 

(a)     In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal By-laws of the Corporation (the “ By-laws ”).  In addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Certificate of Designation in respect of one or more series of Preferred Stock), the adoption, amendment or repeal of the By-laws by the stockholders of the Corporation shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of the Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.

 

(b)     The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the By-laws so provide.

 

ARTICLE VI I
STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1.      Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, and the taking of any action by written consent of the stockholders in lieu of a meeting of the stockholders is specifically denied.

 

 

 
4

 

 

Section 2.     Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, but such special meetings may not be called by stockholders or any other person or persons.

 

Section 3.      Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of other business proposed to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the By-laws.

 

ARTICLE VII I
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 1.     To the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.  If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended hereafter to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law as so amended, automatically and without further action, upon the date of such amendment. The rights to indemnification and the advancement of expenses under this Article VIII shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or may hereafter acquire under any statute, the By-laws, any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

 

Section 2.     The Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall indemnify and advance expenses (including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) to any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding or is otherwise involved (including as a witness) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or his or her testator or intestate, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or any predecessor of the Corporation or serves or served at any other enterprise, including services with respect to employee benefit plans, as a director or officer at the request of the Corporation or any predecessor to the Corporation.

 

Section 3.     The Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by law and to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, may indemnify and advance expenses (including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) to any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding or is otherwise involved (including as a witness) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or his or her testator or intestate, is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or any predecessor of the Corporation, or serves or served at any other enterprise as an employee or agent at the request of the Corporation or any predecessor to the Corporation.

 

Section 4.     Neither any amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption by amendment of this Certificate of Incorporation of any provision inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article VIII in respect of any matter occurring, or any action or proceeding accruing or arising (or that, but for this Article VIII, would accrue or arise) prior to such amendment or repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

 

 

 
5

 

 

ARTICLE IX
EXCLUSIVE FORUM

 

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws, (d) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of this Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws or (e) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.  Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article IX.

 

ARTICLE  X
AMENDMENTS

 

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of the Voting Stock required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Certificate of Designation in respect of one or more series of Preferred Stock), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX and this Article X.

 

[ Signature Page to Follow ]

 

 

 
6

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation has been signed by its Incorporator this 14th day of March 2016.

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Walter Z. Berger

 

 

Name: Walter Z. Berger

 

 

Title: Incorporator

 

7

Exhibit 3.2

 

BY-LAWS OF

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

 

(as of March 14, 2016)

 


 

 

ARTICLE I - CORPORATE OFFICES

 

1.1                                REGISTERED OFFICE.

 

The registered office of Nuvectra Corporation (the “ Corporation ”) shall be fixed in the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”).

 

1.2                                OTHER OFFICES.

 

The Corporation’s board of directors (the “ Board ”) may at any time establish other offices at any place or places.

 

ARTICLE II - MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

2.1                                PLACE OF MEETINGS.

 

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

 

2.2                                ANNUAL MEETING.

 

The Board shall designate the date and time of the annual meeting of stockholders.  At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and other proper business properly brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 2.4 may be transacted. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting previously scheduled by the Board.

 

2.3                                SPECIAL MEETING.

 

Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. Any such special meeting shall be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware (including by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the DGCL), and at such date and time determined by the Board or as the Chairman of the Board shall designate, as set forth in the notice of the meeting. The Board or Chairman of the Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of stockholders scheduled in compliance with the manner set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

No business may be transacted at such special meeting other than the business specified in such notice to stockholders.  Nothing contained in this paragraph of this Section 2.3 shall be construed as limiting, fixing, or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the Board may be held.

 

2.4                                ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES FOR BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE A MEETING.

 

(i)                   At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be (a) specified in a notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Board, (b) if not specified in a notice of meeting, otherwise brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board or the Chairman of the Board, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder present in person who (A)(1) was a beneficial owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.4 and at the time of the meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (3) has complied with this Section 2.4 in all applicable respects, or (B) properly made such proposal in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (as so amended and inclusive of such rules and regulations, the “ Exchange Act ”).

 

 

 
 

 

 

The foregoing clause (c) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders.  The only matters that may be brought before a special meeting are the matters specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling the meeting pursuant to Section 2.3 of these by-laws, and stockholders shall not be permitted to propose business to be brought before a special meeting of the stockholders.  For purposes of this Section 2.4, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder proposing that business be brought before the annual meeting of the Corporation, or, if the proposing stockholder is not an individual, a qualified representative of such proposing stockholder, appear at such annual meeting.  A “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be, if such proposing stockholder is (x) a general or limited partnership, any general partner or person who functions as a general partner of the general or limited partnership or who controls the general or limited partnership, (y) a corporation or a limited liability company, any officer or person who functions as an officer of the corporation or limited liability company or any officer, director, general partner or person who functions as an officer, director or general partner of any entity ultimately in control of the corporation or limited liability company or (z) a trust, any trustee of such trust.  Stockholders seeking to nominate persons for election to the Board must comply with Section 2.5 of these by-laws, and this Section 2.4 shall not be applicable to nominations except as expressly provided in Section 2.5 of these by-laws.

 

(ii)                For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must (a) provide Timely Notice (as defined below) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation (the “ Secretary ”) and (b) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.4. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however , that if the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than sixty (60) days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not later than the ninetieth (90 th ) day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth (10 th ) day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made (such notice within such time periods, “ Timely Notice ”).  In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of Timely Notice as described above.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 
2

 

 

(b)          As to each Proposing Person, (A) the full notional amount of any securities that, directly or indirectly, underlie any “derivative security” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(c) under the Exchange Act) that constitutes a “call equivalent position” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(b) under the Exchange Act) (“ Synthetic Equity Position ”) and that is, directly or indirectly, held or maintained by such Proposing Person with respect to any shares of any class or series of shares of the Corporation; provided that, for the purposes of the definition of “Synthetic Equity Position,” the term “derivative security” shall also include any security or instrument that would not otherwise constitute a “derivative security” as a result of any feature that would make any conversion, exercise or similar right or privilege of such security or instrument becoming determinable only at some future date or upon the happening of a future occurrence, in which case the determination of the amount of securities into which such security or instrument would be convertible or exercisable shall be made assuming that such security or instrument is immediately convertible or exercisable at the time of such determination; and, provided , further , that any Proposing Person satisfying the requirements of Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (other than a Proposing Person that so satisfies Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act solely by reason of Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E)) shall not be deemed to hold or maintain the notional amount of any securities that underlie a Synthetic Equity Position held by such Proposing Person as a hedge with respect to a bona fide derivatives trade or position of such Proposing Person arising in the ordinary course of such Proposing Person’s business as a derivatives dealer, (B) any rights to dividends on the shares of any class or series of shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such Proposing Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (C)(x) if such Proposing Person is (i) a general or limited partnership, syndicate or other group, the identity of each general partner and each person who functions as a general partner of the general or limited partnership, each member of the syndicate or group and each person controlling the general partner or member, (ii) a corporation or a limited liability company, the identity of each officer and each person who functions as an officer of the corporation or limited liability company, each person controlling the corporation or limited liability company and each officer, director, general partner and person who functions as an officer, director or general partner of any entity ultimately in control of the corporation or limited liability company or (iii) a trust, any trustee of such trust (each such person or persons set forth in the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), a “ Responsible Person ”), any fiduciary duties owed by such Responsible Person to the equity holders or other beneficiaries of such Proposing Person and any material interests or relationships of such Responsible Person that are not shared generally by other record or beneficial holders of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation and that reasonably could have influenced the decision of such Proposing Person to propose such business to be brought before the meeting, and (y) if such Proposing Person is a natural person, any material interests or relationships of such natural person that are not shared generally by other record or beneficial holders of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation and that reasonably could have influenced the decision of such Proposing Person to propose such business to be brought before the meeting, (D) any material shares or any Synthetic Equity Position in any principal competitor of the Corporation in any principal industry of the Corporation held by such Proposing Persons, (E) a summary of any material discussions regarding the business proposed to be brought before the meeting (x) between or among any of the Proposing Persons or (y) between or among any Proposing Person and any other record or beneficial holder of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation (including their names) , (F) any material pending or threatened legal proceeding in which such Proposing Person is a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, or any affiliate of the Corporation, (G) any other material relationship between such Proposing Person, on the one hand, and the Corporation, any affiliate of the Corporation or any principal competitor of the Corporation, on the other hand, (H) any direct or indirect material interest in any material contract or agreement of such Proposing Person with the Corporation, any affiliate of the Corporation or any principal competitor of the Corporation (including, in any such case, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement) and (I) any other information relating to such Proposing Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies or consents by such Proposing Person in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (I) are referred to as “ Disclosable Interests ”); provided , however , that Disclosable Interests shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these by-laws on behalf of a beneficial owner; and

 

 

 
3

 

 

(c)           As to each item of business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting and any material interest in such business of each Proposing Person, (B) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the by-laws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment), (C) a reasonably detailed description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between or among any of the Proposing Persons or between or among any Proposing Person and any other person or entity (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and (D) any other information relating to such item of business that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act; provided , however , that the disclosures required by this Section 2.4(iii) shall not include any disclosures with respect to any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these by-laws on behalf of a beneficial owner.

 

(d)           an undertaking by the Proposing Person to update and supplement, in writing, its notice to the Corporation in compliance with the requirements set forth in Section 2.4(v) of the by-laws.

 

(iv)                               For purposes of this Section 2.4, the term “ Proposing Person ” shall mean (a) the stockholder providing the notice of business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, (b) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting is made and (c) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) with such stockholder in such solicitation or associate (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act for the purposes of these by-laws) of such stockholder or beneficial owner.

 

(v)                                  A Proposing Person shall update and supplement its notice to the Corporation of its intent to propose business at an annual meeting, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be true and correct as of the record date for notice of the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for notice of the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof).

 

(vi)                               Notwithstanding anything in these by-laws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting that is not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4.  The presiding officer of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that the business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

 

(vii)                            This Section 2.4 is expressly intended to apply to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, other than any proposal made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the Corporation’s proxy statement.  In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.4 with respect to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, each Proposing Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such business. Nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to affect the rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

 

 

 
4

 

 

(viii)                         For purposes of these by-laws, “ public disclosure ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

2.5        ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES FOR NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTORS.

 

(i)                                      Nominations of any person for election to the Board at an annual meeting or at a special meeting (but only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given for such special meeting) may be made at such meeting only (a) by or at the direction of the Board, including by any committee or persons authorized to do so by the Board or these by-laws, or (b) by a stockholder present in person (A) who was a beneficial owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and at the time of the meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (C) has complied with this Section 2.5 as to such notice and nomination.

 

The foregoing clause (b) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at an annual meeting or special meeting.  For purposes of this Section 2.5, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder proposing that the business be brought before the meeting of the Corporation, or, if the proposing stockholder is not an individual, a qualified representative of such stockholder, appear at such meeting.  A “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be, if such proposing stockholder is (x) a general or limited partnership, any general partner or person who functions as a general partner of the general or limited partnership or who controls the general or limited partnership, (y) a corporation or a limited liability company, any officer or person who functions as an officer of the corporation or limited liability company or any officer, director, general partner or person who functions as an officer, director or general partner of any entity ultimately in control of the corporation or limited liability company or (z) a trust, any trustee of such trust.

 

(ii)                                   Without qualification, for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at an annual meeting, the stockholder must (a) provide Timely Notice (as defined in Section 2.4(ii) of these by-laws) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation, (b) provide the information with respect to such stockholder and its proposed nominee as required by this Section 2.5, and (c) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5.  Without qualification, if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given for a special meeting, then for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at such special meeting, the stockholder must (a) provide timely notice thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (b) provide the information with respect to such stockholder and its proposed nominee as required by this Section 2.5, and (c) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5.  To be timely, a stockholder’s notice for nominations to be made at a special meeting must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the one hundred twentieth (120 th ) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the ninetieth (90 th ) day prior to such special meeting or, if later, the tenth (10 th ) day following the day on which public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4(ix) of these by-laws) of the date of such special meeting was first made.  In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or special meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 
5

 

 

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

 

(d)          The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information (A) as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation in accordance with the Corporation’s Corporate Governance Guidelines or (B) that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence or lack of independence of such proposed nominee.

 

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

 

(v)                                  A stockholder providing notice of any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be true and correct as of the record date for notice of the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for notice of the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof).

 

(vi)                               To be eligible to be a nominee for election as a director of the Corporation at an annual or special meeting, the proposed nominee must be nominated in the manner prescribed in Section 2.5 and must deliver (in accordance with the time period prescribed for delivery in a notice to such proposed nominee given by or on behalf of the Board), to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (a) a completed written questionnaire (in a form provided by the Corporation) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee and (b) a written representation and agreement (in form provided by the Corporation) that such proposed nominee (A) is not and, if elected as a director during his or her term of office, will not become a party to (1) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given and will not give any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such proposed nominee, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “ Voting Commitment ”) or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such proposed nominee’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such proposed nominee’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation or reimbursement for service as a director and (C) if elected as a director of the Corporation, will comply with all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, stock ownership and trading and other policies and guidelines of the Corporation applicable to directors and in effect during such person’s term in office as a director (and, if requested in writing by any proposed nominee, the Secretary of the Corporation shall provide to such proposed nominee all such policies and guidelines then in effect).

 

 

 
6

 

 

(vii)                            In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.5 with respect to any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting, each Proposing Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such nominations.

 

(viii)                         No proposed nominee shall be eligible for nomination as a director of the Corporation unless such proposed nominee and the Nominating Person seeking to place such proposed nominee’s name in nomination have complied with this Section 2.5.  The presiding officer at the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not properly made in accordance with this Section 2.5, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare such determination to the meeting, the defective nomination shall be disregarded and any ballots cast for the proposed nominee in question (but in the case of any form of ballot listing other qualified nominees, only the ballots case for the nominee in question) shall be void and of no force or effect.

 

2.6        NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS.

 

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws, the notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be sent or otherwise given in accordance with either Section 2.7 or Section 8.1 of these by-laws not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except that where any other minimum or maximum notice period for any action to be taken at such meeting is required under the DGCL, then such other minimum or maximum notice period shall control .  The notice shall specify the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.

 

Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall not be required to be given to any stockholder who attends such meeting in person or by proxy and does not, at the beginning of such meeting, object to the transaction of any business because the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened, or who, either before or after the meeting, submits a signed waiver of notice or waives notice by electronic transmission, in person or by proxy. To the extent permitted by law, a stockholder’s attendance at an annual meeting, in person or by proxy, waives objection to consideration of a particular matter at such annual meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the stockholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented. Any stockholder so waiving notice of a meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of such meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.

 

2.7                                MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE; AFFIDAVIT OF NOTICE.

 

Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be deemed given:

 

(i)                   if mailed, when deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the Corporation’s records, or, if a stockholder shall have filed with the Secretary a written request that notices to such stockholder be mailed to some other address, then directed to such stockholder at such other address ; or

 

(ii)                if electronically transmitted as provided in Section 8.1 of these by-laws.

 

An affidavit of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or of the transfer agent or any other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given by mail or by a form of electronic transmission, as applicable, shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

 

 

 
7

 

 

2.8                                QUORUM.

 

Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or other provisions of these by-laws, the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person, or by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders.  Where a separate vote by one or more series or classes is required, a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of such one or more series or classes present in person , or by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter.  A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. If, however, a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (i) the chairperson of the meeting or (ii) a majority in voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person, or by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time in the manner provided in Section 2.9 of these by-laws until a quorum is present or represented.  At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.

 

2.9                                ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE.

 

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, unless these by-laws otherwise require, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.  At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.  If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

2.10                         CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.

 

The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting, the conduct of business and whether any nomination or item of business has been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with these by-laws.

 

2.11                         VOTING.

 

The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.13 of these by-laws and applicable law.

 

Except as may be otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws, each stockholder shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder.

 

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

 

2.12                         [Reserved.]

 

2.13                         RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDER NOTICE; VOTING; GIVING CONSENTS.

 

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted and which shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other such action.

 

 

 
8

 

 

If the Board does not so fix a record date:

 

(i)                   The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

 

(ii)                The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however , that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

2.14                         PROXIES.

 

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.  Any proxy to be voted or acted upon at a meeting of stockholders must be delivered to the Secretary or his or her representative at or before the time of the meeting. Except as otherwise limited therein, proxies shall entitle the persons authorized thereby with respect to a meeting of stockholders to vote at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting but shall not be valid after final adjournment of such meeting.  The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the DGCL.  A proxy may be in the form of a telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission which sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder.

 

2.15                         LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE.

 

The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.  The Corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list.  Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the Corporation’s principal executive office.  In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation.  If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.  If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.  Such list shall presumptively determine the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the number of shares held by each of them.

 

2.16                         INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.

 

Before any meeting of stockholders, the Board shall, as required by applicable law, appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment and make a written report thereof.  The number of inspectors shall be either one (1) or three (3).  If any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, then the chairperson of the meeting may, and upon the request of any stockholder or a stockholder’s proxy shall, appoint a person to fill that vacancy.

 

 

 
9

 

 

Such inspectors shall:

 

(i)                   determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the number of shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, and the authenticity, validity, and effect of proxies;

 

(ii)                receive votes or ballots;

 

(iii)             hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote;

 

(iv)            count and tabulate all votes;

 

(v)       determine when the polls shall close;

 

(vi)            determine the result; and

 

(vii)         do any other acts that may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders.

 

The inspectors of election shall perform their duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of their ability and as expeditiously as is practical.  If there are three (3) inspectors of election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all.  Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.  The inspectors of election may appoint such persons to assist them in performing their duties as they determine.

 

2.17                         Meetings by remote Communications.

 

Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, if authorized by the Board, any annual or special meeting of stockholders, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or by means of remote communication, may be conducted in whole or in part by means of remote communication. If authorized by the Board, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communications: (a) participate in such meeting of stockholders; and (b) be deemed present in person and vote at such meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication,  provided  that: (i) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder; (ii) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings; and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE III - DIRECTORS

 

3.1                                POWERS.

 

Subject to the provisions of the DGCL and any limitations in the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws relating to action required to be approved by the stockholders, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board.

 

 

 
10

 

 

3.2                                NUMBER OF DIRECTORS.

 

The authorized number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board.  No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.

 

3.3                                ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS.

 

Except as provided in Section 3.4 of these by-laws, each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy, shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.  Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws.  The Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws may prescribe other qualifications for directors.

 

As provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, the directors of the Corporation shall be divided into three (3) classes.

 

3.4                                RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES.

 

Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation.  Any vacancy or newly created directorship in the Board of Directors, however occurring, may be filled only in the manner provided in and to the extent permitted under the Certificate of Incorporation. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to exist under these by-laws in the case of the death, removal or resignation of any director.

 

3.5                                PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE.

 

The Board may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.

 

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

 

3.6                                REGULAR MEETINGS.

 

Regular meetings of the Board may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board.

 

3.7                                SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE.

 

Special meetings of the Board for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or one-third of the authorized number of directors (rounded up to the nearest whole number).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(iii)             sent by facsimile; or

 

(iv)            sent by electronic mail,

 

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

 

 
11

 

   

If the notice is (i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone, (ii) sent by facsimile or (iii) sent by electronic mail, it shall be delivered or sent at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of the holding of the meeting.  If the notice is sent by United States first-class mail, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four (4) days before the time of the holding of the meeting.  Any oral notice may be communicated to the director.  The notice need not specify the place of the meeting (if the meeting is to be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office) nor the purpose of the meeting. Notice of any meeting of the Board shall not, however, be required to be given to any Director who submits a signed waiver of notice, or waives notice of such meeting by electronic transmission, whether before or after the meeting, or if he or she is be present at such meeting; and any meeting of the Board shall be a legal meeting without any notice thereof having been given to all of the Directors if all the Directors of the Corporation then in office are present thereat or have waived notice thereof.

 

3.8                                QUORUM.

 

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

 

A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to transact business notwithstanding the withdrawal of directors, if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the required quorum for that meeting.

 

3.9                                BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING.

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.  Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

 

3.10                         FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS.

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws, the Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.

 

3.11                         REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.

 

Any Director, or the entire Board of Directors, may only be removed from office in the manner provided in and to the extent permitted under the Certificate of Incorporation.  

 

ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES

 

4.1                                COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS.

 

The Board may designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation.  The Board, subject to the applicable requirements of law (including the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation), may at any time change, increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. A Director’s membership on a committee shall terminate on the date of his or her death, removal or resignation, but the Board of Directors may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member and the Board of Directors may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, or removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. The Board may designate one (1) or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.  Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board or in these by-laws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority to (i) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders (other than the election or removal of Directors), any action or matter expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopt, amend or repeal any by-law of the Corporation.

 

 

 
12

 

 

4.2                                COMMITTEE MINUTES.

 

Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board when required.

 

4.3                                MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES.

 

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

 

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

 

(ii)                Section 3.6 (regular meetings);

 

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

 

(iv)            Section 3.8 (quorum);

 

(v)       Section 7.12 (waiver of notice); and

 

(vi)            Section 3.9 (action without a meeting),

 

with such changes in the context of those by-laws as are necessary to substitute the committee and its members for the Board and its members.  However :

 

(i)                   the time of regular meetings of committees may be determined either by resolution of the Board or by resolution of the committee;

 

(ii)                special meetings of committees may also be called by resolution of the Board or the chairperson of the applicable committee;

 

(iii)             notice of special meetings of committees shall also be given to all alternate members, who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee; and

 

(iv)            the Board may adopt rules for the governance of any committee to override the provisions that would otherwise apply to the committee pursuant to this Section 4.3, provided that such rules do not violate the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law.

 

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

 

5.1                                OFFICERS.

 

The officers of the Corporation shall be a President and a Secretary.  The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board, a Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, a Treasurer, one (1) or more Vice Presidents, one (1) or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one (1) or more Assistant Treasurers, one (1) or more Assistant Secretaries, and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these by-laws.  Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

 

 

 
13

 

 

5.2                                APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS.

 

The Board shall appoint the officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these by-laws, subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.

 

5.3                                SUBORDINATE OFFICERS.

 

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

 

5.4                                REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS.

 

Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by an affirmative vote of the majority of the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board or, except in the case of an officer chosen by the Board, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board.

 

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

 

5.5                                VACANCIES IN OFFICES.

 

Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board or as provided in Section 5.2.

 

5.6                                REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS.

 

The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of this Corporation, or any other person authorized by the Board , the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of this Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares of any other corporation or corporations standing in the name of this Corporation.  The authority granted herein may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such person having the authority.

 

5.7                                AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

 

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

 

ARTICLE VI - RECORDS AND REPORTS

 

6.1                                MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF RECORDS.

 

The Corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board, keep a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these by-laws as amended to date, accounting books and other records.

 

 

 
14

 

 

Any stockholder of record, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose the Corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records and to make copies or extracts therefrom.  A proper purpose shall mean a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder.  In every instance where an attorney or other agent is the person who seeks the right to inspection, the demand under oath shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or such other writing that authorizes the attorney or other agent so to act on behalf of the stockholder.  The demand under oath shall be directed to the Corporation at its registered office in Delaware or at its principal executive office.

 

6.2                                INSPECTION BY DIRECTORS.

 

Any director shall have the right to examine the Corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records for a purpose reasonably related to his or her position as a director.  The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with the exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether a director is entitled to the inspection sought.  The Court may summarily order the Corporation to permit the director to inspect any and all books and records, the stock ledger, and the stock list and to make copies or extracts therefrom.  The Court may, in its discretion, prescribe any limitations or conditions with reference to the inspection, or award such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.

 

ARTICLE VII - GENERAL MATTERS

 

7.1                                EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS.

 

The Board, except as otherwise provided in these by-laws, may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.  Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

 

7.2                                STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES.

 

The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates or shall be uncertificated.  Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock represented by a certificate shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman or vice-Chairman of the Board, or the President or Vice President, and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation representing the number of shares registered in certificate form.  Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

The Corporation may issue the whole or any part of its shares as partly paid and subject to call for the remainder of the consideration to be paid therefor.  Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to represent any such partly paid shares, upon the books and records of the Corporation in the case of uncertificated partly paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor and the amount paid thereon shall be stated.  Upon the declaration of any dividend on fully paid shares, the Corporation shall declare a dividend upon partly paid shares of the same class, but only upon the basis of the percentage of the consideration actually paid thereon.

 

7.3                                SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES.

 

If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock; provided, however , that, except as otherwise provided by applicable law, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

 

 

 
15

 

 

7.4                                LOST CERTIFICATES.

 

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

 

7.5                                CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS.

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these by-laws.  Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes both a corporation and a natural person.

 

7.6                                DIVIDENDS.

 

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

 

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

 

7.7                                FISCAL YEAR.

 

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

 

7.8                                SEAL.

 

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

 

7.9                                TRANSFER OF STOCK.

 

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

 

 

 
16

 

 

7.10                         STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS.

 

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

 

7.11                         REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS.

 

The Corporation:

 

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

 

(ii)                shall be entitled to hold liable for calls and assessments the person registered on its books as the owner of shares; and

 

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

 

7.12                         WAIVER OF NOTICE.

 

Except with respect to Sections 2.6 and 3.7 of these by-laws (which have specific waiver provisions included therein), whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.  Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws.

 

7.13                         Voting of Securities .

 

Unless otherwise provided by the Board, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer or the general counsel of the Corporation may waive notice of and act on behalf of the Corporation, or appoint another person or persons to act as proxy or attorney in fact for the Corporation with or without discretionary power or power of substitution, at any meeting of stockholders or stockholders of any other corporation, entity or organization, any of whose securities or interests are held by the Corporation.

 

7.14                         C onflict With Applicable Law or Certificate of Incorporation .

 

These by-laws are adopted subject to any applicable law and the Certificate of Incorporation. Whenever these by-laws may conflict with any applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, such conflict shall be resolved in favor of such law or the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

ARTICLE VIII - NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

 

8.1                                NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

 

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders pursuant to the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given.  Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation.  Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if:

 

 

 
17

 

 

(i)                   the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two (2) consecutive notices given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent; and

 

(ii)                such inability becomes known to the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice.

 

However, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

 

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

 

(i)

 

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

 

 

 

(ii)

 

if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice;

 

 

 

(iii)

 

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

 

 

 

(iv)

 

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

 

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

 

8.2                                DEFINITION OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

 

An “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

 

ARTICLE IX - INDEMNIFICATION

 

9.1                                GENERAL. The rights to indemnification and the advancement of expenses under this Article IX shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or may hereafter acquire under any statute, the Certificate of Incorporation , any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

 

9.2     INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS. The Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall indemnify and advance expenses (including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) to any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding or is otherwise involved (including as a witness) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or his or her testator or intestate, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or any predecessor of the Corporation or serves or served at any other enterprise, including services with respect to employee benefit plans, as a director or officer at the request of the Corporation or any predecessor to the Corporation.

 

9.3      INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS. The Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by law and to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, may indemnify and advance expenses (including without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) to any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding or is otherwise involved (including as a witness) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or his or her testator or intestate, is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or any predecessor of the Corporation, or serves or served at any other enterprise as an employee or agent at the request of the Corporation or any predecessor to the Corporation.

 

 

 
18

 

 

9.4     AMENDMENT. Neither any amendment nor repeal of this Article IX, nor the adoption by amendment of these by-laws of any provision inconsistent with this Article IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article IX in respect of any matter occurring, or any action or proceeding accruing or arising (or that, but for this Article IX would accrue or arise) prior to such amendment or repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

 

 

ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS

 

Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 9.4 of these by-laws or the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the by-laws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the by-laws of the Corporation by the Board shall require the approval of a majority of the authorized number of directors. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the by-laws of the Corporation; provided, however , that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders at any regular or special meeting of the stockholders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation having the power to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

19

Exhibit 3.3

 

CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION

 

FROM A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

 

TO A CORPORATION

 

OF

 

QIG GROUP, LLC

 

_____________________________________________

 

Pursuant to Section 265 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and Section 18-216 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act

_____________________________________________

 

QIG Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Limited Liability Company”), does hereby certify to the following facts relating to the conversion of the Limited Liability Company to a Delaware corporation (the “Conversion”) under the name Nuvectra Corporation.

 

 

 

1.

The Limited Liability Company was formed on November 14, 2008 under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

 

2.

The name and type of entity of the Limited Liability Company immediately prior to filing this Certificate of Conversion are (a) QIG Group, LLC and (b) a limited liability company, respectively.

 

 

3.

The name of the corporation into which the Limited Liability Company shall be converted, as set forth in its Certificate of Incorporation, is Nuvectra Corporation.

 

 

4.

The Conversion has been approved in accordance with Section 265 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and Section 18-216 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly authorized to sign on behalf of the converting Limited Liability Company has executed this Certificate of Conversion on the 14th day of March, 2016.

 

 

By:

/s/ Scott F. Drees

 

 

Name:

Scott F. Drees

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

Exhibit 4.1

   

THIS WARRANT AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE HEREUNDER HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ ACT ”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 5.3 AND 5.4 BELOW, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER SAID ACT AND LAWS OR, IN THE OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.

 

WARRANT TO PURCHASE STOCK

 

Company:

NUVECTRA CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation

Number of Shares:

56,533

Type/Series of Stock:

Common Stock (“Common Stock”)

Warrant Price:

$5.97 per share

Issue Date:

March 18, 2016

Expiration Date:

March 18, 2026 See also Section 5.1(b).

Credit Facility:

This Warrant to Purchase Stock (“ Warrant ”) is issued in connection with that certain Loan and Security Agreement of even date herewith among Oxford Finance LLC, as Lender and Collateral Agent, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, including Silicon Valley Bank, and the Company (as modified, amended and/or restated from time to time, the “ Loan Agreement ”).

 

THIS WARRANT CERTIFIES THAT, for good and valuable consideration, OXFORD FINANCE LLC (“ Oxford ” and, together with any successor or permitted assignee or transferee of this Warrant or of any shares issued upon exercise hereof, “ Holder ”) is entitled to purchase the number of fully paid and non-assessable shares (the “ Shares ”) of the Common Stock of the above-named company (the “ Company ”) at the above-stated Warrant Price, all as set forth above and as adjusted pursuant to Section 2 of this Warrant, subject to the provisions and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Warrant.

 

SECTION 1.      EXERCISE.

 

1.1      Method of Exercise . Holder may at any time and from time to time exercise this Warrant, in whole or in part, by delivering to the Company the original of this Warrant together with a duly executed Notice of Exercise in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix 1 and, unless Holder is exercising this Warrant pursuant to a cashless exercise set forth in Section 1.2, a check, wire transfer of same-day funds (to an account designated by the Company), or other form of payment acceptable to the Company for the aggregate Warrant Price for the Shares being purchased.

 

1.2      Cashless Exercise . On any exercise of this Warrant, in lieu of payment of the aggregate Warrant Price in the manner as specified in Section 1.1 above, but otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Section 1.1, Holder may elect to receive Shares equal to the value of this Warrant, or portion hereof as to which this Warrant is being exercised. Thereupon, the Company shall issue to the Holder such number of fully paid and non-assessable Shares as are computed using the following formula:

 

X = Y(A-B)/A

 

 
1

 

 

where:

 

 

X =

the number of Shares to be issued to the Holder;

 

 

Y =

the number of Shares with respect to which this Warrant is being exercised (inclusive of the Shares surrendered to the Company in payment of the aggregate Warrant Price);

 

 

A =

the Fair Market Value (as determined pursuant to Section 1.3 below) of one Share; and

 

 

B =

the Warrant Price.

 

1.3      Fair Market Value . If the Company’s Common Stock is then traded or quoted on a nationally recognized securities exchange, inter-dealer quotation system or over-the-counter market (a “ Trading Market ”), the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be the closing price or last sale price of a share of Common Stock reported for the trading day immediately before the date on which Holder delivers this Warrant together with its Notice of Exercise to the Company. If the Company’s Common Stock is not traded in a Trading Market, the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine the Fair Market Value of a Share in its reasonable good faith judgment.

 

1.4      Delivery of Certificate and New Warrant . Within a reasonable time after Holder exercises this Warrant in the manner set forth in Section 1.1 or 1.2 above, the Company shall deliver to Holder a certificate representing the Shares issued to Holder upon such exercise and, if this Warrant has not been fully exercised and has not expired, a new warrant of like tenor representing the Shares not so acquired.

 

1.5      Replacement of Warrant . On receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, on delivery of an indemnity agreement reasonably satisfactory in form, substance and amount to the Company or, in the case of mutilation, on surrender of this Warrant to the Company for cancellation, the Company shall, within a reasonable time, execute and deliver to Holder, in lieu of this Warrant, a new warrant of like tenor and amount.

 

1.6      Treatment of Warrant Upon Acquisition of Company .

 

(a)      Acquisition . For the purpose of this Warrant, “ Acquisition ” means any transaction or series of related transactions involving: (i) the sale, lease, exclusive license, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Company into or with another person or entity (other than a merger or consolidation effected exclusively to change the Company’s domicile), or any other corporate reorganization, in each case, in which the stockholders of the Company in their capacity as such immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization, own less than a majority of the Company’s (or the surviving or successor entity’s) outstanding voting power immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization (or, if such Company stockholders beneficially own a majority of the outstanding voting power of the surviving or successor entity as of immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization, such surviving or successor entity is not the Company); or (iii) any sale or other transfer by the stockholders of the Company of shares representing at least a majority of the Company’s then-total outstanding combined voting power to a person or entity or to a group of persons or entities acting together.

 

(b)      Treatment of Warrant at Acquisition . In the event of an Acquisition in which the consideration to be received by the Company’s stockholders consists solely of cash, solely of Marketable Securities or a combination of cash and Marketable Securities (a “ Cash/Public Acquisition ”), either (i) Holder shall exercise this Warrant pursuant to Section 1.1 and/or 1.2 and such exercise will be deemed effective immediately prior to and contingent upon the consummation of such Acquisition or (ii) if Holder elects not to exercise the Warrant, this Warrant will expire immediately prior to the consummation of such Acquisition.

 

 
2

 

 

(c)     The Company shall provide Holder with written notice of its request relating to the Cash/Public Acquisition (together with such reasonable information as Holder may reasonably require regarding the treatment of this Warrant in connection with such contemplated Cash/Public Acquisition giving rise to such notice), which is to be delivered to Holder not less than seven (7) Business Days prior to the closing of the proposed Cash/Public Acquisition. In the event the Company does not provide such notice, then if, immediately prior to the Cash/Public Acquisition, the fair market value of one Share (or other security issuable upon the exercise hereof) as determined in accordance with Section 1.3 above would be greater than the Warrant Price in effect on such date, then this Warrant shall automatically be deemed on and as of such date to be exercised pursuant to Section 1.2 above as to all Shares (or such other securities) for which it shall not previously have been exercised, and the Company shall promptly notify the Holder of the number of Shares (or such other securities) issued upon such exercise to the Holder and Holder shall be deemed to have restated each of the representations and warranties in Section 4 of the Warrant as the date thereof.

 

(d)     Upon the closing of any Acquisition other than a Cash/Public Acquisition defined above, the acquiring, surviving or successor entity shall assume the obligations of this Warrant, and this Warrant shall thereafter be exercisable for the same securities and/or other property as would have been paid for the Shares issuable upon exercise of the unexercised portion of this Warrant as if such Shares were outstanding on and as of the closing of such Acquisition, subject to further adjustment from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant.

 

(e)     As used in this Warrant, “ Marketable Securities ” means securities meeting all of the following requirements: (i) the issuer thereof is then subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and is then current in its filing of all required reports and other information under the Act and the Exchange Act; (ii) the class and series of shares or other security of the issuer that would be received by Holder in connection with the Acquisition if Holder were to exercise this Warrant on or prior to the closing thereof is then traded in any Trading Market, and (iii) following the closing of such Acquisition, Holder would not be restricted from publicly re-selling all of the issuer’s shares and/or other securities that would be received by Holder in such Acquisition were Holder to exercise this Warrant in full on or prior to the closing of such Acquisition, except to the extent that any such restriction (x) arises solely under federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations, and (y) does not extend beyond six (6) months from the closing of such Acquisition.

 

SECTION 2.      ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SHARES AND WARRANT PRICE.

 

2.1      Stock Dividends, Splits, Etc . If the Company declares or pays a dividend or distribution on the outstanding shares of the Common Stock payable in securities or property (other than cash), then upon exercise of this Warrant, for each Share acquired, Holder shall receive, without additional cost to Holder, the total number and kind of securities and property which Holder would have received had Holder owned the Shares of record as of the date the dividend or distribution occurred. If the Company subdivides the outstanding shares of the Common Stock by reclassification or otherwise into a greater number of shares, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be proportionately increased and the Warrant Price shall be proportionately decreased. If the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are combined or consolidated, by reclassification or otherwise, into a lesser number of shares, the Warrant Price shall be proportionately increased and the number of Shares shall be proportionately decreased.

 

2.2      Reclassification, Exchange, Combinations or Substitution . Upon any event whereby all of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are reclassified, exchanged, combined, substituted, or replaced for, into, with or by Company securities of a different class and/or series, then from and after the consummation of such event, this Warrant will be exercisable for the number, class and series of Company securities that Holder would have received had the Shares been outstanding on and as of the consummation of such event, and subject to further adjustment thereafter from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant. The provisions of this Section 2.2 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, exchanges, combinations substitutions, replacements or other similar events.

 

2.3      Intentionally Omitted .

 

2.4      Intentionally Omitted .

 

 
3

 

 

2.5      No Fractional Share . No fractional Share shall be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant and the number of Shares to be issued shall be rounded down to the nearest whole Share. If a fractional Share interest arises upon any exercise of the Warrant, the Company shall eliminate such fractional Share interest by paying Holder in cash the amount computed by multiplying the fractional interest by (i) the fair market value (as determined in accordance with Section 1.3 above) of a full Share, less (ii) the then-effective Warrant Price.

 

2.6      Notice/Certificate as to Adjustments . Upon each adjustment of the Warrant Price, class and/or number of Shares, the Company, at the Company’s expense, shall notify Holder in writing within a reasonable time setting forth the adjustments to the Warrant Price, class and/or number of Shares and facts upon which such adjustment is based. The Company shall, upon written request from Holder, furnish Holder with a certificate of its Chief Financial Officer, including computations of such adjustment and the Warrant Price, class and number of Shares in effect upon the date of such adjustment.

 

SECTION 3.      REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.

 

3.1      Representations and Warranties . The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Holder as follows:

 

(a)     The initial Warrant Price referenced on the first page of this Warrant is not greater than the lesser of (i) the average of the closing price of a share of Common Stock reported on the Trading Market for the 10 consecutive trading days (or such lesser number of consecutive trading days that the Company’s Common Stock has been traded on a Trading Market) ending immediately prior to the funding date of the Term A Loans (as defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein, the " Term A Loans ") and (ii) the closing price of a share of Common Stock reported on the Trading Market for the trading day ending immediately prior to the funding date of the Term A Loans.

 

(b)     All Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant shall, upon issuance, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens and encumbrances except for restrictions on transfer provided for herein or under applicable federal and state securities laws. The Company covenants that it shall at all times cause to be reserved and kept available out of its authorized and unissued capital stock such number of securities as will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of this Warrant.

 

3.2      Notice of Certain Events . If the Company proposes at any time to:

 

(a)     declare any dividend or distribution upon the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock, whether in cash, property, stock, or other securities and whether or not a regular cash dividend;

 

(b)     offer for subscription or sale pro rata to the holders of the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock any additional shares of any class or series of the Company’s stock (other than pursuant to contractual pre-emptive rights);

 

(c)     effect any reclassification, exchange, combination, substitution, reorganization or recapitalization of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock; or

 

(d)     effect an Acquisition or to liquidate, dissolve or wind up;

 

then, in connection with each such event, the Company shall give Holder:

 

(1)     at least seven (7) Business Days prior written notice of the date on which a record will be taken for such dividend, distribution, or subscription rights (and specifying the date on which the holders of outstanding shares of the Common Stock will be entitled thereto) or for determining rights to vote, if any, in respect of the matters referred to in (a) and (b) above; and

 

(2)     in the case of the matters referred to in (c) and (d) above at least seven (7) Business Days prior written notice of the date when the same will take place (and specifying the date on which the holders of outstanding shares of the class will be entitled to exchange their shares for the securities or other property deliverable upon the occurrence of such event).

 

 
4

 

 

Reference is made to Section 1.6(c) whereby this Warrant will be deemed to be exercised pursuant to Section 1.2 hereof if the Company does not give written notice to Holder of a Cash/Public Acquisition as required by the terms hereof. Company will also provide information requested by Holder that is reasonably necessary to enable Holder to comply with Holder’s accounting or reporting requirements.

 

SECTION 4.      REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OF THE HOLDER.

 

The Holder represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

4.1      Purchase for Own Account . This Warrant and the securities to be acquired upon exercise of this Warrant by Holder are being acquired for investment for Holder’s account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the public resale or distribution within the meaning of the Act. Holder also represents that it has not been formed for the specific purpose of acquiring this Warrant or the Shares.

 

4.2      Disclosure of Information . Holder is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has received or has had full access to all the information it considers necessary or appropriate to make an informed investment decision with respect to the acquisition of this Warrant and its underlying securities. Holder further has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Company regarding the terms and conditions of the offering of this Warrant and its underlying securities and to obtain additional information (to the extent the Company possessed such information or could acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense) necessary to verify any information furnished to Holder or to which Holder has access.

 

4.3      Investment Experience . Holder understands that the purchase of this Warrant and its underlying securities involves substantial risk. Holder has experience as an investor in securities of companies in the development stage and acknowledges that Holder can bear the economic risk of such Holder’s investment in this Warrant and its underlying securities and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that Holder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in this Warrant and its underlying securities and/or has a preexisting personal or business relationship with the Company and certain of its officers, directors or controlling persons of a nature and duration that enables Holder to be aware of the character, business acumen and financial circumstances of such persons.

 

4.4      Accredited Investor Status . Holder is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Regulation D promulgated under the Act.

 

4.5      The Act . Holder understands that this Warrant and the Shares issuable upon exercise hereof have not been registered under the Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the Holder’s investment intent as expressed herein. Holder understands that this Warrant and the Shares issued upon any exercise hereof must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Act and qualified under applicable state securities laws, or unless exemption from such registration and qualification are otherwise available. Holder is aware of the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Act.

 

4.6      No Voting Rights . Except as set forth herein, Holder, as a Holder of this Warrant, will not have any voting or other rights of a stockholder of the Company until the exercise of this Warrant.

 

 
5

 

 

SECTION 5.      MISCELLANEOUS.

 

5.1      Term; Automatic Cashless Exercise Upon Expiration .

 

(a)      Term . Subject to the provisions of Section 1.6 above, this Warrant is exercisable in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on or before 6:00 PM, Eastern time, on the Expiration Date and shall be void thereafter.

 

(b)      Automatic Cashless Exercise upon Expiration . In the event that, upon the Expiration Date, the fair market value of one Share (or other security issuable upon the exercise hereof) as determined in accordance with Section 1.3 above is greater than the Warrant Price in effect on such date, then this Warrant shall automatically be deemed on and as of such date to be exercised pursuant to Section 1.2 above as to all Shares (or such other securities) for which it shall not previously have been exercised, and the Company shall, within a reasonable time, deliver a certificate representing the Shares (or such other securities) issued upon such exercise to Holder.

 

5.2      Legends . Each certificate evidencing Shares (and each certificate evidencing the securities issued upon conversion of any Shares, if any) shall be imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

 

THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ ACT ”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THAT CERTAIN WARRANT TO PURCHASE STOCK ISSUED BY THE ISSUER TO OXFORD FINANCE LLC DATED MARCH 18, 2016, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER SAID ACT AND LAWS OR, IN THE OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER, SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.

 

5.3      Compliance with Securities Laws on Transfer . This Warrant and the Shares issued upon exercise of this Warrant (and the securities issuable, directly or indirectly, upon conversion of the Shares, if any) may not be transferred or assigned in whole or in part except in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws by the transferor and the transferee (including, without limitation, the delivery of investment representation letters and legal opinions reasonably satisfactory to the Company, as reasonably requested by the Company). The Company shall not require Holder to provide an opinion of counsel if the transfer is to an affiliate of Holder, provided that any such transferee is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Act. Additionally, the Company shall also not require an opinion of counsel if there is no material question as to the availability of Rule 144 promulgated under the Act.

 

5.4      Transfer Procedure . After receipt by Oxford of the executed Warrant, Oxford may transfer all or part of this Warrant to one or more of Oxford’s affiliates (each, an “ Oxford Affiliate ”), by execution of an Assignment substantially in the form of Appendix 2. Subject to the provisions of Article 5.3 and upon providing the Company with written notice, Oxford, any such Oxford Affiliate and any subsequent Holder, may transfer all or part of this Warrant or the Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant (or the securities issuable directly or indirectly, upon conversion of the Shares, if any) to any other transferee, provided, however, in connection with any such transfer, the Oxford Affiliate(s) or any subsequent Holder will give the Company notice of the portion of the Warrant being transferred with the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the transferee and Holder will surrender this Warrant to the Company for reissuance to the transferee(s) (and Holder if applicable).

 

 
6

 

 

5.5      Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder from the Company to the Holder, or vice versa, shall be deemed delivered and effective (i) when given personally, (ii) on the third (3rd) Business Day after being mailed by first-class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, (iii) upon actual receipt if given by facsimile or electronic mail and such receipt is confirmed in writing by the recipient, or (iv) on the first Business Day following delivery to a reliable overnight courier service, courier fee prepaid, in any case at such address as may have been furnished to the Company or Holder, as the case may be, in writing by the Company or such Holder from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.5. All notices to Holder shall be addressed as follows until the Company receives notice of a change of address in connection with a transfer or otherwise:

 

Oxford Finance LLC

133 N. Fairfax Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Attn: Legal Department

Telephone: (703) 519-4900

Facsimile: (703) 519-5225
Email: LegalDepartment@oxfordfinance.com

 

Notice to the Company shall be addressed as follows until Holder receives notice of a change in address:

 

Nuvectra Corporation

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

Plano, TX 75024

Attn:     Melissa G. Beare                      

Telephone:    972 668-4107                     

Facsimile:      469-362-8441

Email:  mbeare@nuvectramed.com       

 

5.6      Waiver . This Warrant and any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.

 

5.7      Attorneys’ Fees . In the event of any dispute between the parties concerning the terms and provisions of this Warrant, the party prevailing in such dispute shall be entitled to collect from the other party all costs incurred in such dispute, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

5.8      Counterparts; Facsimile/Electronic Signatures . This Warrant may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any signature page delivered electronically or by facsimile shall be binding to the same extent as an original signature page with regards to any agreement subject to the terms hereof or any amendment thereto.

 

5.9      Governing Law . This Warrant shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to its principles regarding conflicts of law.

 

5.10      Headings . The headings in this Warrant are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning of any provision of this Warrant.

 

5.11      Business Days . “ Business Day ” is any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which Silicon Valley Bank is closed.

 

 

 

[Remainder of page left blank intentionally]

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 
7

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Warrant to Purchase Stock to be executed by their duly authorized representatives effective as of the Issue Date written above.

 

“COMPANY”

   
     

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

   
     
     

By:

/s/ Scott F. Drees    
       
Name:  Scott F. Drees    
  (Print)    
Title CEO & President    
     
     

“HOLDER”

   
     

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

   
     
     

By:

/s/ Mark Davis    
     

Name:

Mark Davis    

 

(Print)    

Title :

Vice President - Finance, Secretary & Treasurer    

 

 

[Signature Page to Warrant to Purchase Stock]

 

 
 

 

 

APPENDIX 1

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

1.     The undersigned Holder hereby exercises its right to purchase ___________ shares of the Common Stock of NUVECTRA CORPORATION (the “ Company ”) in accordance with the attached Warrant To Purchase Stock, and tenders payment of the aggregate Warrant Price for such shares as follows:

 

[   ]     Check in the amount of $________ payable to order of the Company enclosed herewith

 

[   ]     Wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company’s account

 

[   ]     Cashless Exercise pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Warrant

 

[   ]     Other [Describe] __________________________________________

 

2.     Please issue a certificate or certificates representing the Shares in the name specified below:

 

_________________________________________

Holder’s Name

 

_________________________________________

 

_________________________________________

(Address)

 

3.     By its execution below and for the benefit of the Company, Holder hereby restates each of the representations and warranties in Section 4 of the Warrant to Purchase Stock as of the date hereof.

 

   

HOLDER:

     
    _________________________________________ 
     
   

By: _______________________________________ 

     
   

Name: _____________________________________

     
   

Title: ______________________________________

     
   

Date: ______________________________________

 

 

Appendix 1

 

 
 

 

 

APPENDIX 2

 

ASSIGNMENT

 

For value received, Oxford Finance LLC hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

 

Name:          [OXFORD TRANSFEREE]

 

Address:      _________________________________________

 

Tax ID:                _________________________________________ 

 

that certain Warrant to Purchase Stock issued by NUVECTRA CORPORATION (the “ Company ”), on March 18, 2016 (the “ Warrant ”) together with all rights, title and interest therein.

 

   

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

     
     
   

By: _____________________________________ 

     
   

Name: ___________________________________

     
   

Title: ____________________________________

     

Date: ____________________________________

   

 

By its execution below, and for the benefit of the Company, [OXFORD TRANSFEREE] makes each of the representations and warranties set forth in Article 4 of the Warrant and agrees to all other provisions of the Warrant as of the date hereof.

 

   

[OXFORD TRANSFEREE]

     
   

By: _____________________________________ 

     
   

Name: ___________________________________

     
   

Title: ____________________________________

 

 

Appendix 2 

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

THIS WARRANT AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE HEREUNDER HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ ACT ”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 5.3 AND 5.4 BELOW, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER SAID ACT AND LAWS OR IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.

 

WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK

 

Company:  NUVECTRA CORPORATION  
Number of Shares of Common Stock:  

56,533 (the Initial Shares ), plus all Additional Shares which Holder is entitled to purchase pursuant to Section 1.7.

Warrant Price :

A price per share equal to (i) with respect to the Initial Shares, $5.97, and (ii) with respect to the Tranche B Additional Shares and the Tranche C Additional Shares, as applicable, the lower of (a) the average of the closing price of a share of Common Stock reported on the Trading Market (as defined below) for the 10 consecutive trading days (or such lesser number of consecutive trading days that the Company’s Common Stock has been traded on a Trading Market) ending immediately prior to the funding date of (A) with respect to the Tranche B Additional Shares, the Term B Loans (as defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein, the “ Term B Loan s ”), or (B) with respect to the Tranche C Additional Shares, the Term C Loans (as defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein, the “ Term C Loan s ”), and (b) the closing price of a share of Common Stock reported on the Trading Market for the trading day ending immediately prior to the funding date of (A) with respect to the Tranche B Additional Shares, the Term B Loans, or (B) with respect to the Tranche C Additional Shares, the Term C Loans.

Issue Date:  March 18, 2016
Expiration Date:  March 18, 2026      See also Section 5.1(b).

Credit Facility:

This Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (“ Warrant ”) is issued in connection with that certain Loan and Security Agreement of even date herewith among Oxford Finance LLC, as Lender and Collateral Agent, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, including Silicon Valley Bank, and the Company (as modified, amended and/or restated from time to time, the “ Loan Agreement ”).

 

THIS WARRANT CERTIFIES THAT, for good and valuable consideration, SILICON VALLEY BANK (together with any successor or permitted assignee or transferee of this Warrant or of any shares issued upon exercise hereof, “ Holder ”) is entitled to purchase the number of fully paid and non-assessable shares (the “ Shares ”) of the above-stated common stock (the “ Common Stock ”) of the above-named company (the “ Company ”) at the above-stated Warrant Price, all as set forth above and as adjusted pursuant to Section 2 of this Warrant, subject to the provisions and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Warrant. Reference is made to Section 5.4 of this Warrant whereby Silicon Valley Bank shall transfer this Warrant to its parent company, SVB Financial Group.

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 1. EXERCISE .

 

1.1      Method of Exercise . Holder may at any time and from time to time exercise this Warrant, in whole or in part, by delivering to the Company the original of this Warrant together with a duly executed Notice of Exercise in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix 1 and, unless Holder is exercising this Warrant pursuant to a cashless exercise set forth in Section 1.2, a check, wire transfer of same-day funds (to an account designated by the Company), or other form of payment acceptable to the Company for the aggregate Warrant Price for the Shares being purchased.

 

1.2      Cashless Exercise . On any exercise of this Warrant, in lieu of payment of the aggregate Warrant Price in the manner as specified in Section 1.1 above, but otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Section 1.1, Holder may elect to receive Shares equal to the value of this Warrant, or portion hereof as to which this Warrant is being exercised. Thereupon, the Company shall issue to the Holder such number of fully paid and non-assessable Shares as are computed using the following formula:

 

X = Y(A-B)/A

 

where:

 

 

X =

the number of Shares to be issued to the Holder;

 

 

Y =

the number of Shares with respect to which this Warrant is being exercised (inclusive of the Shares surrendered to the Company in payment of the aggregate Warrant Price);

 

 

A =

the Fair Market Value (as determined pursuant to Section 1.3 below) of one Share; and

 

 

B =

the Warrant Price.

 

1.3      Fair Market Value . If the Company’s Common Stock is then traded or quoted on a nationally recognized securities exchange, inter-dealer quotation system or over-the-counter market (a “ Trading Market ”), the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be the closing price or last sale price of a share of Common Stock reported for the trading day immediately before the date on which Holder delivers this Warrant together with its Notice of Exercise to the Company. If the Company’s Common Stock is not traded in a Trading Market, the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine the Fair Market Value of a Share in its reasonable good faith judgment.

 

1.4      Delivery of Certificate and New Warrant . Within a reasonable time after Holder exercises this Warrant in the manner set forth in Section 1.1 or 1.2 above, the Company shall deliver to Holder a certificate representing the Shares issued to Holder upon such exercise and, if this Warrant has not been fully exercised and has not expired, a new warrant of like tenor representing the Shares not so acquired.

 

1.5      Replacement of Warrant . On receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, on delivery of an indemnity agreement reasonably satisfactory in form, substance and amount to the Company or, in the case of mutilation, on surrender of this Warrant to the Company for cancellation, the Company shall, within a reasonable time, execute and deliver to Holder, in lieu of this Warrant, a new warrant of like tenor and amount.

 

 

 

 

1.6      Treatment of Warrant Upon Acquisition of Company .

 

(a)      Acquisition . For the purpose of this Warrant, “ Acquisition ” means any transaction or series of related transactions involving: (i) the sale, lease, exclusive license, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Company into or with another person or entity (other than a merger or consolidation effected exclusively to change the Company’s domicile), or any other corporate reorganization, in each case, in which the stockholders of the Company in their capacity as such immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization, own less than a majority of the Company’s (or the surviving or successor entity’s) outstanding voting power immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization; or (iii) any sale or other transfer by the stockholders of the Company of shares representing at least a majority of the Company’s then-total outstanding combined voting power to a person or entity or to a group of persons or entities acting together.

 

(b)      Treatment of Warrant at Acquisition . In the event of an Acquisition in which the consideration to be received by the Company’s stockholders consists solely of cash, solely of Marketable Securities or a combination of cash and Marketable Securities (a “ Cash/Public Acquisition ”), and the fair market value of one Share as determined in accordance with Section 1.3 above would be greater than the Warrant Price in effect on such date immediately prior to such Cash/Public Acquisition, and Holder has not exercised this Warrant pursuant to Section 1.1 above as to all Shares, then this Warrant shall automatically be deemed to be Cashless Exercised pursuant to Section 1.2 above as to all Shares effective immediately prior to and contingent upon the consummation of a Cash/Public Acquisition. In connection with such Cashless Exercise, Holder shall be deemed to have restated each of the representations and warranties in Section 4 of the Warrant as of the date thereof and the Company shall promptly notify the Holder of the number of Shares (or such other securities) issued upon exercise. In the event of a Cash/Public Acquisition where the fair market value of one Share as determined in accordance with Section 1.3 above would be less than the Warrant Price in effect immediately prior to such Cash/Public Acquisition, then this Warrant will expire immediately prior to the consummation of such Cash/Public Acquisition.

 

(c)     Upon the closing of any Acquisition other than a Cash/Public Acquisition defined above, the acquiring, surviving or successor entity shall assume the obligations of this Warrant, and this Warrant shall thereafter be exercisable for the same securities and/or other property as would have been paid for the Shares issuable upon exercise of the unexercised portion of this Warrant as if such Shares were outstanding on and as of the closing of such Acquisition, subject to further adjustment from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant.

 

(d)     As used in this Warrant, “ Marketable Securities ” means securities meeting all of the following requirements: (i) the issuer thereof is then subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and is then current in its filing of all required reports and other information under the Act and the Exchange Act; (ii) the class and series of shares or other security of the issuer that would be received by Holder in connection with the Acquisition if Holder were to exercise this Warrant on or prior to the closing thereof is then traded in any Trading Market, and (iii) following the closing of such Acquisition, Holder would not be restricted from publicly re-selling all of the issuer’s shares and/or other securities that would be received by Holder in such Acquisition were Holder to exercise this Warrant in full on or prior to the closing of such Acquisition, except to the extent that any such restriction (x) arises solely under federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations, and (y) does not extend beyond six (6) months from the closing of such Acquisition.

 

 

 

 

1.7      Additional Shares . Upon the funding of the Term B Loans, the Company shall be deemed to have automatically granted to Holder, in addition to the number of Shares which this Warrant can otherwise be exercised for by Holder, the right to purchase that number of additional Shares, rounded upward to the nearest whole number, equal to (i) the amount of the Term B Loans made by Silicon Valley Bank on the funding date of the Term B Loans in respect of its Term B Commitment (as defined in the Loan Agreement), (ii) multiplied by four and one-half percent (4.50%), and (iii) divided by the Warrant Price, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2 below (the “ Tranche B A dditional Shares ”). Upon the funding of the Term C Loans, the Company shall be deemed to have automatically granted to Holder, in addition to the number of Shares which this Warrant can otherwise be exercised for by Holder, the right to purchase that number of additional Shares, rounded upward to the nearest whole number, equal to (i) the amount of the Term C Loans made by Silicon Valley Bank on the funding date of the Term C Loans in respect of its Term C Commitment (as defined in the Loan Agreement), (ii) multiplied by four and one-half percent (4.50%), and (iii) divided by the Warrant Price, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2 below (the “ Tranche C A dditional Shares ” and together with the Tranche B Additional Shares, collectively, the “ Additional Shares ”).

 

SECTION 2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SHARES AND WARRANT PRICE .

 

2.1      Stock Dividends, Splits, Etc . If the Company declares or pays a dividend or distribution on the outstanding shares of the Common Stock payable in securities or property (other than cash), then upon exercise of this Warrant, for each Share acquired, Holder shall receive, without additional cost to Holder, the total number and kind of securities and property which Holder would have received had Holder owned the Shares of record as of the date the dividend or distribution occurred. If the Company subdivides the outstanding shares of the Common Stock by reclassification or otherwise into a greater number of shares, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be proportionately increased and the Warrant Price shall be proportionately decreased. If the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are combined or consolidated, by reclassification or otherwise, into a lesser number of shares, the Warrant Price shall be proportionately increased and the number of Shares shall be proportionately decreased.

 

2.2      Reclassification, Exchange, Combinations or Substitution . Upon any event whereby all of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are reclassified, exchanged, combined, substituted, or replaced for, into, with or by Company securities of a different class and/or series, then from and after the consummation of such event, this Warrant will be exercisable for the number, class and series of Company securities that Holder would have received had the Shares been outstanding on and as of the consummation of such event, and subject to further adjustment thereafter from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant. The provisions of this Section 2.2 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, exchanges, combinations, substitutions, replacements or other similar events.

 

2.3      Intentionally Omitted.

 

2.4      Intentionally Omitted.

 

 

 

 

2.5      No Fractional Share . No fractional Share shall be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant and the number of Shares to be issued shall be rounded down to the nearest whole Share. If a fractional Share interest arises upon any exercise of the Warrant, the Company shall eliminate such fractional Share interest by paying Holder in cash the amount computed by multiplying the fractional interest by (i) the fair market value (as determined in accordance with Section 1.3 above) of a full Share, less (ii) the then-effective Warrant Price.

 

2.6      Notice/Certificate as to Adjustments . Upon each adjustment of the Warrant Price, class and/or number of Shares, the Company, at the Company’s expense, shall notify Holder in writing within a reasonable time setting forth the adjustments to the Warrant Price, class and/or number of Shares and facts upon which such adjustment is based. The Company shall, upon written request from Holder, furnish Holder with a certificate of its Chief Financial Officer, including computations of such adjustment and the Warrant Price, class and number of Shares in effect upon the date of such adjustment.

 

SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY .

 

3.1      Representations and Warranties . The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Holder as follows:

 

(a)     The initial Warrant Price referenced on the first page of this Warrant is not greater than the lesser of (i) the average of the closing price of a share of Common Stock reported on the Trading Market for the 10 consecutive trading days (or such lesser number of consecutive trading days that the Company’s Common Stock has been traded on a Trading Market) ending immediately prior to the funding date of the Term A Loans (as defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein, the " Term A Loans ") and (ii) the closing price of a share of Common Stock reported on the Trading Market for the trading day ending immediately prior to the funding date of the Term A Loans.

 

(b)     All Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant, shall, upon issuance, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens and encumbrances except for restrictions on transfer provided for herein or under applicable federal and state securities laws. The Company covenants that it shall at all times cause to be reserved and kept available out of its authorized and unissued capital stock such number of securities as will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of this Warrant.

 

3.2      Notice of Certain Events . If the Company proposes at any time to:

 

(a) declare any dividend or distribution upon the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock, whether in cash, property, stock, or other securities and whether or not a regular cash dividend;

 

(b) offer for subscription or sale pro rata to the holders of the outstanding shares any additional shares of any class or series of the Company’s stock (other than pursuant to contractual pre-emptive rights);

 

(c) effect any reclassification, exchange, combination, substitution, reorganization or recapitalization of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock; or

 

(d) effect an Acquisition or to liquidate, dissolve or wind up;

 

 

 

 

then, in connection with each such event, the Company shall give Holder:

 

(1) in the case of the matters referred to in (a) and (b) above, at least seven (7) Business Days prior written notice of the earlier to occur of the effective date thereof or the date on which a record will be taken for such dividend, distribution, or subscription rights (and specifying the date on which the holders of outstanding shares of the Common Stock will be entitled thereto) or for determining rights to vote, if any; and

 

(2) in the case of the matters referred to in (c) and (d) above at least seven (7) Business Days prior written notice of the date when the same will take place (and specifying the date on which the holders of outstanding shares of the class will be entitled to exchange their shares for the securities or other property deliverable upon the occurrence of such event and such reasonable information as Holder may reasonably require regarding the treatment of this Warrant in connection with such event giving rise to the notice).

 

Company will also provide information requested by Holder that is reasonably necessary to enable Holder to comply with Holder’s accounting or reporting requirements.

 

SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OF THE HOLDER .

 

The Holder represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

4.1      Purchase for Own Account . This Warrant and the securities to be acquired upon exercise of this Warrant by Holder are being acquired for investment for Holder’s account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the public resale or distribution within the meaning of the Act. Holder also represents that it has not been formed for the specific purpose of acquiring this Warrant or the Shares.

 

4.2      Disclosure of Information . Holder is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has received or has had full access to all the information it considers necessary or appropriate to make an informed investment decision with respect to the acquisition of this Warrant and its underlying securities. Holder further has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Company regarding the terms and conditions of the offering of this Warrant and its underlying securities and to obtain additional information (to the extent the Company possessed such information or could acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense) necessary to verify any information furnished to Holder or to which Holder has access.

 

4.3      Investment Experience . Holder understands that the purchase of this Warrant and its underlying securities involves substantial risk. Holder has experience as an investor in securities of companies in the development stage and acknowledges that Holder can bear the economic risk of such Holder’s investment in this Warrant and its underlying securities and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that Holder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in this Warrant and its underlying securities and/or has a preexisting personal or business relationship with the Company and certain of its officers, directors or controlling persons of a nature and duration that enables Holder to be aware of the character, business acumen and financial circumstances of such persons.

 

4.4      Accredited Investor Status . Holder is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Regulation D promulgated under the Act.

 

 
 6

 

 

4.5      The Act . Holder understands that this Warrant and the Shares issuable upon exercise hereof have not been registered under the Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the Holder’s investment intent as expressed herein. Holder understands that this Warrant and the Shares issued upon any exercise hereof must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Act and qualified under applicable state securities laws, or unless exemption from such registration and qualification are otherwise available. Holder is aware of the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Act.

 

4.6      No Voting Rights . Except as set forth herein, Holder, as a Holder of this Warrant, will not have any voting or other rights of a stockholder of the Company until the exercise of this Warrant.

 

SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS .

 

5.1      Term and Automatic Conversion Upon Expiration .

 

(a)      Term . Subject to the provisions of Section 1.6 above, this Warrant is exercisable in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on or before 6:00 PM, Pacific time, on the Expiration Date and shall be void thereafter.

 

(b)      Automatic Cashless Exercise upon Expiration . In the event that, upon the Expiration Date, the fair market value of one Share (or other security issuable upon the exercise hereof) as determined in accordance with Section 1.3 above is greater than the applicable Warrant Price for the Initial Shares, the Tranche B Additional Shares or the Tranche C Additional Shares in effect on such date, then this Warrant shall automatically be deemed on and as of such date to be exercised pursuant to Section 1.2 above as to all such Initial Shares, Tranche B Additional Shares or Tranche C Additional Shares (or such other securities) for which it shall not previously have been exercised, and the Company shall, within a reasonable time, deliver a certificate representing the Shares (or such other securities) issued upon such exercise to Holder.

 

5.2      Legends . The Shares (and the securities issuable, directly or indirectly, upon conversion of the Shares, if any) shall be imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

 

THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ ACT ”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THAT CERTAIN WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK ISSUED BY THE ISSUER TO SILICON VALLEY BANK DATED MARCH 18, 2016, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER SAID ACT AND LAWS OR IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER, SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.

 

 
 7

 

 

5.3      Compliance with Securities Laws on Transfer . This Warrant and the Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant (and the securities issuable, directly or indirectly, upon conversion of the Shares, if any) may not be transferred or assigned in whole or in part except in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws by the transferor and the transferee (including, without limitation, the delivery of investment representation letters and legal opinions reasonably satisfactory to the Company, as reasonably requested by the Company). The Company shall not require Holder to provide an opinion of counsel if the transfer is to SVB Financial Group (Silicon Valley Bank’s parent company) or any other affiliate of Holder, provided that any such transferee is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Act. Additionally, the Company shall also not require an opinion of counsel if there is no material question as to the availability of Rule 144 promulgated under the Act.

 

5.4      Transfer Procedure . After receipt by Silicon Valley Bank of the executed Warrant, Silicon Valley Bank will transfer all of this Warrant to its parent company, SVB Financial Group. By its acceptance of this Warrant, SVB Financial Group hereby makes to the Company each of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 hereof and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Warrant as if the original Holder hereof. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.3 and upon providing the Company with written notice, SVB Financial Group and any subsequent Holder may transfer all or part of this Warrant or the Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant (or the securities issuable directly or indirectly, upon conversion of the Shares, if any) to any transferee, provided, however, in connection with any such transfer, SVB Financial Group or any subsequent Holder will give the Company notice of the portion of the Warrant being transferred with the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the transferee and Holder will surrender this Warrant to the Company for reissuance to the transferee(s) (and Holder if applicable); and provided further, that any subsequent transferee other than SVB Financial Group shall agree in writing with the Company to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Warrant.

 

5.5      Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder from the Company to the Holder, or vice versa, shall be deemed delivered and effective (i) when given personally, (ii) on the third (3rd) Business Day after being mailed by first-class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, (iii) upon actual receipt if given by facsimile or electronic mail and such receipt is confirmed in writing by the recipient, or (iv) on the first Business Day following delivery to a reliable overnight courier service, courier fee prepaid, in any case at such address as may have been furnished to the Company or Holder, as the case may be, in writing by the Company or such Holder from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.5. All notices to Holder shall be addressed as follows until the Company receives notice of a change of address in connection with a transfer or otherwise:

 

SVB Financial Group

Attn: Treasury Department

3003 Tasman Drive, HC 215

Santa Clara, CA 95054

Telephone: (408) 654-7400

Facsimile: (408) 988-8317

Email address: derivatives@svb.com

 

 
 8

 

 

Notice to the Company shall be addressed as follows until Holder receives notice of a change in address:

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

Attn:   Melissa G. Beare

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

Plano, TX 75024

Telephone:     972 668-4107        

Facsimile:      469-362-8441

Email:   mbeare@nuvectramed.com   

 

5.6      Waiver . This Warrant and any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.

 

5.7      Attorney’s Fees . In the event of any dispute between the parties concerning the terms and provisions of this Warrant, the party prevailing in such dispute shall be entitled to collect from the other party all costs incurred in such dispute, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

5.8      Counterparts; Facsimile/Electronic Signatures . This Warrant may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any signature page delivered electronically or by facsimile shall be binding to the same extent as an original signature page with regards to any agreement subject to the terms hereof or any amendment thereto.

 

5.9      Governing Law . This Warrant shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to its principles regarding conflicts of law.

 

5.10      Headings . The headings in this Warrant are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning of any provision of this Warrant.

 

5.11      Business Days . “ Business Day ” is any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which Silicon Valley Bank is closed.

 

[Remainder of page left blank intentionally]

[Signature page follows]

 

 
 9

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Warrant to Purchase Common Stock to be executed by their duly authorized representatives effective as of the Issue Date written above.

 

“COMPANY”

 
   

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

 
   
   
By: /s/ Scott F. Drees    
       
Name: Scott Drees    
  (Print)    
Title: CEO & President    

 

“HOLDER”

 
   

SILICON VALLEY BANK

 
   
   
By: /s/ R. Michael White    
       
Name: R. Michael White    
  (Print)    
Title: Managing Director    

 

 

[Signature Page to Warrant to Purchase Common Stock]

 

 
 

 

 

APPENDIX 1

 

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

 

 

1.     The undersigned Holder hereby exercises its right to purchase ___________ shares of the Common Stock of NUVECTRA CORPORATION (the “ Company ”) in accordance with the attached Warrant To Purchase Common Stock, and tenders payment of the aggregate Warrant Price for such shares as follows:

 

 

[   ]

Check in the amount of $________ payable to the order of the Company enclosed herewith

 

 

[   ]

Wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company’s account

 

 

[   ]

Cashless Exercise pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Warrant

 

 

[   ]

Other [Describe] __________________________________________

 

2.     Please issue a certificate or certificates representing the Shares in the name specified below:

 

___________________________________________

Holder’s Name

 

 

___________________________________________

 

___________________________________________

(Address)

 

3.     By its execution below and for the benefit of the Company, Holder hereby restates each of the representations and warranties in Section 4 of the Warrant to Purchase Common Stock as of the date hereof.

 

HOLDER:

 

_________________________

 

 

By: ___________________________

 

Name: _________________________

 

Title: __________________________

 

(Date): _________________________

 

Appendix 1

Exhibit 10.1

 

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

BETWEEN

 

GREATBATCH, INC.

 

and

 

QIG GROUP, LLC

 

(to be converted into NUVECTRA CORPORATION)

   

 

 

Dated March 14, 2016

 

 

 
 

 

     

table of contents

   

 

    Page No.
       

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

1

Section 1.1

  Definitions 1
       

ARTICLE II TRANSITION SERVICES

2

Section 2.1

  Transition Services 2

Section 2.2

  Service Coordinators 3

Section 2.3

  Additional Transition Services 3

Section 2.4

  Third Party Transition Services 3

Section 2.5

  Standard of Performance; Limitation of Liability 3

Section 2.6

  Service Boundaries and Scope 5

Section 2.7

  Cooperation 5

Section 2.8

  Nature of Transition Services; Changes 5

Section 2.9

  Access 6
       

ARTICLE III SERVICE CHARGES

6

Section 3.1

  Compensation 6
       

ARTICLE IV PAYMENT

6

Section 4.1

  Payment 6

Section 4.2

  Payment Disputes 6

Section 4.3

  Review of Charges; Error Correction 7

Section 4.4

  Taxes 7

Section 4.5

  Records 7
       

ARTICLE V TERM

7

Section 5.1

  Term 7
       

ARTICLE VI DISCONTINUATION OF TRANSITION SERVICES

8

Section 6.1

  Discontinuation of Transition Services 8

Section 6.2

  Procedures Upon Discontinuation or Termination of Transition Services 8
       

ARTICLE VII DEFAULT

8

Section 7.1

  Termination for Default 8
       

ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVER

9

Section 8.1

  Waiver of Consequential Damages 9

Section 8.2

  Transition Services Received 9

Section 8.3

  Express Negligence 10
       

ARTICLE IX CONFIDENTIALITY

10

Section 9.1

  Confidentiality 10
       

ARTICLE X FORCE MAJEURE

11

Section 10.1

  Performance Excused 11

 

 

 
 i

 

 

Section 10.2

  Notice 11

Section 10.3

  Cooperation 11
       

ARTICLE XI GENERAL PROVISIONS

11

Section 11.1

  Entire Agreement 11

Section 11.2

  Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment 12

Section 11.3

  Amendment; Waivers 12

Section 11.4

  Notices 12

Section 11.5

  Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures 12

Section 11.6

  Severability 12

Section 11.7

  Governing Law 13

Section 11.8

  Performance 13

Section 11.9

  Relationship of Parties 13

Section 11.10

  Regulations 13

Section 11.11

  Construction 13

Section 11.12

  Effect if Separation does not Occur 14
       

Schedule A – Schedule of Transition Services and Fees

 

 

 

 
 ii

 

   

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

This TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT (together with Schedule A hereto, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of March 14, 2016, by and between Greatbatch, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GB”), and QiG Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation) (“Nuvectra”).

 

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of GB has determined that it would be appropriate and desirable for GB to distribute (the “Distribution”) on a pro rata basis to the holders of outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of GB all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Nuvectra owned by GB;

 

WHEREAS , in order to effectuate the foregoing, GB and Nuvectra have entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Separation Agreement”), which provides, among other things, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, for the separation of the respective businesses of GB and Nuvectra and the Distribution, and the execution and delivery of certain other agreements, including this Agreement, in order to facilitate and provide for the foregoing; and

 

WHEREAS , in order to provide for an orderly transition under the Separation Agreement, it will be advisable for GB to provide to Nuvectra those services described herein for a period of time.

 

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

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

“Additional Transition Services” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.

 

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Distribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

“Force Majeure Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.

 

“GB” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“IT Guidelines” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c).

 

“Nuvectra” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

 

 
1

 

 

“Schedule A” means the Schedule A attached hereto.

 

“Separation Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

“Service Coordinator” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

 

“Transition Services” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

 

“Tax” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.

 

Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Separation Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II
transition SERVICES

 

Section 2.1 Transition Services .

 

(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, GB, acting directly or through its Affiliates and its and their respective employees, agents, contractors or independent third parties designated by any of them, agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide or to cause to be provided services to the Nuvectra Group as set forth in Schedule A (including any Additional Transition Services provided in accordance with Section 2.3 hereof, all such services are collectively referred to herein as the “Transition Services”).

 

(b) At all times during the performance of the Transition Services, all Persons performing such Transition Services (including agents, temporary employees, independent third parties and consultants) shall be construed as being independent from the Nuvectra Group, and such Persons shall not be considered or deemed to be employees of any member of the Nuvectra Group nor entitled to any employee benefits of Nuvectra as a result of this Agreement. The responsibility of such Persons is to perform the Transition Services in accordance with this Agreement and, as necessary, to advise the applicable member of the Nuvectra Group in connection therewith, and such Persons shall not be responsible for decision-making on behalf of any member of the Nuvectra Group. Such Persons shall not be required to report to management of any member of the Nuvectra Group nor be deemed to be under the management or direction of any member of the Nuvectra Group. Nuvectra acknowledges and agrees that, except as may be expressly set forth herein as a Transition Service (including any Additional Transition Services provided in accordance with Section 2.3 hereof) or otherwise expressly set forth in the Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, no member of the GB Group shall be obligated to provide, or cause to be provided, any service or goods to any member of the Nuvectra Group .

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, GB and other members of the GB Group shall not be required to perform Transition Services hereunder or take any actions relating thereto that conflict with or violate any applicable law, contract, license, authorization, certification or permit, GB’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or other corporate governance policies, or GB’s information technology security and data transfer guidelines (the “IT Guidelines”), as each may be amended from time to time.

 

 

 
2

 

 

(d) Nuvectra, for itself and the other members of the Nuvectra Group, acknowledges and agrees to abide by the IT Guidelines during the term of this Agreement .

 

Section 2.2 Service Coordinators . Each party will nominate in writing a representative to act as the primary contact with respect to the provision of the Transition Services and the resolution of disputes under this Agreement (each such person, a “Service Coordinator”). The initial Service Coordinators shall be Timothy G. McEvoy and Chris Hanna (or their respective designees) for each of GB and Nuvectra, respectively. The Service Coordinators shall meet as expeditiously as possible to resolve any dispute hereunder; and any dispute that is not resolved by the Service Coordinators within 30 days shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Article V of the Separation Agreement. Each party hereto may treat an act of a Service Coordinator of the other party hereto which is consistent with the provisions of this Agreement as being authorized by such other party without inquiring behind such act or ascertaining whether such Service Coordinator had authority to so act; provided , however , that no such Service Coordinator shall have authority to amend this Agreement. GB and Nuvectra shall advise each other promptly (in any case no more than five Business Days) in writing of any change in their respective Service Coordinators, setting forth the name of the replacement, and stating that the replacement Service Coordinator is authorized to act for such party in accordance with this Section 2.2.

 

Section 2.3 Additional Transition Services . Nuvectra may request additional Transition Services (the “Additional Transition Services”) from GB by providing written notice to GB, which GB in its sole discretion may decline to provide. If GB undertakes to provide the Additional Transition Services, the parties shall negotiate in good faith regarding a written agreement as to the nature, cost, duration and scope of such Additional Transition Services, GB and Nuvectra shall supplement in writing Schedule A to include such Additional Transition Services. Except where the context otherwise indicates or requires, any such Additional Transition Services shall be deemed to be “Transition Services” under this Agreement .

 

Section 2.4 Third Party Transition Services . GB shall have the right to hire third-party subcontractors to provide all or part of any Transition Service hereunder to the extent it reasonably determines it requires the use of third-party subcontractors in providing any such Transition Service; provided, however, that GB shall be responsible for the costs of such third-party contractor. If Nuvectra requests Transition Services outside the scope of this Agreement, then GB will notify Nuvectra that such Transition Services are outside the scope and GB shall have the right to hire third-party subcontractors and Nuvectra will be responsible for the costs of such third-party subcontractors; provided that no failure by GB to notify Nuvectra that such Transition Services are outside the scope of this Agreement will affect Nuvectra’s responsibility for the cost of such third party subcontractors.

 

Section 2.5 Standard of Performance; Limitation of Liability .

 

(a) The Transition Services to be provided hereunder shall be performed with the same general degree of care, at the same general level and at the same general degree of accuracy and responsiveness, as when performed for the GB Group (including, for this purpose, Nuvectra and its subsidiaries) prior to the date of this Agreement. While GB agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts in providing the Transition Services, it is understood and agreed that GB and the members of the GB Group are not professional providers of the types of services included in the Transition Services and that GB personnel performing Transition Services have other responsibilities and will not be dedicated full-time to performing Transition Services hereunder . GB also represents that it shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, comply at all times during the term of this Agreement with all applicable laws and regulations relating in any way to the Transition Services. GB shall, if required, obtain and maintain all material permits, approvals and licenses necessary or appropriate to perform its duties and obligations (including all Transition Services) under this Agreement and shall at all times comply (or in the case of any providers of Transition Services who are contractors or independent third parties, to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause them to comply) with the terms and conditions of such permits, approvals and licenses.

 

 

 
3

 

 

(b) In the event GB or any member of the GB Group fails to provide, or cause to be provided, the Transition Services in accordance with the standard of service set forth in Section 2.5(a) or Section 2.5(c), Nuvectra may object to any amounts invoiced for such Transition Services in accordance with Section 4.2; provided , however , that in the event GB defaults in the manner described in Section 7.1(c), Nuvectra shall have the further rights set forth in Section 7.1(c) .

 

(c) EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 2.5, NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR CONFORMITY TO ANY REPRESENTATION OR DESCRIPTION), ARE MADE BY GB OR ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSITION SERVICES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ALL SUCH REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY WAIVED AND DISCLAIMED. NUVECTRA (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF EACH OTHER MEMBER OF THE NUVECTRA GROUP) HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT NUVECTRA OR ANY MEMBER OF THE NUVECTRA GROUP MAY OTHERWISE HAVE FOR ANY LOSSES, TO ENFORCE SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OR TO PURSUE ANY OTHER REMEDY AVAILABLE IN CONTRACT, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY IN THE EVENT OF ANY NON-PERFORMANCE, INADEQUATE PERFORMANCE, FAULTY PERFORMANCE OR OTHER FAILURE OR BREACH BY GB OR ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE NEGLIGENCE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT OR ACTIVE OR PASSIVE) OF GB OR ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP OR ANY THIRD PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER AND WHETHER DAMAGES ARE ASSERTED IN CONTRACT OR TORT, UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR NON U.S. LAWS OR OTHER STATUTE OR OTHERWISE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE FOREGOING WAIVER SHALL NOT EXTEND TO COVER, AND GB SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, SUCH LOSSES CAUSED BY THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF GB OR ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP OR AN INTENTIONAL BREACH UNDER THE AGREEMENT BY GB OR ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE GB GROUP BE LIABLE TO THE NUVECTRA GROUP WITH RESPECT TO CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT FOR AMOUNTS IN THE AGGREGATE EXCEEDING SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($750,000) .

 

 

 
4

 

 

Section 2.6 Service Boundaries and Scope .

 

(a) Except as provided in Schedule A for a specific Transition Service: (i) GB shall be required to provide, or cause to be provided, the Transition Services only at the locations such Transition Services are being provided by any member of the GB Group for any member of the Nuvectra Group immediately prior to the Distribution Date; provided , however , that, to the extent any such Transition Service is to be provided by an employee of GB who works in the Clarence, New York, Plano, Texas or Frisco, Texas corporate offices of GB, such Transition Service shall, to the extent feasible, only be provided by such employee from the corporate offices of GB; and (ii) the Transition Services shall be available only for purposes of conducting the business of the Nuvectra Group substantially in the manner it was conducted immediately prior to the Distribution Date.

 

(b) In providing, or causing to be provided, the Transition Services, GB shall not be obligated to: (i) maintain the employment of any specific employee or hire additional employees or third-party service providers; (ii) purchase, lease or license any additional equipment (including computer equipment, furniture, furnishings, fixtures, machinery, vehicles, tools and other tangible personal property), software or other assets, rights or properties; (iii) make modifications to its existing systems or software, including renewing or extending any software license beyond its current term; (iv) provide any member of the Nuvectra Group with access to any systems or software other than those to which it has authorized access immediately prior to the Distribution Date and for which it is reasonably practical to segregate Nuvectra Group data from GB data; (v) pay any costs related to the transfer or conversion of data of any member of the Nuvectra Group; (vi) administer Nuvectra Group benefit plans or (vii) facilitate or conduct audits by or for any regulatory agency, including, but not limited to, the United States Department of Labor. For the avoidance of doubt, the Transition Services do not include any services required for or as the result of any business acquisitions, divestitures, start-ups or terminations by the Nuvectra Group.

 

Section 2.7 Cooperation . GB and Nuvectra shall cooperate with one another in good faith and provide such further assistance as the other party may reasonably request in connection with the provision of Transition Services hereunder .

 

Section 2.8 Nature of Transition Services; Changes . Subject to Sections 2.3 and 2.5, the parties acknowledge the temporary nature of the Transition Services and that GB may make changes from time to time in the manner of performing the Transition Services. If such change in performance is expected to be material to Nuvectra, GB agrees to provide Nuvectra with prompt notice of such change. Nuvectra acknowledges (for itself and for the other members of the Nuvectra Group) that the employees of GB or any other members of the GB Group who may be assisting in the provision of Transition Services hereunder are at-will employees and, as such, may terminate or be terminated from employment with GB or any of the other members of the GB Group providing Transition Services hereunder at any time for any reason.

 

 

 
5

 

 

Section 2.9 Access . During the term of this Agreement and for so long as any Transition Services are being provided to Nuvectra by GB, Nuvectra will provide GB and its authorized representatives reasonable access, during regular business hours upon reasonable notice, to Nuvectra and its employees, representatives, facilities and books and records as GB and its representatives may reasonably require in order to perform such Transition Services.

 

ARTICLE III
SERVICE CHARGES

 

Section 3.1 Compensation . In consideration for the provision of the Transition Services, Nuvectra shall pay to GB or, at the election of GB, a member of the GB Group, the applicable fees as set forth in Schedule A .

 

ARTICLE IV
PAYMENT

 

Section 4.1 Payment . Except as otherwise provided in Schedule A for a specific Transition Service, charges for Transition Services shall be invoiced monthly by GB or, at its option, the member of the GB Group providing the Transition Service. Nuvectra shall make the corresponding payment no later than 6 0 days after receipt of the invoice. Each invoice shall be directed to the Nuvectra Service Coordinator or such other person designated in writing from time to time by such Service Coordinator. The invoice shall set forth in reasonable detail the Transition Services rendered and the invoice amount for the Transition Services rendered for the period covered by such invoice. Interest will accrue on any unpaid amounts at eighteen percent (18%) per annum (compounded monthly) or, if less, the maximum non-usurious rate of interest permitted by applicable law, until such amounts, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, are paid in full. All timely payments under this Agreement shall be made without early payment discount. If GB incurs any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or remits funds to a third-party on behalf of Nuvectra, in either case in connection with the rendering of Transition Services, then GB shall include such amount on its monthly invoice to Nuvectra, with reasonable supporting documentation, and Nuvectra shall reimburse that amount to GB pursuant to this Section 4.1 as part of its next monthly payment.

 

Section 4.2 Payment Disputes . Nuvectra may object to any invoiced amounts for any Transition Service at any time before, at the time of, or after payment is made, provided such objection is made in writing to GB within 30 days following the date of the disputed invoice. Nuvectra shall timely pay the disputed items in full while resolution of the dispute is pending; provided, however, that GB shall pay interest at a rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum (compounded monthly) on any amounts it is required to return to Nuvectra upon resolution of the dispute. Payment of any amount shall not constitute approval thereof. The Service Coordinators shall meet as expeditiously as possible to resolve any dispute. Any dispute that is not resolved by the Service Coordinators within 60 days following the date of the disputed invoice shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution and arbitration procedures set forth in Article V of the Separation Agreement. Upon written request, GB will provide to Nuvectra reasonable detail and support documentation to permit Nuvectra to verify the accuracy of an invoice.

 

 

 
6

 

 

Section 4.3 Review of Charges; Error Correction . GB shall maintain accurate books and records (including invoices of third parties) related to the Transition Services sufficient to calculate, and allow Nuvectra to verify, the amounts owed under this Agreement. From time to time until 90 days following the termination of this Agreement, Nuvectra shall have the right to review, and GB shall provide access to, such books and records to verify the accuracy of such amounts, provided that such reviews shall not occur more frequently than once per calendar quarter. Each such review shall be conducted during normal business hours and in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the operations of GB. If, as a result of any such review, Nuvectra determines that it overpaid any amount to GB, then Nuvectra may raise an objection pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.2. Nuvectra shall bear the cost and expense of any such review. GB shall make adjustments to charges as required to reflect the discovery of errors or omissions in charges.

 

Section 4.4 Taxes . All transfer taxes, excises, fees or other charges (including value added, sales, use or receipts taxes, but not including a tax on or measured by the income, net or gross revenues, business activity or capital of a member of the GB Group), or any increase therein, now or hereafter imposed directly or indirectly by law upon any fees paid hereunder for Transition Services, which a member of the GB Group is required to pay or incur in connection with the provision of Transition Services hereunder (“Tax”), shall be passed on to Nuvectra as an explicit surcharge and shall be paid by Nuvectra in addition to any Transition Service fee payment, whether included in the applicable Transition Service fee payment, or added retroactively. If Nuvectra submits to GB a timely and valid resale or other exemption certificate acceptable to GB and sufficient to support the exemption from Tax, then such Tax will not be added to the Transition Service fee payable pursuant to Article III; provided, however, that if a member of the GB Group is ever required to pay such Tax, Nuvectra will promptly reimburse GB for such Tax, including any interest, penalties and attorney’s fees related thereto. The parties will cooperate to minimize the imposition of any Taxes .

 

Section 4.5 Records . GB shall maintain true and correct records of all receipts, invoices, reports and such other documents relating to the Transition Services hereunder in accordance with its standard accounting practices and procedures, consistently applied. GB shall retain such accounting records and make them available to Nuvectra’s authorized representatives and auditors for a period of not less than one year from the close of each fiscal year of GB; provided, however, that GB may, at its option, transfer such accounting records to Nuvectra upon termination of this Agreement .

 

ARTICLE V
TERM

 

Section 5.1 Term . Subject to Articles VI and VII, the GB Group shall provide each Transition Service to the Nuvectra Group pursuant to this Agreement for the time period set forth in Schedule A relating to that specific Transition Service and, if a time period is not specified on Schedule A with respect to that specific Transition Service, for a period of no longer than two years from the Distribution Date. In accordance with the Separation Agreement and Article VI of this Agreement, Nuvectra shall undertake to provide to itself and the other members of the Nuvectra Group, and to terminate as soon as reasonably practicable, the Transition Services provided to the Nuvectra Group hereunder. The parties shall cooperate as reasonably required to effectuate an orderly and systematic transfer to the Nuvectra Group or a third-party service provider designated by the Nuvectra Group of all or any portion of the duties and obligations previously performed by GB or a member of the GB Group under this Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly agreed or unless sooner terminated, this Agreement shall commence upon the Distribution Date and shall continue in full force and effect between the parties for so long as any Transition Service set forth in Schedule A hereto is being provided to Nuvectra or members of the Nuvectra Group , and this Agreement shall terminate upon the cessation of all Transition Services provided hereunder .

 

 

 
7

 

 

ARTICLE VI
DISCONTINUATION OF TRANSITION SERVICES

 

Section 6.1 Discontinuation of Transition Services . At any time after the Distribution Date, Nuvectra may, without cause and in accordance with the terms and conditions hereunder and the Separation Agreement, request the discontinuation of one or more specific Transition Services by giving GB at least 30 days’ prior written notice; provided , however , that any such discontinuation will not affect the amounts payable to GB hereunder unless the discontinued Transition Services represent all of the remaining Transition Services to be provided in Schedule A and then any amounts payable to GB will be reduced only to the extent of the charges specifically identified in Schedule A . Nuvectra shall be liable to GB for all costs and expenses GB or any member of the GB Group remains obligated to pay in connection with any discontinued Transition Service or Transition Services, except in the case of a Transition Service terminated by Nuvectra pursuant to Section 7.1(c) .

 

Section 6.2 Procedures Upon Discontinuation or Termination of Transition Services . Upon the discontinuation or termination of a Transition Service hereunder, this Agreement shall be of no further force and effect with respect to such Transition Service, except as to obligations accrued prior to the date of discontinuation or termination; provided , however , that Articles I, IV, VIII, IX and XI and Section 2.5(c) of this Agreement shall survive such discontinuation or termination and any such termination shall not affect any obligation for the payment of Transition Services rendered prior to termination. Each party and the applicable member(s) of its respective Group shall, within 90 days after discontinuation or termination of a Transition Service, to the extent reasonably practicable, deliver to the other party and the applicable member(s) of its respective Group originals of all books, records, contracts, receipts for deposits and all other papers or documents in its possession which pertain exclusively to the business of the other party and relate to such Transition Service; provided that a party may retain copies of material provided to the other party pursuant to this Section 6.2 as it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with its financial reporting obligations or internal control practices and policies.

 

ARTICLE VII
DEFAULT

 

Section 7.1 Termination for Default .

 

(a) In the event of a failure of Nuvectra to pay for Transition Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement within 15 days of the due date thereof, GB shall notify Nuvectra of such late payment and if Nuvectra fails to pay such invoice within five days of its receipt of such notice, GB shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to immediately terminate this Agreement with respect to all Transition Services.

 

 

 
8

 

 

(b) In the event of a default, in any material respect, in the due performance or observance by Nuvectra of any of the other terms, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, which default is not cured within 30 days of receipt of a written notice of such default, GB shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to immediately terminate the Transition Service with respect to which the default occurred.

 

(c) In the event of a default, in any material respect, in the due performance or observance by GB of any of the other terms, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, which default is not cured within 30 days of receipt of a written notice of such default, Nuvectra shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to immediately terminate the Transition Service with respect to which the default occurred.

 

ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVER

 

Section 8.1 Waiver of Consequential Damages . NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, REMOTE OR SPECULATIVE DAMAGES OR ANY LOST PROFITS OR REVENUES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS SHALL NOT LIMIT EACH PARTY’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS FOR LIABILITIES TO THIRD PARTIES AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE SEPARATION AGREEMENT OR ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT.

 

Section 8.2 Transition Services Received.

 

Nuvectra hereby acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(a) the Transition Services to be provided hereunder are subject to and limited by the provisions of Section 2.5, Article VII and the other provisions hereof, including the limitation of remedies available to Nuvectra that restricts available remedies resulting from a Transition Service not provided in accordance with the terms hereof to non-payment and, in certain limited circumstances, the right to terminate this Agreement;

 

(b) the Transition Services are being provided solely to facilitate the transition of Nuvectra to a separate company as a result of the Distribution, and GB and its Affiliates do not provide any such Transition Services to non-Affiliates;

 

(c) it is not the intent of GB and the other members of the GB Group to render, nor of Nuvectra and the other members of the Nuvectra Group to receive from GB and the other members of the GB Group, professional advice or opinions, whether with regard to tax, legal, treasury, finance, employment or other business and financial matters, or technical advice, whether with regard to information technology or other matters; Nuvectra shall not rely on, or construe, any Transition Service rendered by or on behalf of GB as such professional advice or opinions or technical advice; and Nuvectra shall seek all third-party professional advice and opinions or technical advice as it may desire or need, and in any event Nuvectra shall be responsible for and assume all risks associated with the Transition Services, except to the limited extent set forth in Section 2.5 and Article VII;

 

 

 
9

 

 

(d) with respect to any software or documentation within the Transition Services, Nuvectra shall use such software and documentation internally and for their intended purpose only, shall not distribute, publish, transfer, sublicense or in any manner make such software or documentation available to other organizations or persons, and shall not act as a service bureau or consultant in connection with such software; and

 

(e) a material inducement to GB’s agreement to provide the Transition Services is the limitation of liability and the release provided by Nuvectra in this Agreement .

 

(f) ACCORDINGLY, EXCEPT WITH REGARD TO THE LIMITED REMEDIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, NUVECTRA SHALL ASSUME ALL LIABILITY FOR AND SHALL FURTHER RELEASE, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD GB, ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP AND THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS (ALL AS INDEMNIFIED PARTIES) FREE AND HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ALL LOSSES RESULTING FROM, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE TRANSITION SERVICES, HOWSOEVER ARISING AND WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF GB, ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP OR ANY THIRD PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER, OTHER THAN THOSE LOSSES CAUSED BY THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF GB OR ANY MEMBER OF THE GB GROUP .

 

Section 8.3 Express Negligence . THE INDEMNITY, RELEASES AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY IN THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING ARTICLES II AND VIII) ARE INTENDED TO BE ENFORCEABLE AGAINST THE PARTIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXPRESS TERMS AND SCOPE THEREOF NOTWITHSTANDING ANY EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE RULE OR ANY SIMILAR DIRECTIVE THAT WOULD PROHIBIT OR OTHERWISE LIMIT INDEMNITIES BECAUSE OF THE NEGLIGENCE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT OR ACTIVE OR PASSIVE) OR OTHER FAULT OR STRICT LIABILITY OF ANY OF THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES.

 

ARTICLE IX
CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Section 9.1 Confidentiality . Nuvectra and GB each acknowledge and agree that the terms of Section 6.8 of the Separation Agreement shall apply to information, documents, plans and other data made available or disclosed by one party to the other in connection with this Agreement. Nuvectra and GB each acknowledge and agree that any third party Information (to the extent such Information does not constitute Greatbatch Books and Records) provided by any member of the Nuvectra Group to any member of the GB Group after the Distribution Date in connection with the provision of the Transition Services by any member of the GB Group, or generated, maintained or held in connection with the provision of the Transition Services by any member of the GB Group after the Distribution Date, in each case that primarily relates to the Nuvectra Business, the Nuvectra Assets, or the Nuvectra Liabilities, shall not be considered Privileged Information of GB or Confidential Information of GB .

 

 

 
10

 

 

ARTICLE X
FORCE MAJEURE

 

Section 10.1 Performance Excused . Continued performance of a Transition Service may be suspended immediately to the extent caused by any event or condition beyond the reasonable control of the party suspending such performance (and not involving any willful misconduct of such party), including acts of God, pandemics, floods, fire, earthquakes, labor or trade disturbances, strikes, war, acts of terrorism, civil commotion, electrical shortages or blackouts, breakdown or injury to computing facilities, compliance in good faith with any Law (whether or not it later proves to be invalid), unavailability of materials or bad weather (a “Force Majeure Event”). Nuvectra shall not be obligated to pay any amount for Transition Services that it does not receive as a result of a Force Majeure Event (and the parties hereto shall negotiate reasonably to determine the amount applicable to such Transition Services not received). In addition to the reduction of any amounts owed by Nuvectra hereunder, during the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, to the extent the provision of any Transition Service has been disrupted or reduced, during such disruption or reduction, (a) Nuvectra may replace any such affected Transition Service by providing any such Transition Service for itself or engaging one or more third parties to provide such Transition Service at the expense of Nuvectra and (b) GB shall cooperate with, provide such information to and take such other actions as may be reasonably required to assist such third parties to provide such substitute Transition Service .

 

Section 10.2 Notice . The party claiming suspension due to a Force Majeure Event will give prompt notice to the other of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event giving rise to the suspension and of its nature and anticipated duration.

 

Section 10.3 Cooperation . Upon the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, the parties shall cooperate with each other to find alternative means and methods for the provision of the suspended Transition Service .

 

ARTICLE XI
general provisionS

 

Section 11.1 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including Schedule A, together with the documents referenced herein (including the Separation Agreement), constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior written and oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof. To the extent any provision of this Agreement conflicts with the provisions of the Separation Agreement , the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to control with respect to the subject matter hereof .

 

 

 
11

 

 

Section 11.2 Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns; and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other person or entity any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party hereto, except with the prior written consent of the other party hereto . Any purported assignment in violation of this Section 11.2 is void.

 

Section 11.3 Amendment; Waivers . No change or amendment may be made to this Agreement except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of both of the parties hereto. Either party hereto may, at any time, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (iii) waive compliance by the other with any of the agreements, covenants or conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party to be bound thereby. No failure or delay on the part of either party hereto in the exercise of any right hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right.

 

Section 11.4 Notices . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices, claims, certificates, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given (i) when personally delivered or (ii) if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, on the date the return receipt is executed or the letter is refused by the addressee or its agent or (iii) if sent by overnight courier which delivers only upon the signed receipt of the addressee, on the date the receipt acknowledgment is executed or refused by the addressee or its agent or (iv) if sent by facsimile or electronic mail, on the date confirmation of transmission is received (provided that a copy of any notice delivered pursuant to this clause (iv) shall also be sent pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or (iii)), addressed to the attention of the addressee’s Chief Financial Officer at the address of its principal executive office or to such other address or facsimile number for a party hereto as it shall have specified by like notice.

 

Section 11.5 Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and signature pages exchanged by facsimile, and each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute the same agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement, and any of the other agreements, documents and instruments contemplated hereby, by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof or thereof .

 

Section 11.6 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement or Schedule A is determined by a non-appealable decision by a court, administrative agency or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to either party hereto. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the court, administrative agency or arbitrator shall interpret this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible. If any sentence in this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only as broad as is enforceable.

 

 

 
12

 

 

Section 11.7 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware , without regard to any conflicts of law provisions thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 11.8 Performance . Each party hereto shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary or Affiliate of such party.

 

Section 11.9 Relationship of Parties . This Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship, partnership, joint venture or relationship of trust or agency between the parties. The parties hereto agree that GB (and any other member of the GB Group which performs Transition Services hereunder) is an independent contractor in the performance of Transition Services for the Nuvectra Group under this Agreement .

 

Section 11.10 Regulations . All employees of GB and the members of the GB Group shall, when on the property of Nuvectra, conform to the rules and regulations of Nuvectra concerning safety, health and security which are made known to such employees in advance in writing.

 

Section 11.11 Construction . This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the parties hereto and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either party. In this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural include the singular; and if a word or phrase is defined in this Agreement, its other grammatical forms, as used in this Agreement, shall have a corresponding meaning. Whenever the context requires, the gender of all words used in this Agreement includes the masculine, feminine and the neuter. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation,” and the word “or” shall have the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.” The words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably in this Agreement and have the same meaning. Relative to the determination of any period of time hereunder, “from” means “from and including,” “to” means “to but excluding” and “through” means “through and including.” All references herein to a specific time of day in this Agreement shall be based upon Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Savings Time, as applicable, on the date in question. Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified. Any reference herein to any Article, Section or Schedule means such Article or Section of, or such Schedule to, this Agreement, as the case may be, and references in any Section or definition to any clause means such clause of such Section or definition. As used in this Agreement, the words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “hereto” and words of similar import shall be deemed references to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other provision of this Agreement. The titles to Articles and headings of Sections contained in this Agreement, in any Schedule and in the table of contents to this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement .

 

 

 
13

 

 

Section 11.12 Effect if Separation does not Occur . If the Distribution does not occur, then all actions and events that are, under this Agreement, to be taken or occur effective as of or following the Distribution Date, or otherwise in connection with the Distribution, shall not be taken or occur except to the extent specifically agreed by the parties and neither party shall have any liability or further obligation to the other party under this Agreement .

 

[Signature page follows.]

 

 

 
14

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

GREATBATCH, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas J. Hook

 

 

 

Name: Thomas J. Hook

 

 

 

Title: CEO

 

 

 

    QIG GROUP, LLC  
    (to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Scott F. Drees

 

 

 

Name: Scott F. Drees

 

 

 

Title: CEO

 

 

Exhibit 10.2 

   

 

 

TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

   

between

   

GREATBATCH, INC.

   

and

   

QIG GROUP, LLC

 

(to be converted into NUVECTRA CORPORATION)

   

 

 

 

dated as of March 14, 2016

 

 
 

 

       

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   

 

      Page
         
ARTICLE I    DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES

Section 1.1
Definitions 1
     
ARTICLE II   ALLOCATION OF TAXES AND TAX ITEMS 6

   Section 2.1

General Rules 6

 

(a)  GB Taxes 6

 

(b)  Nuvectra Taxes 6

   Section 2.2

Special Rules 7

 

(a)  Pro Forma Stand-Alone Basis 7

 

(b)  Rules for Determining from which Business a Tax Item Arises 7

 

(c)  Preparation of Pro Forma Calculations and Allocations 8

 

(d)  Differences Between Taxes Shown on Joint Return and Taxes Computed on a Pro Forma Stand-Alone Basis 8

 

       
ARTICLE III   PREPARATION AND FILING OF TAX RETURNS 9

   Section 3.1

Joint Returns 9

   Section 3.2

Separate Returns 9

   Section 3.3

Rules Relating to the Preparation of Tax Returns 9

 

(a)  General Rule 9

 

(b)  Election to File Joint Returns 9

 

(c)  Nuvectra Returns 9

 

(d)  GB Returns 9

 

(e)  Returns Affecting Liability of Other Party 9

 

(f)  Reimbursement for Costs Incurred by Preparer 10

 

(g)  Allocation of Tax Items Between Joint Return and Related Separate Return 10

 

(h)  Standard of Performance 10
       
ARTICLE IV   TAX PAYMENTS AND INDEMNIFICATION PAYMENTS 11

   Section 4.1

Payment of Taxes to Tax Authorities 11

   Section 4.2

Indemnification Payments 11

 

(a)  Tax Payments Made by the Nuvectra Group 11

 

(b)  Tax Payments Made by the GB Group 11

 

(c)  Credit for Prior Deemed Tax Payments 11

   Section 4.3

Initial Determinations and Subsequent Adjustments 11

 

(a)   Initial Determinations of Payments  11

 

 

 
 -i-

 

   

 

(b)  Redeterminations of Payments and Additional Payments 11

   Section 4.4
Payments by or to Other Members of the Groups 12

   Section 4.5
Late Payments 12

   Section 4.6
Tax Consequences of Payments 12

   Section 4.7
Payment Notices 13
       

ARTICLE V TAX CONTESTS

13

   Section 5.1
Notices 13

   Section 5.2
Control of Tax Contests 13

 

(a)  General Rule 13

 

(b)  Tax Contests Involving Certain Taxes Reported on a Joint Return 13

 

(c)  Non-Controlling Party Participation Rights 14
       

ARTICLE VI ASSISTANCE AND COOPERATION

15

   Section 6.1
Provision of Information 15

 

(a)  Information with Respect to Joint Returns 15

 

(b)  Information with Respect Tax Payments 15

 

(c)  Information with Respect to Separate Returns 16

 

(d)  Information with Respect to Pro Forma Stand-Alone Basis Computations and Allocations 16

 

(e)  Information with Respect to Tax Contests 16

   Section 6.2
Reliance on Exchanged Information 16

   Section 6.3
Provision of Assistance and Cooperation 16

 

(a)  Assistance with Respect to Joint Returns 16

 

(b)  Assistance with Respect to Tax Contests 17

 

(c)  Cooperation 17

   Section 6.4
Retention of Tax Records 17

   Section 6.5
Supplemental Rulings and Supplemental Tax Opinions 17

   Section 6.6
Withholding and Reporting 18
       

ARTICLE VII RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN ACTIONS

18

   Section 7.1
General Restrictions 18

   Section 7.2
Certain Nuvectra Actions Beginning on the Spin-off Date 18
       

ARTICLE VIII GENERAL PROVISIONS

19

   Section 8.1
Authority 20

   Section 8.2
Termination 20

   Section 8.3
Entire Agreement 20

   Section 8.4
Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment  20

 

 

 
 -ii-

 

 

   Section 8.5
Amendment 20
   Section 8.6 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative 20

   Section 8.7
Notices 20

   Section 8.8
Counterpart; Facsimile Signatures 21

   Section 8.9
Severability 21

   Section 8.10
Governing Law 21

   Section 8.11
Specific Performance 21

   Section 8.12
Construction 21

   Section 8.13
Performance 22

   Section 8.14
Change in Law 22

   Section 8.15
Expenses 22

   Section 8.16
Disputes 22

   Section 8.17
Confidentiality  22
       

 

 
 -iii-

 

       

TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

 

THIS TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of March 14, 2016, between Greatbatch, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GB”), and QiG Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“QiG”). Unless otherwise indicated, all “Article” and “Section” references in this Agreement are to articles and sections of this Agreement.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , prior to the Spin-off (as defined below) QiG will be converted into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Nuvectra Corporation will be an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of GB that owns and operates the Nuvectra Business (as defined below);

 

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of GB has determined that it would be appropriate and desirable for GB to separate (the “Separation”) the Nuvectra Business from the GB Business (as defined below);

 

WHEREAS , GB, in connection with the Separation, intends to distribute to its shareholders all of the shares of Nuvectra Corporation stock in a transaction (the “Spin-off”) intended to qualify as a transaction described under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

 

WHEREAS , the Parties have set forth in a Separation and Distribution Agreement the principal arrangements between them regarding the Separation and the Spin-off; and

 

WHEREAS , the Parties desire to provide for and agree upon the allocation between the Parties of Taxes and Tax Items arising prior to, as a result of, and subsequent to the Spin-off, and to provide for and agree upon other matters relating to Taxes.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements set forth below, the Parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES

 

Section 1.1      Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

“Code” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Controlling Party” means the Party that has primary responsibility, control and discretion in handling, settling, or conducting a Tax Contest pursuant to Section 5.2.

 

“Effective Time” means the time at which the Spin-off is effected on the Spin-off Date.

 

“GB” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

 

 
 

 

 

“GB Business” means the “Greatbatch Business” as defined in the Separation Agreement.

 

“GB Group” means GB and each Subsidiary of GB (but only while such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary of GB) other than a Person that is a member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

“GB Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.l(a).

 

“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service.

 

“Joint Return” means any Tax Return that includes Tax Items attributable to both the GB Business and the Nuvectra Business; provided , however , that Tax Items carried forward from a Tax Year beginning on or before the Spin-off Date to a Tax Year beginning after the Spin-off Date shall be ignored for purposes of this determination.

 

“Nuvectra” means (i) with respect to any Tax Year, or portion thereof, ending before the date of the conversion of QiG into Nuvectra Corporation, QiG and (ii) with respect to any Tax Year, or portion thereof, beginning on or after the date of the conversion of QiG into Nuvectra Corporation, Nuvectra Corporation.

 

“Nuvectra Active Trade or Business” means the active conduct (as defined in Section 355(b)(2) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) by the Nuvectra Group of the Nuvectra Business as conducted immediately prior to the Spin-off.

 

“Nuvectra Business” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

 

“Nuvectra Group” means (i) with respect to any Tax Year, or portion thereof, ending before the Spin-off Date, Nuvectra and each other Subsidiary of GB that is a Subsidiary of Nuvectra on the Spin-off Date and (ii) with respect to any Tax Year, or portion thereof, beginning on or after the Spin-off Date, Nuvectra and each Subsidiary of Nuvectra (but only while such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary of Nuvectra).

 

“Nuvectra Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).

 

“Non-Controlling Party” means the Party that does not have primary responsibility, control, and discretion in handling, settling, or conducting a Tax Contest pursuant to Section 5.2.

 

“Non-Controlling Party Item” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(c).

 

“Non-Preparer” means the Party that is not responsible for the preparation or filing of a Joint Return or a Separate Return, as applicable, pursuant to Section 3.1 and Section 3.2.

 

“Party” or “Parties” means GB, Nuvectra, or both, as the context requires.

 

“Past Practice” means past customs, practices, accounting methods, elections and conventions.

 

“Payment Date” means (i) with respect to any U.S. federal income Tax Return, the due date for any required installment of estimated taxes determined under Code Section 6655, the due date (determined without regard to extensions) for filing the return determined under Code Section 6072, and the date the return is filed, and (ii) with respect to any other Tax Return, the corresponding dates determined under the applicable Tax Law.

 

 

 
-2-

 

 

“Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, a union, an unincorporated organization or a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

“Post-Distribution Tax Period” means any taxable period (or portion thereof) that begins after the Spin-off Date.

 

“Pre-Distribution Tax Period” means any taxable period (or portion thereof) that ends on or before the Spin-off Date.

 

“Preparer” means the Party that is responsible for the preparation and filing of a Joint Return or a Separate Return, as applicable, pursuant to Section 3.1 and Section 3.2.

 

“QiG” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Requesting Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5.

 

“Separate Return” means any Tax Return that is not a Joint Return.

 

“Separation” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Separation Agreement” means the Separation and Distribution Agreement dated the date hereof between GB and Nuvectra.

 

“Separation Transactions” means the Spin-off and related transactions described in Schedule I to the Separation Agreement.

 

“Spin-off” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Spin-off Date” means the date of the Spin-off.

 

“Supplemental Tax Opinion” means, with respect to a specified action, an opinion (other than the Tax Opinion) from Tax Advisors to the effect that (subject to any customary assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth therein) such action will not preclude the Spin-off from qualifying as a Tax-free transaction described under Sections 368(a)(l)(D) and 355 of the Code to GB, its shareholders, and Nuvectra (except to the extent such shareholders receive cash in lieu of fractional shares or gain is required to be recognized by GB under Section 357(c) of the Code). The Tax Advisor in issuing a Supplemental Tax Opinion shall be permitted to rely on the validity and correctness, as of the date given, of any previously issued Tax Opinion or private letter ruling, unless such reliance would be unreasonable under the circumstances.

 

“Tax” or “Taxes” means all forms of taxation imposed by any governmental entity or political subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, whenever created or imposed, and whether of the United States or elsewhere, and whether imposed by a local, municipal, state, national, federal, or other body, and without limiting the foregoing, shall include any income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise, withholding, payroll, social security, workers compensation, unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem, stamp, excise, severance, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, transfer, recording, import, export, value added, alternative minimum, unclaimed property, escheat, estimated, or other similar tax (including any fee, assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax), together with any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing.

 

 

 
-3-

 

 

“Tax Advisors” means (i) with respect to the Tax Opinion, GB’s third party tax advisor, (ii) with respect to a Supplemental Tax Opinion, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP or another nationally recognized law firm or accounting firm designated by the Party to whom such opinion is delivered, and (iii) with respect to any dispute arising in connection with this Agreement, including under Section 2.2(c) or Section 3.3(e)(ii), a nationally recognized accounting firm agreed to by both Parties.

 

“Tax Attribute” means Tax basis, net operating and capital loss carryovers or carrybacks, alternative minimum Tax credit carryovers or carrybacks, general business credit carryovers or carrybacks, Tax credits or credits against Tax, disqualified interest and excess limitation carryovers or carrybacks, overall foreign losses, research and experimentation credit base periods, all other items that are determined or computed on an affiliated group basis (as defined in Section 1504(a) of the Code determined without regard to the exclusion contained in Section 1504(b)(3) of the Code) or other consolidated, combined or unitary basis, and any other item of loss, deduction, or credit that could reduce a Tax liability.

 

“Tax Authority” means, with respect to any Tax, the governmental entity or political subdivision, agency, commission, or authority thereof that imposes such Tax, or that is charged with the assessment, determination, or collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.

 

“Tax Benefit” means any credit, deduction, or other Tax Attribute that may have the effect of decreasing any Tax.

 

“Tax Contest” means an audit, review, examination, or any other administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose or effect of examining, determining, redetermining or recovering Taxes of any member of either Group (including any administrative or judicial review of any claim for a refund of any Tax).

 

“Tax Detriment” means any income, gain, or other attribute that may have the effect of increasing any Tax. For the avoidance of doubt, “Tax Detriment” includes the amount of any non-income Tax that is assessed without regard to income, gain or other quantifiable attribute (for example, Transfer Taxes and property Taxes).

 

“Tax Item” means any Tax Benefit or Tax Detriment.

 

“Tax Law” means the law of any governmental entity or political subdivision thereof, and any controlling judicial or administrative interpretations of such law, relating to any Tax.

 

 

 
-4-

 

 

“Tax Materials” means (i) the representation letters delivered to the Tax Advisors in connection with the delivery of the Tax Opinion or the Supplemental Tax Opinion, and (ii) any other materials delivered or deliverable by GB, Nuvectra, or others in connection with the rendering by the Tax Advisors of the Tax Opinion or the Supplemental Tax Opinion.

 

“Tax Opinion” means the opinion to be delivered to GB by GB’s third party tax advisor in connection with the Separation Transactions substantially to the effect that (subject to the customary assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth therein) for U.S. federal income tax purposes the Spin-off should qualify as a Tax-free transaction described under Sections 368(a)(l)(D) and 355 of the Code to GB, its shareholders, and Nuvectra (except to the extent such shareholders receive cash in lieu of fractional shares or gain is required to be recognized by GB under Section 357(c) of the Code).

 

“Tax Records” means Tax Returns, Tax Return work papers, documentation relating to any Tax Contests, and any books of account or records required to be maintained under applicable Tax Laws (including but not limited to Section 6001 of the Code) or under any record retention agreement with any Tax Authority.

 

“Tax-Related Costs” means (i) all accounting, legal and other professional fees and court costs incurred, as well as any other out-of-pocket costs incurred and (ii) all costs, expenses and damages associated with stockholder litigation and controversies and any amounts paid in respect of a liability of stockholders, whether paid to stockholders or the IRS or any other Tax Authority, in each case resulting from (A) the failure of the Spin-off from qualifying as a Tax-free transaction described under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code to GB and its stockholders (except to the extent such stockholders receive cash in lieu of fractional shares or gain is required to be recognized by GB under Section 357(c) of the Code) or (B) the failure of the Nuvectra stock distributed in the Spin-off from qualifying as “qualified property” for purposes of Section 355(d), 355(e) and 361(c) of the Code.

 

“Tax Return” means any report of Taxes due, any claims for refund of Taxes paid, any information return with respect to Taxes, or any other similar report, statement, declaration, election, notice, or other document required to be filed under any applicable Tax Law (whether or not a payment is required to be made in connection with such filing), including any attachments, exhibits, schedules, or appendices or other materials submitted with any of the foregoing, and including any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing.

 

“Tax Year” means, with respect to any Tax, the year, or other period, if applicable, for which the Tax is reported as provided under applicable Tax Law.

 

“Transfer Taxes” means all transfer, sales, use, excise, stock, stamp, stamp duty, stamp duty reserve, stamp duty land, documentary, filing, recording, registration, value added and other similar Taxes.

 

“Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated from time to time under the Code as in effect for the relevant Tax Year.

 

 

 
-5-

 

 

Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Separation Agreement.

 

Section 1.2      Examples . The operation of various provisions of this Agreement is illustrated by examples in Appendix hereto, and this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with such examples.

 

ARTICLE II
ALLOCATION OF TAXES AND TAX ITEMS

 

Section 2.1      General Rules . Except as provided in Section 5.1 (Tax Contests-Notices) and ARTICLE VI (Assistance and Cooperation), Taxes and Tax Items shall be allocated as follows:

 

(a)      GB Taxes . For any Tax Year, GB shall be liable for and indemnify the Nuvectra Group against GB’s allocable portion of Taxes imposed on the GB Group and the Nuvectra Group (“GB Taxes”). GB’s allocable portion of such Taxes shall be determined by taking into account the following Tax Items on a pro forma stand-alone basis (as determined pursuant to Section 2.2(a)):

 

(i)      GB Business Tax Detriments . Tax Detriments (other than Tax Detriments resulting from the Separation Transactions) arising from the operation or ownership of the GB Business,

 

(ii)      GB Business Tax Benefits . Tax Benefits (other than Tax Benefits resulting from the Separation Transactions) arising from the operation or ownership of the GB Business,

 

(iii)      Separation Transactions - Generally . Tax Items resulting from the Separation Transactions (including, without limitation, but for avoidance of doubt, Transfer Taxes and Taxes attributable to the settlement of any intercompany receivable, payable, loan or other account incident to the Separation Transactions), except those Tax Items that are required to be taken into account by Nuvectra pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(iii), and

 

(iv)      Nuvectra Business Tax Benefits . Tax Benefits (other than Tax Benefits resulting from the Separation Transactions) arising from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business for any Pre-Distribution Tax Period, but only to the extent such Tax Benefits are not taken into account in calculating Nuvectra Taxes under Section 2.1(b)(ii).

 

(b)      Nuvectra Taxes . For any Pre-Distribution Tax Period, Nuvectra shall be liable for and indemnify the GB Group against Nuvectra’s allocable portion of Taxes imposed on the GB Group and the Nuvectra Group (“Nuvectra Taxes”). Nuvectra’s allocable portion of such Taxes shall be determined by taking into account the following Tax Items on a pro forma stand-alone basis (as determined pursuant to Section 2.2(a)):

 

 

 
-6-

 

 

(i)      Nuvectra Business Tax Detriments . Tax Detriments (other than Tax Detriments resulting from the Separation Transactions) arising from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business,

 

(ii)      Nuvectra Business Tax Benefits . Tax Benefits (other than Tax Benefits resulting from the Separation Transactions) arising from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business, provided that such Tax Benefits may not be used to reduce any Tax Detriments described in Section 2.1(b)(iii),

 

(iii)      Separation Transactions - Breach of Covenants . Tax Items resulting from the Separation Transactions, but only to the extent such Tax Items are directly attributable to Nuvectra’s breach of any of its covenants or representations under ARTICLE VII, and not attributable to any of the events or actions described in clauses (i) – (iii) of Section 7.3(b), and

 

(iv)      GB Business Tax Benefits . Tax Benefits (other than Tax Benefits resulting from the Separation Transactions) arising from the operation or ownership of the GB Business, but only to the extent such Tax Benefits are not taken into account in calculating GB Taxes under Section 2.1(a)(ii).

 

Section 2.2      Special Rules.

 

(a)      Pro Forma Stand-Alone Basis . For purposes of computing GB Taxes and Nuvectra Taxes on a pro forma stand-alone basis, Tax Items shall be taken into account:

 

(i)      only to the extent required or allowable under applicable Tax Law on a pro forma stand-alone basis for such Tax Year,

 

(ii)      by assuming that the members of the Nuvectra Group filed on a consolidated basis with Nuvectra as the common parent,

 

(iii)      by using all applicable elections, accounting methods, and conventions used on the Tax Return on which such Tax Items are actually reported,

 

(iv)      by applying the average Tax rate on such Tax Return ( i.e., the Tax rate, expressed as a percentage, equal to the quotient of total Taxes shown on the Tax Return with respect to a particular Tax base and such applicable Tax base), provided , however , if any category of Tax Items is subject to a different rate of Tax than other categories of Tax Items on such Tax Return, the average Tax rate applicable to such category of Tax Items reported on the Tax Return shall apply with respect to such Tax Items, and

 

(v)      by treating Tax Benefits as used in the order specified under applicable Tax Law or, to the extent that such Tax Law does not specify the order of use, as used pro rata.

 

(b)      Rules for Determining from which Business a Tax Item Arises . For purposes of ARTICLE II, Tax Items shall be deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Business to which such items are more closely related. For the avoidance of doubt, Tax Benefits arising from the vesting or payment of an equity award shall be deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Business that received the benefit of the services to which such equity award relates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Tax Year, Tax Items related to overhead costs and similar expenses that do not directly relate to either Business shall be allocated to GB.

 

 

 
-7-

 

 

(c)      Preparation of Pro Forma Calculations and Allocations . GB shall be responsible for preparing all pro forma stand-alone basis computations and allocations provided for in this ARTICLE II (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the allocations provided for in Section 2.2(b)); provided, however , GB shall make available and provide to Nuvectra for its review and comment such pro forma stand-alone basis computations and allocations no later than sixty days before the date on which the relevant Tax Return to which such computations and allocations relate is due (taking into account any filed extensions), and, in connection with such review, Nuvectra shall have reasonable access, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to information then in the possession of the GB Group that Nuvectra reasonably requests in order for Nuvectra to review such pro forma stand-alone basis computations and allocations. If Nuvectra disagrees with any aspect of such computations and allocations, it shall, within thirty days after receiving such computations and allocations, provide GB with written notification of such disputed item (or items). Provided that GB has complied with its obligations pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) and the applicable provisions of ARTICLE VI, GB shall have no obligation to consider any comments that are provided more than thirty days after such computations and allocations are made available to Nuvectra. GB and Nuvectra shall act in good faith to resolve any such dispute prior to the date on which the relevant Tax Return to which such disputed item relates is required to be filed. If GB and Nuvectra cannot reach a resolution with respect to any such disputed item, the item in question shall be resolved in accordance with Section 8.16. In the event that any such dispute relating to any Tax Return is not resolved prior to the due date for such Tax Return, the Tax Return shall be timely filed and subsequently amended as necessary to reflect the resolution of the dispute.

 

(d)      Differences Between Taxes Shown on Joint Return and Taxes Computed on a Pro Forma Stand-Alone Basis . If the sum of GB Taxes and Nuvectra Taxes relating to a Joint Return is different from the amount of Tax shown on such Joint Return, then the Tax shown on such Joint Return shall be allocated between the Parties in the same proportion as the amount of GB Taxes or Nuvectra Taxes, as appropriate, bears to the sum of GB Taxes and Nuvectra Taxes relating to such Joint Return.

 

(e)      Allocation in Straddle Periods . For purposes of Section 2.1 and Section 2.2, Tax Items arising during any Tax Year that begins on or before and ends after the Spin-off Date shall be treated as arising during the Pre-Distribution Tax Period or the Post-Distribution Tax Period based on an interim closing of the books as of and including the day of the Spin-off Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tax Items attributable to any such Tax Year that are calculated on an annualized basis (including depreciation, amortization and depletion deductions) shall be apportioned between the Pre-Distribution Tax Period and the Post-Distribution Tax Period on a daily pro rata basis.

 

 

 
-8-

 

 

ARTICLE III
PREPARATION AND FILING OF TAX RETURNS

 

Section 3.1      Joint Returns . GB shall be responsible for preparing and timely filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Joint Returns.

 

Section 3.2      Separate Returns . GB shall be responsible for preparing and timely filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Tax Returns that it determines in its reasonable discretion are Separate Returns including Tax Items attributable to the GB Business. Nuvectra shall be responsible for preparing and timely filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Separate Returns including Tax Items attributable to the Nuvectra Business.

 

Section 3.3      Rules Relating to the Preparation of Tax Returns .

 

(a)      General Rule . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Preparer of a Tax Return shall have the exclusive right, in its sole discretion, with respect to such Tax Return to determine (i) the manner in which such Tax Return shall be prepared and filed, including the elections, methods of accounting, positions, conventions, and principles of taxation to be used and the manner in which any Tax Item shall be reported, (ii) whether any extensions may be requested, (iii) whether an amended Tax Return shall be filed, (iv) whether any claims for refund shall be made, (v) whether any refunds shall be paid by way of refund or credited against any liability for the related Tax, and (vi) whether to retain outside firms to prepare or review such Tax Return.

 

(b)      Election to File Joint Returns . GB shall have the sole discretion of whether to file a Joint Return on a consolidated, combined, or joint basis, if the filing of such consolidated, combined, or joint return is elective under the relevant Tax Law.

 

(c)      Nuvectra Returns. Except as required by applicable Tax Law, with respect to any Separate Return for which Nuvectra is the Preparer, Nuvectra shall not take (and shall cause the other members of the Nuvectra Group not to take) any position that it knows, or reasonably should know, would adversely affect any member of the GB Group without the prior written consent of GB. Without limiting the foregoing, Nuvectra shall not elect under Section 172(b)(3) of the Code to relinquish the carryback period with respect to a net operating loss if such net operating loss could, absent such an election, be carried back to the GB Group’s 2016 Joint Return.

 

(d)      GB Returns . Except as required by applicable Tax Law, with respect to any Separate Return for which GB is the Preparer, GB shall not take (and shall cause the members of the GB Group not to take) any position that it knows, or reasonably should know, would adversely affect any member of the Nuvectra Group without the prior written consent of Nuvectra.

 

(e)      Returns Affecting Liability of Other Party . Insofar as a Tax Return prepared by one Party may affect Taxes for which the other Party is liable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise to any Tax Authority, or would reflect a position that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the other Group:

 

 

 
-9-

 

 

(i)      Consistent With Past Practice . Unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties, and except to the extent otherwise required by applicable Tax Law, each Tax Return shall be prepared in a manner consistent with Past Practice.

 

(ii)      Review Prior to Filing . The Preparer of such Tax Return shall make the Tax Return available to the Non-Preparer for its review and comment no later than sixty days before the Tax Return is due, taking into account any extensions that the Preparer files, and, in connection with such review, the Non-Preparer shall have reasonable access, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to the Preparer’s supporting information and schedules, including financial books and records. If the Non-Preparer disagrees with any aspect of such Tax Return, it shall, within thirty days after receiving such Tax Return, provide the Preparer with written notification of such disputed item (or items). Provided the Preparer has complied with its obligations pursuant to this Section 3.3 and the applicable provisions of ARTICLE VI, the Preparer shall have no obligation to consider any comments that are provided more than thirty days after such Tax Return is made available to the Non-Preparer. The Preparer and Non-Preparer shall act in good faith to resolve any such dispute prior to the date on which the relevant Tax Return to which such disputed item relates is required to be filed. If the Preparer and Non-Preparer cannot reach a resolution with respect to any such disputed item, the item in question shall be resolved in accordance with Section 8.16. In the event that any such dispute relating to any Tax Return is not resolved prior to the due date for such Tax Return, the Tax Return shall be timely filed and subsequently amended as necessary to reflect the resolution of the dispute.

 

(f)      Reimbursement for Costs Incurred by Preparer . The Non-Preparer of a given Tax Return may request that the Preparer amend such Tax Return for the benefit of the Non-Preparer. If the Preparer agrees, in its sole discretion, to amend such Tax Return, the Preparer shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Non-Preparer for any reasonable third-party costs that are attributable to the Non-Preparer’s request to the extent such costs exceed $50,000 in the aggregate.

 

(g)      Allocation of Tax Items Between Joint Return and Related Separate Return . Notwithstanding Section 3.3(a), if Tax Items are allocated between a Joint Return and any related Separate Return, then the Preparer of such Separate Return shall (and shall cause the members of its Group to) file the related Separate Return in a manner that is consistent with the reporting of such Tax Items on the Joint Return except to the extent otherwise required by applicable Tax Law.

 

(h)      Standard of Performance . GB shall prepare (or cause to be prepared) Joint Returns with the same general degree of care as it uses in preparing Separate Returns and without Nuvectra’s prior written consent it shall not take any position on any Joint Return that would have the effect of deferring any material item of income or accelerating any material item of deduction that would have the effect of increasing Nuvectra’s Taxes following the Spin-off or its indemnification obligation under this Agreement.

 

Section 3.4      Protective Section 336(e) Elections . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, GB and Nuvectra shall make a protective election under Section 336(e) of the Code (and any similar election under state or local law) in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.336-2(h) and (j) (and any applicable provisions under state and local law), and shall cooperate in the timely completion and/or filings of such elections and any related filings or procedures (including filing or amending any Tax Returns to implement a protective election that becomes effective). This Section 3.4 is intended to constitute a binding, written agreement to make an election under Section 336(e) of the Code with respect to the Spin-off.

 

 

 
-10-

 

 

ARTICLE IV
TAX PAYMENTS AND INDEMNIFICATION PAYMENTS

 

Section 4.1      Payment of Taxes to Tax Authorities. GB shall be responsible for remitting (or causing to be remitted) to the proper Tax Authority all Tax shown (including Taxes for which Nuvectra is wholly or partially liable pursuant to Section 2.1) on any Tax Return for which it is the Preparer, and Nuvectra shall be responsible for remitting (or causing to be remitted) to the proper Tax Authority all Tax shown on any Tax Return for which it is the Preparer.

 

Section 4.2      Indemnification Payments.

 

(a)      Tax Payments Made by the Nuvectra Group . If any member of the Nuvectra Group remits a payment to a Tax Authority for any GB Taxes, GB shall remit the amount for which it is liable to Nuvectra pursuant to Section 2.1(a) within thirty days after receiving written notification requesting such amount.

 

(b)      Tax Payments Made by the GB Group . If any member of the GB Group remits a payment to a Tax Authority for any Nuvectra Taxes, Nuvectra shall remit the amount for which it is liable to GB pursuant to Section 2.1(b) within thirty days after receiving written notification requesting such amount.

 

(c)      Credit for Prior Deemed Tax Payments . For purposes of Section 4.2(b), the portion of Taxes paid by the GB Group to a Tax Authority for which Nuvectra is wholly or partially liable will be determined by assuming that Nuvectra previously paid the full amount of its allocable share of all Taxes paid before the Spin-off, including, without limitation, its share of amounts shown on any Tax Return filed before the Spin-off Date with respect to any Tax Year ending on or before the Spin-off Date.

 

Section 4.3      Initial Determinations and Subsequent Adjustments.

 

(a)      Initial Determinations of Payments . The initial determination of the amount of any payment that one Party is required to make to the other Party under this Agreement shall be made on the basis of the Tax Return to which the payment relates as filed, or, if such Tax is not reported on a Tax Return, on the basis of the amount of Tax initially paid to the Tax Authority.

 

(b)      Redeterminations of Payments and Additional Payments . The amounts paid under this Agreement will be redetermined, and additional payments relating to such redetermination will be made, as appropriate, if as a result of an audit by a Tax Authority or an amended Tax Return (i) additional Taxes to which such redetermination relates are subsequently paid, (ii) a refund of Taxes (including any interest received relating thereto) is received or a Tax credit becomes available, (iii) the Group to which a Tax Item is allocated changes, or (iv) the amount or character of any Tax Item is adjusted or redetermined. Each Party will promptly notify the other Party in writing of the occurrence of any of the events described in clauses (i) – (iv) above. Each payment required by the immediately preceding sentence (a) as a result of a payment of additional Taxes will be due thirty days after the date on which the additional Taxes were paid or, if later, thirty days after the date of a request from the other Party for the payment, (b) as a result of the receipt of a refund or tax credit will be due thirty days after the refund or tax credit was received, (c) as a result of a change in the allocation of a Tax Item will be due thirty days after the date on which the final action resulting in such change is taken by a Tax Authority or either Party or any member of its Group or (d) as a result of an adjustment or redetermination of the amount or character of a Tax Item will be due thirty days after the date on which the final action resulting in such adjustment or redetermination is taken by a Tax Authority or either Party or any member of its Group.

 

 

 
-11-

 

 

Section 4.4      Payments by or to Other Members of the Groups . When appropriate under the circumstances to reflect the underlying liability for a Tax or entitlement to a Tax refund, credit or Tax Benefit, a payment which is required to be made by or to a Party may be made by or to another member of the Group to which that Party belongs, but nothing in this Section 4.4 shall relieve any Party of its other obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 4.5      Late Payments . Payments pursuant to this Agreement that are not made within the period prescribed in this Agreement or, if no period is prescribed, within thirty days after written demand for payment is made shall bear interest for the period from and including the date immediately following the last date of such payment period through and including the date of payment at a per annum rate equal to the rate specified in Section 5.5 of the Separation Agreement. Such interest will be payable at the same time as the payment to which it relates and shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days and the actual number of days for which due. If the indemnifying party fails to make a payment to the indemnified party within the time period set forth in this ARTICLE IV, the indemnifying party shall pay to the indemnified party, in addition to interest that accrues pursuant to this Section 4.5, any reasonable out-of pocket costs or expenses incurred by the indemnified party to secure such payment or to satisfy the indemnifying party’s portion of the obligation giving rise to the indemnification payment.

 

Section 4.6      Tax Consequences of Payments . For all Tax purposes and to the extent permitted by applicable Tax Law, the Parties shall characterize any payment made pursuant to this Agreement in the same manner as if such payment were a capital contribution or a distribution, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Effective Time, or as an assumed or retained liability, and, accordingly, as not includible in the taxable income of the recipient. The amount of any payment made pursuant to this Agreement shall be (i) subject to the last sentence of this Section 4.6, increased to take into account any additional Taxes that may be owed by the recipient (or any of the members of its Group) as a result of receiving such payment and (ii) reduced to take into account any Tax Benefit realized by the recipient of such payment as a result of making any payment giving rise to the obligation of the payor to pay the recipient, but only to the extent that such Tax Benefit reduces the liability for Taxes (whether payable to a Tax Authority or to the other Party under this Agreement) of the recipient in the Tax Year during which such payment is received. If the payor reduces any payment by the amount of any Tax Benefit pursuant to this Section 4.6 and such Tax Benefit subsequently is denied or reduced by any Tax Authority, then the payor shall pay the recipient an amount equal to such reduction or denial. In the event that a Tax Authority asserts that GB’s or Nuvectra’s treatment of a payment pursuant to this Agreement should be other than as required pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 4.6, GB or Nuvectra, as appropriate, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to contest such assertion.

 

 

 
-12-

 

 

Section 4.7      Payment Notices . Any notice requesting payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement shall (i) indicate the amount due and owing, (ii) set forth in reasonable detail the calculation of such amount, and (iii) include any relevant Tax Records, statement, bill, or invoice related to such Taxes, costs, expenses, or other amounts due and owing. Payments shall be deemed made when received.

 

ARTICLE V
TAX CONTESTS

 

Section 5.1      Notices . Each Party shall provide prompt notice to the other Party of any pending or threatened Tax Contest of which it becomes aware relating to (i) Taxes for which it is or may be indemnified by the other Party hereunder, (ii) the qualification of the Spin-off as a Tax-free transaction described under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code to GB, its shareholders, and Nuvectra (except to the extent such shareholders receive cash in lieu of fractional shares or gain is required to be recognized by GB under Section 357 (c) of the Code), or (iii) any change in the Tax treatment of any other part of the Separation Transactions. Such notice shall contain factual information (to the extent known by the notifying Party or its agents or representatives) describing any threatened Tax Contest or asserted Tax liability, if any, in reasonable detail and shall be accompanied by copies of any notice and other documents received from any Tax Authority in respect of any such matters. If (i) an indemnified Party has knowledge of an asserted Tax liability with respect to a matter for which it is to be indemnified hereunder, (ii) such Party fails to give the indemnifying Party prompt notice of such asserted Tax liability, and (iii) the indemnifying Party has the right, pursuant to Section 5.2, to control the Tax Contest relating to such Tax liability, then (A) if the indemnifying Party is precluded from contesting the asserted Tax liability as a result of the failure to give prompt notice, the indemnifying Party shall have no obligation to indemnify the indemnified Party for any Taxes arising out of such asserted Tax liability and (B) if the indemnifying Party is not precluded from contesting the asserted Tax liability, but such failure to give prompt notice results in a monetary detriment to the indemnifying Party, then any amount which the indemnifying Party is otherwise required to pay the indemnified Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be reduced by the amount of such detriment.

 

Section 5.2      Control of Tax Contests .

 

(a)      General Rule . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.2, the Preparer of any Tax Return shall be the Controlling Party with respect to any Tax Contest involving a Tax reported on such Tax Return.

 

(b)      Tax Contests Involving Certain Taxes Reported on a Joint Return .

 

 

 
-13-

 

 

(i)      Non-Preparer as Controlling Party . Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.2(b)(ii), the Non-Preparer shall be entitled to be the Controlling Party with respect to that portion of any Tax Contest involving a Tax Item or Tax reported on a Joint Return where the Non-Preparer is liable for (and has acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Preparer for such Tax Item or Tax under this Agreement) or entitled to take into account such Tax Item or Tax under this Agreement and the portion of the Tax Contest applicable to such Tax Item or Tax reasonably can be addressed on a separable basis from all other Tax Items reported on such Joint Return or through reasonable, good faith cooperation by the Parties hereto.

 

(ii)      Preparer and Non-Preparer Joint Control . The Preparer and Non-Preparer shall jointly control any Tax Contest (or portion thereof) relating to any Tax attributable to a breach of any of the covenants or representations under ARTICLE VII of this Agreement; provided, however , the Non-Preparer has acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Preparer for such Tax under this Agreement. To the extent the Parties control jointly any Tax Contest (or portion thereof): (A) neither Party shall accept or enter into any settlement of such Tax Contest (or the relevant portion or aspect thereof) without the consent of the other Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; (B) both Parties shall have a right to review and consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to any correspondence or filings to be submitted to any Taxing Authority with respect to such Tax Contest (or the relevant portion or aspect thereof); and (C) both Parties shall have the right to attend any formally scheduled meetings with any Taxing Authority or hearings or proceedings before any judicial authority, in each case with respect to such Tax Contest (or the relevant portion or aspect thereof).

 

(c)      Non-Controlling Party Participation Rights . With respect to any Tax Contest involving a Tax Item or Tax for which the Non-Controlling Party may be liable (either as a result of an increase in a Tax Detriment or a reduction in a Tax Benefit) or may be entitled to take into account under this Agreement (a “Non-Controlling Party Item”), (i) the Non-Controlling Party shall, at its own cost and expense, be entitled to participate in such Tax Contest, including by attending any formally scheduled meetings with any Tax Authority or hearings or proceedings before any judicial authority, (ii) the Controlling Party shall keep the Non-Controlling Party reasonably informed and consult in good faith with the Non-Controlling Party and its Tax advisors with respect to any issue relating to such Tax Contest, (iii) the Controlling Party shall provide the Non-Controlling Party with copies of all correspondence, notices, and other written materials received from any Tax Authority and shall otherwise keep the Non-Controlling Party and its Tax advisors advised of significant developments in the Tax Contest and of significant communications involving representatives of the Tax Authority, (iv) the Non-Controlling Party may request that the Controlling Party take a position in respect of such Tax Contest, and the Controlling Party shall do so provided that (A) there exists substantial authority for such position (within the meaning of the accuracy-related penalty provisions of Section 6662 of the Code), (B) the adoption of such position would not reasonably be expected to increase the Taxes for which the Controlling Party is liable, or decrease the Tax Benefits allocated to the Controlling Party under this Agreement (unless the Non-Controlling Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Controlling Party from such increase in Taxes or reduction in Tax Benefits), and (C) the Non-Controlling Party agrees to reimburse the Controlling Party for any reasonable third-party costs that are directly attributable to the Non-Controlling Party’s request, to the extent those costs exceed $50,000, (v) the Controlling Party shall provide the Non-Controlling Party with a copy of any written submission to be sent to a Tax Authority prior to the submission thereof and shall give good faith consideration to any comments or suggested revisions that the Non-Controlling Party or its Tax advisors may have with respect thereto, and (vi) there will be no settlement, resolution or closing or other agreement with respect thereto without the consent of the Non-Controlling Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

 

 
-14-

 

 

ARTICLE VI
ASSISTANCE AND COOPERATION

 

Section 6.1      Provision of Information.

 

(a)      Information with Respect to Joint Returns . At the written request of GB, Nuvectra shall provide GB with all Tax Records or other information then in the possession of the Nuvectra Group that GB reasonably requests in order for GB to properly and timely file all Joint Returns. Nuvectra shall provide such information no later than thirty days from the date of GB’s written request. However, if GB requests any such information within the thirty day period ending on the due date of such Joint Return, taking into account applicable extensions, Nuvectra shall provide such information as soon as commercially reasonable. If Nuvectra fails to satisfy the obligation provided for in the preceding three sentences, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Nuvectra shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the GB Group from and against, any penalties, interest or additional amounts in respect of Taxes (but excluding any Taxes underlying such amounts) assessed against any member of either Group by reason of any resulting delay in filing such return, to the extent such penalties, interest or additional amounts in respect of Taxes are solely and directly attributable to the delay in providing such information. If Nuvectra provides such information within the time period described in this Section 6.1(a) in a reasonable form to permit the timely filing of a Joint Return (or if no such information was requested by GB pursuant to this Section 6. l(a)), then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, GB shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Nuvectra Group from and against, any penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes (but excluding any Taxes underlying such amounts) assessed against any member of either Group by reason of any delay in filing such Joint Return, to the extent such penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes are directly attributable to the delay in filing.

 

(b)      Information with Respect to Tax Payments . At the written request of GB, Nuvectra shall provide GB with all Tax Records or other information then in the possession of the Nuvectra Group that GB reasonably requests in order to determine the amount of Taxes due on any Payment Date with respect to a Joint Return. Nuvectra shall provide such information no later than thirty days from the date of GB’s written request. However, if GB requests any such information within the thirty day period ending on the Payment Date, Nuvectra shall provide such information as soon as commercially reasonable. If Nuvectra fails to satisfy the obligation provided for in the preceding three sentences, the indemnification principles of Section 6.1(a) shall apply with respect to any penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes (but excluding any Taxes underlying such amounts) assessed against any member of either Group by reason of any resulting delay in paying such Taxes, to the extent such penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes are solely and directly attributable to the delay in providing such information.

 

 

 
-15-

 

 

(c)      Information with Respect to Separate Returns . At the written request of the Preparer, the Non-Preparer shall provide the Preparer with all Tax Records or other information then in the possession of the Non-Preparer’s Group that the Preparer reasonably requests in order to properly and timely file all Separate Returns for which the Preparer is responsible pursuant to Section 3.2. Such information shall be provided within the time period prescribed by Section 6.1(a) for the provision of information for Joint Returns. If the Non-Preparer fails to satisfy the obligation provided for in the preceding two sentences, the indemnification principles of Section 6.1(a) shall apply with respect to any penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes (but excluding any Taxes underlying such amounts) assessed against any member of either Group by reason of any resulting delay in filing such return, to the extent such penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes are solely and directly attributable to the delay in providing such information.

 

(d)      Information with Respect to Pro Forma Stand-Alone Basis Computations and A l locations . At the written request of GB, Nuvectra shall provide GB with all Tax Records or other information then in the possession of the Nuvectra Group that GB reasonably requests in order for GB to prepare the pro forma stand-alone basis computations and allocations provided for in Section 2.2(c). Nuvectra shall provide such information no later than thirty days from the date of GB’s written request.

 

(e)      Information with Respect to Tax Contests . At the written request of the Controlling Party, the Non-Controlling Party shall provide to the Controlling Party any information then in its possession (including Tax Records) about members of the Non-Controlling Party’s Group which is reasonably necessary in order to handle, settle or conduct any Tax Contest. The Non-Controlling Party shall provide such information no later than thirty days from the date of the Controlling Party’s written request. If the Non-Controlling Party fails to satisfy the obligation provided for in the preceding two sentences, the Controlling Party shall have no obligation to indemnify the Non-Controlling Party for any additional Taxes resulting from such Tax Contest, to the extent such additional Taxes are solely and directly attributable to the Non-Controlling Party’s failure to provide such information.

 

Section 6.2      Reliance on Exchanged Information . If a member of the Nuvectra Group supplies Tax Records or other information to a member of the GB Group, or a member of the GB Group supplies Tax Records or other information to a member of the Nuvectra Group, and an officer of the requesting Group member intends to sign a statement or other document under penalties of perjury in reliance upon the accuracy of such Tax Records or other information, then a duly authorized officer of the Group member supplying such Tax Records or other information shall certify to the extent that it is able, to such officer’s knowledge and belief, the accuracy and completeness of the Tax Records or other information so supplied.

 

Section 6.3      Provision of Assistance and Cooperation.

 

(a)      Assistance with Respect to Joint Returns . At the written request of GB, Nuvectra shall take any action (e.g., filing a ruling request with the relevant Tax Authority or executing a power of attorney) that is reasonably necessary in order for GB to prepare, file, amend or take any other action with respect to any Joint Return, provided, that such action is permitted under applicable law and would not reasonably be expected to have or cause to have a material adverse effect on any member of the Nuvectra Group. If Nuvectra fails to take any such requested action, the indemnification principles of Section 6.1(a) shall apply with respect to any penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes (but excluding any Taxes underlying such amounts) assessed against any member of either Group by reason of a failure to take any such requested action, to the extent such penalties, interest, or additional amounts in respect of Taxes are solely and directly attributable to the failure to take such action.

 

 

 
-16-

 

 

(b)      Assistance with Respect to Tax Contests . At the written request of the Controlling Party, the Non-Controlling Party shall take any action (e.g., executing a power of attorney) that is reasonably necessary in order for the Controlling Party to handle, settle or conduct a Tax Contest. Each Party shall assist the other Party in taking any remedial actions that are necessary or desirable to minimize the effects of any adjustment made by a Tax Authority. The Controlling Party shall reimburse the Non-Controlling Party for any reasonable, third-party, out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Section 6.3(b). If the Non-Controlling Party fails to provide assistance in accordance with this Section 6.3(b), the Controlling Party shall have no obligation to indemnify the Non-Controlling Party for any additional Taxes resulting from the Tax Contest, to the extent such additional Taxes are directly attributable to the Non-Controlling Party’s failure to provide such assistance.

 

(c)      Cooperation . In addition to the obligations enumerated elsewhere in this Agreement, GB and Nuvectra shall cooperate with each other and with each other’s agents and representatives, including their respective accounting firms and legal counsel, in connection with Tax matters, including, making available to each other, as reasonably requested and available, copies of all Tax Returns filed under this ARTICLE IV, and personnel (including officers, employees and agents of the Parties or their Subsidiaries) responsible for preparing, maintaining, and interpreting information and documents relevant to Taxes (including the pro forma calculations and allocations), and personnel reasonably required as witnesses or for purposes of providing information or documents in connection with any Tax Contest.

 

Section 6.4      Retention of Tax Records. Each Party shall preserve, and shall cause other members of its Group to preserve, all Tax Records that are in such member’s possession and that could affect the Tax liability of any member of the other Group, for so long as the contents thereof may become material in the administration of any matter under applicable Tax Law, but in any event until the later of (i) the expiration of any applicable statutes of limitation, as extended, and (ii) seven years after the Spin-off Date.

 

Section 6.5      Supplemental Rulings and Supplemental Tax Opinions . Each of the Parties agrees that at the reasonable request of the other Party (the “Requesting Party”), such Party shall cooperate and use reasonable efforts to (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to cooperate and use reasonable efforts to) assist the Requesting Party in obtaining, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, a Supplemental Tax Opinion from the Tax Advisors or a private letter ruling from the IRS, including, without limitation, by providing any Tax Materials reasonably requested; provided that no Party shall be required to make any representation or covenant that it does not reasonably believe is (and will continue to be) true, accurate and consistent with historical facts. Within thirty days after receiving an invoice from the other Party therefor, the Requesting Party shall reimburse such Party for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by such Party and the members of its Group in connection with assisting the Requesting Party in obtaining any Supplemental Tax Opinion.

 

 

 
-17-

 

 

Section 6.6      Withholding and Reporting . With respect to any stock of GB delivered to any Person, GB and Nuvectra shall cooperate (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to cooperate) so as to permit GB to discharge any applicable Tax withholding and Tax reporting obligations, including the appointment of Nuvectra or one or more of its Subsidiaries as the withholding and reporting agent if GB or one or more of its Subsidiaries is not otherwise required or permitted to withhold and report under applicable Tax Law.

 

ARTICLE VII
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN ACTIONS

 

Section 7.1      General Restrictions . Following the Effective Time, GB and Nuvectra shall not (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries not to) take any action that, or fail to take any action the failure of which to take (i) would preclude the Spin-off from qualifying as a Tax-free transaction described under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code to GB, its shareholders, and Nuvectra (except to the extent such shareholders receive cash in lieu of fractional shares or gain is required to be recognized by GB under Section 357(c) of the Code) or (ii) until the second anniversary of the Effective Time, would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with, or cause any Person to be in breach of, any representation or covenant, or any material statement, made in the Tax Materials.

 

Section 7.2      Certain Nuvectra Actions Beginning on the Spin-off Date . Without limiting the other provisions of this ARTICLE VII, other than as expressly contemplated in the Separation Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, during the two-year period beginning on the Spin-off Date, Nuvectra shall not take, nor enter into a binding agreement to take, any of the following actions:

 

(i)      cause or permit the cessation of the Nuvectra Active Trade or Business;

 

(ii)      liquidate Nuvectra;

 

(iii)      sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of (other than sales, transfers or dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business) 35% or more of the gross assets of the Nuvectra Active Trade or Business or 35% or more of the consolidated gross assets of the Nuvectra Group (such percentages to be measured based on fair market value as of the Spin-off Date), if such sale, transfer or other disposition would result in the violation of the “continuity of business enterprise” requirement of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-1(d) in connection with the Spin-off; or

 

(iv)      cause or permit to occur any transaction or series of transactions in connection with which one or more Persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire from any other Person or Persons, an interest in stock of Nuvectra that, when combined with any other acquisitions of an interest in stock of Nuvectra that occur after the Spin-off, comprises 30% or more of the value or the total combined voting power of all interests that are treated as outstanding equity in Nuvectra for U.S. federal income Tax purposes immediately after such transaction or, in the case of a series of related transactions, immediately after any transaction in such series; provided, however , that the following transactions shall not be taken into account for purposes of this Section 7.2(iv):

 

 

 
-18-

 

 

(1)     any issuance of stock that is an issuance to which Treasury Regulations Section 1.355-7(d)(8) or (9) applies;

 

(2)     any adoption of, or issuance of stock pursuant to, a shareholder rights plan that is described in or is similar to the shareholder rights plan described in Revenue Ruling 90-11, 1900-1 C.B. 10; or

 

(3)     any redemption or other repurchase of any stock of Nuvectra pursuant to an open market stock repurchase programs meeting the requirements of Section 4.05(l)(b) of Rev. Proc. 96-30, 1996-1 C.B. 696, as in effect prior to its amendment by Rev. Proc. 2003-48, 2003-2 C.B. 86.

 

in each case, without (a) first obtaining and delivering to GB, at Nuvectra’s own expense, a Supplemental Tax Opinion or a private letter ruling from the IRS with respect to such action, in each case that is reasonably satisfactory to GB, or (b) first obtaining the written consent from GB waiving the requirements of the immediately preceding clause (a).

 

Section 7.3      Tax Related Costs .

 

(a)      Indemnification by GB . GB shall indemnify and hold the Nuvectra Group harmless from any Tax-Related Costs arising from the Separation Transactions, except for Tax-Related Costs for which Nuvectra is responsible pursuant to Section 7.3(b).

 

(b)      Indemnification by Nuvectra . Nuvectra shall indemnify and hold the GB Group harmless from any Tax-Related Costs arising to the extent such Tax-Related Costs are directly attributable to Nuvectra’s breach of any of its covenants or representations under this ARTICLE VII and provided that such Tax Related Costs are not attributable to (i) the acquisition of all or a portion of GB’s stock and/or its Subsidiaries’ assets by any means whatsoever by any Person; (ii) the negotiations, understandings, agreements or arrangements by GB with respect to transactions or events (including without limitation, stock issuances, pursuant to the exercise of stock options or otherwise, option grants, capital contributions or acquisitions, or a series of such transactions or events) that causes the distribution of Nuvectra stock pursuant to the Spin-off to be treated as part of a plan pursuant to which one or more other Persons acquire directly or indirectly stock of GB representing fifty percent (50%) or more (by vote or value) of the outstanding stock of GB; or (iii) any breach by GB of its covenants or representations set forth in this ARTICLE VII.

 

 

 
-19-

 

 

ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 8.1      Authority . Each of the Parties represents to the other that (a) it has the corporate or other requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other actions, (c) it has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement to be executed and delivered on or prior to the Spin-off Date, and (d) this Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general equity principles.

 

Section 8.2      Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time by and in the sole discretion of GB without the approval of Nuvectra. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 8.2, neither Party shall have any liability of any kind to the other Party by reason of this Agreement or such termination.

 

Section 8.3      Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Separation Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, and the Schedules referenced therein or attached thereto, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior written and oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

Section 8.4      Binding Effect; No Third- Party Beneficiaries; Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person except the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be assigned by either Party, except with the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

Section 8.5      Amendment . No change or amendment may be made to this Agreement except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of both of the Parties.

 

Section 8.6      Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative . No failure or delay on the part of either Party in the exercise of any right hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement contained herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.

 

Section 8.7      Notices . All notices, claims, certificates, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given (i) when personally delivered, (ii) if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, on the date the return receipt is executed or the letter is refused by the addressee or its agent, (iii) if sent by overnight courier which delivers only upon the signed receipt of the addressee, on the date the receipt acknowledgment is executed or refused by the addressee or its agent, or (iv) if sent by facsimile or electronic mail, on the date confirmation of transmission is received (provided that a copy of any notice delivered pursuant to this clause (iv) shall also be sent pursuant to clause (i), (ii), or (iii)), addressed to the attention of the addressee’s General Counsel at the address of its principal executive office or to such other address or facsimile number for a Party as it shall have specified by like notice.

 

 

 
-20-

 

 

Section 8.8      Counterpart ; Facsimile Signature s . This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement, and any of the other agreements, documents and instruments contemplated hereby, by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof or thereof.

 

Section 8.9      Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is determined by a non-appealable decision by a court, administrative agency or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to either Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the court, administrative agency, or arbitrator shall interpret this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible. If any sentence in this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only as broad as is enforceable.

 

Section 8.10      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws provisions thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 8.11      Specific Performance . In the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions, and provisions of this Agreement, the Party or the Parties who are or are to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of their rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived.

 

Section 8.12      Construction . This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by Nuvectra and GB and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either Party. The Parties represent that this Agreement is entered into with full consideration of any and all rights which the Parties may have. The Parties have relied upon their own knowledge and judgment and upon the advice of the attorneys of their choosing. The Parties have had access to independent legal advice, have conducted such investigations they and their counsel thought appropriate, and have consulted with such other independent advisors as they and their counsel deemed appropriate regarding this Agreement and their rights and asserted rights in connection therewith. The Parties are not relying upon any representations or statements made by any other Party, or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives, or attorneys, regarding this Agreement, except to the extent such representations are expressly set forth or incorporated in this Agreement. The Parties are not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of the other Party (or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives, or attorneys) to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or its preparation, it being expressly understood that neither Party shall ever assert any failure to disclose information on the part of the other Party as a ground for challenging this Agreement. The provisions of Section 1.2 of the Separation Agreement are hereby incorporated herein by reference, as if set out in detail herein.

 

 

 
-21-

 

 

Section 8.13      Performance . Each Party shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary of such Party.

 

Section 8.14      Change in Law . Any reference to a provision of the Code or any other Tax Law shall include a reference to any applicable successor provision or law.

 

Section 8.15      Expenses . Except as otherwise provided herein, each Party and its Subsidiaries shall bear their own expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of Tax Returns, Tax Contests, and other matters related to Taxes under the provisions of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 8.15 or in this Agreement shall be interpreted to limit any Party’s rights to indemnification under the Separation Agreement for expenses and fees incurred by such Party in enforcing its rights hereunder.

 

Section 8.16      Disputes . The Parties will endeavor to resolve in an amicable manner all disputes arising in connection with this Agreement. The Parties shall negotiate in good faith to resolve any Tax dispute for not less than thirty days. Upon written notice of either Party after thirty days, the matter will be referred to a Tax Adviser acceptable to both Parties. The Tax Adviser may, in its discretion, obtain services of a third-party necessary to assist it in resolving the dispute. The Tax Advisor shall furnish a written notice to the Parties of its resolution of the dispute as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than forty-five days after the acceptance of the matter for resolution. Any such resolution shall be binding on the Parties and the Parties shall take, or cause to be taken, any action necessary to implement the resolution. All fees and expenses of the Tax Advisor shall be shared equally by the Parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties may jointly elect to apply the procedures for discussion, negotiation and arbitration set forth in ARTICLE V of the Separation Agreement to all disputes, controversies, or claims (whether sounding in contract, tort, or otherwise) that may rise out of or relate to, or arise under or in connection with this Agreement, except that, with respect to such disputes, controversies, or claims, the Applicable Deadline (as defined in Section 5.3(b) of the Separation Agreement) shall be sixty days after the later of (i) the applicable statute of limitations with respect to any Tax Item that is the subject of such dispute, controversy, or claim and (ii) the date that final action is taken by the applicable Tax Authority with respect to a Tax Contest relating to any Tax Item that is the subject of such dispute, controversy, or claim.

     

Section 8.17      Confidentiality . The provisions of Section 6.11 of the Separation Agreement shall govern the confidentiality, disclosure, and use of Confidential Information (as defined therein) relating to Taxes.

   

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

     

 

 
-22-

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names by a duly authorized officer as of the date first written above.

 

 

    GREATBATCH, INC.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Thomas J. Hook

 

 

 

Name: Thomas J. Hook

 

 

 

Title: CEO

 

 

 

    QIG GROUP, LLC  
    (to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Scott F. Drees

 

 

 

Name: Scott F. Drees

 

 

 

Title: CEO

 

 

 

 
-23-

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

The following examples illustrate the operation of various provisions of this agreement. However, no example is intended to illustrate every provision of this Agreement that may be relevant thereto.

 

Except as otherwise indicated, each example assumes:

 

 

(i)

an average Tax rate of 35%,

 

 

(ii)

QiG converts into Nuvectra immediately before the Spin-off Date,

 

 

(iii)

prior to the conversion QiG is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income Tax purposes,

 

 

(iv)

the Spin-off Date is March 14, 2016, and

 

 

(v)

for U.S. federal income Tax purposes the Spin-off qualifies as a Tax-free transaction described under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code to GB, its shareholders, and Nuvectra (except to the extent such shareholders receive cash in lieu of fractional shares).

 

Example 1. General Tax Allocation on Joint Return.

 

On its U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return for the Tax Year that begins on January 1, 2016, and ends on December 31, 2016, the GB consolidated group reports $200x of consolidated net taxable income, no credits, and a Tax liability of $70x (35% times $200x). The $200x of consolidated net taxable income reported on such Tax Return consists of $300x in Tax Detriments and $100x in Tax Benefits.

 

Pursuant to Section 2.2(c), the Tax Detriments consist of $200x of income more closely related to the GB Business, and $100x of income more closely related to the Nuvectra Business. Similarly, the Tax Benefits consist of (i) $50x of deductions more closely related to the GB Business and (ii) $50x of deductions more closely related to the Nuvectra Business.

 

Pursuant to Section 2.1, each of GB and Nuvectra will be liable for its allocable portion of the $70x of Tax shown on the U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return. Pursuant to Section 2.2(c), each Party’s allocable portion of such Tax is determined by taking into account on a pro forma stand-alone basis the Tax Items shown on such Tax Return and allocated to such Party pursuant to Section 2.1.

 

Thus, GB’s allocable portion of such Tax is determined by taking into account on a pro forma stand-alone basis:

 

 

(i)

pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(i) and 2.2(b), the $200x of Tax Detriments more closely related to the GB Business because they are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the GB Business, and

 

 

(ii)

pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(ii) and 2.2(b), the $50x of Tax Benefits more closely related to the GB Business because they are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the GB Business.

 

 

 
-24-

 

 

Taking into account such Tax Items on a pro forma stand-alone basis, GB’s allocable portion of the $70x of Tax therefore is $52.5x (($200-$50) times 35%).

 

In addition, Nuvectra’s allocable portion of such Tax is determined by taking into account:

 

 

(i)

pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(i) and 2.2(b), the $100x of Tax Detriments more closely related to the Nuvectra Business because they are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business, and

 

 

(ii)

pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(ii) and 2.2(b), the $50x of Tax Benefits more closely related to the Nuvectra Business because they are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business.

 

Taking into account such Tax Items on a pro forma stand-alone basis, Nuvectra’s allocable portion of the $70x of Tax therefore is $17.5x (($100-$50) times 35%).

 

Because the 2016 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return includes Tax Items attributable to the GB Business and Tax Items attributable to the Nuvectra Business, it will be a Joint Return. Pursuant to Section 3.1, GB is responsible for preparing and timely filing the Joint Return. Pursuant to Section 3.3(e)(ii), GB must make the Joint Return available to Nuvectra no later than sixty days before the Joint Return is due, taking into account any applicable extensions.

 

Pursuant to Section 4.1, GB must pay the $70x of Tax to the Tax Authority. Pursuant to Section 4.2(b), Nuvectra must remit the amount for which it is liable ($17.5x) to GB within thirty days after receiving written notification requesting such amount. If payment is not made within thirty days, Nuvectra must pay interest thereafter on the amount past due at the rate and as determined under Section 4.5.

 

Pursuant to Section 4.6, the Parties would ordinarily characterize Nuvectra’s payment of $17.5x in the same manner as if it were a distribution to GB immediately prior to the Effective Time or as a liability.

 

Example 2. Separate Return filed by Nuvectra.

 

On its 2016 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return, the GB consolidated group reports $200x of consolidated net taxable income, no credits, and a Tax liability of $70x (35% times $200x). Of the $200x of consolidated net taxable income reported on such Tax Return, $150x consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the GB Business. The remaining $50x of consolidated net taxable income consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business. The Nuvectra Group had total consolidated net taxable income of $125x during the period beginning January 1, 2016, and ending December 31, 2016. Because GB’s 2016 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return includes Tax Items attributable to the GB Business and Tax Items attributable to the Nuvectra Business, it will be a Joint Return.

 

 

 
-25-

 

 

Pursuant to Section 3.2, Nuvectra is responsible for preparing and timely filing a Separate Return for the Nuvectra Group for the period beginning immediately after the Spin-off Date, and ending on December 31, 2016. As a result, Nuvectra will have the right to make those determinations described in Section 3.3(a) with respect to the Separate Return, subject to the limitations in Section 3.3(c), Section 3.3(e), and Section 3.3(g). Pursuant to Section 3.3(g), Nuvectra is required to file its related Separate Return in a manner consistent with the reporting of the allocated Tax Items on the Joint Return, except as required by applicable Tax law.

 

As a result, $50x of Nuvectra’s 2016 net income is allocated to the Joint Return and the remainder of Nuvectra’s 2016 net income ( i.e. , $75x) is allocated to its Separate Return.

 

Example 3. Separate Returns and State Taxes.

 

On a monthly New York sales Tax Return during 2016, $50x of sales Tax must be reported. For purposes of this example, it is assumed that such Tax Return was not filed prior to the Effective Time of this Agreement. The $50x of sales Tax reported on such Tax Return consists of Tax Detriments that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business. Because such Tax Return includes Tax Items attributable only to the Nuvectra Business, it will be a Separate Return.

 

Because such Tax Return includes Tax Items attributable only to the Nuvectra Business, it will be a Separate Return. Pursuant to Section 3.2, Nuvectra is responsible for preparing and timely filing such Separate Return and will have the right to make those determinations described in Section 3.3(a) with respect to the Separate Return, subject to the limitations in Section 3.3(c) and Section 3.3(e). Pursuant to Section 4.1, Nuvectra must pay the $50x of sales Tax shown on the Separate Return to the proper Tax Authority. Furthermore, pursuant to Section 5.2(a), Nuvectra will have primary responsibility, control and discretion in handling, settling, or conducting any Tax Contest with respect to such Tax Return, subject to the limitations in Section 5.2(c).

 

Alternatively, if the $50x of Taxes shown on the New York sales Tax Return described above consists of Tax Detriments arising from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business and Tax Detriments arising from the operation or ownership of the GB Business, such Tax Return will be a Joint Return. In such case, pursuant to Section 3.1, GB will be responsible for preparing and timely filing such Joint Return and will have the right to make those determinations described in Section 3.3(a) with respect to the Joint Return, subject to the limitations in Section 3.3(e) and Section 3.3(e). Pursuant to Section 4.1, GB must pay the $50x of sales Tax shown on the Joint Return to the proper Tax Authority, but will be entitled to reimbursement from Nuvectra pursuant to Section 4.2(b) to the extent that Nuvectra is liable for any portion of such Tax pursuant to Section 2.1.

 

Furthermore, pursuant to Section 5.2(b)(ii), Nuvectra will be the Controlling Party with respect to any Tax Contest involving a Tax reported on such Joint Return. However, GB will have Non-Controlling Party participation rights pursuant to Section 5.2(c) with respect to such Tax Contest if such Tax Context could result in the increase of an GB Tax Detriment or the reduction of an GB Tax Benefit.

 

 

 
-26-

 

 

Example 4. NOL Carryback by Nuvectra.

 

On its 2016 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return, the GB consolidated group reports $200x of consolidated net taxable income, no credits, and a Tax liability of $70x (35% times $200x). Of the $200x of consolidated net taxable income reported on such Tax Return, $190x consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the GB Business. The remaining $10x of consolidated net taxable income consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business.

 

In addition, $150x of consolidated net taxable income and no credits arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business during the period beginning immediately after the Spin-off Date, and ending on December 31, 2016, but, in 2017, a $150x net operating loss (“NOL”) arises from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business.

 

Under applicable Tax Law, Nuvectra’s short Tax Year ending on the Spin-off Date will be considered the same Tax Year as GB’s Tax Year ending on December 31, 2016 (and which includes Nuvectra’s short Tax Year), but will be considered a different Tax Year from Nuvectra’s short Tax Year that begins after the Spin-off Date. Under applicable Tax Law, the carryback period for the NOL includes GB’s Tax Year ending on December 31, 2016 followed by Nuvectra’s short Tax Year beginning immediately after the Spin-off Date and ending on December 31, 2016. Pursuant to Section 3.3(c), Nuvectra is not permitted to make the election under Section 172(b)(3) of the Code to relinquish the carryback period for the NOL.

 

Under applicable Tax Law, the NOL would be carried back to GB’s 2016 Joint Return and GB generally would be entitled to utilize that portion of the NOL equal to the net income generated by the Nuvectra Group during the period Nuvectra was considered a member of the GB consolidated group. See Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1502-21(c) and 1.1502-21(c)(1)(iii), Example 3 (illustrating the SRLY limitations on NOL carrybacks from a separate return year to a consolidated return year). Pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(ii) and Section 2.2(a)(i), Nuvectra would be entitled to take such portion of the NOL into account in determining Nuvectra Taxes for the 2016 Joint Return, but only to the extent that Nuvectra would be allowed to take such portion into account under applicable Tax Law on a pro forma stand-alone basis for such Tax Year. Pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(iv), GB would be entitled to take the remaining portion of the NOL, as permitted under applicable Tax Law, into account in determining GB Taxes and would not be required to compensate Nuvectra therefor.

 

Any portion of the NOL that was not used on the 2016 Joint Return would be carried forward and utilized as a Tax Benefit by Nuvectra on its 2016 Separate Return (assuming such use was permitted under applicable Tax Law).

 

 

 
-27-

 

 

Example 5. NOL Carryforward as a Tax Benefit on Joint Return.

 

On its 2016 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return, and without taking into account any NOL carryforwards or NOL carrybacks, the GB consolidated group reports $150x of consolidated net taxable income, no credits, and a Tax liability of $52.5x (35% times $150x). All $150x of consolidated net taxable income reported on such Tax Return consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the GB Business. In addition, a $200x NOL arose from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business in 2015 and is carried forward to the 2016 Joint Return under applicable Tax Law.

 

Pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(iv), GB is entitled to take the NOL carryforward into account as a Tax Benefit in determining GB Taxes in 2016, and although the NOL arose from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business, GB will not be required to compensate Nuvectra therefor. Thus, in 2016, GB will be obligated to pay Tax of $0x (35% times $150x - $150x)) to the Tax Authority and $0x to Nuvectra.

 

Under applicable Tax Law, any remaining NOL carryforward may be utilized only by GB because such NOL arose while Nuvectra was disregarded as separate from GB for U.S. federal income Tax purposes. GB will not be required to compensate Nuvectra for the use of any such NOL carryforward.

 

Example 6. Difference Between Tax Shown on Joint Return and Taxes Computed on a Pro Forma Stand-Alone Basis.

 

On its 2016 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return, the GB consolidated group reports a total Tax liability of $100x. On a pro forma stand-alone basis, GB Taxes would equal $90x, which Taxes would be composed of $70x of “regular tax” and $20x of “alternative minimum tax” imposed under Section 55 of the Code. On a pro forma stand-alone basis, Nuvectra Taxes would equal $30x, which Taxes would be composed of $30x of “regular tax” and no “alternative minimum tax.”

 

 

 
-28-

 

 

Pursuant to Section 2.2(d), because the sum of GB Taxes and Nuvectra Taxes ($120x or ($90x + $30x)) is different from the amount of Tax shown on such Joint Return ($100x), the $100x of Tax shown on the Joint Return is allocated $75x ($100x times ($90x/$120x)) to GB and $25x ($100x time ($30x/$120x)) to Nuvectra.

 

Example 7. Average Tax Rate.

 

On a 2016 Joint Return, GB reports $200x of net taxable income and no credits. Assume that, under applicable Tax Law, the first $50x of net taxable income is subject to a Tax rate of 10%, the next $50x of net taxable income is subject to a Tax rate of 20%, and the remaining $100x of net taxable income is subject to a Tax rate of 25%. As a result, the Joint Return reports a Tax liability of $40x ((10% times $50x) + (20% times $50x) + (25% times $100x)). The average Tax rate on such Tax Return is 20% ($40x/$200x). Accordingly, pursuant to Section 2.2(a)(iv), a 20% Tax rate applies for purposes of computing Taxes on a pro forma stand-alone basis.

 

Example 8. Breach of Covenants.

 

Immediately before the Spin-off, GB held the Nuvectra stock with a fair market value of $300x and a basis of $0x. In 2017, Nuvectra enters into a merger whereby an acquiring corporation acquires all of the assets and liabilities of Nuvectra and Nuvectra’s shareholders receive stock in the acquiring corporation in exchange for all of their stock in Nuvectra. Assume that entering into the merger causes the Spin-off to be taxable to GB under Section 355(e).

 

As a result of the application of Section 355(e), GB will be required to recognize all of the realized gain on the Spin-off. Accordingly, ignoring any available NOL, the Separation Transactions result in a net Tax liability of $105x (35% times ($300x gain on the Spin-off).

 

Pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(iii), all $105x of the Tax (35% times $300x) resulting from the application of Section 355(e) would be allocated to Nuvectra because entering into the merger is a breach of covenant under Article VII that causes Section 355(e) to apply to the Spin-off.

 

Pursuant to Section 4.2(b), Nuvectra must remit the $105x of Taxes related to application of Section 355(e) to the Spin-off to GB within thirty days after receiving written notification requesting such amount. Pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(ii) and (iv), the result would be the same even if an NOL exists that could offset any gain required to be recognized as a result of the merger. Pursuant to Section 4.6, the Parties would ordinarily characterize Nuvectra’s payment of $105x in the same manner as if it were a distribution to GB immediately prior to the Effective Time or as a liability.

 

Example 9. Redetermination of Tax Detriments Allocated to GB.

 

On its 2016 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return, the GB consolidated group reports no consolidated net taxable income, an NOL of $100x, and no Tax liability. $50x of the NOL consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the GB Business and the remaining $50x consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business. Because no Tax is owed on the Joint Return, no payments are required to be made under this Agreement.

 

In 2018, the Tax Authority initiates a Tax Contest with respect to the 2016 Joint Return. In the Tax Contest, the Tax Authority asserts that an additional $100x of taxable income must be reported on the 2016 Joint Return. Such additional taxable income arose from the GB Business. Pursuant to Section 5.2(b)(ii), GB is the Controlling Party with respect to the Tax Contest because it involves a Tax reported on a Joint Return for which GB is liable. On December 31, 2016, a date subsequent to the Spin-off Date, a closing agreement is entered into with the Tax Authority whereby the GB consolidated group is required to recognize $100x of additional taxable income in 2016 in settlement of the Tax Contest.

 

As a result of the closing agreement, Section 4.3(b) requires that the amounts paid under this Agreement be redetermined. Under applicable Tax Law and pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(ii) and Section 2.1(a)(iv), GB is entitled to use the $100x NOL as a Tax Benefit to completely offset the additional taxable income recognized as a result of the Tax Contest. GB is not required to reimburse Nuvectra for the use of the $50x portion of such NOL that arose from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business.

 

 

 
-29-

 

 

Example 10. Redetermination of Tax Detriments Allocated to Nuvectra.

 

On its 2015 U.S. federal consolidated income Tax Return, the GB consolidated group reports no consolidated net taxable income, an NOL of $100x, and no Tax liability. $50x of the NOL consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the GB Business and the remaining $50x consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business. Because no Tax is owed on the Joint Return, no payments are required to be made under this Agreement.

 

In 2017, the Tax Authority initiates a Tax Contest with respect to the 2015 Joint Return. In the Tax Contest, the Tax Authority asserts that an additional $100x of taxable income must be reported on the 2015 Joint Return. Such income arose from the Nuvectra Business.

 

On December 31, 2017, a date subsequent to the Spin-off Date, a closing agreement is entered into with the Tax Authority whereby the GB consolidated group is required to recognize $100x of additional taxable income in 2015 in settlement of the Tax Contest. Pursuant to Section 5.2(b)(ii), except as provided in Section 5.2(b)(i), Nuvectra will be the Controlling Party with respect to the Tax Contest. In such case, pursuant to Section 5.2(c), GB would have Non-Controlling Party participation rights with respect to the Tax Contest because such Tax Contest may result in the reduction of a GB Tax Benefit.

 

As a result of the closing agreement, Section 4.3(b) requires that the amounts paid under this Agreement be redetermined. Under applicable Tax Law, Nuvectra and GB are entitled to use the $100x NOL to completely offset the additional taxable income recognized as a result of the Tax Contest. Therefore, no additional Tax is owed as a result of the closing agreement. Pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(ii) and Section 2.1(b)(iv), Nuvectra is entitled to take the entire $100x NOL into account as a Tax Benefit in calculating Nuvectra Taxes, which results in Nuvectra Taxes of $0x ($100x - $100x). Nuvectra is not required to reimburse GB for the use of the $50x portion of such NOL that arose from the operation or ownership of the GB Business.

 

Alternatively, assume that the 2015 Joint Return did not report an NOL. As a result, the closing agreement results in $100x of consolidated net taxable income, no credits, and a Tax liability of $35x (35% times $100x). All $100x of the consolidated net taxable income consists of Tax Items that are deemed to arise from the operation or ownership of the Nuvectra Business. Taking into account such Tax Items on a pro forma stand-alone basis, Nuvectra’s allocable portion of the $35x of Tax is $35x ($100x times 35%).

 

Pursuant to Section 4.1, GB must pay the $35x of Tax to the Tax Authority. Pursuant to Section 4.2(b), Nuvectra must remit the amount for which it is liable ($35x) to GB within thirty days after receiving written notification requesting such amount.

 

-30-

Exhibit 10.3  

   

 

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

 

 

 

between

 

 

 

GREATBATCH, INC.

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

QIG GROUP, LLC

 

(to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dated as of March 14, 2016

 

 
 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

  PAGE
   

Article I DEFINITIONS  

1

Section 1.1

Definitions

1

Section 1.2

Interpretation

4

     

Article II ASSIGNMENT OF EMPLOYEES  

6

Section 2.1

Active Employees

6

Section 2.2

Former Employees

7

Section 2.3

Employment Law Obligations

7

Section 2.4

Employee Records

8

     

Article III EQUITY AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS  

10

Section 3.1

General Principles

10

Section 3.2

Equity Incentive Programs

11

Section 3.3

Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; Code Sections 162(m) and 409A

14

Section 3.4

Cash Incentive Awards

14

     

Article IV GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES  

14

Section 4.1

General Principles

14

Section 4.2

Sponsorship and/or Establishment of Nuvectra Plans

16

Section 4.3

Service Credit

16

Section 4.4

Plan Administration

17

     

Article V 401(k) PLANS  

17

Section 5.1

General Principles

17

Section 5.2

Transfer of Accounts

17

Section 5.3

Employer Securities

18

Section 5.4

Third-Party Vendors

18

     

Article VI WELFARE PLANS  

18

Section 6.1

Establishment of Nuvectra Welfare Plans

18

Section 6.2

Transitional Matters Under Nuvectra Welfare Plans

19

Section 6.3

Credit for Deductibles Under Medical and Dental Plans

20

Section 6.4

Insurance Contracts

20

Section 6.5

Third-Party Vendors

20

     

Article VII WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

  21
   

Article VIII EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS, SEVERANCE AND OTHER MATTERS  

21

Section 8.1

Employment Agreements

21

Section 8.2

Severance

21

Section 8.3

Accrued Time Off

21

Section 8.4

Leaves of Absence

21

Section 8.5

Restrictive Covenants in Employment and Other Agreements

22

 

 
 

 

 

Article IX miscellaneous  

23  

Section 9.1

Preservation of Rights to Amend

23

Section 9.2

Confidentiality

23

Section 9.3

Administrative Complaints/Litigation

23

Section 9.4

Reimbursement and Indemnification

23

Section 9.5

Costs of Compliance with Agreement

24

Section 9.6

Fiduciary Matters

24

Section 9.7

Form S-8

24

Section 9.8

Entire Agreement

24

Section 9.9

Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment

24

Section 9.10

Amendment; Waivers

25

Section 9.11

Remedies Cumulative

25

Section 9.12

Notices

25

Section 9.13

Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures

25

Section 9.14

Severability

25

Section 9.15

Governing Law

26

Section 9.16

Performance

26

Section 9.17

Construction

26

Section 9.18

Effect if Distribution Does Not Occur

26

 

 
-ii- 

 

 

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT dated as of March 14, 2016 by and between Greatbatch, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Greatbatch”), and QiG Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation) (“Nuvectra”). Greatbatch and Nuvectra are sometimes referred to herein, individually, as a “Party,” and, collectively, as the “Parties.”

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , Nuvectra is an indirect subsidiary of Greatbatch; and

 

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of Greatbatch has determined that it would be appropriate and in the best interests of Greatbatch and its stockholders to effectuate the Distribution as described in the Separation and Distribution Agreement between Greatbatch and Nuvectra dated as of the date hereof (the “Separation Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS , the Separation Agreement provides, among other things, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, for the Distribution and for the execution and delivery of certain other agreements, including this Agreement, in order to facilitate and provide for the separation of Nuvectra and its subsidiaries from Greatbatch; and

 

WHEREAS , in order to ensure an orderly transition under the Separation Agreement, it will be necessary for the Parties to allocate between them assets, liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation, benefit plans and programs, and certain employment matters.

 

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

Article I

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1      Definition s . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1 :

 

“Adjusted Greatbatch Awards” means Adjusted Greatbatch Options, Adjusted Greatbatch RSAs, and Adjusted Greatbatch RSUs.

 

“Adjusted Greatbatch Options” means Greatbatch Options adjusted as set forth in Section 3.2(a)(i) .

 

“Adjusted Greatbatch RSAs” means Greatbatch RSAs adjusted as set forth in Section 3.2(a)(ii) .

 

“Adjusted Greatbatch RSUs” means Greatbatch RSUs adjusted as set forth in Section 3.2(a)(iii) .

 

 
 

 

 

 

“Adjusted Nuvectra Stock Value” means the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Nuvectra Stock Value by (ii) the Distribution Ratio.

 

“Agreement” means this Employee Matters Agreement together with all Schedules hereto and all amendments, modifications and changes hereto and thereto entered into in accordance with Section 9.10 .

 

“COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as codified at Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and at Code Section 4980B.

 

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

 

“Distribution Ratio” means the number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock to be distributed for each share of Greatbatch Common Stock.

 

“Employee” means any Greatbatch Employee, Former Greatbatch Employee, Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee.

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

“Former Greatbatch Employee” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b) .

 

“Former Nuvectra Employee” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(c) .

 

“Greatbatch” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Greatbatch 401(k) Plan” means the Greatbatch, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan.

 

“Greatbatch Employee” means any individual who is employed by a member of the Greatbatch Group on the Distribution Date other than the Nuvectra Employees and, only for purposes of Article III and any defined terms as used therein, as of the day after the Distribution Date.

 

“Greatbatch FSA” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b) .

 

“Greatbatch Group” means Greatbatch and each Subsidiary of Greatbatch, collectively, other than Nuvectra and each Nuvectra Subsidiary.

 

“Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plan” means any equity plan sponsored or maintained by Greatbatch immediately prior to the Distribution Date.

 

“Greatbatch Option” means an option to purchase shares of Greatbatch Common Stock granted and outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date pursuant to any of the Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plans.

 

“Greatbatch Post-Distribution Stock Value” means the closing per-share price, as reported on the NYSE, of a share of Greatbatch Common Stock on the Distribution Date.

 

 
-2-

 

 

“Greatbatch RSA” means a restricted stock award issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date under any of the Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plans.

 

“Greatbatch RSU” means a restricted stock unit award issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Date under any of the Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plans.

 

“Greatbatch Welfare Plan” means the Greatbatch, Inc. Health and Welfare Benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by any one or more members of the Greatbatch Group on the Distribution Date.

 

“Nasdaq” means the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

“Nuvectra” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Nuvectra 401(k) Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

 

“Nuvectra 401(k) Plan Beneficiaries” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

 

“Nuvectra Awards” means Nuvectra Options, Nuvectra RSAs, and Nuvectra RSUs.

 

“Nuvectra Employee” means any individual who is employed by a member of the Nuvectra Group on the Distribution Date or will be transferred to a member of the Nuvectra Group and is listed on Schedule II to the Separation Agreement; provided , however , that for purposes of Article III and any defined terms as used therein, “Nuvectra Employee” means any such individual who is employed by a member of the Nuvectra Group on the date immediately following the Distribution Date.

 

“Nuvectra Equity Plan” means the Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan adopted by the board of managers of Nuvectra and approved by Nuvectra’s sole membership interest holder prior to the Distribution under which the Nuvectra equity-based awards described in Article III shall be issued.

 

“Nuvectra FSA” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b) .

 

“Nuvectra Group” means, collectively, Nuvectra and each Nuvectra Subsidiary.

 

“Nuvectra Option” means an option to purchase shares of Nuvectra Common Stock granted pursuant to the Nuvectra Equity Plan as described in Section 3.2(a)(i) .

 

“Nuvectra RSA” means a restricted stock award for shares of Nuvectra Common Stock issued under the Nuvectra Equity Plan as described in Section 3.2(a)(ii) .

 

“Nuvectra RSU” means a restricted stock unit for shares of Nuvectra Common Stock issued under the Nuvectra Equity Plan as described in Section 3.2(a)(iii) .

 

“Nuvectra Stock Value” means the closing per-share price, as reported on Nasdaq, of Nuvectra Common Stock on the Distribution Date (or, if the Distribution Date is not a Nasdaq trading day, on the first trading day following the Distribution Date).

 

 
-3-

 

 

“Nuvectra Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of Nuvectra on the Distribution Date.

 

“Nuvectra Welfare Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

 

“Nuvectra Welfare Plan Participants” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

 

“NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

 

“Participating Nuvectra Employers” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

 

“Participation Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b) .

 

“Party” or “Parties” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Privacy Contract” means any contract entered into in connection with applicable privacy protection laws or regulations.

 

“Separation Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“WARN” means the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, and any applicable state or local law equivalent.

 

“Welfare Plan” means a “welfare plan” as defined in ERISA Section 3(1) and also means a cafeteria plan under Code Section 125 and any benefits offered thereunder, including pre-tax premium conversion benefits, a dependent care assistance program, contribution funding toward a health savings account and flex or cashable credits.

 

Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined in this Agreement, shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Separation Agreement.

 

Section 1.2      Interpretation . In this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

 

(a)      words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural include the singular;

 

(b)      if a word or phrase is defined in this Agreement, its other grammatical forms, as used in this Agreement, shall have a corresponding meaning;

 

(c)      reference to any gender includes the other gender and the neuter;

 

(d)      the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation;”

 

(e)      the words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably and have the same meaning;

 

(f)      the word “or” shall have the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or;”

 

 
-4-

 

 

 

(g)      relative to the determination of any period of time, “from” means “from and including,” “to” means “to but excluding” and “through” means “through and including;”

 

(h)      all references to a specific time of day in this Agreement shall be based upon Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Savings Time, as applicable, on the date in question;

 

(i)      whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless otherwise specified;

 

(j)      accounting terms used herein shall have the meanings historically ascribed to them by Greatbatch and its Subsidiaries, including Nuvectra and the Nuvectra Subsidiaries for this purpose, in its and their internal accounting and financial policies and procedures in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement;

 

(k)      reference to any Article, Section or Schedule means such Article or Section of, or such Schedule to, this Agreement, as the case may be, and references in any Section or definition to any clause means such clause of such Section or definition;

 

(l)      the words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “hereto,” and words of similar import shall be deemed references to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other provision of this Agreement;

 

(m)      reference to any agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and not prohibited by this Agreement;

 

(n)      reference to any “law” (including statutes and ordinances) means such Law (including any and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect at the time of determining compliance or applicability;

 

(o)      references to any Person include such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement, and any reference to a third party shall be deemed to mean a Person who is not a Party or an Affiliate of a Party;

 

(p)      if there is any conflict between the provisions of the main body of this Agreement and the Schedules hereto, the provisions of the main body of this Agreement shall control unless explicitly stated otherwise in such Schedule;

 

(q)      unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all references to dollar amounts herein shall be in respect of lawful currency of the U.S.;

 

(r)      the titles to Articles and headings of Sections contained in this Agreement, in any Schedule and in the table of contents to this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; and

 

(s)      any portion of this Agreement obligating a Party to take any action or refrain from taking any action, as the case may be, shall mean that such Party shall also be obligated to cause its relevant Subsidiaries to take such action or refrain from taking such action, as the case may be.

 

 
-5-

 

 

Article II

ASSIGNMENT OF EMPLOYEES

 

Section 2.1      Active Employees .

 

(a)      Nuvectra Employees . Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, effective as of the Distribution Date, the employment of the Nuvectra Employees shall be continued by a member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

(b)      Greatbatch Employees . Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, effective as of the Distribution Date, the employment of the Greatbatch Employees shall be continued by a member of the Greatbatch Group.

 

(c)      At Will Status . Nothing in this Agreement shall create any obligation on the part of any member of the Greatbatch Group or any member of the Nuvectra Group to continue the employment of any employee for any period following the date of this Agreement or the Separation or the Distribution or to change the employment status of any employee from “at will,” to the extent such employee is an “at will” employee under applicable law.

 

(d)      Severance . The assignment, transfer or continuation of the employment of employees as contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise effected in connection with the Separation or the Distribution shall not be deemed a severance of employment of any employee for any purpose, including for purposes of any plan, policy, practice or arrangement of any member of the Greatbatch Group or any member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

(e)      Change of Control/Change in Control . No provision in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement nor any transaction undertaken by either Party in connection with the Distribution shall be construed to create any right, or accelerate entitlement, to any compensation or benefit whatsoever, or be deemed a “change of control” or “change in control” for any purpose including for purpose of any plan, policy, practice or arrangement relating to directors, employees or consultants of any member of the Greatbatch Group or any member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

 
-6-

 

 

Section 2.2      Former Employees

 

(a)      General Principles . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each former employee of any member of the Greatbatch Group or any member of the Nuvectra Group as of the Distribution Date will be considered a former employee of the Greatbatch Group or the Nuvectra Group based on his or her employer as of his or her last day of employment with any member of the Greatbatch Group or the Nuvectra Group.

 

(b)      Former Greatbatch Employees . Former employees of the Greatbatch Group shall be deemed to include all employees who, as of their last day of employment, were employed by a member of the Greatbatch Group and will not be either a Nuvectra Employee or a Greatbatch Employee for purposes of this Agreement (collectively, the “Former Greatbatch Employees”).

 

(c)      Former Nuvectra Employees . Former employees of the Nuvectra Group shall be deemed to include all employees who, as of their last day of employment, were employed by a member of the Nuvectra Group and will not be either a Nuvectra Employee or a Greatbatch Employee for purposes of this Agreement (collectively, the “Former Nuvectra Employees”).

 

Section 2.3      Employment Law Obligations .

 

(a)      WARN Act . After the Distribution Date, (i) Greatbatch shall be responsible for providing any necessary WARN notice (and meeting any similar state law notice requirements) with respect to any termination of any Greatbatch Employee and (ii) Nuvectra shall be responsible for providing any necessary WARN notice (and meeting any similar state law notice requirements) with respect to any termination of any Nuvectra Employee.

 

(b)      Compliance w ith Employment Laws . On and after the Distribution Date, (i) each member of the Greatbatch Group shall be responsible for adopting and maintaining any policies or practices, and for all other actions and inactions, necessary to comply with employment-related laws and requirements relating to the employment of the Greatbatch Employees and the treatment of any applicable Former Greatbatch Employees in respect of their former employment, and (ii) each member of the Nuvectra Group shall be responsible for adopting and maintaining any policies or practices, and for all other actions and inactions, necessary to comply with employment-related laws and requirements relating to the employment of the Nuvectra Employees and the treatment of any applicable Former Nuvectra Employees in respect of their former employment.

 

 
-7-

 

 

Section 2.4      Employee Records .

 

(a)      Records Relating to Greatbatch Employees and Former Greatbatch Employees . All records and data in any form relating to Greatbatch Employees and Former Greatbatch Employees shall be the property of the Greatbatch Group; provided , however , that records and data pertaining to such an Employee and relating to any period that such an Employee was (i) employed by any member of the Nuvectra Group or (ii) covered under any employee benefit plan sponsored by any member of the Nuvectra Group (to the extent that such records or data relate to such coverage) prior to the Distribution Date shall be shared with appropriate members of the Nuvectra Group by the Greatbatch Group to the extent such records are reasonably necessary for payroll or employee benefit plan purposes.

 

(b)      Records Relating to Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees . All records and data in any form relating to Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees shall be the property of the Nuvectra Group; provided , however that records and data pertaining to such an Employee and relating to any period that such an Employee was (i) employed by any member of the Greatbatch Group or (ii) covered under any employee benefit plan sponsored by any member of the Greatbatch Group (to the extent that such records or data relate to such coverage) prior to the Distribution Date shall be shared with appropriate members of the Greatbatch Group by the Nuvectra Group to the extent such records are reasonably necessary for payroll or employee benefit plan purposes.

 

(c)      Sharing of Records . Each Party shall use its respective commercially reasonable efforts to provide the other Party, upon request, such employee-related records and information as necessary or appropriate to carry out their respective obligations under applicable law (including any relevant privacy protection laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdictions or Privacy Contract), this Agreement, any other Ancillary Agreement or the Separation Agreement, and for the purposes of administering their respective employee benefit plans and policies. All information and records regarding employment, personnel and employee benefit matters provided to the other Party shall be accessed, retained, held, used, copied and transmitted in accordance with all applicable laws, policies and Privacy Contracts relating to the collection, storage, retention, use, transmittal, disclosure and destruction of such records by such receiving Party.

 

(d)      Access to Records . To the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement and any applicable privacy protection laws or regulations or Privacy Contracts, access to such records and information, as described in this Section 2.4 , after the Distribution Date, will be provided to members of the Greatbatch Group and members of the Nuvectra Group in accordance with the Separation Agreement. In addition, Greatbatch shall be provided reasonable access to those records necessary for its administration of any benefit plans, policies, arrangements or programs on behalf of Greatbatch Employees and Former Greatbatch Employees after the Distribution Date, as permitted by any applicable privacy protection laws or regulations or Privacy Contracts. Greatbatch shall also be permitted to retain copies of all agreements with any Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee in which any member of the Greatbatch Group has a valid business interest. In addition, Nuvectra shall be provided reasonable access to those records necessary for its administration of any benefit plans, policies, arrangements or programs on behalf of Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees after the Distribution Date, as permitted by any applicable privacy protection laws or regulations or Privacy Contracts. Nuvectra shall also be permitted to retain copies of all agreements with any Greatbatch Employee or Former Greatbatch Employee in which any member of the Nuvectra Group has a valid business interest.

 

 
-8-

 

 

(e)      Maintenance of Records . With respect to retaining, destroying, transferring, sharing, copying and permitting access to all such records and information, Greatbatch and Nuvectra shall (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to) comply with all applicable laws, regulations, Privacy Contracts and internal policies, and shall indemnify and hold harmless each other from and against any and all liability, claims, actions, and damages that arise from a failure (by the indemnifying party or its Subsidiaries or their respective agents) to so comply with all applicable laws, regulations, Privacy Contracts and internal policies applicable to such records and information.

 

(f)      No Access to Computer Systems or Files . Except as set forth in the Separation Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, no provision of this Agreement shall give (i) any member of the Greatbatch Group direct access to the computer systems or other files, records or databases of any member of the Nuvectra Group or (ii) any member of the Nuvectra Group direct access to the computer systems or other files, records or databases of any member of the Greatbatch Group, unless specifically permitted by the owner of such systems, files, records or databases.

 

(g)      Relation to Separation Agreement . The provisions of this Section 2.4 shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, the provisions of the Separation Agreement governing Confidential Information, including Section 6.8 of the Separation Agreement.

 

(h)      Confidentiality . Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, all records and data relating to Employees shall, in each case, be subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Separation Agreement and any other applicable agreement and applicable law.

 

(i)      Cooperation . Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the other Party to share, retain and maintain data and records that are necessary or appropriate to further the purposes of this Section 2.4 and for each Party to administer its respective benefit plans, policies, arrangements or programs to the extent consistent with this Agreement and applicable law, and each Party agrees to cooperate as long as is reasonably necessary to further the purposes of this Section 2.4 . Except as provided under any other Ancillary Agreement, no Party shall charge another Party a fee for such cooperation.

 

 
-9-

 

 

Article III

EQUITY AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS

 

Section 3.1      General Principles .

 

(a)      For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Article III shall not apply unless the Distribution and approval by the appropriate administrators of the applicable plans takes place. Greatbatch and Nuvectra shall take any and all reasonable action as shall be necessary and appropriate to give effect to the provisions of this Article III.

 

(b)      Where an award granted under one of the Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plans is supplemented by an award under the Nuvectra Equity Plan in accordance with the provisions of this Article III, such award generally shall be on terms which are in all material respects identical to the terms of the award which it supplements (including any requirements of continued employment) but subject to any necessary changes to take into account that (i) the award relates to Nuvectra Common Stock, (ii) the Nuvectra Equity Plan is administered by Nuvectra, (iii) if applicable, the grantee under the award is employed or affiliated with a new employer or plan sponsor and (iv) the other specific provisions described in this Article III.

 

(c)      Following the Distribution, a grantee who has outstanding awards that are supplemented with awards under the Nuvectra Equity Plan (as described in Section 3.1(b) above) shall be considered to have been employed by the applicable plan sponsor before and after the Distribution for purposes of (i) vesting and (ii) determining the date of termination of employment as it applies to any such supplemental awards under the Nuvectra Equity Plan. Following the Distribution, (i) service as an employee with Nuvectra will be deemed to be services to Greatbatch with respect to Adjusted Greatbatch Options, Adjusted Greatbatch RSAs, or Adjusted Greatbatch RSUs held by Nuvectra Employees immediately after the Distribution Date and (ii) service as an employee with Greatbatch will be deemed to be services to Nuvectra with respect to Nuvectra Options, Nuvectra RSAs, or Nuvectra RSUs held by Greatbatch Employees immediately after the Distribution Date.

 

(d)      No award described in this Article III, whether outstanding or to be issued, adjusted, substituted or cancelled by reason of or in connection with the Distribution, shall be adjusted, settled, cancelled, or exercisable, until in the judgment of the administrator of the applicable plan or program such action is consistent with all applicable law, including federal securities laws and the adjustment, settlement, cancellation or exercisability is in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code or other applicable law. Any period of exercisability will not be extended on account of a period during which such an award is not exercisable in accordance with the preceding sentence.

 

 
-10-

 

 

Section 3.2      Equity Incentive Programs .

 

(a)      The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take all actions necessary or appropriate so that each outstanding Greatbatch Option, Greatbatch RSA or Greatbatch RSU award granted under a Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plan shall be adjusted as set forth in this Section 3.2 .

 

(i)      Greatbatch Options and Nuvectra Options . As determined by the Greatbatch Compensation Committee pursuant to its authority under the applicable Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plan, each Greatbatch Option, regardless of by whom held, whether vested or unvested, shall be converted on the Distribution Date into both an Adjusted Greatbatch Option and a Nuvectra Option, and both the Adjusted Greatbatch Option and the Nuvectra Option shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 3.2(a)(i) , be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting) after the Distribution Date as applicable to such Greatbatch Option immediately prior to the Distribution Date; provided , however , that from and after the Distribution Date:

 

(A)      the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock subject to such Adjusted Greatbatch Option, shall be equal to the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock subject to such Greatbatch Option immediately prior to the Distribution Date;

 

(B)      the number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock subject to such Nuvectra Option, rounded down to the nearest whole share, shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock subject to the Greatbatch Option immediately prior to the Distribution Date by (2) the Distribution Ratio;

 

(C)      the per share exercise price of such Adjusted Greatbatch Option, rounded up to the nearest hundredth of a cent, shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) the per share exercise price of such Greatbatch Option immediately prior to the Distribution Date by (2) a fraction (I) the numerator of which is the Greatbatch Post-Distribution Stock Value and (II) the denominator of which is the sum of the Greatbatch Post-Distribution Stock Value and the Adjusted Nuvectra Stock Value; and

 

(D)      the per share exercise price of such Nuvectra Option, rounded up to the nearest hundredth of a cent, shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) the per share exercise price of the Greatbatch Option immediately prior to the Distribution Date by (2) a fraction (I) the numerator of which is the Nuvectra Stock Value and (II) the denominator of which is the sum of the Greatbatch Post-Distribution Stock Value and the Adjusted Nuvectra Stock Value;

 

provided , however , that the exercise price, the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock and shares of Nuvectra Common Stock subject to such options, and the terms and conditions of exercise of such options shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A; and provided , further , that, in the case of any Greatbatch Option to which Code Section 421 applies by reason of its qualification under Code Section 422 as of immediately prior to the Distribution Date, the exercise price, the number of shares of Greatbatch Common Stock and shares of Nuvectra Common Stock subject to such option, and the terms and conditions of exercise of such option shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 424(a).

 

(ii)      Greatbatch RSAs and Nuvectra RSAs . Each holder of a Greatbatch RSA award shall receive, as of the Distribution Date, a Nuvectra RSA for such number of shares as determined by applying the Distribution Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share, in the same way as if the outstanding Greatbatch RSAs were comprised of fully vested shares of Greatbatch Common Stock as of the Distribution Date. Except as set forth in this Section 3.2(a)(ii) , the Greatbatch RSA and the Nuvectra RSA both shall be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions immediately following the Distribution Date as applicable to the Greatbatch RSA immediately prior to the Distribution Date.

 

 
-11-

 

 

(iii)      Greatbatch RSU Awards and Nuvectra RSU Awards . Each holder of an outstanding Greatbatch RSU award shall receive, as of the Distribution Date, a Nuvectra RSU award in such number of restricted stock units as determined by applying the Distribution Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share, in the same way as if the outstanding Greatbatch RSU award comprised fully vested shares of Greatbatch Common Stock as of the Distribution Date. Except as set forth in this Section 3.2(a)(iii) , the Greatbatch RSU award and the Nuvectra RSU award both shall be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions immediately following the Distribution Date as applicable to the Greatbatch RSU award immediately prior to the Distribution Date. With respect to any Greatbatch RSU award that is subject to performance vesting requirements, which is held by either a Greatbatch Employee or Former Greatbatch Employee, the performance metric for both the Greatbatch RSU award and the corresponding Nuvectra RSU award shall continue to be total shareholder return of Greatbatch’s common stock versus Greatbatch’s peer group, but this performance metric shall be adjusted so as to treat the Distribution as a dividend of an amount of cash that is equal to the opening per-share price, as reported on Nasdaq, of a share of Nuvectra common stock on the Distribution Date that is reinvested into shares of Greatbatch Common Stock at the opening per-share price on the Distribution Date, as reported on NYSE. With respect to any Greatbatch RSU award subject to performance vesting requirements that is held by either a Nuvectra Employee or a Former Nuvectra Employee, such Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee shall receive, as of the Distribution Date, (A) a modified Greatbatch RSU award, which shall not be subject to any performance vesting requirement, but shall be subject to a time-based vesting requirement that would be satisfied at the end of what was the applicable performance period, for a number of shares of Greatbatch common stock based upon performance under the previously applicable performance metric for such Greatbatch RSU award up to the Distribution Date and (B) an Nuvectra RSU award, which shall not be subject to any performance vesting requirement, but shall be subject to a time-based vesting requirement that would be satisfied at the end of what was the applicable performance period of the relevant Greatbatch RSU.

 

(b)      Miscellaneous Award Terms . After the Distribution Date, Adjusted Greatbatch Awards, regardless of by whom held, shall be settled by Greatbatch, and Nuvectra Awards, regardless of by whom held, shall be settled by Nuvectra; provided , however , that Greatbatch shall be, if applicable, responsible for any dividend equivalent payments with respect to Adjusted Greatbatch RSAs and Adjusted Greatbatch RSUs and Nuvectra RSAs and Nuvectra RSUs held by Greatbatch Employees or Former Greatbatch Employees, and Nuvectra shall be, if applicable, responsible for any dividend equivalent payments with respect to Adjusted Greatbatch RSAs and Adjusted Greatbatch RSUs and Nuvectra RSAs and Nuvectra RSUs held by Nuvectra Employees or Former Nuvectra Employees. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement (such as in Section 3.2(d) or Section 4.3 ), with respect to awards adjusted pursuant to this Section 3.2 , (i) employment with the Greatbatch Group shall be treated as employment with the Nuvectra Group with respect to Nuvectra Awards held by Greatbatch Employees, and (ii) employment with the Nuvectra Group shall be treated as employment with the Greatbatch Group with respect to Adjusted Greatbatch Awards held by Nuvectra Employees. In addition, none of the Separation, the Distribution, or any employment transfer described in Section 2.1 shall constitute a termination of employment for any Employee for purposes of any Greatbatch Award or any Adjusted Greatbatch Award. Following the Distribution Date, any reference to a “change in control,” “change of control” or similar definition in an award agreement, employment agreement or Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plan (A) with respect to Adjusted Greatbatch Awards, shall be deemed to refer to a “change in control,” “change of control” or similar definition as set forth in the award agreement, employment agreement or Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plan applicable to such award (a “Greatbatch Change of Control”), and (B) with respect to Nuvectra Awards, shall be deemed to refer to a “Change in Control” as defined in the Nuvectra Equity Plan (a “Nuvectra Change of Control”). Without limiting the foregoing, with respect to provisions related to vesting of awards, a Greatbatch Change of Control shall be treated as a Nuvectra Change of Control for purposes of Nuvectra Awards held by Greatbatch Employees, and a Nuvectra Change of Control shall be treated as an Greatbatch Change of Control for purposes of Adjusted Greatbatch Awards held by Nuvectra Employees.

 

 
-12-

 

 

(c)      Tax Reporting and Withholding . Following the Distribution Date, and for the duration of the applicable Transition Services Agreement provisions under which Greatbatch provides payroll services for Nuvectra, it is expected that (i) Greatbatch will be responsible for all income, payroll and other tax remittance and reporting related to income of Greatbatch Employees, Former Greatbatch Employees, including in respect of Adjusted Greatbatch Awards and Nuvectra Awards, and individuals who are or were Greatbatch non-employee directors, including in respect of Adjusted Greatbatch Awards and Nuvectra Awards, and (ii) Nuvectra will be responsible for all income, payroll and other tax remittance and reporting related to income of Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees in respect of Adjusted Greatbatch Awards and Nuvectra Awards. Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as applicable, shall facilitate performance by the other Party of its obligations hereunder by promptly remitting amounts or shares withheld in conjunction with a transfer of shares or cash, either (as mutually agreed by the Parties) directly to the applicable taxing authority or to the other Party for remittance to such taxing authority. The Parties will cooperate and communicate with each other and with third-party providers to effectuate withholding and remittance of taxes, as well as required tax reporting, in a timely, efficient and appropriate manner.

 

(d)      Equity-Based Awards in Certain Non-U S. Jurisdictions . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2 , the Parties may mutually agree, in their sole discretion, not to adjust certain outstanding equity-based awards under the Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plans pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2 , where those actions would create or trigger adverse legal, accounting or tax consequences for Greatbatch, Nuvectra, or the affected non-U.S. award holders. In such circumstances, Greatbatch or Nuvectra may take any action necessary or advisable to prevent any such adverse legal, accounting or tax consequences, including, but not limited to, agreeing that the outstanding awards under the Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plan of the affected non-U.S. award holders shall terminate in accordance with the terms of the Greatbatch Legacy Equity Plan and the underlying award agreements, in which case Nuvectra or Greatbatch, as applicable, shall equitably compensate the affected non-U.S. award holders in an alternate manner determined by Nuvectra or Greatbatch, as applicable, in its sole discretion, or apply an alternate adjustment method. Where and to the extent required by applicable Law or tax considerations outside the United States, the adjustments described in this Section 3.2 shall be deemed to have been effectuated immediately prior to the Distribution Date.

 

 
-13-

 

 

Section 3.3      Section 1 6(b) of the Exchange Act; Code Sections 162(m) and 409A .

 

(a)      By approving the adoption of this Agreement, the respective boards of directors of Greatbatch and Nuvectra intend to exempt from the short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, by reason of the application of Rule 16b-3 thereunder, all acquisitions and dispositions of equity incentive awards by directors and executive officers of each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra, and the respective boards of directors of Greatbatch and Nuvectra also intend to expressly approve, in respect of any equity-based award, the use of any method for the payment of an exercise price and the satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding (specifically including the actual or constructive tendering of shares in payment of an exercise price and the withholding of option shares from delivery in satisfaction of applicable tax withholding requirements) to the extent such method is permitted under the applicable equity incentive plan and award agreement.

 

(b)      Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Greatbatch and Nuvectra agree to negotiate in good faith regarding the need for any treatment different from that otherwise provided herein to ensure that (i) a federal income tax deduction for the payment of any annual incentive or long-term incentive award, or other compensation is not limited by reason of Code Section 162(m), and (ii) the treatment of such annual incentive or long-term incentive award, or other compensation does not cause the imposition of a tax under Code Section 409A.

 

Section 3.4      C ash Incentive Awards . Nuvectra shall assume and perform all liabilities with respect to the participation of each Nuvectra Employee in any cash-based annual bonus or other cash incentive compensation plan of Greatbatch (including, for avoidance of doubt, any cash-based transition bonus agreement or arrangement entered into in connection with the Distribution) with respect to performance periods that are ongoing as of the Distribution Date. Greatbatch shall, as it determines in its sole discretion, (i) pay each Nuvectra Employee directly for any amount owed or (ii) reimburse Nuvectra in full after Nuvectra’s payment in full of each amount owed to a Nuvectra Employee, in either case, that was earned for fiscal year 2015 performance under Greatbatch’s cash incentive compensation plan.

 

Article IV

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES

 

Section 4.1      General Principles .

 

(a)      Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each member of the Greatbatch Group and each member of the Nuvectra Group shall take any and all reasonable action as shall be necessary or appropriate so that active participation in the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan and Greatbatch Welfare Plans by all Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees shall terminate in connection with the Distribution effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the Distribution Date, and each member of the Nuvectra Group shall cease to be a participating employer under the terms of such Greatbatch 401(k) Plan and Greatbatch Welfare Plans as of such time. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, one or more members of the Nuvectra Group (as designated by Nuvectra) shall assume, effective as of the Distribution Date, all employee benefits liabilities for Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees, and the assets relating to such employee benefits for Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees, if any, shall be transferred to one or more members of the Nuvectra Group (as designated by Nuvectra); and one or more members of the Greatbatch Group (as designated by Greatbatch) shall continue to be responsible for or assume all employee benefits liabilities for Greatbatch Employees and Former Greatbatch Employees and the assets relating to such employee benefits for Greatbatch Employees and Former Greatbatch Employees shall be transferred to or continue to be held by one or more members of the Greatbatch Group (as designated by Greatbatch).

 

 
-14-

 

 

(b)      Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, effective as of the day after the Distribution Date, one or more members of the Nuvectra Group (as determined by Nuvectra) shall assume or continue the sponsorship of, and no member of the Greatbatch Group shall have any further liability for or under, the following agreements, obligations and liabilities, and Nuvectra shall indemnify each member of the Greatbatch Group, and the officers, directors, and employees of each member of the Greatbatch Group, and hold them harmless with respect to such agreements, obligations or liabilities:

 

(i)      any and all individual agreements entered into between any member of the Greatbatch Group and any Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee;

 

(ii)      any and all agreements entered into between any member of the Greatbatch Group and any individual who is an independent contractor providing services primarily for the business activities of the Nuvectra Group;

 

(iii)      any and all wages, salaries, incentive compensation (as the same may be modified by this Agreement), commissions and bonuses payable to any Nuvectra Employees or Former Nuvectra Employees after the Distribution Date, without regard to when such wages, salaries, incentive compensation, commissions and bonuses are or may have been earned;

 

(iv)      any and all moving expenses and obligations related to relocation, repatriation, transfers or similar items incurred by or owed to any Nuvectra Employees or Former Nuvectra Employees, whether or not accrued as of the Distribution Date (other than such expenses and obligations incurred by Greatbatch on or prior to the Distribution Date as a result of which there is an existing liability as of the Distribution Date);

 

(v)      any and all immigration-related, visa, work application or similar rights, obligations and liabilities related to any Nuvectra Employees or Former Nuvectra Employees; and

 

(vi)      any and all liabilities and obligations whatsoever with respect to claims made by or with respect to any Nuvectra Employees or Former Nuvectra Employees in connection with any employee benefit plan, program or policy not otherwise retained or assumed by any member of the Greatbatch Group pursuant to this Agreement, including such liabilities relating to actions or omissions of or by any member of the Nuvectra Group or any officer, director, employee or agent thereof on or prior to the Distribution Date.

 

 
-15-

 

 

(c)      Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, effective as of the day after the Distribution Date, no member of the Nuvectra Group shall have any further liability for, and Greatbatch shall indemnify each member of the Nuvectra Group, and the officers, directors, and employees of each member of the Nuvectra Group, and hold them harmless with respect to any and all liabilities and obligations whatsoever with respect to, claims made by or with respect to any Greatbatch Employees or Former Greatbatch Employees in connection with any employee benefit plan, program or policy not otherwise retained or assumed by any member of the Nuvectra Group pursuant to this Agreement, including such liabilities relating to actions or omissions of or by any member of the Greatbatch Group or any officer, director, employee or agent thereof on or prior to the Distribution Date.

 

(d)      This Agreement is not intended and shall not create any third party rights or provide any Nuvectra Employee, Former Nuvectra Employee, Greatbatch Employee or Former Greatbatch Employee (or any beneficiary or dependent thereof) with any rights to any specific benefits or, in the case of active employees, continued employment.

 

Section 4.2      Sponsorship and/or Establishment of Nuvectra Plans . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, sponsorship of benefit plans that cover solely Nuvectra Employees, and to the extent applicable, Former Nuvectra Employees, shall become effective on the Distribution Date by the member of the Nuvectra Group as identified in this Agreement, and to the extent necessary to achieve such sponsorship, each member of the Greatbatch Group and each member of the Nuvectra Group shall take appropriate action, including transfer of sponsorship of each such plan.

 

Section 4.3      Service Credit .

 

(a)      Service for Eligibility and Vesting Purposes . Except as otherwise provided in any other provision of this Agreement, for purposes of eligibility and vesting under the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan and Nuvectra Welfare Plans, Nuvectra shall, and shall cause each member of the Nuvectra Group to, credit each Nuvectra Employee and Former Nuvectra Employee with service for any period of employment with any member of the Greatbatch Group on or prior to the Distribution Date to the same extent that such service would be credited for the same purpose if it had been performed for a member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

(b)      Service for Benefit Purposes . Except as otherwise provided in any other provision of this Agreement, for purposes of benefit levels and accruals and benefit commencement entitlements under the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan, Nuvectra shall, and shall cause each member of the Nuvectra Group to, credit each Nuvectra Employee and Former Nuvectra Employee with service for any period of employment with any member of the Greatbatch Group on or prior to the Distribution Date to the same extent that such service is taken into account for the same purpose pursuant to the terms of the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan.

 

(c)      Evidence of Prior Service . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, but subject to applicable law, upon reasonable request by one Party to the other Party, the first Party will provide to the other Party information relating to and confirming service for purposes of seniority (or seniority date) and service date for such Employees for purposes of determining benefit eligibility, participation, vesting and calculation of benefits with respect to any Employee.

 

 
-16-

 

 

Section 4.4      Plan Administration .

 

(a)      Transition Services . The Parties acknowledge that the Greatbatch Group may provide administrative services for certain of the Nuvectra Group’s benefit programs for a transitional period under the terms of the Transition Services Agreement. The Parties agree to enter into a business associate agreement (if required by applicable health information privacy laws) in connection with such administrative services.

 

(b)      Administration . Nuvectra shall use commercially reasonable efforts to, and shall cause each member of the Nuvectra Group to use commercially reasonable efforts to, administer its benefit plans in a manner that does not jeopardize the tax-favored status of the tax-favored benefit plans maintained by any member of the Greatbatch Group. Greatbatch shall use commercially reasonable efforts to, and shall cause each member of the Greatbatch Group to use commercially reasonable efforts to, administer its benefit plans in a manner that does not jeopardize the tax-favored status of the tax-favored benefit plans maintained by any member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

Article V

401(k) PLANS

 

Section 5.1      General Principles . Effective on or before the Distribution Date or as soon as administratively practicable after the Distribution Date, Nuvectra (or another member of the Nuvectra Group) shall establish and adopt a qualified employee cash or deferred arrangement under Code Section 401(k) (the “Nuvectra 401(k) Plan”) intended to be qualified under Code Section 401(a) for the benefit of Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees who were participants (or former participants with a remaining account balance) in the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan as of the Distribution Date (and each beneficiary and alternate payee of such person) (the “Nuvectra 401(k) Plan Beneficiaries”). Each Nuvectra Employee who was an active participant in the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan on the Distribution Date shall participate in the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan in accordance with the terms of the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan. Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees shall not make or receive additional contributions under the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan for payroll periods commencing on or after the Distribution Date. A Greatbatch Employee or Former Greatbatch Employee shall not participate in the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan.

 

Section 5.2      Transfer of Accounts . On or as soon as practicable after the Distribution Date (or such later time as mutually agreeable to Greatbatch and Nuvectra), Greatbatch shall cause to be transferred from the trust under the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan to the trust under the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan the aggregate amount that was credited to the accounts of the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan Beneficiaries as of such transfer date. The transfer may, to the extent reasonably possible, be an in-kind transfer, subject to the reasonable consent of the trustee of the Nuvectra 401(k) Plan trust and shall include the transfer of the aggregate value of assets held in the accounts relating to each Nuvectra 401(k) Plan Beneficiary under the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan and any participant loan notes held under such plans. The transfer of assets shall be conducted in accordance with Code Section 414(l), Treasury Regulation Section 1.414(l)-1 and ERISA Section 208. During the period after the Distribution Date and before such transfer of assets, with respect to any Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee who has an outstanding loan balance under the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan, Greatbatch shall provide that any amount received as payment on any such loan, in accordance with its terms, is timely remitted as directed by the administrator of the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan for crediting under the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan in respect of such loan, and Greatbatch shall cause the administrator of the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan to apply such amounts in satisfaction of such loan.

 

 
-17-

 

 

Section 5.3      Employer Securities . Greatbatch presently intends to preserve the right, for a period of time, of Greatbatch Employees to receive distributions in kind from the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan if, and to the extent, investments under such plan is comprised of Greatbatch Common Stock or Nuvectra Common Stock. Greatbatch shall determine the extent to which and when Nuvectra Common Stock shall cease to be an investment alternative under the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan.

 

Section 5.4      Third-Party Vendors . Except as provided below, to the extent the Greatbatch 401(k) Plan is administered by a third-party vendor, Greatbatch and Nuvectra will cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to replicate any contract with such third-party vendor for Nuvectra and to maintain any pricing discounts or other preferential terms for both Greatbatch and Nuvectra for a reasonable term with respect to such vendor. Neither Party shall be liable for failure to obtain such pricing discounts or other preferential terms for the other Party with respect to any third-party vendors. Each Party shall be responsible for any additional charges or administrative fees that such Party may incur pursuant to this Section 5. 4 .

 

Article VI

WELFARE PLANS

 

Section 6.1      Establishment of Nuvectra Welfare Plans .

 

(a)      The members of the Nuvectra Group who are participating employers under the Greatbatch Welfare Plan on the day immediately preceding the Distribution Date (“Participating Nuvectra Employers”) shall, on or before 11:59 p.m. on that date, withdraw from such participation. Nuvectra and/or the Participating Nuvectra Employers (with Nuvectra included in the definition of Participating Nuvectra Employers for purposes of this Article VI) shall establish a comprehensive welfare benefit program (“Nuvectra Welfare Plan”) for the benefit of Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees who were eligible for coverage under the Greatbatch Welfare Plan as of the Distribution Date (“Nuvectra Welfare Plan Participants”). The Nuvectra Welfare Plan shall be effective as of the Distribution Date, except for the health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, which shall be effective as soon as administratively practicable following the Distribution Date. The Nuvectra Welfare Plan shall include the following benefits:

 

(i)      A high deductible health plan within the meaning of Code § 223(c)(2)(A) and related Internal Revenue Service guidance;

 

 
-18-

 

 

(ii)      A cafeteria plan that meets the requirements of Code § 125 that includes a premium conversion feature, general purpose and limited purpose health flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions, and a dependent care flexible spending account;

 

(iii)      Dental benefits;

 

(iv)      Vision benefits;

 

(v)      Short term and long term disability benefits;

 

(vi)      Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, including basic employer paid life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, supplemental employee life insurance, and optional dependent life insurance; and

 

(vii)      Employee assistance program benefits.

 

Any benefits in addition to those specified above shall be at the option of the members of the Nuvectra Group.

 

The benefits that comprise the Nuvectra Welfare Plan (and the nonelective employer contributions towards those benefits) need not be substantially similar in all material respects to the similar benefits (and nonelective employer contributions) provided under the Greatbatch Welfare Plan as of the Distribution Date.

 

(b)      As a result of withdrawal from participation in the Greatbatch Welfare Plans by the Participating Nuvectra Employers, the Nuvectra Welfare Plan Participants will cease to be eligible for coverage as active Employees under the Greatbatch Welfare Plans at 11:59 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the Distribution Date, and Nuvectra Welfare Plan Participants shall not participate in any Greatbatch Welfare Plans after 11:59 p.m. on that date.

 

Section 6.2      Transitional Matters Under Nuvectra Welfare Plans .

 

(a)      Treatment of Incurred Claims .

 

(i)      Insured Benefits . With respect to benefits that, prior to the Distribution Date, were provided for under the Greatbatch Welfare Plans through the purchase of insurance, Greatbatch shall cause the Greatbatch Welfare Plans to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of Nuvectra Welfare Plan Participants that were incurred prior to the Distribution Date.

 

(ii)      Uninsured/Self-Insured Benefits . Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, Greatbatch shall retain all Liabilities relating to Incurred Claims under the Greatbatch Welfare Plans, and shall also retain Assets (including, without limitation, Medicare reimbursements, pharmaceutical rebates, and similar items) associated with such Incurred Claims. Nuvectra shall be responsible for all Liabilities relating to Incurred Claims under any Nuvectra Welfare Plan and shall also retain Assets (including, without limitation, Medicare reimbursements, pharmaceutical rebates, and similar items) associated with such Incurred Claims.

 

 
-19-

 

 

(iii)      Incurred Claims . For purposes of this Section 6.2(a) , an “Incurred Claim” is deemed to be incurred (A) with respect to medical, dental, vision and/or prescription drug benefits, upon the rendering of health services giving rise to such claim or liability; (B) with respect to life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment and business travel accident insurance, upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to such claim or liability; and (C) with respect to long-term disability benefits, upon the date of an individual’s disability, as determined by the disability benefit insurance carrier, giving rise to such claim or liability.

 

(b)      COBRA . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, for the avoidance of doubt, and other than for individuals (and their qualified beneficiaries) identified on Schedule 6.2(b), the Nuvectra Group (which, for this purpose, is the “Buying Group” as defined in Treas. Reg. section 54.4980B-9) will be responsible for providing any required COBRA notices, and for providing COBRA continuation coverage, to all individuals who are “M&A qualified beneficiaries” (as defined in Treas. Reg. section 54.4980B-9) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the group health plans maintained by the Greatbatch Group (which, for this purpose is the “Selling Group” as defined in Treas. Reg. section 54.4980B-9). If and to the extent that the Buying Group fails to comply with its obligations under this paragraph, each member of the Buying Group will be jointly and severally liable to the Selling Group for all costs, expenses, and liabilities incurred by any member of the Selling Group however characterized (including benefits paid to M&A qualified beneficiaries which the Selling Group’s group health plans would not otherwise have been required to pay).

 

Section 6.3      Credit for Deductibles Under Medical and Dental Plans . Individuals enrolled in the Greatbatch medical and dental plans during the 2016 calendar year, will receive credit under the deductible provisions of the Nuvectra medical and dental plan for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while covered under the Greatbatch Welfare Plan provided the expenses would have been paid by both the Greatbatch Welfare Plan and the Nuvectra Welfare Plan but for the application of their deductible limits.

 

Section 6.4      Insurance Contracts . To the extent any Greatbatch Welfare Plan is funded through the purchase of an insurance contract or is subject to any stop loss contract, Greatbatch and Nuvectra will cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to replicate such insurance contracts for Nuvectra (except to the extent changes are required under applicable state insurance laws) and to maintain any pricing discounts or other preferential terms for both Greatbatch and Nuvectra for a reasonable term under such contracts. Neither Party shall be liable for failure to obtain such pricing discounts or other preferential terms for the other Party under any insurance contracts. Each Party shall be responsible for any additional premiums, charges or administrative fees that such Party may incur pursuant to this Section 6.4 .

 

Section 6.5      Third-Party Vendors . Except as provided below, to the extent any Greatbatch Welfare Plan is administered by a third-party vendor, Greatbatch and Nuvectra will cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to replicate any contract with such third-party vendor for Nuvectra and to maintain any pricing discounts or other preferential terms for both Greatbatch and Nuvectra for a reasonable term with respect to such vendor. Neither Party shall be liable for failure to obtain such pricing discounts or other preferential terms for the other Party with respect to any third-party vendors. Each Party shall be responsible for any additional premiums, charges or administrative fees that such Party may incur pursuant to this Section 6.5 .

 

 
-20-

 

 

Article VII

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

 

Effective as of the Distribution Date, Nuvectra shall have (and, to the extent it has not previously had such obligations, assume) the obligations for all claims and liabilities relating to workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation benefits for all Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees. Nuvectra shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide that workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance costs are not adversely affected for either Party by reason of the Distribution.

 

Article VIII

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS, SEVERANCE AND OTHER MATTERS

 

Section 8.1      Employment Agreements . Effective as of the Distribution Date, Nuvectra hereby assumes Greatbatch’s rights and obligations arising under the employment agreements described in Schedule 8.l and agrees to honor the terms and conditions of those agreements applicable to Nuvectra as a successor under the terms of such agreements. The terms of the employment agreements shall in all other respects be unaffected. The Parties agree that the Nuvectra Employees who are covered by employment agreements described above are express third party beneficiaries of this Section 8. 1 .

 

Section 8.2      Severance .

 

(a)      Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, immediately following the Distribution, Greatbatch shall have no liability or obligation under any Greatbatch severance plan, program, or policy with respect to Nuvectra Employees or Former Nuvectra Employees.

 

(b)      Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, effective after the Distribution Date, Nuvectra shall assume and shall be responsible for administering all payments and benefits under the applicable Greatbatch severance policies or any termination agreements with Former Nuvectra Employees whose employment terminated prior to the Distribution Date for an eligible reason under such policies or in accordance with such agreements.

 

Section 8.3      Accrued Time Off . Nuvectra shall recognize and assume all liability for all vacation, holiday, sick leave, flex days, personal days and paid-time off with respect to Nuvectra Employees, and Nuvectra shall credit each Nuvectra Employee with such accrual.

 

Section 8.4      Leaves of Absence . Nuvectra will continue to apply leave of absence policies applicable to inactive Nuvectra Employees who are on an approved leave of absence as of the Distribution Date that are substantially similar in all material respects to those that were applied by Greatbatch prior to the Distribution Date. Leaves of absence taken by Nuvectra Employees prior to the Distribution Date shall be deemed to have been taken as employees of a member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

 
-21-

 

 

Section 8.5      Restrictive Covenants in Employment and Other Agreements .

 

(a)      To the fullest extent permitted by the agreements described in this Section 8.5(a) and applicable law, Greatbatch shall assign, or cause any member of the Greatbatch Group to assign, to Nuvectra or a member of the Nuvectra Group, as designated by Nuvectra, all agreements containing restrictive covenants (including confidentiality and non-competition provisions) between a member of the Greatbatch Group and a Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee, with such assignment effective as of the Distribution Date. To the extent that assignment of such agreements is not permitted, effective as of the Distribution Date, each member of the Nuvectra Group shall be considered to be a successor to each member of the Greatbatch Group for purposes of, and a third-party beneficiary with respect to, all agreements containing restrictive covenants (including confidentiality and non-competition provisions) between a member of the Greatbatch Group and a Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee whom Nuvectra reasonably determines have substantial knowledge of the business activities of the Nuvectra Group, such that each member of the Nuvectra Group shall enjoy all the rights and benefits under such agreements (including rights and benefits as a third-party beneficiary), with respect to the business operations of the Nuvectra Group; provided , however , that in no event shall Greatbatch be permitted to enforce such restrictive covenant agreements against Nuvectra Employees or Former Nuvectra Employees for action taken in their capacity as employees of a member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

(b)      To the fullest extent permitted by the agreements described in this Section 8.5(b) and applicable law, Nuvectra shall assign, or cause any member of the Nuvectra Group to assign, to Greatbatch or a member of the Greatbatch Group, as designated by Greatbatch, all agreements containing restrictive covenants (including confidentiality and non-competition provisions) between a member of the Nuvectra Group and a Greatbatch Employee or Former Greatbatch Employee, with such assignment effective as of the Distribution Date. To the extent that assignment of such agreements is not permitted, effective as of the Distribution Date, each member of the Greatbatch Group shall be considered to be a successor to each member of the Nuvectra Group for purposes of, and a third-party beneficiary with respect to, all agreements containing restrictive covenants (including confidentiality and non-competition provisions) between a member of the Nuvectra Group and a Greatbatch Employee or Former Greatbatch Employee whom Greatbatch reasonably determines have substantial knowledge of the business activities of the Greatbatch Group, such that Greatbatch and each member of the Greatbatch Group shall enjoy all the rights and benefits under such agreements (including rights and benefits as a third-party beneficiary), with respect to the business operations of the Greatbatch Group; provided , however , that in no event shall Nuvectra be permitted to enforce such restrictive covenant agreements against Greatbatch Employees or Former Greatbatch Employees for action taken in their capacity as employees of a member of the Greatbatch Group.

 

 
-22-

 

 

Article IX

miscellaneous

 

Section 9.1      Preservation of Rights to Amend . The rights of each member of the Greatbatch Group and each member of the Nuvectra Group to amend, waive, or terminate any plan, arrangement, agreement, program, or policy referred to herein shall not be limited in any way by this Agreement.

 

Section 9.2      Confidentiality . Each Party agrees that any information conveyed or otherwise received by or on behalf of a Party in conjunction herewith that is not otherwise public through no fault of such Party is confidential and is subject to the terms of the confidentiality provisions set forth in the Separation Agreement.

 

Section 9.3      Administrative Complaints/Litigation . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, on and after the Distribution Date, Nuvectra shall assume, and be solely liable for, the handling, administration, investigation and defense of actions, including ERISA, occupational safety and health, employment standards, union grievances, wrongful dismissal, discrimination or human rights and unemployment compensation claims asserted at any time against Greatbatch or any member of the Greatbatch Group by any Nuvectra Employee or Former Nuvectra Employee (including any dependent or beneficiary of any such Employee) or any other person, to the extent such actions or claims arise out of or relate to employment or the provision of services (whether as an employee, contractor, consultant or otherwise) to or with respect to the business activities of any member of the Nuvectra Group, whether or not such employment or services were performed before or after the Distribution. To the extent that any legal action relates to a putative or certified class of plaintiffs, which includes both Greatbatch Employees (or Former Greatbatch Employees) and Nuvectra Employees (or Former Nuvectra Employees) and such action involves employment or benefit plan related claims, reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in responding to such legal action shall be allocated among the Parties equitably in proportion to a reasonable assessment of the relative proportion of Employees included in or represented by the putative or certified plaintiff class. The procedures contained in the indemnification and related litigation cooperation provisions of the Separation Agreement shall apply with respect to each Party’s indemnification obligations under this Section 9.3 .

 

Section 9.4      Reimbursement and Indemnification . Greatbatch and Nuvectra each agree to reimburse the other Party, within 30 days of receipt from the other Party of reasonable verification, for all costs and expenses which the other Party may incur on its behalf as a result of any of the respective Greatbatch and Nuvectra Welfare Plans (including, but not limited to, Nuvectra’s reimbursement of Greatbatch for all COBRA liabilities for Nuvectra Employees and Former Nuvectra Employees), 401(k) Plan and, as contemplated by Section 8.2 , any termination or severance payments or benefits. All liabilities retained, assumed or indemnified against by Nuvectra pursuant to this Agreement, and all liabilities retained, assumed or indemnified against by Greatbatch pursuant to this Agreement, shall in each case be subject to the indemnification provisions of the Separation Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (i) no provision of this Agreement shall require any member of the Nuvectra Group to pay or reimburse to any member of the Greatbatch Group any benefit-related cost item that a member of the Nuvectra Group has previously paid or reimbursed to any member of the Greatbatch Group; and (ii) no provision of this Agreement shall require any member of the Greatbatch Group to pay or reimburse to any member of the Nuvectra Group any benefit-related cost item that a member of the Greatbatch Group has previously paid or reimbursed to any member of the Nuvectra Group.

 

 
-23-

 

 

Section 9.5      Costs of Compliance with Agreement . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, each Party shall pay its own expenses in fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 9.6      Fiduciary Matters . Greatbatch and Nuvectra each acknowledge that actions required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement may be subject to fiduciary duties or standards of conduct under ERISA or other applicable law, and no Party shall be deemed to be in violation of this Agreement if it fails to comply with any provisions hereof based upon its good faith determination (as supported by advice from counsel experienced in such matters) that to do so would violate such a fiduciary duty or standard. Each Party shall be responsible for taking such actions as are deemed necessary and appropriate to comply with its own fiduciary responsibilities and shall fully release and indemnify the other Party for any liabilities caused by the failure to satisfy any such responsibility.

 

Section 9.7      Form S-8 . Before the Distribution or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter and subject to applicable law, Nuvectra shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 (or another appropriate form) registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the offering of a number of shares of Nuvectra Common Stock at a minimum equal to the number of shares subject to the Nuvectra Options, the Nuvectra RSAs and the Nuvectra RSUs. Nuvectra shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any such registration statement to be kept effective (and the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses required thereby shall be maintained) as long as any Nuvectra Options, Nuvectra RSAs, or Nuvectra RSUs may remain outstanding.

 

Section 9.8      Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the documents referenced herein (including the Separation Agreement, any other Ancillary Agreements and the plans and agreements referenced herein), constitutes the entire agreement and understanding among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior written and oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof. To the extent any provision of this Agreement conflicts with the provisions of the Separation Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to control with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

Section 9.9      Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon any third parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to amend any employee benefit plan or affect the applicable plan sponsor’s right to amend or terminate any employee benefit plan pursuant to the terms of such plan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 8. 1 , the provisions of this Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Parties, and no current or former Employee, officer, director or independent contractor or any other individual associated therewith shall be regarded for any purpose as a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

 
-24-

 

 

Section 9.10      Amendment; Waivers . No change or amendment may be made to this Agreement except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties. Any Party may, at any time, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of another Party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of another Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (c) waive compliance by another Party with any of the agreements, covenants or conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party to be bound thereby. No failure or delay on the part of any Party in the exercise of any right hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude other or further exercises thereof or of any other right.

 

Section 9.11      Remedies Cumulative . All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement or the Schedules attached hereto are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.

 

Section 9.12      Notices . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices, claims, certificates, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given: (a) when personally delivered, (b) if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, on the date the return receipt is executed or the letter is refused by the addressee or its agent, (c) if sent by overnight courier which delivers only upon the executed receipt of the addressee, on the date the receipt acknowledgment is executed or refused by the addressee or its agent, or (d) if sent by facsimile or electronic mail, on the date confirmation of transmission is received (provided that a copy of any notice delivered pursuant to this clause (d) shall also be sent pursuant to clause (a), (b) or (c)), addressed to the attention of the addressee’s General Counsel at the address of its principal executive office or to such other address or facsimile number for a Party as it shall have specified by like notice.

 

Section 9.13      Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Agreement, including the Schedules hereto and the other documents referred to herein, may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement, and any of the other agreements, documents and instruments contemplated hereby, by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart hereof or thereof.

 

Section 9.14      Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement or the Schedules attached hereto is determined by a non-appealable decision by a court, administrative agency or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the court, administrative agency or arbitrator shall interpret this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible. If any sentence in this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only as broad as is enforceable.

 

 
-25-

 

 

Section 9.15      Governing Law . To the extent not preempted by applicable federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware without regard to any conflicts of law provisions thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 9.16      Performance . Each of Greatbatch and Nuvectra shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any member of the Greatbatch Group and any member of the Nuvectra Group, respectively. The Parties each agree to take such further actions and to execute, acknowledge and deliver, or to cause to be executed, acknowledged and delivered, all such further documents as are reasonably requested by the other for carrying out the purposes of this Agreement or of any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Section 9.17      Construction . This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parties and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against any Party.

 

Section 9.18      Effect if Distribution Does Not Occur . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Separation Agreement is terminated prior to the Distribution Date, this Agreement shall be of no further force and effect.

 

 

 

[signature page follows ]

 

 
-26-

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names by a duly authorized officer as of the date first written above.

 

 

 

 

GREATBATCH, INC.

   
   
  By: /s/ Thomas J. Hook  
  Name:  Thomas J. Hook  
  Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer  
       
   
 

QIG GROUP, LLC

  (to be converted into Nuvectra Corporation)
   
   
  By: /s/ Scott F. Drees  
  Name:  Scott F. Drees
  Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 

 

27 

Exhibit 10.4

 

Confidential Treatment Requested

 

SUPPLY AGREEMENT

 

This SUPPLY AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), effective the 14 th day of March, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”) is between Greatbatch Ltd., located at 10000 Wehrle Drive, Clarence, New York 14031, (“ Greatbatch ”) and QiG Group, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company, located at 5700 Granite Parkway, Suite 960, Plano, Texas, 75024 (“ QiG Group ”). Greatbatch and QiG Group are referred to collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, QiG Group desires to purchase the Relevant Project Components (as defined below) exclusively from Greatbatch;

 

WHEREAS, Greatbatch is in the business of supplying Relevant Project Components; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to terminate, replace and supersede the Umbrella Agreement between Greatbatch and QiG Group, dated August 28, 2009 and hereby establish the new terms and conditions that shall apply to QiG Group’s exclusive purchase of Relevant Project Components from Greatbatch.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, Greatbatch and QiG Group hereby agree as follows:

 

I.

DEFINITIONS

 

As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms, whether used in the singular or plural, shall have the meanings set forth in this Article I:

 

A.

Acknowledged Order ” has the meaning set forth in Section VIII.A.

 

B.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Person shall be deemed to control another Person if any of the following conditions is met: (a) in the case of corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the stock or shares having the right to vote for the election of directors, and (b) in the case of non-corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the equity interest with the power to direct the management and policies of such non-corporate entities. For purposes of this Agreement, in no event shall QiG Group or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of Greatbatch (or any of its Affiliates) nor shall Greatbatch or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of QiG Group (or any of its Affiliates).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
 

 

 

C.

Agreement ” has the meaning as described in the Preamble.

 

D.

Change of Control ” means (i) a consolidation or merger of a Party or other change of control transaction (other than a merger to reincorporate a party in a different jurisdiction) in which the shareholders or members, as applicable, of a Party immediately prior to such transaction do not continue to hold a greater than 50% interest in the successor or survivor entity immediately following such transaction, (ii) a transaction or series of transactions that results in the transfer of more than 50% of the voting power of a Party to an unaffiliated Person or (iii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Party (which shall include any effective transfer of such assets regardless of the structure of any such transaction as a license or otherwise).

 

E.

Confidential Information ” of a Party means any and all information of a confidential or proprietary nature disclosed by a Party under this License Agreement, whether in oral, written, graphic or electronic format, which includes, but is not limited to, Trade Secrets, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, diagrams, data, business activities and operations, customer lists, reports, studies and other technical and business information.

 

F.

Consigned Products ” has the meaning set forth in Section VIII.A.

 

G.

Consignment Inventory ” has the meaning set forth in Section VIII.B.

 

H.

Consignment Orders ” has the meaning set forth in Section VIII.A.

 

I.

Exercise Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.C.

 

J.

Effective Date ” has the meaning as described in the Preamble.

 

K

Facility Approval Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section IV.B.

 

L.

FDA ” means the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or any successor entity thereto.

 

M.

Field of Use ” means spinal cord stimulation.

 

N.

Force Majeure ” has the meaning set forth in Section V.N.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 2 -

 

 

O.

Greatbatch ” has the meaning as described in the Preamble.

 

P.

Greatbatch Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section X.C.

 

Q.

Improvements ” has the meaning set forth in Section XII.B.

 

R.

Initial Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.B.

 

S.

Intellectual Property ” means all rights held by a Party in its technology, products and business information, all or some of which may constitute Confidential Information, and including but not limited to: patent rights, copyrights, trademark rights, goodwill, inventions, improvements, discoveries, designs, modifications, data, business information, financial information, clinical information and data, regulatory information, trade secret rights, mask work, know how rights and other intellectual property and proprietary rights.

 

T.

Joint IP ” has the meaning set forth in Section XII.B.

 

U.

Legal Requirements ” means any federal, state, local, provincial, foreign, international, multinational or other statute, law, treaty, rule, regulation, guideline, administrative order, directives, ordinance, constitution or principle of common law (or any interpretation thereof by a governmental entity).

 

V.

Licensed IP ” has the meaning set forth in the Restricted License Agreement and the Unrestricted License Agreement.

 

W.

Manufacturing Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.C.

 

Y.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or a governmental entity (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof).

 

Z.

Product ” means QiG Group’s Algovita spinal cord stimulation system and its related parts and components that are based on, use or incorporate the Licensed IP (the “Algovita System”) and such other products, parts and components, including replacement parts and components, that may be incorporated within, used in conjunction with or sold as part of the Algovita System as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties from time to time.

 

AA.

QiG Group ” has the meaning as described in the Preamble. For purposes of this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to QiG Group shall mean QiG Group, LLC and each of its Affiliates

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 3 -

 

 

BB.

QiG Group Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section X.D.

 

CC.

Relevant Project Components ” means the parts and components for the Product set forth in Appendix A , which may be amended by the Parties from time-to-time in accordance with this Agreement to incorporate additional Relevant Project Components.

 

DD.

Renewal Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.B.

 

EE.

Restricted License Agreement ” means that certain Restricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, by and between Greatbatch and QiG Group whereby QiG Group has licensed certain of its intellectual property to Greatbatch.

 

FF.

Restricted Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section XI.B(iv).

 

GG.

Resultant Patents ” means any rights under United States and foreign patents and patent applications, including, but not limited to, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, and reexaminations thereof that arise from any Joint IP (as defined below).

 

HH.

ROFR Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.C.

 

II.

ROFR Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.C.

 

JJ.

Safety Stock ” has the meaning set forth in Section VII.

 

KK.

Specifications ” has the meaning set forth in Section IV.A.

 

LL.

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.B.

 

MM.

Third Party Supply Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section II.C.

 

NN.

Trade Secrets ” means trade secrets as they are defined in the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as amended (UTSA).

 

OO.

Unrestricted License Agreement ” means that certain Unrestricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, by and between Greatbatch and QiG Group whereby QiG Group has licensed certain of its intellectual property to Greatbatch.

 

PP.

Transfer Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section VIII.D.

 

QQ.

Validation Documentation ” has the meaning set forth in Section IV.B.

 

RR.

Warranty Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section X.A(i).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 4 -

 

 

SS.

WIP ” has the meaning set forth in Section III.B.

 

II.

SUPPLY AND CONTRACT PERIOD:

 

A.             Sale and Purchase Obligations . Subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement:

 

 

(i)

Greatbatch agrees that during the Term, it shall have the exclusive right to manufacture and sell to QiG Group all Relevant Project Components (as described in or added to Appendix A) that may be ordered by QiG Group in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

 

 

(ii)

QiG Group agrees to purchase exclusively from Greatbatch during the Term its requirements for Relevant Project Components to be used by QiG Group in the Products.

 

During the Term, if QiG Group desires to have an item manufactured that replaces or is intended to replace a Relevant Project Component and such item is based on, or that incorporates, Licensed IP and such item falls within the Field of Use, and if Greatbatch elects to be the manufacturer of such item, then such item shall be included as a “ Relevant Project Component ” under this Agreement and Appendix A will be amended to include such item.

 

Subject to the immediately preceding paragraph, during the Term, if QiG Group desires to have an item manufactured that is based on, or that incorporates, Licensed IP and such item falls within the Field of Use, and if Greatbatch elects to be the manufacturer of such item, then QiG Group and Greatbatch each agree to negotiate exclusively, reasonably and in good faith with each other for up to [***] days regarding the terms of a manufacturing and supply agreement including, but not limited to, pricing, acceptable margins for each party and any other unique manufacturing or quality requirements related to such item. In the event that the parties are unable to agree on terms within [***] days, QiG Group shall be free to negotiate a manufacturing and supply agreement with any other third party suppliers for such item. QiG Group agrees that prior to executing any such third party manufacturing and supply agreement, it will notify Greatbatch of the key terms of such manufacturing and supply agreement and will, for a period of at least [***] days after Greatbatch’s receipt of such terms, give Greatbatch the opportunity to enter into a manufacturing and supply agreement with QiG Group for such item on terms substantially consistent with such third party manufacturing and supply agreement.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 5 -

 

 

During the Term, if QiG Group desires to have an item manufactured that is not based on or does not incorporate any Licensed IP but QiG Group intends that such item will be used within the Field of Use, then QiG Group will be permitted to negotiate a manufacturing and supply agreement with any third party with respect to such item. QiG Group agrees that prior to executing any such third party manufacturing and supply agreement, it will notify Greatbatch of the key terms of such manufacturing and supply agreement and will, for a period of at least [***] days after Greatbatch’s receipt of such terms, give Greatbatch the opportunity to enter into a manufacturing and supply agreement with QiG Group on terms substantially consistent with such third party manufacturing and supply agreement. Further, if at the time QiG Group is initially seeking to have such item manufactured, (a) Greatbatch is unable to manufacture the item so that the item and its manufacture are at least equivalent in terms of technology, quality, ramp-up times, lead times and capacity to manufacture in accordance with this Agreement, (b) Greatbatch is unable to provide at least equivalent in terms of price to manufacture as an offering made by a third party, or (c) the Parties otherwise agree in writing, QiG Group will be free to enter into or negotiate with any other third party supplier for the manufacture of such item(s).

 

Notwithstanding Greatbatch’s exclusive right to manufacture and sell to QiG Group all Relevant Project Components, the parties hereby agree that QiG Group shall have the right to have a third party manufacture the external devices that are currently manufactured by Minnetronix, Inc. and that are listed under the heading “External Devices” on Appendix A ; provided, that in the event that QiG Group elects to have a third party manufacture the external devices, QiG Group shall (i) provide Greatbatch [***] ([***]) months’ written notice prior to any purchase of such external devices from such third party, (ii) purchase 100% of its requirements for such external devices from a party other than Greatbatch after the completion of the [***] ([***]) month notice period and Greatbatch shall have no obligation to sell any external devices to QiG Group; and (iii) purchase from Greatbatch, and be responsible for, all finished product, WIP, raw material, components, all Safety Stock held in accordance with Section VII, all Consignment Products, and any non-cancelable purchase orders outstanding with suppliers related to such external devices.

 

B.      Term of Agreement . This Agreement will be in full force and effect from the date of its execution until the earliest to occur of (i) the fifth anniversary of the date of FDA approval that permits QiG Group to sell the Products in the United States (the “ Initial Term ”), (ii) termination by the mutual agreement of the Parties, or (iii) termination in accordance with the following terms of this Agreement. This Agreement shall automatically be renewed after the Initial Term for successive terms of one (1) year each (each a “ Renewal Term ”) unless either Party gives written notice of non-renewal or termination not less than three (3) months prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any such Renewal Term (the Initial Term and all Renewal Terms being collectively the “ Term ”).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 6 -

 

 

C.      Right of First Refusal . During the period beginning one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the Term and ending on the date that is six (6) months after the expiration of the Term (the “ ROFR Period ”), in the event that QiG Group determines to seek to purchase its requirements for any Relevant Project Components from a third party (a “ Manufacturing Request ”), QiG Group shall promptly, and prior to taking any material steps towards engaging any third party with respect to such Manufacturing Request, notify Greatbatch of such Manufacturing Request (the “ ROFR Notice ”). During the ninety (90) day period following Greatbatch’s receipt of the ROFR Notice (the “ Exercise Period ”), (A) QiG Group and Greatbatch shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith, on an exclusive basis, regarding entry into a definitive manufacturing and supply agreement with respect to such Manufacturing Request and (B) QiG Group shall not initiate any negotiations regarding a definitive manufacturing and supply agreement with any third party regarding such Manufacturing Request.

 

If Greatbatch and QiG Group do not execute and deliver a definitive manufacturing and supply agreement prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period, QiG Group shall be free to negotiate a manufacturing and supply agreement with any third party with respect to such Manufacturing Request (a “ Third Party Supply Agreement ”) during the [***] ([***]) month period following the expiration of the Exercise Period; provided that QiG Group, prior to execution of any such Third Party Supply Agreement, provides Greatbatch with the key terms of such Third Party Supply Agreement and offers it, for a period lasting at least [***] ([***]) days after receipt of the Third Party Supply Agreement by Greatbatch, the opportunity to enter into a manufacturing and supply agreement with QiG Group on terms substantially consistent with such Third Party Supply Agreement before executing such Third Party Supply Agreement.

 

For the avoidance of the doubt, the Parties hereby acknowledge that each Manufacturing Request that occurs during the ROFR Period separately triggers QiG Group’s right of first refusal obligations pursuant to this Section II.C; provided that in the event that this Agreement has been terminated by QiG Group pursuant to Section III.A(i) or Section III.A(ii), Greatbatch’s right of first refusal under this Section II.C will be void and QiG Group may freely negotiate with any third party to enter into a Third Party Supply Agreement.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 7 -

 

 

III.           TERMINATION:

 

 

A.

Termination . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section II.B above, this Agreement may be terminated in accordance with the following provisions:

 

 

(i)

Either Party may terminate this Agreement for cause by giving the other Party thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of such termination if the other Party materially breaches or defaults under any of the material terms or conditions of this Agreement and fails to cure such material breach or default within sixty (60) days after receiving notice thereof.

 

 

(ii)

Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in its entirety if, at any time, (i) the other Party shall file in any court or agency pursuant to any Legal Requirement of any state or country, a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for reorganization or for an arrangement or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee of the Party or of its assets, (ii) if the other Party shall be served with an involuntary petition against it, filed in any insolvency proceeding, and such petition shall not be dismissed within sixty (60) days after the filing thereof, (iii) if the other Party shall propose or be a party to any dissolution or liquidation, or (iv) if the other Party shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors. In the event that this Agreement is terminated or rejected by a Party or its receiver or trustee under applicable bankruptcy or other Legal Requirements due to such Party’s bankruptcy, then all rights and licenses granted under or pursuant to this Agreement by such Party to the other Party are, and shall otherwise be deemed to be, for purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and any similar state or foreign Legal Requirements, licenses of rights to “intellectual property” as defined under Section 101(52) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Parties agree that all intellectual property rights licensed hereunder, including, without limitation, any patents or patent applications in any country of a Party covered by the license grants under this Agreement, are part of the “intellectual property” as defined under Section 101(52) of the Bankruptcy Code subject to the protections afforded the non-terminating Party under Section 365(n) of the Bankruptcy Code, any similar law or regulation in any other country; or

 

 

(iii)

A Party may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other Party if such other Party has given notice as to an event of Force Majeure and such other Party has suspended its performance hereunder for more than [***] ([***]) consecutive days.

 

Nothing herein shall be construed to allow either Party the right to terminate this Agreement for any inadvertent error or minor violation of any law or regulation by the other Party; provided that such error or violation does not have a material adverse effect on the other Party.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 8 -

 

 

 

B.

Effect of Termination . In the event of termination by Greatbatch under Section III.A, QiG Group will be responsible for paying for (i) raw materials and other items subject to existing non-cancellable purchase orders that cannot otherwise be reasonably used by Greatbatch, (ii) all work-in-process (“ WIP ”) costs specific to QiG Group custom designs, (iii) all Safety Stock held in accordance with Section VII, and (iv) all Consignment Products.

 

In the event of termination by QiG Group under Section III.A, QiG Group will be responsible for paying for (i) all Safety Stock held in accordance with Article VII and (ii) all Consignment Products. Greatbatch agrees to cooperate in good faith to return, in a timely manner, any and all materials, documentation, tooling, masks, capital and/or other equipment due to QiG Group. Any and all expenses and/or shipping arrangements will be borne or made by the receiving Party. Further, for the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree that in the event QiG Group terminates this Agreement under Section III.A(i) or Section III.A(ii), QiG Group will have the right to have the Relevant Product Components manufactured by another third party supplier and all right of first refusal obligations of QiG Group under this Agreement will be void and not applicable.

 

 

C.

Amendment to Agreement . This Agreement may not be modified, changed or terminated orally. No change, modification, addition, or amendment shall be valid unless in writing indicating an intent to modify this Agreement and signed by an authorized officer of each Party.

 

IV.            SUPPLY

 

 

A.

The Relevant Project Components shall be manufactured in accordance with the specifications attached hereto as Appendix A (the “ Specifications ”) and in accordance with the terms of the Quality Agreement between the parties, effective as of September 22, 2015, as may be amended from time to time by the mutual written agreement of the parties (the “Quality Agreement”).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 9 -

 

 

 

B.

During the Term, Greatbatch will manufacture the Relevant Project Components at its Plymouth, Minnesota facility and then likely transfer the manufacturing to another Greatbatch facility. If Greatbatch desires to relocate the manufacturing of the Relevant Project Components to another Greatbatch facility, Greatbatch shall provide written notice to QiG Group at least [***] months prior to Greatbatch’s proposed date of such relocation, and shall provide such other information reasonably required by QiG Group with respect to such proposed new location. Following the notice, Greatbatch shall deliver to QiG Group a final qualification report and final qualification parts in connection with the relocation indicating Relevant Project Component equivalence at the new location (“ Validation Documentation ”). Greatbatch shall not ship any Relevant Project Component manufactured at the new facility until Greatbatch’s receipt of a written notice from QiG Group that it is ready to receive Relevant Project Components manufactured at the new facility (the “ Facility Approval Notice ”). QiG Group will use best efforts to achieve all necessary regulatory approvals as soon as possible after QiG Group’s approval of the Validation Documentation. If QiG Group does not issue the Facility Approval Notice within [***] days after all regulatory approvals necessary to manufacture the Relevant Project Component at the new location have been obtained and Greatbatch has reasonably demonstrated that it can manufacture the Relevant Project Components in accordance with this Agreement at such new location, then all prices for the Relevant Project Components will automatically increase by [***] percent ([***]%) unless and until QiG Group issues the Facility Approval Notice. QiG Group shall provide reasonable cooperation to Greatbatch in connection with the qualification of such new facility. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, QiG Group understands and agrees that the relocation of the manufacturing facility from the Plymouth, Minnesota facility is accounted for in the pricing in Appendix B , and therefore, no pricing adjustments will be made as result of such relocation.

 

V.              PRICE; ORDERS, DELIVERY, PAYMENT, INSPECTION :

 

 

A.

The prices for the Relevant Project Components shall be as set forth in Appendix B of this Agreement and such prices will be fixed for the Initial Term unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the Parties in writing, or as may be adjusted in accordance with this Section V, or as may be reduced in accordance with Section V.P below. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the price for any Relevant Project Component may be increased from time-to-time during the Term if Greatbatch’s cost for any individual material or all of the materials used in the manufacture of such Relevant Project Component increases by [***]% or more.  If Greatbatch determines that there has been such a change to its cost, it will provide QiG Group with at least 30 days’ written notice before adjusting the price for such Relevant Project Component; provided, that the change in price shall not exceed the increased cost to Greatbatch.

 

 

B.

Simultaneous with the execution of this Agreement, and on each January 1 st thereafter, QiG Group will deliver to Greatbatch a blanket purchase order by product category described on Exhibit B for the Relevant Project Components to be purchased by QiG Group for the remaining calendar year (a “Firm Purchase Order”).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 10 -

 

 

 

C.

To the extent that the price for a Relevant Project Component is based on a volume pricing table set forth in Appendix B (a “Volume Priced Component”) , the price for such Volume Priced Component shall be based on the amount of such Volume Priced Components ordered pursuant to the Firm Purchase Order. In the event that QiG Group has not, in any calendar year, purchased and accepted delivery of a Volume Priced Component in such an amount that equals or exceeds the amount of such Volume Priced Components ordered pursuant to the Firm Purchase Order for such calendar year, then QiG Group shall, within [***] days after the end of such calendar year, pay to Greatbatch an amount equal to (i)(A) the number of such Volume Priced Components ordered pursuant to the Firm Purchase Order, minus (B) the actual number of such Volume Priced Components purchased and accepted by QiG Group during such calendar year, multiplied by (ii) the price of such Volume Priced Component. For illustrative purposes only, if QiG Group ordered [***] IPGs pursuant to the Firm Purchase Order for 2016, but only purchased and accepted [***] IPGs in 2016, QiG Group would pay $[***] to Greatbatch by [***] (i.e. [***] – [***] x $[***] = $[***]).

 

 

D.

In the event that QiG Group, in any calendar year, purchases and accepts delivery of a Volume Priced Component in an amount that exceeds the amount of such Volume Priced Components ordered pursuant to the Firm Purchase Order for such calendar year, and the purchased and accepted amount would have caused a different price to be applicable if such amount would have been included in the Firm Purchase Order for such calendar year, then Greatbatch shall, within [***] days after the end of such calendar year, issue a rebate to QiG Group in an amount equal to (i)(A) the actual number of such Volume Priced Components purchased and accepted by QiG Group during such calendar year, multiplied by (B) the price of such Volume Priced Component as dictated by the amount set forth in the Firm Purchase Order, minus (ii)(A) the actual number of such Volume Priced Components purchased and accepted by QiG Group during such calendar year, multiplied by (B) what the price of such Volume Priced Component would have been if the actual number of such Volume Priced Components purchased and accepted by QiG Group would have been included in the Firm Purchase Order. For illustrative purposes only, if QiG Group ordered [***] IPGs pursuant to the Firm Purchase Order for 2016, but purchased and accepted [***] IPGs in 2016, Greatbatch would issue a rebate of $[***] to QiG Group by [***] (i.e. [[***] x $[***]] – [[***] x $[***]] = $[***]).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 11 -

 

 

 

E.

QiG Group may lock in the price for a precious metal used in a Relevant Project Component as follows:

 

 

(i)

QiG Group will provide written notification to its Greatbatch Account Manager and customer service representative when it wants to lock in the price for a precious metal used in a Relevant Project Component.  In addition, forecast information and duration of the “price-lock” needs to be specified.

 

 

(ii)

Within 48 hours of receiving such notification, Greatbatch will lock in the price of the precious metal.  Upon locking in the price, Greatbatch will notify QiG Group of the locked-in price.

 

 

(iii)

A locked-in price will become effective for the Relevant Project Component beginning the following January 1 (unless the notice provided by QiG Group under Section V.E.(ii) above is given on December 31, then the locked-in price will not become effective until the following January 2).  If QiG Group does not notify Greatbatch to lock in the price for a precious metal, the cost of the precious metal will be the market price of the precious metal at the time of Greatbatch’s receipt of the applicable purchase order.

 

 

(iv)

In the event that any precious metal that is part of such “price-lock” is unused during the applicable “price-lock” period (“Unused Precious Metal”), the cost of such Unused Precious Metal will remain the “price-lock” price until the inventory of such Unused Precious Metal is fully depleted. In the event that QiG Group elects to lock the price for a precious metal that is the same metal as the Unused Precious Metal, such requested “price-lock” price will not be effective until the inventory of such Unused Precious Metal is fully depleted. Notwithstanding anything in this Section V.E.(iv) to the contrary, all Unused Precious Metals will be purchased by QiG Group within ninety (90) days of the end of the applicable “price-lock” period at Greatbatch’s cost for such Unused Precious Metals.

 

 

(v)

In the event that Greatbatch’s inventory of any precious metal that is part of such “price-lock” is fully depleted prior to the completion of the applicable “price-lock” period, the “price-lock” shall be terminated and the cost of the precious metal will be the market price of the precious metal at the time of Greatbatch’s next purchase of such precious metal.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 12 -

 

 

 

F.

Greatbatch will provide Relevant Project Components to QiG Group pursuant to purchase orders to be issued by QiG Group. The general terms and conditions of sale for Relevant Project Components sold by Greatbatch to QiG Group hereunder are set forth in this Agreement. The Parties expressly agree that none of the terms and conditions of any standard purchase preprinted forms used by either Greatbatch or the QiG Group in effectuating the purchase and sale transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, but not limited to, purchase orders, acknowledgements and acceptance forms, invoices, labels and shipping documents) will apply, except insofar as a purchase order or acknowledgement establishes the quantity, destination, shipping information and the desired delivery date (which must satisfy the standard lead times identified for the applicable Relevant Project Component).

 

 

G.

QiG Group’s purchase order form shall set forth, at a minimum, the quantity of Relevant Project Components ordered, the address of the facility of QiG Group (or its affiliate) to which the Relevant Project Components should be shipped and requested delivery dates (which shall be no less than the lead time set forth in Section VI below).

 

 

H.

Unless QiG Group gives Greatbatch written instructions as to the method of shipment and carrier, Greatbatch shall select the methods of shipment and the carrier for the respective purchase order. Greatbatch shall prepay transportation and similar charges upon shipment. Title to all Relevant Project Components conforming to QiG Group’s purchase order shall pass, free and clear of all encumbrances, at the EXW shipping point, which shall be Greatbatch’s facility. QiG Group assumes and agrees to bear all risk of damage or loss to the Relevant Project Components after delivery by Greatbatch to the carrier at the EXW shipping point. QiG Group hereby releases Greatbatch from any and all claims and liability with respect to any such in-transit damages or losses to the goods. QiG Group shall be responsible for securing insurance coverage to cover shipments and deliveries hereunder.

 

 

I.

Greatbatch shall perform testing to ensure that certain Relevant Project Components delivered to QiG Group meet all applicable Specifications and such testing will be at Greatbatch’s cost, except as set forth below.  QiG Group inspection of incoming Relevant Project Components will rely upon Greatbatch testing and may consist of an examination of Greatbatch’s testing documentation as well as independent testing by QiG Group.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, QiG Group shall attempt to inspect all Relevant Project Components within thirty (30) days, but not to exceed sixty (60) days, and notify Greatbatch if any of the Relevant Project Components fail to meet the Specifications and quality standards for such Relevant Project Components.  Prior to the Effective Date, QiG Group has provided, at no cost to Greatbatch, one (1) IPG board level testing station, one (1) IPG Charging 6 Bay station, one (1) IPG Fine Tune station, one (1) IPG final functional testing station and one (1) EPG board level testing station (the “Generation 1 Stations”). On or prior to March 31, 2016, QiG Group shall provide, to Greatbatch, one (1) IPG board level testing station and one (1) IPG final functional testing station (the “Generation 1A Stations”).  To the extent that Greatbatch requests QiG Group to provide new or additional testing stations in addition to the Generation 1 or Generation 1A Stations (the “New Testing Stations”), QiG Group will use commercially reasonable efforts to develop, design and provide such New Testing Stations on the delivery schedule requested by Greatbatch. Greatbatch will be responsible for the hardware costs of the Generation 1A Stations and New Testing Stations and such costs shall be negotiated in good faith between the parties. Greatbatch will be responsible for its costs to validate and implement the Generation 1A Stations and New Testing Stations.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 13 -

 

 

If QiG Group provides (i) periodic revisions or improvements, both software related and mechanical/structural, to any testing stations or (ii) new testing stations as a result of a QiG Group initiated redesign or modification, including, without limitation the Generation 2 Testing Stations expected to be delivered by QiG Group to Greatbatch in the first quarter of 2017 (collectively, the “QiG Initiated Stations”), QiG Group will be solely responsible for the cost of such revisions or improvements or such QiG Initiated Stations and QiG Group will reimburse Greatbatch for Greatbatch’s costs to validate and implement such revisions or improvements or QiG Initiated Stations. QiG Group will be responsible for all labor costs associated with developing, designing and providing the Generation 1A Stations, New Testing Stations, and QiG Initiated Stations. QiG Group agrees that it will provide, at no cost to Greatbatch, reasonable and necessary training, technical support and troubleshooting assistance for the Generation 1A Stations, New Testing Stations, and QiG Initiated Stations until such time that the Generation 1A Stations, New Testing Stations or QiG Initiated Stations, as applicable, perform to a mutually agreed upon level that is to be negotiated in good faith between the Parties.  Within thirty (30) days of the expiration or termination of this Agreement, QiG Group shall purchase from Greatbatch all testing stations provided to, or purchased by, Greatbatch under this Section V.I. and the purchase price shall be the net book value of all such testing stations at the date of expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

 

J.

QiG Group and Greatbatch agree to use their best efforts to mutually agree on (i) a testing protocol for the Relevant Project Components and (ii) a resolution with the suppliers of the [***] to reduce the “[***]” rate of the applicable [***], in order to achieve a “[***]” for the Relevant Project Components (including, all underlying [***]) of at least [***]% as soon as possible. Greatbatch and QiG Group hereby appoint Mauricio Arellano and Norbert Kaula as their respective representatives to achieve such agreement.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 14 -

 

 

 

K.

Commencing on [***], QiG Group shall pay to Greatbatch, in addition to the price for the IPGs and EPGs set forth in Appendix B of this Agreement, a surcharge for each IPG and EPG purchased by QiG Group during the next [***] ([***]) months (the “[***] Surcharge”). Greatbatch and QiG Group agree to calculate the [***] Surcharge on [***] and [***] (each the “[***] Surcharge Calculation Date”), and such [***] Surcharge shall remain in effect for [***] ([***]) months after the applicable [***] Surcharge Calculation Date. The [***] Surcharge for each IPG and EPG, as applicable, shall be calculated as follows (i)(A)(I) [***]% minus (II) the IPG or EPG [***] before final assembly, as applicable, multiplied by (B) the cost of the IPG or EPG [***], as applicable, multiplied by (ii) [***] percent ([***]%). For purposes of calculating the [***], Greatbatch (i) will not include [***] that failed the Greatbatch incoming inspection process, that were returned to the [***] supplier, and for which Greatbatch was issued a refund, and (ii) will include [***] that failed the [***] testing in calculating previous [***] Surcharges but that pass the [***] testing in calculating the current [***] Surcharge and that Greatbatch will use in the production of the IPGs and EPGs, as determined in its sole reasonable discretion. For purposes of calculating the [***] Surcharge, the cost of the IPG [***] is $[***] and the cost of the EPG [***] is $[***]. For illustrative purposes only, if an IPG has a [***] of [***]%, then QiG Group will pay a [***] Surcharge of $[***] to Greatbatch for each IPG purchased by QiG Group during the next [***] ([***]) month period (i.e. ([[***]% - [***]%) * $[***]] * [***]% = $[***]). For illustrative purposes only, if an EPG has a [***] of [***]%, then QiG Group will pay a [***] Surcharge of $[***] to Greatbatch for each EPG purchased by QiG Group during the next [***] ([***]) month period (i.e. ([[***]% - [***]%) * $[***]] * [***]% = $[***]). The [***] Surcharge for the IPG will be discontinued once the IPG [***] before final assembly and the IPG [***] after final assembly each achieve [***]% or [***], whichever occurs first. The [***] Surcharge for the EPG will be discontinued once the EPG [***] before final assembly and the EPG [***] after final assembly each achieve [***]% or [***], whichever occurs first.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 15 -

 

 

 

L.

Commencing on [***], QiG Group shall pay to Greatbatch, in addition to the price for the IPGs and EPGs set forth in Appendix B of this Agreement, a surcharge for each IPG and EPG purchased by QiG Group during the next [***] ([***]) months (the “IPG/EPG Level Surcharge”); provided, that in the event that an IPG/EPG Level Surcharge is payable with regards to the EPGs and the manufacturing of the EPGs has not yet been moved to Greatbatch’s Tijuana, Mexico facility, then the [***] Surcharge for the EPGs shall be paid in lieu of the IPG/EPG Level Surcharge. Greatbatch and QiG Group agree to calculate the IPG/EPG Level Surcharge on [***] and every [***] ([***]) months thereafter (each calculation date, the “IPG/EPG Level Surcharge Calculation Date”), and such IPG/EPG Level Surcharge shall remain in effect until the next IPG/EPG Level Surcharge Calculation Date. The IPG/EPG Level Surcharge for each IPG and EPG, as applicable, shall be calculated as follows (i)(A)(I)(x) [***]% minus (y) the IPG or EPG [***] before final assembly, as applicable, multiplied by (II) the cost of the IPG or EPG [***], as applicable, multiplied by (B) [***] percent ([***]%), plus (ii)(A)(I) [***]% minus (II) the IPG or EPG [***] after final assembly, as applicable, multiplied by (B) the price of the IPG or EPG, as applicable. For purposes of calculating the [***], Greatbatch (i) will not include [***] that failed the Greatbatch incoming inspection process, that were returned to the [***] supplier, and for which Greatbatch was issued a refund, and (ii) will include [***] that failed the [***] testing in calculating previous [***] Surcharges or IPG/EPG Level Surcharges but that pass the [***] testing in calculating the current IPG/EPG Level Surcharge and that Greatbatch will use in the production of the IPGs and EPGs, as determined in its sole reasonable discretion. For purposes of calculating the IPG/EPG Level Surcharge, the cost of the IPG [***] is $[***], the cost of the EPG [***] is $[***], the price of the IPG is $[***], and the price of the EPG is $[***]. For illustrative purposes only, if an IPG has a [***] of [***]%, and a [***] of [***]%, then QiG Group will pay an IPG/EPG Level Surcharge of $[***] to Greatbatch for each IPG purchased by QiG Group during the next [***] ([***]) month period (i.e. [([***]% - [***]%) * $[***] * [***]%] + [([***]% - [***]%) * $[***]] = $[***]). For illustrative purposes only, if an EPG has a [***] of [***]%, and a [***] of [***]%, then QiG Group will pay an IPG/EPG Level Surcharge of $[***] to Greatbatch for each EPG purchased by QiG Group during the next [***] ([***]) month period (i.e. [([***]% - [***]%) * $[***] * [***]%] + [([***]% - [***]%) * $[***]] = $[***]).The IPG/EPG Level Surcharge for the IPG will be discontinued once the IPG [***] before final assembly and the IPG [***] after final assembly each achieve [***]%. The IPG/EPG Level Surcharge for the EPG will be discontinued once the EPG [***] before final assembly and the EPG [***] after final assembly each achieve [***]%. In the event that QiG Group is paying an IPG/EPG Level Surcharge on [***], QiG Group and Greatbatch agree to use their best efforts to reduce the effects of a “[***]” for the Relevant Project Components (including, all underlying [***]) of less than [***]%.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 16 -

 

 

 

M.

QiG Group may reject any shipments or deliveries of Relevant Project Components, which are short, nonconforming, defective or deficient and may request correction and/or replacement. Rejected shipments or deliveries of Relevant Project Components shall at the request of Greatbatch be set aside for Greatbatch inspection, or at the request of Greatbatch shipped freight prepaid to Greatbatch. Within 48 hours of receiving returns of Relevant Project Components, Greatbatch will host a joint call with QiG Group to discuss the return, product history and investigational plan. All Relevant Project Components returned to Greatbatch shall be accompanied by a copy of their original shipping documents and the name and phone number of the person at QiG Group to be contacted regarding such return. Promptly upon receipt of notice of such shortage, non-conformance, defect or deficiency, Greatbatch shall immediately notify QiG Group:

 

 

(i)

as to how Greatbatch will replace the defective or deficient Relevant Project Components upon return to Greatbatch, ship replacement Relevant Project Components, or otherwise promptly correct such shortage, non-conformance, or deficiency; and/or

 

 

(ii)

whether such shipment of Relevant Project Components shall be set aside and held by QiG Group or returned to Greatbatch and the address to which such affected Relevant Project Components should be returned, or whether such Relevant Project Components should otherwise be disposed of.

 

If QiG Group elects to cancel or rescind such purchase, Greatbatch shall promptly refund and reimburse QiG Group the price paid by QiG Group for such purchase, including freight and shipping costs incurred by QiG Group in connection with such purchase, prior to the return of the same to Greatbatch. If QiG Group elects to have the Relevant Project Component replaced, Greatbatch shall bear or shall reimburse QiG Group for all costs and expenses incurred by QiG Group to repackage, ship and return affected Relevant Project Components to Greatbatch and shall issue a credit memo for the amount of the purchase price of the returned Relevant Project Components.

 

 

N.

In the event of any act of God or any other causes beyond the control of Greatbatch, including, but not limited to, fire, explosion, strikes, war, act of any governmental agency, material or labor shortage (excluding those related to Greatbatch’s workforce), or a delay or default caused by a common carrier (“ Force Majeure ”), Greatbatch shall not be liable for any delay in shipment or non-delivery of Relevant Project Components covered by this Agreement arising from Force Majeure, and QiG Group shall be bound to accept the delayed shipment or delivery made within a reasonable time. In the event of Force Majeure, QiG Group shall be excused for the failure to take and pay for Relevant Project Components ordered under this Agreement, until such Force Majeure condition is removed. In the event such conditions cannot be corrected by the Party affected within [***] days of the date of the occurrence of a Force Majeure event, then the other Party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon one (1) month prior notice.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 17 -

 

 

 

O.

For the three year period commencing upon the Effective Date, payment terms are net [***], EXW Greatbatch’s shipping point. Commencing upon the three year anniversary of the Effective Date through the end of the Term, payment terms will become net [***], EXW Greatbatch’s shipping point.

 

 

P.

The Parties will collaborate to identify cost reduction initiatives relating to the supply of the Relevant Project Components under this Agreement. Subject to Section IV.B. above, all savings and cost reductions (other than those recognized in connection with any relocation of a manufacturing facility, including, without limitation, a relocation of the manufacturing facility from the Plymouth, Minnesota facility), regardless of whether identified collaboratively or independently by either party, will be shared by the parties as set forth below and each party will disclose to the other any such savings that it acquires or generates. Subject to Section IV.B. above, in the event that Greatbatch and QiG Group are willing to share the expenses associated with the implementation of any such cost proposal (other than any relocation of a manufacturing facility, including, without limitation, a relocation of the manufacturing facility from the Plymouth, Minnesota facility), cost savings shall be split [***] percent ([***]%) to Greatbatch and [***] percent ([***]%) to QiG Group; provided, that any such cost savings shall not be split until each Party has fully recovered its expenses associated with any such cost proposal. The Parties will recover their expenses [***] (e.g. if Greatbatch invests $[***] and QiG Group invests $[***] in the cost proposal, Greatbatch will receive $[***] for every $[***] recovered by QiG Group prior to the split of the cost savings). Greatbatch shall give QiG Group notice of the implementation of cost reductions as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days of the accomplished reduction. Thereafter, all invoices shall reflect the applicable reduced pricing and the Parties shall work to update Appendix B accordingly.

 

VI.            LEAD TIME :

 

Standard lead time for the manufacturing of the Relevant Project Components is twelve (12) weeks unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing. Greatbatch will use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver the Relevant Project Components in accordance with the foregoing lead time.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 18 -

 

 

VII.           FORECAST PLANNING :

 

On a monthly basis, QiG Group will provide [***] ([***]) months firm orders and an additional [***] ([***]) months forecasts stating its anticipated needs for Relevant Project Components. This will provide Greatbatch with a total of [***] months projected requirements for planning purposes at all times. A new firm order requirement and the next month forecasted quantity will be provided each succeeding month. Forecasts covering QiG Group’s [***]-month anticipated needs are non-binding and are for planning purposes only.

 

Greatbatch will hold at least [***] ([***]) weeks of supply of the Relevant Project Components, [***] ([***]) of which will be in the form of finished goods and [***] ([***]) of which will be in the form of WIP (collectively, the “ Safety Stock ”). This [***] ([***]) week amount will be determined based on the rolling [***] ([***]) month forecast described in the preceding paragraph. The Safety Stock will satisfy any purchase order according to FIFO (First In First Out) unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties in writing. QiG Group will be responsible for purchasing any Relevant Project Component that remains in Safety Stock for at least [***] ([***]) months.

 

 

VIII.           CONSIGNMENT

 

 

A.

Simultaneous with the execution of the Agreement, and on a monthly basis thereafter, QiG Group will provide Greatbatch with a [***] ([***]) month rolling forecast of QiG Group’s reasonably expected monthly order volume for the Relevant Project Components to be consigned at QiG Group’s Blaine, Minnesota location (the “ Consigned Products ”) for the forthcoming [***] ([***]) month period. QiG Group will update the forecast monthly. QiG Group shall order Consignment Product by issuance of a purchase and/or blanket order (each, a “ Consignment Order ”) to Greatbatch. Consignment Orders which conform to the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed to be accepted by Greatbatch and Greatbatch will acknowledge receipt of such Consignment Order by written notice to QiG Group, (“ Acknowledged Order ”). Greatbatch will use commercially reasonable efforts to accept any orders or blanket orders that do not conform to the terms of this Agreement. Greatbatch shall deliver such Consignment Products in accordance with the delivery schedule specified by QiG Group in the Consignment Order.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 19 -

 

 

 

B.

Upon receipt of a Consigned Product, QiG Group shall track the Consignment Products received (“ Consignment Inventory ”) and copies of the tracking reports shall be furnished to Greatbatch upon request. Consignment Inventory shall be identified as the property of Greatbatch. The Consignment Products shall be segregated from other goods either of the same or different character belonging either to QiG Group or to any third party and shall be stored in an area in QiG Group’s (or its designee’s) facility separate from and not mingled with other goods of QiG Group or of any third party. Upon reasonable advance written notice and no more than once in any calendar quarter, Greatbatch shall have reasonable access to the Consignment Products at QiG Group’s facility for the purposes of verifying tracking reports or inspecting the condition of the Consignment Products. In the event of a threatened or actual breach of the Agreement by QiG Group, Greatbatch shall have immediate access to the Consignment Products for the purposes of verifying tracking reports or inspecting the condition of the Consignment Products. The Parties agree that the volume of Consignment Inventory will be taken into account when calculating the amount of Greatbatch’s Safety Stock. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will the Consignment Inventory exceed [***] ([***]) weeks of supply of the Relevant Project Components and Greatbatch shall have no obligation to deliver any Relevant Project Components to QiG Group for so long as the Consignment Inventory equals or exceeds [***] ([***]) weeks of supply of the Relevant Project Components. This [***] ([***]) week amount will be determined based on the rolling [***] ([***]) month forecast described in Section VIII.A. above.

 

 

C.

If QiG Group receives any Consignment Products which do not meet the applicable Specifications, QiG Group shall notify Greatbatch within two weeks of discovery or determination that the Consignment Products do not meet Specifications, and Greatbatch shall retrieve such Consignment Products from QiG Group at Greatbatch’s sole expense, and QiG Group shall not be required to pay for any such Consignment Products. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, QiG Group may not return, and QiG Group will be responsible for paying the applicable price for, any Consignment Product if any repair, alteration, modification or work has been performed on such Consignment Product, or if the alleged defect is the result of abuse, misuse, improper maintenance or storage, accident, action or inaction on the part of any QiG Group, its agents or representatives or any third party after delivery of the Consignment Products to QiG Group or its designee.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 20 -

 

 

 

D.

Upon QiG Group transferring any Consignment Product out of Consignment Inventory and (i) into QiG Group’s or its designee’s manufacturing area or (ii) out of QiG Group’s Blaine, Minnesota facility (“ Transfer Date ”) such Consignment Product shall become the property of QiG Group and title to such Consignment Product shall pass to QiG Group. QiG Group shall notify Greatbatch every Monday (or the next business day, if Monday is not a business day) of the quantity of components and part numbers of Consignment Products transferred the prior week via a consignment reconciliation document, and Greatbatch shall send QiG Group an invoice for the transferred Consignment Products. QiG Group shall pay such invoice within [***] days for invoices issued during the three year period commencing upon the Effective Date and within [***] days for invoices issued during the period commencing upon the three year anniversary of the Effective Date through the end of the Term. All reconciliations and payments will be in US dollars.

 

 

E.

All Consignment Products stored on QiG Group’s or its designee’s premises shall be Greatbatch’s property until the Transfer Date, and QiG Group may return Consignment Product to Greatbatch at any time prior to such Transfer Date. QiG Group shall withdraw the Consignment Products on a FIFO (First In First Out)basis for each type of Consignment Product. QiG Group will be responsible for purchasing any Consignment Product that remains in Consignment Inventory for at least six (6) months. QiG Group shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless Greatbatch against, any loss, damage, shrinkage or spoilage, to the Consignment Products while at QiG Group’s or its designee’s facility. QiG Group shall maintain insurance, which may include a program of self insurance, covering such losses.

 

 

F.

QiG Group will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, grant a security interest in or otherwise encumber or allow any third party to obtain an interest in any Consignment Products in Consignment Inventory. QiG Group shall comply with all Legal Requirement which might in any way affect Greatbatch’s ownership of the Consignment Products and shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Greatbatch from and against all losses, damages and expenses arising out of any levy, attachment, lien or process involving the Consignment Products to the extent caused by QiG Group, its agents or representatives.

 

 

G.

If the quantity of any Consignment Product ordered by QiG Group for any month is collectively less than [***] percent ([***]%) of the quantity ordered for the preceding month, the Parties shall participate in a telephone conference to discuss the reason for QiG Group’s decrease in consumption of such Consignment Product. If in the month immediately following such decrease in consumption of such Consignment Product, the quantity ordered is collectively less than or equal to the quantity ordered for the preceding month, Greatbatch and QiG Group may agree on a new level of Consignment Inventory for such Consignment Product.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 21 -

 

 

 

H.

Subject to the first sentence of Section VIII.C, all charges and expenses for shipping, receiving, handling and storing the Consignment Products shall be paid by QiG Group. All public charges, whether in the nature of sales, occupational or other taxes (excluding taxes levied on the income of Greatbatch) or assessment or license fees, which shall be levied or assessed against the Consignment Products at QiG Group’s or its designee’s facility, or against QiG Group or Greatbatch by reason hereof, by any federal, state or municipal authority, shall be paid by QiG Group.

 

 

I.

QiG Group shall provide Greatbatch with at least [***] ([***]) days’ written notice if any Consignment Product shall be discontinued or replaced. The Parties shall discuss in good faith any needed adjustment in the rolling forecast and in any Consignment Order for such Product or Products as a result of such planned discontinuance or replacement.

 

IX.            CANCELLATION CHARGES :

 

In the event that QiG Group cancels a purchase order inside the agreed upon lead time, QiG Group will be responsible for all finished Relevant Project Components, WIP and raw materials and components. In the event that QiG Group cancels a purchase order outside of agreed upon lead time, QiG Group and Greatbatch will negotiate resulting costs.

 

X.             WARRANTY, INDEMNITY AND LIABILITY LIMITATION :

 

A.      Limited Warranty :

 

 

(i)

Greatbatch warrants that all of the Relevant Project Components sold to QiG Group under this Agreement shall be in conformance with the Specifications and the Quality Agreement applicable to such Relevant Project Components and shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of delivery (the “ Warranty Period ”). Subject to the limitations set forth in the following sentence, if any Relevant Project Components do not meet the applicable Specifications and QiG Group shall have timely notified Greatbatch, Greatbatch will replace such Relevant Project Components free of charge and will reimburse QiG Group for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including freight and customs clearance, if any) incurred by QiG Group in connection with (a) shipment of replacement Relevant Project Components to the same location and (b) shipment of the nonconforming Relevant Project Components back to Greatbatch (if so requested by Greatbatch).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 22 -

 

 

The warranty provided in this Section X.A. shall not apply to any Relevant Project Component failure occurring as a result of any of the following: (x) any abuse, misuse, neglect or attempted disassembly of a Relevant Project Component, or any alteration or modification of a Relevant Project Component without the express written consent of Greatbatch; (y) any improper operation, improper installation, or any other use inconsistent with any applicable law, rule, regulation or governmental directive; or (z) any use inconsistent with the then current specifications of Greatbatch for the Relevant Project Components or with any warning or recommended operating practice specific to the Relevant Project Components that may be provided to QiG Group from time to time by Greatbatch in writing.

 

 

(ii)

THE WARRANTY PROVIDED IN SECTION X.A(i) ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY GIVEN BY GREATBATCH WITH RESPECT TO THE RELEVANT PROJECT COMPONENTS. GREATBATCH MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NO IMPLIED WARRANTY SHALL ARISE BY USAGE OF TRADE, COURSE OF DEALING OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE. NO REPRESENTATIVE OF GREATBATCH IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE OR MAKE ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OR TO MODIFY THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IN ANY WAY.

 

 

B.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY .  NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL GREATBATCH BE LIABLE TO QIG GROUP (X) FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED UPON ANY OTHER THEORY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT THAT QIG GROUP HAS PAID OR THAT IS PAYABLE TO GREATBATCH UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING 12 MONTH PERIOD, BUT IN NO EVENT MORE THAN $10 MILLION, BUT SUCH LIMITATION WILL NOT APPLY TO GREATBATCH’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION X.D OR (Y) FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY OR SPECIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 23 -

 

 

 

C.

QiG Group hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Greatbatch and any officer, director, employee, or stockholder of Greatbatch (the “ Greatbatch Indemnitees ”) from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, expenses, costs or damages arising out of or related to any claim or lawsuit against any Greatbatch Indemnitees:

 

 

(i)

on account of personal injury or death to any person, resulting from the use of any Product of QiG Group in which any Relevant Project Components are used, unless both of the following facts are present:  (a) one of the Relevant Project Components was not manufactured by Greatbatch within the Specifications for such Relevant Project Components provided for in this Agreement, and (b) such Relevant Project Components was the sole and direct cause in the failure of any Product that gives rise to any such personal injury or death;

 

 

(ii)

for infringement of any patent or intellectual property rights of any third party as a result of Greatbatch’s use of a QiG Group design for the Relevant Project Component or Product;

 

 

(iii)

for any violation of law by QiG Group; and

 

 

(iv)

for the gross negligence or willful misconduct of QiG Group.

 

QiG Group will defend, manage and assume all costs of any lawsuit or claim related to the indemnification provided for in this Section X.C.  Greatbatch will notify QiG Group promptly after Greatbatch becomes aware of any claim by any third party with respect to which Greatbatch would be entitled to indemnification hereunder.  Greatbatch will not settle or offer to settle any such claim or lawsuit without QiG Group’s prior written approval.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 24 -

 

 

 

D.

Greatbatch hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless QiG Group from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, expenses, costs or damages arising out of or related to any claim or lawsuit against QiG Group or any officer, director, employee, stockholder or agent of QiG Group (the “ QiG Group Indemnitees ”):

 

 

(i)

on account of personal injury or death to any person, resulting from the use of any Relevant Project Components in any Product of QiG Group, unless either of the following facts are present: (a) the Relevant Project Component(s) were manufactured by Greatbatch within the Specifications for such Relevant Project Components provided by QiG Group, and (b) the Relevant Project Component(s) was not the sole and direct cause in the failure of the Product that gives rise to any such personal injury or death;

 

 

(ii)

for infringement of any patent or intellectual property rights of any third party as a result of QiG Group’s use of a Greatbatch design for a Relevant Project Component;

 

 

(iii)

for any violation of law by Greatbatch; and

 

 

(iv)

for the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Greatbatch.

 

Greatbatch will defend, manage and assume all costs of any lawsuit or claim related to the indemnification provided for in this Section X.D. QiG Group will notify Greatbatch promptly after QiG Group becomes aware of any claim by any third party with respect to which QiG Group would be entitled to indemnification hereunder. QiG Group will not settle or offer to settle any such claim or lawsuit without Greatbatch’s prior written approval

 

E.     Insurance.

 

 

(i)

Each Party shall procure and maintain products liability and completed products insurance and cause each of its insurers to issue an endorsement to the following insurance policies adding the other Party as an additional insured.  The insurance required under this Section X.E. must include the following coverage limits:

 

(a)           Bodily Injury:

 

$[***]  Each Occurrence

$[***]  General Aggregate

 

(b)           Property Damage:

 

$[***]  Each Occurrence

$[***]  General Aggregate.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 25 -

 

 

 

(ii)

The insurance must be maintained at all times during this Agreement and for a minimum period of two years after this Agreement is terminated, and each Party must continue to provide evidence of such coverage to the other Party on an annual basis during that period. In addition:

 

 

(a)

The coverage afforded under any insurance policy a Party obtains must be primary to any valid and collectible insurance that the other Party may carry; any insurance policies issued to the other Party shall only apply, if at all, as excess insurance. 

 

 

(b)

Any insurance policy a Party obtains must provide that at least 30 days prior written notice shall be given to the other Party in the event of any material change, cancellation or expiration of the coverage under the policy.

 

 

(c)

A Party must deliver to the other Party, within 10 days after the date the Party executes this Agreement, copies of all insurance policies required to be procured by the Party under this Agreement.  If any insurance required under this Agreement expires or is replaced, the Party must supply the other Party with declarations pages, mandatory riders and endorsements listing the other Party as an additional insured and evidencing the continuation of all required coverages.  The other Party’s failure to receive copies of the insurance policies required under Section X.E(ii) above, or to demand such copies before the other Party begins work, shall not be construed as the other Party’s waiver of the first Party’s obligations to obtain the required insurance.

 

 

(d)

If a Party or its insurer(s) make(s) any payment toward any loss covered under any policy of insurance that the other Party is required to procure under this Agreement, the Party’s insurer(s) shall be subrogated to all of the other Party’s rights of recovery against any person or organization including, but not limited to, the other Party’s insurer(s), and the other Party must execute and deliver all papers and anything else that is necessary to secure those rights.

 

 

F.

The Parties will cooperate fully with each other with respect to any mandatory safety related formal recall of any Product ordered by, or in consultation with, any regulatory authority. In the event of any such recall, replacement or field corrective action resulting from a product defect in any Related Project Component, Greatbatch will repair or replace such defective Related Project Component at its own cost and expense.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 26 -

 

 

XI.            CONFIDENTIALITY

 

 

A.

Identification of Confidential Information . Confidential Information provided by one Party (as applicable, the “ disclosing party ”) to any other Party (as applicable, the “ receiving party ”) and entitled to protection under this Agreement shall be identified as such by appropriate markings on any documents exchanged. If the disclosing party provides information other than in written form, such information shall be considered Confidential Information only if (i) the information by its nature would reasonably be considered of a confidential nature or if the receiving party, due to the context in which the information was disclosed, should have reasonably known it to be confidential, and (ii) either the disclosing party gives written notice within thirty (30) days of disclosure that such information is to remain confidential or the disclosing party had previously confirmed in writing that such information was confidential.

 

 

B.

Protection of Confidential Information . Each Party acknowledges that the other Party claims its Trade Secrets and other Confidential Information as special, valuable and unique assets. During the Restricted Period (as defined below) for itself and on behalf of its officers, directors, agents, and employees, each Party agrees to the following:

 

 

(i)

The receiving party will not disclose any Confidential Information to any third party or disclose to an employee unless such third party or employee has a need to know such Confidential Information in order to enable the disclosing party to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement and such third party or employee is subject in writing to substantially the same confidentiality obligations as the Parties. The receiving party will use the Confidential Information only for the purposes of exercising its rights or fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement and will not otherwise use it for its own benefit. In no event shall the receiving party use less than the same degree of care to protect the Confidential Information as it would employ with respect to its own information of like importance which it does not desire to have published or disseminated.

 

 

(ii)

If the receiving party faces legal action or is subject to legal proceedings requiring disclosure of Confidential Information, then, prior to disclosing any such Confidential Information, the receiving party shall promptly notify the disclosing party and, upon the disclosing party’s request, shall cooperate with the disclosing party in contesting such request or in obtaining a protective order or other similar injunctive relief.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 27 -

 

 

 

(iii)

The Parties acknowledge that monetary damages may not be sufficient remedy for a breach of obligation of confidentiality in this Agreement and agree that each Party shall be entitled to seek appropriate equitable remedies, including injunctive relief, to prevent the unauthorized use or disclosure of any Confidential Information.

 

 

(iv)

For purposes hereof, the term “ Restricted Period ” means (a) in the case of the Trade Secrets of a disclosing party, in perpetuity; and (b) in the case of other Confidential Information of a disclosing party, during the term of this Agreement and for five years thereafter.

 

 

C.

Return of Confidential Information . All information furnished under this Agreement shall remain the property of the disclosing party and shall be returned to it or destroyed or purged promptly as its request upon termination of this Agreement; provided, however, that (i) QiG Group may retain Confidential Information of Greatbatch as reasonably necessary for QiG Group to be able to complete the use of Relevant Project Components on order or in inventory at the time of termination and to support Relevant Project Components already used by QiG Group in the Products, and (ii) Greatbatch may retain Confidential Information of QiG Group as reasonably necessary to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement. All documents, memoranda, notes and other tangible embodiments whatsoever prepared by the receiving party based on or which includes Confidential Information shall be destroyed to the extent necessary to remove all such Confidential Information upon the disclosing party’s request. An authorized officer of the receiving party shall, upon written request of the disclosing party, certify all destruction under this Section XI.C in writing to the disclosing party.

 

 

D.

Limitations . The confidentiality obligations in this Article XI shall not apply to disclosed information which the receiving party can prove: (a) was already part of the public domain at the time of the disclosure by the disclosing party; (b) becomes part of the public domain through no fault of the receiving party (but only after and only to the extent that it is published or otherwise becomes part of the public domain); (c) was in the receiving party’s possession prior to the disclosure by the disclosing party and was not acquired, directly, or indirectly, from the disclosing party or from a third party who was under a continuing obligation of confidence to the disclosing party; (d) is received (after the disclosure by the disclosing party) by the receiving party from a third party who did not require the receiving party to hold it in confidence and did not acquire it directly or indirectly, from the disclosing party under a continuing obligation of confidence; or (e) is disclosed by the receiving party pursuant to judicial compulsion, provided that the receiving party uses reasonable effort to notify the disclosing party at the time such judicial action is initiated.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 28 -

 

 

 

E.

Public Announcements . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, neither Party may initiate or make any public announcement or other disclosure concerning the terms and conditions or the subject matter of this Agreement to any third party without the prior written approval of the other Party except as may be required by law. In those circumstances where either Party believes that any such disclosure is required by law, it shall (i) notify the other Party on a timely basis in advance, and (ii) use its best efforts to seek confidential treatment of the material provisions of this Agreement to the greatest extent permitted by law.

 

XII.           INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

 

A.

Background Intellectual Property . All Intellectual Property of QiG Group first conceived and reduced to practice either prior to the Effective Date or independent of performance of this Agreement will remain the exclusive property of QiG Group. All Intellectual Property of Greatbatch first conceived and reduced to practice either prior to the Effective Date or independent of performance of this Agreement will remain the exclusive property of Greatbatch.

 

 

B.

Ownership of Newly Created Intellectual Property .

 

 

(i)

All Intellectual Property developed solely by a Party or acquired from a third party by a Party during the Term, whether in connection with this Agreement or otherwise, (“ Improvements ”) will be owned solely by such Party.

 

 

(ii)

The Parties agree that:

 

 

(a)

Any Intellectual Property resulting from the joint contributions of Greatbatch and QiG Group personnel or contractors during the Term will be “ Joint IP ”. For purposes hereof, the sole standard for establishing whether or not any Intellectual Property is Joint IP will be that if the Intellectual Property in question were going to be patented under the laws of the United States (whether patentable or not), an employee of each Party would be required to be named as an inventor in order for the patent to be legally valid and enforceable. All Joint IP will be owned jointly by the Parties. Joint IP will be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. There will be no duty to account to the other Party for any use, sale or license of any Joint IP owned jointly by the Parties. Each Party will execute, and will cause its employees and contractors and its Affiliates’ employees and contractors to execute, such assignments as may be necessary or advisable under law to effectuate the intent of this Section XII.B.(ii).

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 29 -

 

 

 

(b)

To the extent that any right, title or interest in or to any Intellectual Property vests in a Party, by operation of Legal Requirement or otherwise, in a manner contrary to the agreed upon ownership as set forth in this Agreement, such Party shall, and hereby does, irrevocably assign to the other Party any and all such right, title and interest in and to such Intellectual Property to the other Party, in a manner consistent with this Agreement without the need for any further action by any Party.

 

 

(c)

Each Party will be solely responsible for determining whether to file and prosecute any patent application for any of its exclusively owned Intellectual Property, including, but not limited to, existing Intellectual Property, in any jurisdiction, paying all legal expenses, filing fees and maintenance fees relating thereto, and for determining whether and when to enforce its rights in any such Intellectual Property..

 

 

(d)

The Parties shall jointly determine whether or not to file and prosecute a patent application for any Resultant Patents covering Joint IP, and, if so, in which jurisdictions and for how long. Greatbatch shall be entitled to propose patent counsel for any such application and patent prosecution, subject to QiG Group’s approval which shall not be unreasonably withheld. All legal expenses, filing fees and maintenance fees for all Resultant Patents shall be shared equally both during the Term and after the termination of this Agreement for Joint IP. After termination of this Agreement, if a Party no longer desires to contribute to the fees or expenses for any Resultant Patent that is jointly owned, it shall notify the other Party on a timely basis, who shall have the option to elect to maintain such patent. In such event, the Party desiring not to pay fees or expenses shall assign such patent to the other Party and have no right to make, use or sell a product covered by a Resultant Patent.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 30 -

 

 

 

(e)

Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party of any infringement or threatened infringement of any Joint IP, including, but not limited to, a Resultant Patent. During the Term, the Parties shall determine what enforcement actions are appropriate with respect to jointly owned, Joint IP and shall cooperate with respect thereto. After the termination of this Agreement, each Party may enforce its rights to any jointly owned, Joint IP, and agrees and consents to be named by the other Party as a nominal party plaintiff in connection therewith.

 

 

(f)

The provisions governing Joint IP set forth in this Article XII shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

XIII.          MISCELLANEOUS :

 

 

A.

No Waiver . The failure of any Party to enforce at any time or for any period any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to be waiver of those provisions or of the right of that Party thereafter to enforce each and every provision hereof.

 

 

B.

Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties’ respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall not be assignable by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided , however , that, upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the other Party but without the other Party’s prior consent, a Party (i) may assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any of its Affiliates provided that the assigning Party shall remain primarily liable under this Agreement and/or (ii) shall assign this Agreement to the successor to such Party in connection with a Change of Control of such Party provided that such successor, in the reasonable judgment of the other Party, is able to perform the assigning Party’s obligations under this Agreement.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 31 -

 

 

 

C.

Notices . Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and (a) delivered personally (to be effective when so delivered), (b) mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (to be effective four days after the date it is mailed) or (c) sent by Federal Express or other overnight courier service (to be effective when received by the addressee), to the following addresses (or to such other addresses which any Party shall designate in writing to the other Party):

 

If to Greatbatch:

 

   Greatbatch Ltd.

   10000 Wehrle Drive

   Clarence, NY 14031

   Attention: General Counsel

 

If to QiG Group:

 

   QiG Group LLC

  5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

   Plano, Texas, 75024

   Attention: Chief Executive Officer

 
 

D.

Routine Communication . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section XIII.C, routine communications may be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid.

 

 

E.

Successors and Assigns . This Agreement is binding on and inures to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns.

 

 

F.

Injunctive Relief . The Parties hereto agree that irreparable harm would occur in the event that any of the agreements or provisions of this Agreement were not performed fully by the Parties hereto in accordance with their specific terms or conditions or were otherwise breached, and that money damages are an inadequate remedy for breach of the Agreement because of the difficulty of ascertaining and quantifying the amount of damage that will be suffered by the Parties hereto in the event that this Agreement is not performed in accordance with its terms or conditions or is otherwise breached. It is accordingly hereby agreed that the Parties hereto shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions, without the necessity of proving actual damages, to restrain, enjoin and prevent breaches of this Agreement by the other Parties and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, such remedy being in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies to which the other Parties are entitled to at law or in equity.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 32 -

 

 

 

G.

Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the provisions, policies or principles thereof relating to choice or conflict of laws.

 

 

H.

Waiver of Jury Trial . Each Party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy that may arise under this Agreement, including any appendices attached to this Agreement, is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues and, therefore, each such Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any appendices attached to this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

 

I.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement benefits solely the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, confers on any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

 

J.

Titles of Sections . The section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

 

K.

Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any prior agreement or understanding among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided otherwise herein, this Agreement may not be amended nor may any rights hereunder be waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the Party sought to be charged with such amendment or waiver. The recitals hereto are true and correct, and are part of this Agreement.

 

 

L.

Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed either directly or by an attorney-in-fact, in any number of counterparts of the signature pages, each of which shall be considered an original. Facsimile or pdf transmission of an executed counterpart of this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute due and sufficient delivery of such counterpart, and such facsimile or pdf signatures shall be deemed original signatures for purposes of enforcement and construction of this Agreement.

 

 

M.

Separability . Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 33 -

 

 

 

N.

Purchases Prior to Effective Date . While this Agreement is being executed as of the Effective Date, the Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Article X hereof, shall apply to all Relevant Project Components sold by Greatbatch to QiG Group prior to the Effective Date.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 
- 34 -

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their authorized representatives.

 

 

QiG Group, LLC

Greatbatch Ltd.

 

 

 

 

By:  /s/ Scott F. Drees   By:  /s/ Thomas J. Hook  
Title: CEO   Title: CEO  

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

LIST OF APPENDICES

 

 

 

Appendix A     -     Description of Relevant Project Components and Specifications

 

Appendix B     -     Prices

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX A

TO SUPPLY AGREEMENT

 

Description of Relevant Project Components and Specifications

 

Implantables

 

Greatbatch

US Number

Greatbatch

OUS

Number

QiG

Model

Number

QiG

Catalogue

Number

Specification

Specification

Revision

Device Description

Geography

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

Accessories

 

Greatbatch

US Number

Greatbatch

OUS

Number

QiG

Model

Number

QiG

Catalogue

Number

Specification

Specification

Revision

Device

Description

Geography

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

 

* Models 5600, 5410, 5301, 5311, 5401, 5420, 5530, 5501, 5511, 5520-45, 5520-60, 5520-75, 5520-90, 5526-45, and 5526-60  have not transferred from Development (QiG) to Production (PLY)

 

** Catalogue rev 1.9 indicates models 5410 and 5500 are Obsolete, but items have forecasted volumes in forecast dated 11NOV2015                                    

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

External Devices***

 

Greatbatch

US

Number

Greatbatch

OUS

Number

QiG

Model

Number

QiG

Catalogue

Number

Specification

Specification

Revision

Device

Description

Geography

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

***External Devices are currently manufactured by Minnetronix               

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX B

TO SUPPLY AGREEMENT

 

Prices

 

IPG Pricing

 

Annual Volume

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

  [***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

 

The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that they will be negotiating in good faith an amendment to this Agreement to add the Pelvistim product line to this Agreement (the “Pelvistim Amendment”). The parties hereby agree that so long as the specifications of the Pelvistim IPG are materially and substantially similar to the Specifications of the Algovita IPG (with the exception of the firmware), the price for the Pelvistim IPG will be [***] as the Algovita IPG pricing set forth above; provided, that in the event that the specifications of the Pelvistim IPG are not materially and substantially similar to the Specifications of the Algovita IPG (with the exception of the firmware), the parties will negotiate in good faith an adjustment to the price of the Pelvistim IPG. For purposes of calculating the annual volumes above, the total quantities of the Algovita IPGs and the Pelvistim IPGs purchased and delivered in the relevant calendar year shall be combined.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

Leads/Extensions Pricing

   

Annual Volume

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]+

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

 

The parties hereby agree that the price for the Pelvistim Leads/Extensions with the specifications set forth in that certain [***] (the “Pelvistim Lead/Extension Specifications”) will [***] the Algovita Leads/Extensions pricing set forth above; provided, that in the event that the Pelvistim Lead/Extension Specifications materially change prior to the execution of the Pelvistim Amendment, the parties will negotiate in good faith an adjustment to the price of the Pelvistim Leads/Extensions. For purposes of calculating the annual volumes above, the total quantities of the Algovita Leads/Extensions and the Pelvistim Leads/Extensions purchased and delivered in the relevant calendar year shall be combined.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

Minnetronix Externals Pricing

 

ALL VOLUMES/ALL YEARS

PPC

$ [***]  

POP

$ [***]  

Clinician Programmers

$ [***]  

Patient Feedback Tool

$ [***]  

EPG

$ [***]  

Charging Paddle

$ [***]  

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

GMM Externals Pricing

 

 

PPC

Annual Volume

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]+

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

 

 

POP

Annual Volume

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

[***]+

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

$ [***]  

 

ALL VOLUMES/ALL YEARS

Clinician Programmers

$ [***]  

Patient Feedback Tool

$ [***]  

EPG

$ [***]  

Charging Paddle

$ [***]  

 

The parties hereby agree that so long as the specifications of the Pelvistim EPG are materially and substantially similar to the Specifications of the Algovita EPG (with the exception of the firmware), the price for the Pelvistim EPG will be [***] as the Algovita EPG pricing set forth above; provided, that in the event that the specifications of the Pelvistim EPG are not materially and substantially similar to the Specifications of the Algovita EPG (with the exception of the firmware), the parties will negotiate in good faith an adjustment to the price of the Pelvistim EPG. The parties hereby agree that so long as the specifications of the Pelvistim externals (other than the Pelvistim EPG) are materially and substantially similar to the Specifications of the Algovita externals (with the exception of the software for such externals), the price for the Pelvistim externals will be [***] as the Algovita externals pricing set forth above; provided, that in the event that the specifications of the Pelvistim externals (other than the Pelvistim EPG) are not materially and substantially similar to the Specifications of the Algovita externals (with the exception of the software for such externals), the parties will negotiate in good faith an adjustment to the price of the Pelvistim externals. For purposes of calculating the annual volumes above, the total quantities of the Algovita externals and the Pelvistim externals purchased and delivered in the relevant calendar year shall be combined.

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

 

 

 

Purchased Components Pricing

 

ALL VOLUMES/ALL YEARS

Cable

$ [***]  

Tunneling Tool

$ [***]  

 

 

Accessories

Price

Anchor (Box of [***]) 5400

$ [***]  

Torque Wrench(Box [***]) 5500

$ [***]  

Port Plug(Box [***]) 5510

$ [***]  

Needle (St) [***] ea 5300

$ [***]  

Needle (Lng) [***] ea 5310

$ [***]  

Passing Elevator 5600

$ [***]  

Adhesive Anchor 5410

$ [***]  

Magnet 4900

$ [***]  

Adhesive Patches 4240

$ [***]  

Adjustable Belt 4220

$ [***]  

Prog. Power Cord 4010

$ [***]  

Trial Stim Pouch 4320

$ [***]  

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT. THE COPY FILED HEREWITH OMITS THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO A CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST. OMISSIONS ARE DESIGNATED WITH [***]. A COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

PRODUCT COMPONENT FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT

 

This PRODUCT COMPONENT FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), effective the 14th day of March, 2016 (the “Effective Date”) is by and between Greatbatch Ltd. , a New York corporation, located at 10000 Wehrle Drive, Clarence, New York, 14031, (“ Greatbatch ”) and QiG Group, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company, located at 5700 Granite Parkway, Suite 960, Plano, Texas, 75024 (“ QiG Group ”). Greatbatch and QiG Group are referred to collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party.”

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS , QiG Group and Greatbatch entered into that certain Restricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, pursuant to which QiG Group licensed to Greatbatch certain of its intellectual property (the “ Restricted License Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS , QiG Group and Greatbatch entered into that certain Unrestricted License Agreement, dated March 14, 2016, pursuant to which QiG Group licensed to Greatbatch certain of its intellectual property (the “ Unr estricted License Agreement ”);

     

WHEREAS, QiG Group desires to purchase, and require the QiG Affiliates and the QiG Licensees to purchase, exclusively from Greatbatch, all Product Components for each Product it or they, as applicable, may develop or have developed on its or their behalf;

 

WHEREAS, Greatbatch is in the business of manufacturing and supplying Product Components; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to establish a framework of the terms and conditions that shall apply to QiG Group’s or each QiG Licensee’s or QiG Affiliate’s, as applicable, purchase of all Product Components exclusively from Greatbatch.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, Greatbatch and QiG Group hereby agree as follows:

 

Article I.            Definitions

 

As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms, whether used in the singular or plural, shall have the meanings set forth in this Article I:

 

Section 1.01      Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Person shall be deemed to control another Person if any of the following conditions is met: (a) in the case of corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the stock or shares having the right to vote for the election of directors, and (b) in the case of non-corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the equity interest with the power to direct the management and policies of such non-corporate entities

 

 

 
 

 

 

Section 1.02      Change of Control ” means (i) a consolidation or merger of a party or other change of control transaction (other than a merger to reincorporate a party in a different jurisdiction) in which the shareholders or members, as applicable, of a party immediately prior to such transaction do not continue to hold a greater than 50% interest in the successor or survivor entity immediately following such transaction, (ii) a transaction or series of transactions that results in the transfer of more than 50% of the voting power of a party to an unaffiliated Person or (iii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a party (which shall include any effective transfer of such assets regardless of the structure of any such transaction as a license or otherwise).

 

Section 1.03      FDA ” means the United States Food and Drug Administration or any successor entity.

 

Section 1.04      FDA Approval ” means the receipt of all Regulatory Approvals from the FDA that would permit a Person to sell the Products in the United States .

 

Section 1.05      Field of Use ” means sacral nerve stimulation and/or deep brain stimulation.

 

Section 1.06      Initial Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 .

   

Section 1.07      Licensed IP ” has the meaning in the Restricted License Agreement and the Unrestricted License Agreement.

 

Section 1.08     “ Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or a governmental entity (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof) .

 

Section 1.09      Product ” means any product for applications in the Field of Use that are currently in development or that may be developed by QiG Group or by any QiG Affiliates or QiG Licensees that is based on, uses or incorporates the Licensed IP including, without limitation, the Pelvistim sacral nerve stimulation system currently under development (the “ Pelvistim System ”); provided that nothing herein is intended to include any surgical accessories or peripheral devices, including, without limitation, torque wrenches, introducers, tunneling tools, adjustable belts, patient programmers, clinician programmers, external pulse generators and patient feedback tools.

 

Section 1.10      Product Component s ” means all products, parts or components that are based on, uses or incorporates any Licensed IP and that are intended to be incorporated within, used in conjunction with or sold as part of any Product, including, but not limited to, the Pelvistim System or a deep brain stimulation system medical device).

 

 

 
2

 

 

Section 1.11      QiG Affiliates ” means each direct or indirect Affiliate of QiG Group.

 

Section 1.12      QiG Licensees ” means each Person to which QiG Group licenses any or all of its rights to and under the Licensed IP.

 

Section 1.13     “QiG Supply Agreement ” means that certain Supply Agreement, effective March 14, 2016, by and between Greatbatch and QiG Group.

 

Section 1.14      Regulatory Approvals ” means all approvals necessary for the commercial sale of a Product for any indication in a given country or regulatory jurisdiction, which shall include satisfaction of all applicable regulatory and notification requirements, but which shall exclude any pricing and reimbursement approvals.

 

Section 1.15      Renewal Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

 

Section 1.16      Steering Committee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02.

 

Section 1.17      Steering Committee Representative ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3 .02 .

 

Section 1.18      Su bstantial Completion ” means that a Product or Product Component has substantially completed all design, development and testing phases and such Product or Product Component, as applicable, is ready for submission to obtain Regulatory Approval or, if Regulatory Approval is not required, is ready for commercial sale.

 

Section 1.19      “Supply Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

   

Section 1.20      Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01.

   

Article II.            Sale and Purchase Obligations

 

Section 2.01      Except as set forth in this Article II and provided that the QiG Supply Agreement has not been terminated by QiG Group pursuant to Section III.A(i) or Section III.A(ii) thereof, QiG Group agrees to purchase, and require each QiG Affiliate and QiG Licensee to purchase, exclusively from Greatbatch, all of its or their, as applicable, requirements for Product Components with respect to each Product it or they, as applicable, develops or has developed on its or their behalf. With respect to each Product, the period during which QiG Group, a QiG Affiliate or a QiG Licensee, as applicable, shall be required to purchase all such Product Components with respect to such Product exclusively from Greatbatch shall commence upon the Substantial Completion of the development of such Product and continue until the date that is five (5) years after the date of receipt of FDA Approval for such Product (the “ Initial Term ”); provided, however, if the Product is to never be sold in the United States or does not need FDA Approval to be sold in the United States, the “Initial Term” shall be the period commencing upon the Substantial Completion of the development of such Product and ending on the date that is five (5) years after the date of (i) receipt of Regulatory Approval outside the United States for such Product if Regulatory Approval is necessary to permit the sale of such Product outside the United States, or (ii) the first commercial sale of such Product if no Regulatory Approvals are necessary to permit the sale of such Products.

 

 

 
3

 

 

Section 2.02      Upon the Substantial Completion of a Product and prior to QiG Group, or any QiG Affiliates or QiG Licensees purchasing any such Product or Product Components with respect to such Product from a third party, QiG Group will promptly notify Greatbatch of such Substantial Completion and, if Greatbatch elects to be the exclusive manufacturer of the Product Components with respect to such Product, the Parties agree (and QiG Group shall cause the QiG Affiliates and the QiG Licensees to agree) to negotiate exclusively and in good faith for a period not to exceed 120 days regarding entry into a definitive manufacturing and supply agreement for the manufacture and supply of Product Components with respect to such Product(s) (each, a “ Supply Agreement ”), which shall document the purchase and sale obligations described in Sections 2.01 and 2.04 below with respect to such Product(s). The Supply Agreement shall contain terms and conditions substantially similar to the terms of the QiG Supply Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A , including, without limitation, (i) pricing for such Product Components that allows each party to achieve substantially similar profit margins as achieved by such party pursuant to the QiG Supply Agreement, (ii) a provision that is substantially similar to Section II.A. of the QiG Supply Agreement, (iii) a term provision reflecting the Initial Term and a requirement that such Supply Agreement shall automatically be renewed after the Initial Term for successive terms of one (1) year each (each a “ Renewal Term ”) unless notice of non-renewal or termination is given not less than three (3) months prior to the expiration of such Initial Term or Renewal Term , (iv) a right of first refusal provision substantially similar to Section II.C of the QiG Supply Agreement , (v) warranty periods, indemnities, limits of liability and manufacturing, quality and supply obligations substantially similar to those set forth in the QiG Supply Agreement, and (vi) a “Field of Use” definition that reasonably reflects the field of use for such Product .

 

Section 2.03      If, despite good faith and commercially reasonable efforts, Greatbatch and QiG Group, or an QiG Affiliate or QiG Licensee, as applicable, do not execute and deliver a new Supply Agreement within 120 days of QiG Group’s, QiG Affiliate’s or QiG Licensee’s, as applicable, notice to Greatbatch of Substantial Completion of development of a new Product or Product Component, as applicable, QiG Group, or such QiG Affiliate or QiG Licensee, as applicable, shall be free to negotiate a manufacturing and supply agreement with any other third party supplier (a “ Third Party Supplier Agreement ”), provided that prior to QiG Group’s, QiG Affiliate’s or QiG Licensee’s, as applicable, execution of a Third Party Supplier Agreement, QiG Group, or such QiG Affiliate or QiG Licensee, as applicable, will provide to Greatbatch the key terms of such proposed Third Party Supplier Agreement and for a period lasting at least fourteen (14) days after Greatbatch’s receipt of such terms, Greatbatch will have the opportunity to enter into a manufacturing and supply agreement with QiG Group, or such QiG Affiliate or QiG Licensee, as applicable, on terms substantially consistent with such Third Party Supply Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree that if the QiG Supply Agreement has been terminated by QiG Group pursuant to Section III.A(i) or Section III.A(ii) thereof, this Agreement will no longer be in effect and QiG Group, QiG Affiliates and QiG Licensees may seek another third party supplier to manufacture any Products or Product Components that are subject to this Article II.

 

 

 
4

 

 

Section 2.04      In the event that Greatbatch elects to be the exclusive manufacturer of the Product Components with respect to such Product, Greatbatch agrees that it shall, subject to the terms of the applicable Supply Agreement and during each such Initial Term, manufacture and sell to QiG Group and each of the QiG Affiliates and QiG Licensees all Product Components as may be ordered by QiG Group, the QiG Affiliates, or the QiG Licensees with respect to the Product.

   

Article III.      Product Design and Manufacturing Input

 

Section 3.01      During the Term, QiG Group will provide Greatbatch through the Parties’ respective Steering Committee Representatives with information regarding, and an opportunity to participate in, all product design programs and planning for any Product Components for each Product being developed. In connection therewith, QiG Group shall provide to Greatbatch from time to time with information that may be relevant to the manufacture, design, testing and production of any Product Components. In addition, to the extent practical, QiG Group shall notify Greatbatch in advance and permit Greatbatch to be present and to participate in appropriate planning meetings with respect to the Product Components of each Products.

 

Section 3.02      Steering Committee .

 

(a)     Each party shall designate three (3) individuals (“ Steering Committee Representatives ”) who shall be its representatives on the steering committee (the “ Steering Committee ”) and responsible for monitoring implementation and coordination of the Parties’ respective obligations under this Agreement. At least one of the Steering Committee Representatives from each Party shall have authority to make decisions regarding all matters within the scope of this Agreement. Each Party shall have the right, at any time, to notify the other Party of any change in any of its Steering Committee Representatives, and to send an alternate to any meeting of the Steering Committee.

 

(b)     The Steering Committee shall determine the frequency of its meetings, which shall meet no less frequently than quarterly, and may meet more often to the extent reasonably requested by either Party. There shall be two (2) Steering Committee Representatives from each Party at any formal meeting of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will designate one (1) of the Steering Committee Representatives to record minutes of any material recommendations made at each meeting.

 

(c)     Without limiting the responsibilities of the Steering Committee, it shall be responsible for the following:

 

(i)     generally, to monitor implementation of this Agreement and the Parties’ performance of their respective obligations hereunder and under each Supply Agreement, including the QiG Supply Agreement;

 

(ii)     negotiate, in good faith, on the pricing terms, specifications and other terms and conditions of any Supply Agreement;

 

 

 
5

 

 

(iii)     to monitor cooperation and progress with respect to each Party’s input on, and development of, Product Components; and

 

(iv)     to attempt to informally resolve any issues or disputes arising under this Agreement or any Supply Agreement, including the QiG Supply Agreement .

 

Article IV.     TERM

 

Section 4.01      This Agreement will be in full force and effect from the Effective Date until the Parties agree in writing to terminate this Agreement (the “ Term ”).

 

Article V.     MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 5.01      Amendment. This Agreement may not be modified, changed or terminated orally. No change, modification, addition, or amendment shall be valid unless in writing indicating an intent to modify this Agreement and signed by an authorized officer of each Party.

 

Section 5.02      No Waiver. The failure of any Party to enforce at any time or for any period any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to be waiver of those provisions or of the right of that Party thereafter to enforce each and every provision hereof . No rights under this Agreement shall be waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the Party sought to be charged with such waiver.

 

Section 5.03      Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties’ respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall not be assignable by QiG Group or Greatbatch without the prior written consent of the other; provided , however , that, upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the non-assigning Party, such Party, (i) may assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Affiliate provided that it shall remain primarily liable under this Agreement and/or (ii) shall assign this Agreement to its successor in connection with a Change of Control provided that such successor, in the reasonable judgment of the non-assigning Party is able to perform the assigning Party’s obligations under this Agreement and/or the applicable unexecuted Supply Agreement, if any.

 

Section 5.04      Notices. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and (a) delivered personally (to be effective when so delivered), (b) mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (to be effective four days after the date it is mailed) or (c) sent by Federal Express or other overnight courier service (to be effective when received by the addressee), to the following addresses (or to such other addresses which any Party shall designate in writing to the other Party):

 

If to Greatbatch:

 

  Greatbatch Ltd.

  10000 Wehrle Drive

  Clarence, NY 14031

  Attention: General Counsel

 

If to QiG Group:

 

  QiG Group, LLC

  5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

  Plano, Texas, 75024

  Attention: General Counsel

 

 

 
6

 

 

Section 5.05     Successors and Assigns . This Agreement is binding on and inures to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 5.06      Injunctive Relief . The Parties hereto agree that irreparable harm would occur in the event that any of the agreements or provisions of this Agreement were not performed fully by the Parties hereto in accordance with their specific terms or conditions or were otherwise breached, and that money damages are an inadequate remedy for breach of the Agreement because of the difficulty of ascertaining and quantifying the amount of damage that will be suffered by the Parties hereto in the event that this Agreement is not performed in accordance with its terms or conditions or is otherwise breached. It is accordingly hereby agreed that the Parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions, without the necessity of proving actual damages, to restrain, enjoin and prevent breaches of this Agreement by the other Parties and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, such remedy being in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies to which the other Parties are entitled to at law or in equity.

 

Section 5.07      Governing Law .    This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the provisions, policies or principles thereof relating to choice or conflict of laws.

 

Section 5.08     Waiver of Jury Trial . Each Party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy that may arise under this Agreement, including any appendices attached to this Agreement, is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues and, therefore, each such Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any appendices attached to this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 5.09     No Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement benefits solely the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, confers on any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.10      Titles of Sections . The section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.11      Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Restricted License Agreement and the Unrestricted License Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersedes any prior agreement or understanding among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall expand the rights of Greatbatch under the Restricted License Agreement or the Unrestricted License Agreement.

 

 

 
7

 

 

Section 5.12      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed either directly or by an attorney-in-fact, in any number of counterparts of the signature pages, each of which shall be considered an original. Facsimile or pdf transmission of an executed counterpart of this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute due and sufficient delivery of such counterpart, and such facsimile or pdf signatures shall be deemed original signatures for purposes of enforcement and construction of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.13     Severability . Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be enforced to the maximum extent possible without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 

 
8

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their authorized representatives.

 

QiG Group, LLC     Greatbatch Ltd.  
         

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Scott F. Drees

 

 

By: /s/ Thomas J. Hook

 

Name: Scott F. Drees

 

 

Name: Thomas J. Hook

 

Title: CEO

 

 

Title: CEO

 

Date: March 14, 2016     Date: March 14, 2016  

 

 

 
9

 

     

EXHIBIT A

 

QiG Supply Agreement

 

See Attached.

 

10

Exhibit 10.6

 

RESTRICTED LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

This RESTRICTED LICENSE AGREEMENT (the “ License Agreement ”), dated March 14, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between QIG GROUP, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as “ Licensor ”) and GREATBATCH LTD. , a New York corporation (hereinafter referred to as “ Licensee ”). The Licensor and the Licensee are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “parties” and individually as a “party.”

 

WHEREAS, Licensor is the sole and exclusive owner of and has the right to license to Licensee the Licensed IP (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS , Licensor desires to grant, and Licensee desires to obtain, a license with respect to the Licensed IP, including the Licensed Patent Applications (as defined below) and Licensed Patents (as defined below), which are listed on Exhibit A attached hereto, for applications outside the Field of Use (as defined below); and

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

 

Article I.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

 

Section 1.01      Capitalized terms utilized in this License Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned and ascribed to them under this Article I, as follows:

 

(a)      Action shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in Section 12.01.

 

(b)      Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Person shall be deemed to control another Person if any of the following conditions is met: (a) in the case of corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the stock or shares having the right to vote for the election of directors, and (b) in the case of non-corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the equity interest with the power to direct the management and policies of such non-corporate entities. For purposes of this License Agreement, in no event shall Licensee or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of Licensor (or any of its Affiliates) nor shall Licensor or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of Licensee (or any of its Affiliates).

 

(c)      Bankruptcy Proceeding shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 9.03(a) hereof.

 

 

 
 

 

 

(d)      Business Day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by applicable law to be closed for business.

 

(e)     “ Change of Control ” means (i) a consolidation or merger of a party or other change of control transaction (other than a merger to reincorporate a party in a different jurisdiction) in which the shareholders or members, as applicable, of a party immediately prior to such transaction do not continue to hold a greater than 50% interest in the successor or survivor entity immediately following such transaction, (ii) a transaction or series of transactions that results in the transfer of more than 50% of the voting power of a party to an unaffiliated Person or (iii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a party (which shall include any effective transfer of such assets regardless of the structure of any such transaction as a license or otherwise).

 

(f)      Confidential Information of a party means any and all information of a confidential or proprietary nature disclosed by a party under this License Agreement, whether in oral, written, graphic or electronic format, which includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, diagrams, data, business activities and operations, customer lists, reports, studies and other technical and business information.

 

(g)      Damages shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in Section 12.01.

 

(h)      Effective Date shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(i)      FDA means the United States Food and Drug Administration or any successor entity.

 

(j)      Field of Use means all neurostimulation (i.e. the delivery of electrical energy to target specific nerve fibers which may be located in the central nervous system and/or the peripheral nervous system and may be performed via implantable or transcutaneous electrical stimulator technologies in order to provide a therapeutic benefit.  Specific neurostimulation nerve targets may include the spinal cord, sacral nerves and other peripheral nerves, deep brain and/or cortical brain structures).

 

(k)      Governmental Body shall mean any (i) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district or other jurisdiction; (ii) federal, state, provincial, municipal, local, foreign or other government; or (iii) governmental or quasi-governmental authority (including any governmental agency branch, department, official or entity, and any court or other tribunal).

 

(l)     “ Improvement ” means any enhancement or modification to the technology that is the subject of the Licensed IP.

 

 

 
-2-

 

 

(m)      Improvement Notice shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 5.01.

 

(n)      Improvement Patent   means all patent applications, and all patents issuing therefrom that claim Improvements, have a filing date or were acquired by, transferred or licensed to Licensor on or after the Effective Date and under which Licensor has the right to grant the licenses granted hereunder.

 

(o)      Indemni tee shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 12.01.

 

(p)      Intellectual Property means U.S. and foreign patents, patent applications, copyrights and copyright registrations and applications, mask works and registrations thereof, know-how and Inventions.

 

(q)      Invention means any invention, discovery, know-how, copyright, trade secret, data, information, technology, process or concept, whether or not patented or patentable, and whether or not memorialized in writing.

 

(r)      License Agreement shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(s)      Licensed Patent Applications shall mean those United States or foreign pending patent applications listed on Exhibit A .

 

(t)      Licensed Patents shall mean those United States or foreign patents listed in Exhibit A ; together with any patents resulting from (i) a Licensed Patent Application, (ii) any continuation, continuation-in-part, division, reissue, and reexamination of such patents as of the Effective Date, or (iii) any invention disclosure report arising from an Invention that has been documented prior to or as of the Effective Date.

 

(u)      Licensed Products means any product the manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, distribution or importation of which by Licensee would, without this License Agreement, infringe or contribute to the infringement of a claim of any Licensed IP.

 

(v)      Licensed IP means the Licensed Patents, the Licensed Patent Applications, and the Technical Know-How.

 

(w)      Licensee shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(x)      Licensor shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(y)      Licensor Affiliate means each Affiliate of Licensor.

 

 

 
-3-

 

 

(z)      Person shall mean any individual, and any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, company, firm, association, trust, or governmental agency.

 

(aa)      Spin -off Date shall mean the date that the capital stock of Nuvectra Corporation is distributed to the stockholders of Greatbatch, Inc. as described in Nuvectra Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2015, as further amended.

 

(bb)      Technical Know-How shall include all concepts, methods, devices and/or ideas directed or relating to the Inventions covered by the Licensed Patents or Licensed Patent Applications, some of which may be described or summarized in attached Exhibit A , as and to the extent presently configured, or as may be disclosed in a Licensed Patent Application.

 

(cc)      Term shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 9.01.

 

(dd)      Territory shall mean the entire world.

 

ARTICLE II

LICENSE

 

 

 

Section 2.01      Subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, the Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee, and the Licensee hereby accepts a non-exclusive, right and license under the Licensed IP to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import Licensed Products in the Territory during the Term for applications outside the Field of Use.

 

Section 2.02      Except for the rights and licenses granted by Licensor under this License Agreement, this License Agreement does not grant to Licensee or any other Person any right, title or interest by implication, estoppel, or otherwise. Without limitation of the foregoing, nothing in this License Agreement shall be construed as granting by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any right, title or interest in, to or under any Licensor or Licensor Affiliate patent or patent application, other than the Licensed IP, regardless of whether such other patents are dominant or subordinate to any Licensed IP. All rights, titles and interests not specifically and expressly granted by Licensor hereunder are hereby reserved.

 

Section 2.03      For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge and agree that Licensor retains the right to fully exploit, and to have any Affiliates use or otherwise exploit, the Licensed IP and any and all Inventions disclosed and/or claimed in the Licensed Patent Applications and the Licensed Patents for all applications within and outside the Field of Use. In addition, Licensee shall not, and shall not permit any of its Affiliates to, use any Licensed IP outside of the specific scope of the license granted to it under this License Agreement.

 

Section 2.04      The parties agree that any Intellectual Property invented in connection with a Licensed Product solely by or for Licensee during the period commencing on the Spin-off Date and ending on the last day of the Term shall be owned exclusively by Licensee. As used in this Section 2.04, “invented by or for” Licensee means invented by an employee, consultant, or other agent of Licensee.

 

 

 
-4-

 

 

Section 2.05      Licensor hereby agrees and covenants not to sue Licensee for breach of this License Agreement or for infringement or contributing to the infringement of a claim against the Licensed IP as a result of Licensee performing any of its obligations under the Supply Agreement to be entered into by and between Licensee and Aleva Neurotherapeutics S.A.

 

Article III.

 

SUBLICENSES

 

 

Section 3.01      Licensor hereby grants to Licensee and its Affiliates the right to sublicense any or all of its licensed rights to and under the Licensed IP in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of this Article III, the granting of such sublicenses shall be at Licensee’s sole and exclusive discretion and Licensee shall have the sole and exclusive power to determine the identity of any sublicensee and the terms and conditions of the sublicense.

 

Section 3.02      All sublicenses must be in a written agreement. Licensee shall provide to Licensor a true, correct and complete copy of each sublicense agreement entered into by Licensee, and any modification or termination thereof, within ten (10) Business Days following such execution, modification or termination.

 

Section 3.03      No sublicense of any Licensed IP granted by Licensee, an Affiliate of Licensee or any other sublicensee shall exceed the scope of rights granted to Licensee hereunder.

 

Section 3.04      Licensee shall require that all sublicense agreements granted by it, an Affiliate of Licensee or any other sublicensee must: (a) include an agreement by the sublicensee to be bound by the terms and conditions of this License Agreement; (b) include Licensor’s right to enforce its rights in the Licensed IP; (c) provide that the term of the sublicense thereunder shall not extend beyond the Term; and (d) indicate that Licensor is a third party beneficiary and entitled to enforce the terms and conditions of the sublicense.

 

Section 3.05      Upon termination of this License Agreement, if any sublicense is in effect between Licensee or an Affiliate of Licensee and a third party sublicensee, the Licensor, upon receipt of written notice from the sublicensee within ten (10) Business Days after termination of this License Agreement, agrees to negotiate in good faith with such third party sublicensee regarding entry into a direct license agreement from the Licensor to such third party sublicensee; provided, however, that Licensor is not required to negotiate in good faith with such third party sublicensee if it is the cause of a breach that resulted in the termination of this License Agreement or is itself in breach of its obligations under its sublicense, this License Agreement or any supply agreement entered into with Licensor.

 

 

 
-5-

 

 

Article IV.

 

PATENT RIGHTS; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

Section 4.01      For each Licensed Patent and Licensed Patent Application, Licensor shall be solely responsible for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance thereof. Licensor shall pay all fees and expenses associated with such prosecution and maintenance, and shall keep Licensee reasonably informed of the filing and progress of all material aspects of the prosecution of patent applications and the issuance of patents from such patent applications. Licensor will consult with Licensee concerning any decisions which could affect the scope or enforcement of any issued claims and shall notify Licensee in writing of any additions, deletions or changes in the status of a Licensed Patent or Licensed Patent Application. However, Licensor shall maintain sole authority and discretion to make such decisions.

 

Section 4.02      In the event that Licensor decides to terminate prosecution of a Licensed Patent Application or discontinue maintaining any Licensed Patent in any country, then the Licensor shall provide the Licensee with prompt written notice of such decision but, in any event, such notice shall be provided to Licensee at least sixty (60) days before any known bar date or non-extendable deadline. At any time after receiving such notice, Licensee may provide the Licensor with written notice that Licensee wishes to assume control of the prosecution of any such Licensed Patent Application or to maintain any such Licensed Patent, as applicable, at the sole and exclusive expense of the Licensee, and Licensor shall assign to Licensee any such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent. However, should Licensee fail to provide such notice of its desire to assume control in time to take an action to maintain such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent, Licensor shall not be liable to Licensee for damages based on any loss of rights to such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent. As a condition precedent to the completion of any such assignment, the Licensee must grant to Licensor a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual right and license under such assigned Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent to use, make, have made, sell, offer to sell, distribute and import any products incorporating such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent within the Field of Use. If the Licensee assumes such control or maintenance obligation, the Licensor agrees to cooperate with the Licensee, its attorneys and agents in the prosecution of such Licensed Patent Application and the maintenance of any Licensed Patent and to provide the Licensee with complete copies of any and all documents and other related materials that the Licensee deems necessary to undertake such control or obligation.

 

Article V.       

 

IMPROVEMENTS

 

Section 5.01      During the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Spin-Off Date, Licensor shall provide written notice to Licensee (“Improvement Notice”) promptly after the filing date or, where applicable, the effective date of any assignment or transfer to Licensor, of any relevant Improvement Patents. The Improvement Notice shall include a copy of the relevant patent application and such other details of the Improvement as would reasonably be necessary to effectively evaluate the Improvement.

 

 

 
-6-

 

 

Section 5.02      If Licensee wishes to include any Improvement Patents identified in an Improvement Notice as a Licensed Patent under this License Agreement, Licensee shall provide written notice to Licensor specifying the particular Improvement Patents that Licensee wishes to include as a Licensed Patent no later than thirty (30) days after the Spin-off Date. Immediately upon Licensee’s notice to Licensor, each Improvement Patent identified by Licensee in the notice will be a Licensed Patent under this License Agreement.

 

Section 5.03

 

 

(a)

All right, title and interest in and to any Improvement conceived, made or reduced to practice by Licensee during the Term of this License Agreement, and all of Licensee’s patents and patent applications claiming its Improvements shall:

 

(i)     remain the sole and exclusive property of Licensee; and

 

(ii)     not be licensed to Licensor, unless the parties otherwise specifically agree in writing.

 

 

(b)

All right, title and interest in and to any Improvement conceived, made, or reduced to practice solely by Licensor during the Term of this License Agreement, and all of Licensor’s patents and patent applications claiming its Improvements shall:

 

(i)     remain the sole and exclusive property of Licensor;

 

(ii)     if first conceived, made, or reduced to practice, within the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Spin-off Date, such Improvements shall be subject to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02; and

 

(iii) if first conceived, made, or reduced to practice, after the Spin-off Date, such Improvements shall not be licensed to Licensee, unless the parties otherwise specifically agree in writing.

 

 

Article VI.

 

ENFORCEMENT OF LICENSED PATENTS

 

Section 6.01      In the event of any third party infringement of any Licensed Patent, the party hereto having knowledge thereof shall promptly notify the other party of such infringement and provide it with all details of such infringement that are known by such party. Thereafter, Licensor shall have the sole right to determine the ways and means of addressing the third party infringement. Licensor shall be entitled to receive and retain, for its own use and benefit, any recovery awarded in any litigation related to such infringement, including, without limitation, monetary damages.

 

Section 6.02      In the event that the Licensor elects not to take action or otherwise fails to take action with respect to any third party infringement, the Licensee may in its sole discretion and at its sole expense, and by counsel of its own choice, bring suit to restrain such infringement, and shall be entitled to receive and retain, for its own use and benefit, any recovery awarded in such suit, including, without limitation, monetary damages; provided that Licensee may not settle any claim without the consent of Licensor, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to the extent such settlement would result in a material adverse change to the scope, validity, or enforceability of any of the Licensed IP. In connection therewith, the Licensor agrees (a) to be joined as a party in such litigation, if so required by law, and (b) that the Licensee shall have full control of such litigation.

 

 

 
-7-

 

 

Section 6.03      Licensee shall not, directly or indirectly through one or more of its Affiliates, challenge the validity of, take material and documented steps to support any proceeding with intended effect of invalidating, or otherwise attempt to limit the scope of any Licensed Patent or Licensed Patent Application, in each case whether through post grant review, inter partes review, ex parte reexamination or other method.

 

Section 6.04      The parties agree to use reasonable commercial efforts to cooperate with one another in any litigation relating to third party infringement.

 

Article VII.

 

MARKING AND REGULATORY CLEARANCES

 

Section 7.01      Licensee shall comply with the virtual patent marking provisions of 35 USC § 287(a) by marking each Licensed Product sold in the United States, or its packaging, labels, containers, displays or any associated printed materials, as appropriate, manufactured by or on behalf of the Licensee, with an internet address at which each Licensed Product covered by a Licensed Patent is associated with one or more U.S. patent numbers having claims covering the Licensed Product. Licensee shall include in all sublicense agreements, and require in any sublicense agreement granted by it or any sublicensee, a patent marking requirement substantially identical to this Section 7.01. On a semi-annual basis, Licensor shall provide Licensee with an updated list of Licensed Patents covering individual Licensed Products manufactured by or on behalf of the Licensee.

 

Section 7.02      The parties acknowledge and agree that the Licensee shall have the sole right to adopt and use trademarks of its own choosing with respect to all Licensed Products manufactured and/or sold under this License Agreement and that the Licensee shall own all right, title and interest to such trademarks. The Licensee shall not use any trademark, service mark, trade name, corporate name, or any other identifier of the Licensor, or any Affiliate of the Licensor, in connection with the Licensed Products in any manner without the express written consent of the Licensor.

 

Section 7.03      Licensee shall, at Licensee’s sole and exclusive expense, comply with all regulations and safety standards concerning Licensed Products developed and commercialized by or under the authority of Licensee, including, without limitation, the regulations and safety standards of the FDA, and obtain all necessary regulatory approvals from Governmental Bodies for the development, production, distribution, sale and use of Licensed Products developed and commercialized by or under the authority of Licensee, including any safety or clinical studies; provided , however , that Licensor shall reasonably cooperate with Licensee in obtaining any regulatory approvals from Governmental Bodies for the development, production, distribution, sale and use of Licensed Products. Licensee shall have responsibility for and provide suitable warning labels, packaging and instructions as to the use for such Licensed Products.

 

 

 
-8-

 

 

Article VIII.

 

ROYALTIES

 

 

Section 8.01      The parties agree that a royalty fee of $100 per year shall be payable to Licensor by Licensee under this License Agreement in respect of the Licensed IP (the “Royalty Fee”). The Royalty Fee shall be payable each year on or before the anniversary date of this License Agreement; provided , however that Licensee’s failure to pay the Royalty Fee shall not be considered a breach of this License Agreement until thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of non-payment from Licensor.

 

Article IX.

 

TERM AND TERMINATION

 

Section 9.01      This License Agreement and the license hereunder shall be effective as of the Effective Date. This License Agreement shall, unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Article IX, be and remain in effect until the expiration of the last to expire Licensed Patent or the last Licensed Patent Application that becomes abandoned, whichever is later (herein referred to as the Term ).

 

Section 9.02      In the event of any material breach of this License Agreement by a party, the non-breaching party shall deliver written notice thereof to the breaching party. The breaching party shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to cure such material breach within thirty (30) days of notice from the non-breaching party. If, within such period, the breaching party has not cured such material breach, the non-breaching party shall have the right to terminate this License Agreement upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the breaching party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such material breach is capable of being cured, but is not reasonably capable of being cured within the thirty (30) day cure period, if the breaching party (i) proposes within such thirty (30) day period a written plan to cure such material breach within a defined time frame extending for a period not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, and (ii) makes good faith efforts to cure such material breach and to implement such written cure plan, then the non-breaching party may not terminate this License Agreement until the earlier of such time as the breaching party is no longer diligently pursuing such cure in accordance with such plan or the end of such additional period.

 

Section 9.03      Either party shall have the right to immediately terminate this License Agreement, upon prior written notice to the other party, if the other party: (i) becomes insolvent or generally fails to pay, or admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due; (ii) applies for or consents to the appointment of a trustee, receiver or other custodian, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iii) commences any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other case or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution or liquidation proceedings (each, hereinafter referred to as a Bankruptcy Proceeding ); or (iv) has a Bankruptcy Proceeding commenced against it and such Bankruptcy Proceeding is not dismissed within thirty (30) days of the date of commencement thereof.

 

 

 
-9-

 

 

Section 9.04      Immediately upon termination pursuant to this Article IX, the Licensee shall cease and desist from making, having made, using, importing, distributing, selling and/or offering to sell the Licensed Products; provided , however , that Licensee shall be permitted to dispose of all Licensed Products held as inventory and all Licensed Products in the course of manufacture at the date of termination for a period of thirty (30) days after the date of termination. In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.02 or 9.03,, the Licensor shall be free to grant to others exclusive rights under any or all of the Licensed IP. Termination of this License Agreement for any reason, or the expiration of this License Agreement, shall not relieve either party from performing obligations incurred prior to such termination or expiration.

 

Section 9.05      Neither party shall be in default hereunder by reason of any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder where such failure or delay is due to any cause beyond its reasonable control, including strikes, labor disputes, civil disturbances, riot, rebellion, invasion, epidemic, hostilities, war, terrorist attack, embargo, natural disaster, acts of God, flood, fire, sabotage, loss and destruction of property or any other circumstances or causes beyond such party’s reasonable control.

 

Section 9.06      The provisions of Articles I and Articles VIII through and including Article XIV shall survive termination or expiration of this License Agreement.

 

Article X.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY LICENSOR

 

Section 10.01      The Licensor, to its knowledge, represents, warrants and covenants that:

 

(a)     The Licensor is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the law of the State of Delaware, and has full limited liability company power to conduct the business in which it is presently engaged and to enter into and perform its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

(b)     The Licensor has taken all necessary limited liability company action under the laws of the State of Delaware and its certificate of formation and its limited liability company agreement to authorize the execution and consummation of this License Agreement and, when executed and delivered, this License Agreement shall constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of the Licensor enforceable against the Licensor in accordance with the terms hereof, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting generally the enforceability of creditors’ rights and by limitations on the availability of equitable remedies.

 

 

 
-10-

 

 

(c)     Neither the execution and delivery of this License Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will violate any law, rule, regulation, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or other order of any court, government or governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, binding upon the Licensor, or conflict with or result in any breach of or event of termination under any of the terms of, or constitute a default under or result in the termination of or the creation or imposition of any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature pursuant to, the terms of any contract or agreement to which the Licensor is a party or by which the Licensor or any of its assets and properties are bound.

 

(d)      THE LICENSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, VALIDITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY.

 

Article XI.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY LICENSEE

 

Section 11.01      The Licensee, to its knowledge, represents, warrants and covenants that:

 

(a)     The Licensee is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the law of the State of New York, and has full corporate power to conduct the business in which it is presently engaged and to enter into and perform its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

(b)     The Licensee has taken all necessary corporate action under the laws of the State of New York and its certificate of incorporate and its bylaws to authorize the execution and consummation of this License Agreement and, when executed and delivered, this License Agreement shall constitute the valid and legally binding agreement of the Licensee enforceable against the Licensee in accordance with the terms hereof, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting generally the enforceability of equitable remedies.

 

(c)     Neither the execution and delivery of this License Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will violate any law, rule, regulation, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or other order of any court, government or governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, binding upon the Licensee, or conflict with or result in any breach of or event of termination under any of the terms of, or constitute a default under or result in the termination of or the creation or imposition of any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature pursuant to, the terms of any contract or agreement to which the Licensee is a party or by which the Licensee or any of its assets and properties are bound.

 

 

 
-11-

 

 

Article XII.

 

INDEMNIFICATION & INSURANCE

 

Section 12.01      Licensor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Licensee and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (each, an “ Indemnitee ”) against all damages, costs, expenses, interest (including prejudgment interest), losses, claims, demands, liabilities, deficiencies and/or obligations, including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (herein referred to, collectively, as “ Damages ”) arising out of or resulting from any third party claim, suit, action or proceeding related to, arising out of or resulting from Licensor’s breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation under this License Agreement (each an “ Action ”).

 

Section 12.02      Licensor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Indemnitees against all Damages arising out of, resulting from or relating to any Action involving a claim that any manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, distribution or importation of the Licensed IP or any Licensed Product outside the Field of Use in the Territory, or the exercise of any rights or privileges by Licensee granted to it under this License Agreement, infringes any patent or other intellectual property right of any third party; provided that, Licensor shall have no liability to Indemnitee with respect to any claim of infringement that is based solely upon (a) the combination of a Licensed Product with any other product or equipment not covered by the Licensed IP that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such combination is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement; (b) the customization of a Licensed Product by Indemnitee or any other third party for another Person that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such customization is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement; and (c) the modification of a Licensed Product by Indemnitee that is not authorized by Licensor and that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such modification is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement.

 

Section 12.03      The Indemnitee shall within 30 days of such Indemnitee’s notice of such Action notify the indemnifying party in writing of any Action and cooperate with the indemnifying party at the indemnifying party’s sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall immediately take control of the defense and investigation of the Action and shall employ counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee to handle and defend the same, at the indemnifying party’s sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall not settle any Action in a manner that adversely affects the rights of any Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnitee’s failure to perform any obligations under this Section 12.03 shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligation under this Section 12.03 except to the extent that the indemnifying party can demonstrate that it has been materially prejudiced as a result of the failure. The Indemnitee may participate in and observe the proceedings at its own cost and expense with counsel of its own choosing.

   

Section 12.04      Licensee shall, at all times during the Term and for five (5) years thereafter, obtain and maintain at its own expense the following types of insurance, with limits of liability not less than those specified below:

 

 

 
-12-

 

 

 

(a)     Commercial general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury and property damage which shall include contractual coverage and product liability coverage, with limits of not less than $10,000,000 per occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate; and

 

 

(b)     Workers compensation and employers’ liability with limits to comply with the statutory requirements of the state(s) in which the License Agreement is to be performed. The policy shall include employers’ liability for not less than $5,000,000 per accident.

 

 

1.1.     Licensee shall deliver certificates of insurance evidencing coverage to Licensor promptly upon request after the execution of this License Agreement and upon reasonably request thereafter. All policies provided for herein shall expressly provide that such policies shall not be cancelled, terminated or altered without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Licensee, and Licensee shall promptly notify the Licensor in the event that a policy provided for herein is cancelled, terminated or altered.

 

Except for Damages resulting from the Licensor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or arising from a breach of the Licensor’s confidentiality obligations hereunder, the Licensor’s maximum liability for Damages arising out of or resulting from any Action hereunder shall be $10,000,000 per occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate. Except for Damages resulting from the Licensor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or arising from a breach of the Licensor’s confidentiality obligations hereunder, in no event shall Licensor be liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business or goodwill) suffered or incurred by the Indemnitee. In no case shall Licensor be liable for any damages arising out of the Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

Article XIII.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

 

Section 13.01      Confidential Information provided by the disclosing party and entitled to protection under this License Agreement shall be identified as such by an appropriate marking of “Confidential Information” on any document exchanged. If the disclosing party provides information other than in written form, such information shall be considered Confidential Information only if (a) the information by its nature would reasonably be considered of a confidential nature or if the receiving party, due to the context in which the information was disclosed, should have reasonably known it to be confidential, and (b) either the disclosing party gives written notice within thirty (30) days of disclosure that such information is to remain confidential or the disclosing party had previously confirmed in writing that such information was confidential.

 

 

Section 13.02      Each party acknowledges that the other party claims its trade secrets and other Confidential Information as special, valuable and unique assets. During the Restricted Period for itself and on behalf of its officers, directors, agents, and employees, each party agrees to the following:

 

 

 
-13-

 

   

(a)     The receiving party will use the Confidential Information only for the purposes of exercising its rights or fulfilling its obligations under this License Agreement and will not otherwise use it for its own benefit. In no event shall the receiving party use less than the same degree of care to protect the Confidential Information as it would employ with respect to its own information of like importance which it does not desire to have published or disseminated.

 

 

(b)     The receiving party will not disclose any Confidential Information to any third party or disclose to an employee unless:

 

 

(i)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary (A) for the filing or prosecuting of Licensed Patents as contemplated by this License Agreement; (B) to comply with the requirement of a Governmental Body with respect to obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals (or any pricing and reimbursement approvals) of any Licensed Product; or (C) for prosecuting or defending litigations as contemplated by this License Agreement;

 

 

(ii)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to its members, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, consultants or contractors on a need-to-know basis for the sole purpose of performing its obligations or exercising its rights under this License Agreement; provided that in each case, the disclosees must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non-use consistent with those contained in this License Agreement;

 

 

(iii)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to any bona fide potential or actual investor, acquiror, merger partner, or other financial or commercial partner for the sole purpose of evaluating an actual or potential investment, acquisition or other business relationship; provided that in each case, the disclosees must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non-use consistent with those contained in this License Agreement; or

 

 

(iv)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with applicable law, including regulations promulgated by applicable security exchanges, a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative subpoena or order; provided , however , if the receiving party is subject to a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative subpoena or order requiring disclosure of Confidential Information, then, prior to disclosing any such Confidential Information, the receiving party shall promptly notify the disclosing party in writing and, upon the disclosing party’s request, shall cooperate with the disclosing party in contesting such request or in obtaining a protective order or other similar injunctive relief.

 

 

(c)     The parties acknowledge that either or both parties may be obligated to file a copy of this License Agreement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or similar stock exchange authorities or other governmental authorities. Each party shall be entitled to make such a required filing; provided , however , that it requests confidential treatment of the commercial terms and sensitive technical terms hereof and thereof to the extent such confidential treatment is reasonably available to such party. In the event of any such filing, each party shall provide the other party with a copy of this License Agreement marked to show provisions for which such party intends to seek confidential treatment and shall reasonably consider and incorporate the other party’s comments thereon to the extent consistent with the legal requirements, with respect to the filing party, governing disclosure of material agreements and material information that must be publicly filed.

 

 

 
-14-

 

 

 

(d)     For purposes hereof, the term “ Restricted Period ” means (a) in the case of any Confidential Information that is designated as trade secrets of a disclosing party (which designation can be made at any reasonable time by the disclosing party), in perpetuity; and (b) in the case of other Confidential Information of a disclosing party, during the Term and for a period of ten (10) years thereafter.

 

 

Section 13.03      All information furnished under this License Agreement shall remain the property of the disclosing party and shall be returned to it or destroyed or purged promptly as requested by the disclosing party upon termination of this License Agreement. All documents, memoranda, notes and other tangible embodiments whatsoever prepared by the receiving party based on or which includes Confidential Information shall be destroyed to the extent necessary to remove all such Confidential Information upon the disclosing party’s request. An authorized officer of the receiving party shall, upon request, certify all destruction under this Section 13.03 in writing to the disclosing party.

 

 

Section 13.04      The confidentiality obligations in this Article XIII shall not apply to disclosed information that the receiving party can prove: (a) that the receiving party knew at the time of disclosure, free of any obligation to keep it confidential, as evidenced by written records; (b) that is or becomes generally publicly known through disclosure without breach of confidentiality obligations by the receiving party, (c) that the receiving party independently developed without the use of any Confidential Information as evidenced by written records; or (d) receiving party rightfully obtains from a third party who has the right to transfer or disclose it.

 

 

Section 13.05      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this License Agreement, neither party may initiate or make any public announcement or other disclosure concerning the terms and conditions or the subject matter of this License Agreement to any third party without the prior written approval of the other party except as may be required by law. In those circumstances where either party believes that any such disclosure is required by law, it shall (a) notify the other party on a timely basis in advance and (b) use its best efforts to seek confidential treatment of the material provisions of this License Agreement to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

Article XIV.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

Section 14.01      The parties intend for this License Agreement to be an “executory contract” for purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction. All rights and licenses granted by Licensor under or pursuant to this License Agreement are, and shall otherwise be deemed to be, for purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction, licenses of rights to “intellectual property” as defined under Section 101 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Licensee shall have the right to exercise all rights and elections with respect to the Licensed IP. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Licensor acknowledges and agrees that, in the event of the commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding by or against any Licensor (or any of Licensor’s Affiliates that own or hold any of the Licensed Patents or Licensed Patent Applications) under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction, (a) subject to Licensee’s rights of election, all rights and licenses granted to Licensee hereunder will continue subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, and will not be affected, even by Licensor’s rejection of this License Agreement, and (b) Licensee shall be entitled to a complete duplicate (or complete access to, as appropriate) all such Licensed IP and embodiments of Licensed IP comprising or related to any Licensed Product, and such Licensed IP, if not already in Licensee’s possession, shall be promptly delivered to Licensee, unless Licensor elects to and does in fact continue to perform all of its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

 

 
-15-

 

 

 

Section 14.02      Neither party shall assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights, or delegate or otherwise transfer any of its obligations or performance, under this License Agreement, in each case whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, without the other party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided , however , either party may, after providing the other party with prior written notice of a proposed transfer or assignment, transfer or assign its rights under the License Agreement to its successor-in-interest in connection with occurrence of a Change of Control without the need to obtain the other party’s prior written consent. In the event of a Change of Control of Licensor, Licensee’s rights under this License Agreement shall continue unless agreed otherwise in writing between the parties. Any purported assignment, delegation or transfer in violation of Section 14.01 is void.

 

 

Section 14.03      Unless otherwise provided in this License Agreement, any notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and (a) delivered personally (to be effective when so delivered), (b) mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (to be effective four days after the date it is mailed) or (c) sent by Federal Express or other overnight courier service (to be effective when received by the addressee), to the following addresses (or to such other addresses which any party shall designate in writing to the other parties):

 

 

(a)     If to Licensor:

 

 

QIG Group, LLC  

5830 Granite Parkway  

Suite 1100  

Plano, Texas 75024

Attn: General Counsel

     

 

(b)     If to Licensee:

 

Greatbatch Ltd.

10000 Wehrle Drive

Clarence, New York 14031

Attn: General Counsel

 

 

 
-16-

 

 

 

Section 14.04      This License Agreement and all exhibits attached hereto contain the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and supersede all prior understandings, arrangements and agreements, written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No modification or amendments to this License Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against which it is sought to be enforced. The recitals hereto are true and correct, and are part of this License Agreement.

   

Section 14.05      Each of the parties hereto shall bear such party’s own expenses in connection with this License Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except as may otherwise expressly be set forth herein. It is expressly understood that the parties are independent of one another and that neither has the authority to bind the other to any third person or otherwise to act in any way as the representative of the other, unless otherwise expressly agreed to in writing signed by both parties hereto.

   

Section 14.06      Each of the parties hereto shall use such party’s commercially reasonable efforts to take such actions as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the other party hereto to carry out and consummate the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement.

   

Section 14.07      This License 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 provisions thereof to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of New York.

   

Section 14.08      The captions appearing herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning of the provisions of this License Agreement. All references in this License Agreement to Sections, Articles and Exhibits refer to the Sections, Articles and Exhibits of this License Agreement and exhibits attached hereto is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this License Agreement.

   

Section 14.09      Each party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy which may arise under this License Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore each such party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right such Party may have to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this License Agreement, or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement. Each Party certifies and acknowledges that (i) no representative, agent or attorney of any other Party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other Party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, (ii) each party makes this waiver voluntarily, and (iII) each Party has been induced to enter into this License Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this SECTION 13 .08.

 

 

 
-17-

 

   

Section 14.10      The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this License Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that, except where this License Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article IX, the parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this License Agreement and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this License Agreement and any other agreement or instrument executed in connection herewith. Each party waives any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with any such remedy. The parties further agree that (i) by seeking the remedies provided for in this Section 14.10, a party shall not in any respect waive its right to seek any other form of relief that may be available to a party and not otherwise specifically waived under this License Agreement, including monetary damages in the event that this License Agreement has been terminated or in the event that the remedies provided for in this Section 14.10 are not available or otherwise are not granted and (ii) nothing contained in this Section 14.10 shall require any party to institute any proceeding for (or limit any party’s right to institute any proceeding for) specific performance under this Section 14.10 before exercising any termination right under Article IX (and pursing damages after such termination) nor shall the commencement of any action pursuant to this Section 14.10 or anything contained in this Section 14.10 restrict or limit any party’s right to terminate this License Agreement in accordance with the terms of Article IX or pursue any other remedies under this License Agreement that may be available then or thereafter.

   

Section 14.11      Each of the parties hereto (i) irrevocably consents to the service of the summons and complaint and any other process in any action or proceeding contemplated by Section 14.10 or otherwise in any way relating to this License Agreement, on behalf of itself and/or officers, in accordance with the notice provision set forth in Section 14.03 or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, of copies of such process to such party, and nothing in this Section 14.11 shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law, (ii) irrevocably and unconditionally consents and submits itself and its property in any action or proceeding to the exclusive general jurisdiction of any state or federal court within the State of New York in the event any dispute arises out of this License Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, (iii) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other similar relief from any such court, (iv) agrees that any actions or proceedings arising in connection with this License Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement shall be brought, tried and determined only in a state or federal court within the State of New York, (v) waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same and (vi) agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this License Agreement or the license or other matters covered by this License Agreement in any court other than the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties agrees that a final judgment in any action or proceeding in such court as provided above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suits on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

 

 
-18-

 

   

Section 14.12      This License Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 14.13      Any term or provision of this License Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this License Agreement, or any such terms in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this License Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

 

Section 14.14      Nothing in this License Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer on any Person other than the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this License Agreement.

     

Section 14.15      No waiver by any party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the party so waiving. No waiver by any party 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. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this License 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.

 

Section 14.16      This License Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. A signed copy of this License Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission (to which a PDF copy is attached) shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this License Agreement.

 

[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]

 

 
-19-

 

   

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this License Agreement to be properly executed and delivered as of the Effective Date.

 

 

 

QIG GROUP, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Scott F. Drees

 

 

Name:

Scott F. Drees 

 

 

Title:

CEO 

 

 

 

 

GREATBATCH LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas J. Hook

 

 

Name:

Thomas J. Hook 

 

 

Title:

CEO 

 

 

 

 

-20-   

Exhibit 10.7

 

UNRESTRICTED LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

This UN RESTRICTED LICENSE AGREEMENT (the “ License Agreement ”), dated March 14, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between QIG GROUP, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as “ Licensor ”) and GREATBATCH LTD. , a New York corporation (hereinafter referred to as “ Licensee ”). The Licensor and the Licensee are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “parties” and individually as a “party.”

 

WHEREAS, Licensor is the sole and exclusive owner of and has the right to license to Licensee the Licensed IP (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS , Licensor desires to grant, and Licensee desires to obtain, a license with respect to the Licensed IP, including the Licensed Patent Applications (as defined below) and Licensed Patents (as defined below), which are listed on Exhibit A attached hereto, for all applications; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

   

Article I.

 

DEFINITIONS

   

Section 1.01      Capitalized terms utilized in this License Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned and ascribed to them under this Article I, as follows:

 

(a)      Action shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in Section 12.01.

 

(b)      Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Person shall be deemed to control another Person if any of the following conditions is met: (a) in the case of corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the stock or shares having the right to vote for the election of directors, and (b) in the case of non-corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the equity interest with the power to direct the management and policies of such non-corporate entities. For purposes of this License Agreement, in no event shall Licensee or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of Licensor (or any of its Affiliates) nor shall Licensor or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of Licensee (or any of its Affiliates).

 

(c)      Bankruptcy Proceeding shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 9.03(a) hereof.

 

 

 
 

 

 

(d)      Business Day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by applicable law to be closed for business.

 

(e)     “ Change of Control ” means (i) a consolidation or merger of a party or other change of control transaction (other than a merger to reincorporate a party in a different jurisdiction) in which the shareholders or members, as applicable, of a party immediately prior to such transaction do not continue to hold a greater than 50% interest in the successor or survivor entity immediately following such transaction, (ii) a transaction or series of transactions that results in the transfer of more than 50% of the voting power of a party to an unaffiliated Person or (iii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a party (which shall include any effective transfer of such assets regardless of the structure of any such transaction as a license or otherwise).

 

(f)      Confidential Information of a party means any and all information of a confidential or proprietary nature disclosed by a party under this License Agreement, whether in oral, written, graphic or electronic format, which includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, diagrams, data, business activities and operations, customer lists, reports, studies and other technical and business information.

 

(g)      Damages shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in Section 12.01.

 

(h)      Effective Date shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(i)      FDA means the United States Food and Drug Administration or any successor entity.

 

(j)      Governmental Body shall mean any (i) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district or other jurisdiction; (ii) federal, state, provincial, municipal, local, foreign or other government; or (iii) governmental or quasi-governmental authority (including any governmental agency branch, department, official or entity, and any court or other tribunal).

 

(k)     “ Improvement ” means any enhancement or modification to the technology that is the subject of the Licensed IP.

 

(l)      Improvement Notice shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 5.01.

 

(m)      Improvement Patent   means all patent applications, and all patents issuing therefrom that claim Improvements, have a filing date or were acquired by, transferred or licensed to Licensor on or after the Effective Date and under which Licensor has the right to grant the licenses granted hereunder.

 

 

 
-2-

 

 

(n)      Indemni tee shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 12.01.

 

(o)      Intellectual Property means U.S. and foreign patents, patent applications, copyrights and copyright registrations and applications, mask works and registrations thereof, know-how and Inventions.

 

(p)      Invention means any invention, discovery, know-how, copyright, trade secret, data, information, technology, process or concept, whether or not patented or patentable, and whether or not memorialized in writing.

 

(q)      License Agreement shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(r)      Licensed Patent Applications shall mean those United States or foreign pending patent applications listed on Exhibit A .

 

(s)      Licensed Patents shall mean those United States or foreign patents listed in Exhibit A ; together with any patents resulting from (i) a Licensed Patent Application, (ii) any continuation, continuation-in-part, division, reissue, and reexamination of such patents as of the Effective Date, or (iii) any invention disclosure report arising from an Invention that has been documented prior to or as of the Effective Date.

 

(t)      Licensed Products means any product the manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, distribution or importation of which by Licensee would, without this License Agreement, infringe or contribute to the infringement of a claim of any Licensed IP.

 

(u)      Licensed IP means the Licensed Patents, the Licensed Patent Applications, and the Technical Know-How.

 

(v)      Licensee shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(w)      Licensor shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(x)      Licensor Affiliate means each Affiliate of Licensor.

 

(y)      Person shall mean any individual, and any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, company, firm, association, trust, or governmental agency.

 

(z)      Spin -off Date shall mean the date that the capital stock of Nuvectra Corporation is distributed to the stockholders of Greatbatch, Inc. as described in Nuvectra Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2015, as further amended.

 

 
-3-

 

 

 

(aa)      Technical Know-How shall include all concepts, methods, devices and/or ideas directed or relating to the Inventions covered by the Licensed Patents or Licensed Patent Applications, some of which may be described or summarized in attached Exhibit A , as and to the extent presently configured, or as may be disclosed in a Licensed Patent Application.

 

(bb)      Term shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 9.01.

 

(cc)      Territory shall mean the entire world.

 

ARTICLE II

 

LICENSE

     

Section 2.01      Subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, the Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee, and the Licensee hereby accepts a non-exclusive, right and license under the Licensed IP to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import Licensed Products in the Territory during the Term for all applications.

 

Section 2.02      Except for the rights and licenses granted by Licensor under this License Agreement, this License Agreement does not grant to Licensee or any other Person any right, title or interest by implication, estoppel, or otherwise. Without limitation of the foregoing, nothing in this License Agreement shall be construed as granting by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any right, title or interest in, to or under any Licensor or Licensor Affiliate patent or patent application, other than the Licensed IP, regardless of whether such other patents are dominant or subordinate to any Licensed IP. All rights, titles and interests not specifically and expressly granted by Licensor hereunder are hereby reserved.

 

Section 2.03      For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge and agree that Licensor retains the right to fully exploit, and to have any Affiliates use or otherwise exploit, the Licensed IP and any and all Inventions disclosed and/or claimed in the Licensed Patent Applications and the Licensed Patents for all applications. In addition, Licensee shall not, and shall not permit any of its Affiliates to, use any Licensed IP outside of the specific scope of the license granted to it under this License Agreement.

 

Section 2.04      The parties agree that any Intellectual Property invented in connection with a Licensed Product solely by or for Licensee during the period commencing on the Spin-off Date and ending on the last day of the Term shall be owned exclusively by Licensee. As used in this Section 2.04, “invented by or for” Licensee means invented by an employee, consultant, or other agent of Licensee.

 

Section 2.05      Licensor hereby agrees and covenants not to sue Licensee for breach of this License Agreement or for infringement or contributing to the infringement of a claim against the Licensed IP as a result of Licensee performing any of its obligations under the Supply Agreement to be entered into by and between Licensee and Aleva Neurotherapeutics S.A.

 

 

 
-4-

 

 

Article III.

 

SUBLICENSES

   

Section 3.01      Licensor hereby grants to Licensee and its Affiliates the right to sublicense any or all of its licensed rights to and under the Licensed IP in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of this Article III, the granting of such sublicenses shall be at Licensee’s sole and exclusive discretion and Licensee shall have the sole and exclusive power to determine the identity of any sublicensee and the terms and conditions of the sublicense.

 

Section 3.02      All sublicenses must be in a written agreement. Licensee shall provide to Licensor a true, correct and complete copy of each sublicense agreement entered into by Licensee, and any modification or termination thereof, within ten (10) Business Days following such execution, modification or termination.

 

Section 3.03      No sublicense of any Licensed IP granted by Licensee, an Affiliate of Licensee or any other sublicensee shall exceed the scope of rights granted to Licensee hereunder.

 

Section 3.04      Licensee shall require that all sublicense agreements granted by it, an Affiliate of Licensee or any other sublicensee must: (a) include an agreement by the sublicensee to be bound by the terms and conditions of this License Agreement; (b) include Licensor’s right to enforce its rights in the Licensed IP; (c) provide that the term of the sublicense thereunder shall not extend beyond the Term; and (d) indicate that Licensor is a third party beneficiary and entitled to enforce the terms and conditions of the sublicense.

 

Section 3.05      Upon termination of this License Agreement, if any sublicense is in effect between Licensee or an Affiliate of Licensee and a third party sublicensee, the Licensor, upon receipt of written notice from the sublicensee within ten (10) Business Days after termination of this License Agreement, agrees to negotiate in good faith with such third party sublicensee regarding entry into a direct license agreement from the Licensor to such third party sublicensee; provided, however, that Licensor is not required to negotiate in good faith with such third party sublicensee if it is the cause of a breach that resulted in the termination of this License Agreement or is itself in breach of its obligations under its sublicense, this License Agreement or any supply agreement entered into with Licensor.

 

Article IV.

 

PATENT RIGHTS; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

Section 4.01      For each Licensed Patent and Licensed Patent Application, Licensor shall be solely responsible for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance thereof. Licensor shall pay all fees and expenses associated with such prosecution and maintenance, and shall keep Licensee reasonably informed of the filing and progress of all material aspects of the prosecution of patent applications and the issuance of patents from such patent applications. Licensor will consult with Licensee concerning any decisions which could affect the scope or enforcement of any issued claims and shall notify Licensee in writing of any additions, deletions or changes in the status of a Licensed Patent or Licensed Patent Application. However, Licensor shall maintain sole authority and discretion to make such decisions.

 

 

 
-5-

 

 

Section 4.02      In the event that Licensor decides to terminate prosecution of a Licensed Patent Application or discontinue maintaining any Licensed Patent in any country, then the Licensor shall provide the Licensee with prompt written notice of such decision but, in any event, such notice shall be provided to Licensee at least sixty (60) days before any known bar date or non-extendable deadline. At any time after receiving such notice, Licensee may provide the Licensor with written notice that Licensee wishes to assume control of the prosecution of any such Licensed Patent Application or to maintain any such Licensed Patent, as applicable, at the sole and exclusive expense of the Licensee, and Licensor shall assign to Licensee any such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent. However, should Licensee fail to provide such notice of its desire to assume control in time to take an action to maintain such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent, Licensor shall not be liable to Licensee for damages based on any loss of rights to such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent. As a condition precedent to the completion of any such assignment, the Licensee must grant to Licensor a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual right and license under such assigned Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent to use, make, have made, sell, offer to sell, distribute and import any products incorporating such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent. If the Licensee assumes such control or maintenance obligation, the Licensor agrees to cooperate with the Licensee, its attorneys and agents in the prosecution of such Licensed Patent Application and the maintenance of any Licensed Patent and to provide the Licensee with complete copies of any and all documents and other related materials that the Licensee deems necessary to undertake such control or obligation.

 

Article V.       

 

IMPROVEMENTS

 

Section 5.01      During the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Spin-Off Date, Licensor shall provide written notice to Licensee (“Improvement Notice”) promptly after the filing date or, where applicable, the effective date of any assignment or transfer to Licensor, of any relevant Improvement Patents. The Improvement Notice shall include a copy of the relevant patent application and such other details of the Improvement as would reasonably be necessary to effectively evaluate the Improvement.

 

Section 5.02      If Licensee wishes to include any Improvement Patents identified in an Improvement Notice as a Licensed Patent under this License Agreement, Licensee shall provide written notice to Licensor specifying the particular Improvement Patents that Licensee wishes to include as a Licensed Patent no later than thirty (30) days after the Spin-off Date. Immediately upon Licensee’s notice to Licensor, each Improvement Patent identified by Licensee in the notice will be a Licensed Patent under this License Agreement.

 

 

 
-6-

 

 

Section 5.03

 

 

(a)

All right, title and interest in and to any Improvement conceived, made or reduced to practice by Licensee during the Term of this License Agreement, and all of Licensee’s patents and patent applications claiming its Improvements shall:

 

(i)     remain the sole and exclusive property of Licensee; and

 

(ii)     not be licensed to Licensor, unless the parties otherwise specifically agree in writing.

 

 

(b)

All right, title and interest in and to any Improvement conceived, made, or reduced to practice solely by Licensor during the Term of this License Agreement, and all of Licensor’s patents and patent applications claiming its Improvements shall:

 

(i)     remain the sole and exclusive property of Licensor;

 

(ii)     if first conceived, made, or reduced to practice, within the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Spin-off Date, such Improvements shall be subject to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02; and

 

(iii) if first conceived, made, or reduced to practice, after the Spin-off Date, such Improvements shall not be licensed to Licensee, unless the parties otherwise specifically agree in writing.

   

Article VI.

 

ENFORCEMENT OF LICENSED PATENTS

 

Section 6.01      In the event of any third party infringement of any Licensed Patent, the party hereto having knowledge thereof shall promptly notify the other party of such infringement and provide it with all details of such infringement that are known by such party. Thereafter, Licensor shall have the sole right to determine the ways and means of addressing the third party infringement. Licensor shall be entitled to receive and retain, for its own use and benefit, any recovery awarded in any litigation related to such infringement, including, without limitation, monetary damages.

 

Section 6.02      In the event that the Licensor elects not to take action or otherwise fails to take action with respect to any third party infringement, the Licensee may in its sole discretion and at its sole expense, and by counsel of its own choice, bring suit to restrain such infringement, and shall be entitled to receive and retain, for its own use and benefit, any recovery awarded in such suit, including, without limitation, monetary damages; provided that Licensee may not settle any claim without the consent of Licensor, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to the extent such settlement would result in a material adverse change to the scope, validity, or enforceability of any of the Licensed IP. In connection therewith, the Licensor agrees (a) to be joined as a party in such litigation, if so required by law, and (b) that the Licensee shall have full control of such litigation.

 

 

 
-7-

 

 

Section 6.03      Licensee shall not, directly or indirectly through one or more of its Affiliates, challenge the validity of, take material and documented steps to support any proceeding with intended effect of invalidating, or otherwise attempt to limit the scope of any Licensed Patent or Licensed Patent Application, in each case whether through post grant review, inter partes review, ex parte reexamination or other method.

 

Section 6.04      The parties agree to use reasonable commercial efforts to cooperate with one another in any litigation relating to third party infringement.

 

Article VII.

 

MARKING AND REGULATORY CLEARANCES

 

Section 7.01      Licensee shall comply with the virtual patent marking provisions of 35 USC § 287(a) by marking each Licensed Product sold in the United States, or its packaging, labels, containers, displays or any associated printed materials, as appropriate, manufactured by or on behalf of the Licensee, with an internet address at which each Licensed Product covered by a Licensed Patent is associated with one or more U.S. patent numbers having claims covering the Licensed Product. Licensee shall include in all sublicense agreements, and require in any sublicense agreement granted by it or any sublicensee, a patent marking requirement substantially identical to this Section 7.01. On a semi-annual basis, Licensor shall provide Licensee with an updated list of Licensed Patents covering individual Licensed Products manufactured by or on behalf of the Licensee.

 

Section 7.02      The parties acknowledge and agree that the Licensee shall have the sole right to adopt and use trademarks of its own choosing with respect to all Licensed Products manufactured and/or sold under this License Agreement and that the Licensee shall own all right, title and interest to such trademarks. The Licensee shall not use any trademark, service mark, trade name, corporate name, or any other identifier of the Licensor, or any Affiliate of the Licensor, in connection with the Licensed Products in any manner without the express written consent of the Licensor.

 

Section 7.03      Licensee shall, at Licensee’s sole and exclusive expense, comply with all regulations and safety standards concerning Licensed Products developed and commercialized by or under the authority of Licensee, including, without limitation, the regulations and safety standards of the FDA, and obtain all necessary regulatory approvals from Governmental Bodies for the development, production, distribution, sale and use of Licensed Products developed and commercialized by or under the authority of Licensee, including any safety or clinical studies; provided , however , that Licensor shall reasonably cooperate with Licensee in obtaining any regulatory approvals from Governmental Bodies for the development, production, distribution, sale and use of Licensed Products. Licensee shall have responsibility for and provide suitable warning labels, packaging and instructions as to the use for such Licensed Products.

 

 

 
-8-

 

 

Article VIII.

 

ROYALTIES

   

Section 8.01      The parties agree that a royalty fee of $100 per year shall be payable to Licensor by Licensee under this License Agreement in respect of the Licensed IP (the “Royalty Fee”). The Royalty Fee shall be payable each year on or before the anniversary date of this License Agreement; provided , however that Licensee’s failure to pay the Royalty Fee shall not be considered a breach of this License Agreement until thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of non-payment from Licensor.

 

Article IX.

 

TERM AND TERMINATION

 

Section 9.01      This License Agreement and the license hereunder shall be effective as of the Effective Date. This License Agreement shall, unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Article IX, be and remain in effect until the expiration of the last to expire Licensed Patent or the last Licensed Patent Application that becomes abandoned, whichever is later (herein referred to as the Term ).

 

Section 9.02      In the event of any material breach of this License Agreement by a party, the non-breaching party shall deliver written notice thereof to the breaching party. The breaching party shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to cure such material breach within thirty (30) days of notice from the non-breaching party. If, within such period, the breaching party has not cured such material breach, the non-breaching party shall have the right to terminate this License Agreement upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the breaching party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such material breach is capable of being cured, but is not reasonably capable of being cured within the thirty (30) day cure period, if the breaching party (i) proposes within such thirty (30) day period a written plan to cure such material breach within a defined time frame extending for a period not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, and (ii) makes good faith efforts to cure such material breach and to implement such written cure plan, then the non-breaching party may not terminate this License Agreement until the earlier of such time as the breaching party is no longer diligently pursuing such cure in accordance with such plan or the end of such additional period.

 

Section 9.03      Either party shall have the right to immediately terminate this License Agreement, upon prior written notice to the other party, if the other party: (i) becomes insolvent or generally fails to pay, or admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due; (ii) applies for or consents to the appointment of a trustee, receiver or other custodian, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iii) commences any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other case or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution or liquidation proceedings (each, hereinafter referred to as a Bankruptcy Proceeding ); or (iv) has a Bankruptcy Proceeding commenced against it and such Bankruptcy Proceeding is not dismissed within thirty (30) days of the date of commencement thereof.

 

 

 
-9-

 

 

Section 9.04      Immediately upon termination pursuant to this Article IX, the Licensee shall cease and desist from making, having made, using, importing, distributing, selling and/or offering to sell the Licensed Products; provided , however , that Licensee shall be permitted to dispose of all Licensed Products held as inventory and all Licensed Products in the course of manufacture at the date of termination for a period of thirty (30) days after the date of termination. In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.02 or 9.03,, the Licensor shall be free to grant to others exclusive rights under any or all of the Licensed IP. Termination of this License Agreement for any reason, or the expiration of this License Agreement, shall not relieve either party from performing obligations incurred prior to such termination or expiration.

 

Section 9.05      Neither party shall be in default hereunder by reason of any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder where such failure or delay is due to any cause beyond its reasonable control, including strikes, labor disputes, civil disturbances, riot, rebellion, invasion, epidemic, hostilities, war, terrorist attack, embargo, natural disaster, acts of God, flood, fire, sabotage, loss and destruction of property or any other circumstances or causes beyond such party’s reasonable control.

 

Section 9.06      The provisions of Articles I and Articles VIII through and including Article XIV shall survive termination or expiration of this License Agreement.

 

Article X.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY LICENSOR

 

Section 10.01      The Licensor, to its knowledge, represents, warrants and covenants that:

 

(a)     The Licensor is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the law of the State of Delaware, and has full limited liability company power to conduct the business in which it is presently engaged and to enter into and perform its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

(b)     The Licensor has taken all necessary limited liability company action under the laws of the State of Delaware and its certificate of formation and its limited liability company agreement to authorize the execution and consummation of this License Agreement and, when executed and delivered, this License Agreement shall constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of the Licensor enforceable against the Licensor in accordance with the terms hereof, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting generally the enforceability of creditors’ rights and by limitations on the availability of equitable remedies.

 

(c)     Neither the execution and delivery of this License Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will violate any law, rule, regulation, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or other order of any court, government or governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, binding upon the Licensor, or conflict with or result in any breach of or event of termination under any of the terms of, or constitute a default under or result in the termination of or the creation or imposition of any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature pursuant to, the terms of any contract or agreement to which the Licensor is a party or by which the Licensor or any of its assets and properties are bound.

 

 

 
-10-

 

 

(d)      THE LICENSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, VALIDITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY.

 

Article XI.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY LICENSEE

 

Section 11.01      The Licensee, to its knowledge, represents, warrants and covenants that:

 

(a)     The Licensee is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the law of the State of New York, and has full corporate power to conduct the business in which it is presently engaged and to enter into and perform its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

(b)     The Licensee has taken all necessary corporate action under the laws of the State of New York and its certificate of incorporate and its bylaws to authorize the execution and consummation of this License Agreement and, when executed and delivered, this License Agreement shall constitute the valid and legally binding agreement of the Licensee enforceable against the Licensee in accordance with the terms hereof, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting generally the enforceability of equitable remedies.

 

(c)     Neither the execution and delivery of this License Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will violate any law, rule, regulation, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or other order of any court, government or governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, binding upon the Licensee, or conflict with or result in any breach of or event of termination under any of the terms of, or constitute a default under or result in the termination of or the creation or imposition of any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature pursuant to, the terms of any contract or agreement to which the Licensee is a party or by which the Licensee or any of its assets and properties are bound.

 

Article XII.

 

INDEMNIFICATION & INSURANCE

 

Section 12.01      Licensor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Licensee and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (each, an “ Indemnitee ”) against all damages, costs, expenses, interest (including prejudgment interest), losses, claims, demands, liabilities, deficiencies and/or obligations, including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (herein referred to, collectively, as “ Damages ”) arising out of or resulting from any third party claim, suit, action or proceeding related to, arising out of or resulting from Licensor’s breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation under this License Agreement (each an “ Action ”).

 

 

 
-11-

 

 

Section 12.02      Licensor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Indemnitees against all Damages arising out of, resulting from or relating to any Action involving a claim that any manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, distribution or importation of the Licensed IP or any Licensed Product in the Territory, or the exercise of any rights or privileges by Licensee granted to it under this License Agreement, infringes any patent or other intellectual property right of any third party; provided that, Licensor shall have no liability to Indemnitee with respect to any claim of infringement that is based solely upon (a) the combination of a Licensed Product with any other product or equipment not covered by the Licensed IP that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such combination is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement; (b) the customization of a Licensed Product by Indemnitee or any other third party for another Person that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such customization is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement; and (c) the modification of a Licensed Product by Indemnitee that is not authorized by Licensor and that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such modification is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement.

 

Section 12.03      The Indemnitee shall within 30 days of such Indemnitee’s notice of such Action notify the indemnifying party in writing of any Action and cooperate with the indemnifying party at the indemnifying party’s sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall immediately take control of the defense and investigation of the Action and shall employ counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee to handle and defend the same, at the indemnifying party’s sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall not settle any Action in a manner that adversely affects the rights of any Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnitee’s failure to perform any obligations under this Section 12.03 shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligation under this Section 12.03 except to the extent that the indemnifying party can demonstrate that it has been materially prejudiced as a result of the failure. The Indemnitee may participate in and observe the proceedings at its own cost and expense with counsel of its own choosing.

   

Section 12.04      Licensee shall, at all times during the Term and for five (5) years thereafter, obtain and maintain at its own expense the following types of insurance, with limits of liability not less than those specified below:

   

(a)     Commercial general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury and property damage which shall include contractual coverage and product liability coverage, with limits of not less than $10,000,000 per occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate; and

 

 

 
-12-

 

   

(b)     Workers compensation and employers’ liability with limits to comply with the statutory requirements of the state(s) in which the License Agreement is to be performed. The policy shall include employers’ liability for not less than $5,000,000 per accident.

   

Licensee shall deliver certificates of insurance evidencing coverage to Licensor promptly upon request after the execution of this License Agreement and upon reasonably request thereafter. All policies provided for herein shall expressly provide that such policies shall not be cancelled, terminated or altered without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Licensee, and Licensee shall promptly notify the Licensor in the event that a policy provided for herein is cancelled, terminated or altered.

 

Except for Damages resulting from the Licensor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or arising from a breach of the Licensor’s confidentiality obligations hereunder, the Licensor’s maximum liability for Damages arising out of or resulting from any Action hereunder shall be $10,000,000 per occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate. Except for Damages resulting from the Licensor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or arising from a breach of the Licensor’s confidentiality obligations hereunder, in no event shall Licensor be liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business or goodwill) suffered or incurred by the Indemnitee. In no case shall Licensor be liable for any damages arising out of the Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

Article XIII.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

   

Section 13.01      Confidential Information provided by the disclosing party and entitled to protection under this License Agreement shall be identified as such by an appropriate marking of “Confidential Information” on any document exchanged. If the disclosing party provides information other than in written form, such information shall be considered Confidential Information only if (a) the information by its nature would reasonably be considered of a confidential nature or if the receiving party, due to the context in which the information was disclosed, should have reasonably known it to be confidential, and (b) either the disclosing party gives written notice within thirty (30) days of disclosure that such information is to remain confidential or the disclosing party had previously confirmed in writing that such information was confidential.

   

Section 13.02      Each party acknowledges that the other party claims its trade secrets and other Confidential Information as special, valuable and unique assets. During the Restricted Period for itself and on behalf of its officers, directors, agents, and employees, each party agrees to the following:

   

(a)     The receiving party will use the Confidential Information only for the purposes of exercising its rights or fulfilling its obligations under this License Agreement and will not otherwise use it for its own benefit. In no event shall the receiving party use less than the same degree of care to protect the Confidential Information as it would employ with respect to its own information of like importance which it does not desire to have published or disseminated.

 

 

 
-13-

 

   

(b)     The receiving party will not disclose any Confidential Information to any third party or disclose to an employee unless:

   

(i)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary (A) for the filing or prosecuting of Licensed Patents as contemplated by this License Agreement; (B) to comply with the requirement of a Governmental Body with respect to obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals (or any pricing and reimbursement approvals) of any Licensed Product; or (C) for prosecuting or defending litigations as contemplated by this License Agreement;

   

(ii)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to its members, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, consultants or contractors on a need-to-know basis for the sole purpose of performing its obligations or exercising its rights under this License Agreement; provided that in each case, the disclosees must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non-use consistent with those contained in this License Agreement;

   

(iii)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to any bona fide potential or actual investor, acquiror, merger partner, or other financial or commercial partner for the sole purpose of evaluating an actual or potential investment, acquisition or other business relationship; provided that in each case, the disclosees must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non-use consistent with those contained in this License Agreement; or

   

(iv)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with applicable law, including regulations promulgated by applicable security exchanges, a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative subpoena or order; provided , however , if the receiving party is subject to a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative subpoena or order requiring disclosure of Confidential Information, then, prior to disclosing any such Confidential Information, the receiving party shall promptly notify the disclosing party in writing and, upon the disclosing party’s request, shall cooperate with the disclosing party in contesting such request or in obtaining a protective order or other similar injunctive relief.

   

(c)     The parties acknowledge that either or both parties may be obligated to file a copy of this License Agreement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or similar stock exchange authorities or other governmental authorities. Each party shall be entitled to make such a required filing; provided , however , that it requests confidential treatment of the commercial terms and sensitive technical terms hereof and thereof to the extent such confidential treatment is reasonably available to such party. In the event of any such filing, each party shall provide the other party with a copy of this License Agreement marked to show provisions for which such party intends to seek confidential treatment and shall reasonably consider and incorporate the other party’s comments thereon to the extent consistent with the legal requirements, with respect to the filing party, governing disclosure of material agreements and material information that must be publicly filed.

 

 

 
-14-

 

 

 

(d)     For purposes hereof, the term “ Restricted Period ” means (a) in the case of any Confidential Information that is designated as trade secrets of a disclosing party (which designation can be made at any reasonable time by the disclosing party), in perpetuity; and (b) in the case of other Confidential Information of a disclosing party, during the Term and for a period of ten (10) years thereafter.

   

Section 13.03      All information furnished under this License Agreement shall remain the property of the disclosing party and shall be returned to it or destroyed or purged promptly as requested by the disclosing party upon termination of this License Agreement. All documents, memoranda, notes and other tangible embodiments whatsoever prepared by the receiving party based on or which includes Confidential Information shall be destroyed to the extent necessary to remove all such Confidential Information upon the disclosing party’s request. An authorized officer of the receiving party shall, upon request, certify all destruction under this Section 13.03 in writing to the disclosing party.

   

Section 13.04      The confidentiality obligations in this Article XIII shall not apply to disclosed information that the receiving party can prove: (a) that the receiving party knew at the time of disclosure, free of any obligation to keep it confidential, as evidenced by written records; (b) that is or becomes generally publicly known through disclosure without breach of confidentiality obligations by the receiving party, (c) that the receiving party independently developed without the use of any Confidential Information as evidenced by written records; or (d) receiving party rightfully obtains from a third party who has the right to transfer or disclose it.

   

Section 13.05      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this License Agreement, neither party may initiate or make any public announcement or other disclosure concerning the terms and conditions or the subject matter of this License Agreement to any third party without the prior written approval of the other party except as may be required by law. In those circumstances where either party believes that any such disclosure is required by law, it shall (a) notify the other party on a timely basis in advance and (b) use its best efforts to seek confidential treatment of the material provisions of this License Agreement to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

Article XIV.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

   

Section 14.01      The parties intend for this License Agreement to be an “executory contract” for purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction. All rights and licenses granted by Licensor under or pursuant to this License Agreement are, and shall otherwise be deemed to be, for purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction, licenses of rights to “intellectual property” as defined under Section 101 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Licensee shall have the right to exercise all rights and elections with respect to the Licensed IP. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Licensor acknowledges and agrees that, in the event of the commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding by or against any Licensor (or any of Licensor’s Affiliates that own or hold any of the Licensed Patents or Licensed Patent Applications) under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction, (a) subject to Licensee’s rights of election, all rights and licenses granted to Licensee hereunder will continue subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, and will not be affected, even by Licensor’s rejection of this License Agreement, and (b) Licensee shall be entitled to a complete duplicate (or complete access to, as appropriate) all such Licensed IP and embodiments of Licensed IP comprising or related to any Licensed Product, and such Licensed IP, if not already in Licensee’s possession, shall be promptly delivered to Licensee, unless Licensor elects to and does in fact continue to perform all of its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

 

 
-15-

 

       

Section 14.02      Neither party shall assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights, or delegate or otherwise transfer any of its obligations or performance, under this License Agreement, in each case whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, without the other party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided , however , either party may, after providing the other party with prior written notice of a proposed transfer or assignment, transfer or assign its rights under the License Agreement to its successor-in-interest in connection with occurrence of a Change of Control without the need to obtain the other party’s prior written consent. In the event of a Change of Control of Licensor, Licensee’s rights under this License Agreement shall continue unless agreed otherwise in writing between the parties. Any purported assignment, delegation or transfer in violation of Section 14.01 is void.

   

Section 14.03      Unless otherwise provided in this License Agreement, any notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and (a) delivered personally (to be effective when so delivered), (b) mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (to be effective four days after the date it is mailed) or (c) sent by Federal Express or other overnight courier service (to be effective when received by the addressee), to the following addresses (or to such other addresses which any party shall designate in writing to the other parties):

   

(a)     If to Licensor:

   

QIG Group, LLC  

5830 Granite Parkway  

Suite 1100  

Plano, Texas 75024  

Attn: General Counsel

   

(b)     If to Licensee:

 

Greatbatch Ltd.

10000 Wehrle Drive

Clarence, New York 14031

Attn: General Counsel

 

 

 
-16-

 

   

Section 14.04      This License Agreement and all exhibits attached hereto contain the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and supersede all prior understandings, arrangements and agreements, written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No modification or amendments to this License Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against which it is sought to be enforced. The recitals hereto are true and correct, and are part of this License Agreement.

   

Section 14.05      Each of the parties hereto shall bear such party’s own expenses in connection with this License Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except as may otherwise expressly be set forth herein. It is expressly understood that the parties are independent of one another and that neither has the authority to bind the other to any third person or otherwise to act in any way as the representative of the other, unless otherwise expressly agreed to in writing signed by both parties hereto.

   

Section 14.06      Each of the parties hereto shall use such party’s commercially reasonable efforts to take such actions as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the other party hereto to carry out and consummate the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement.

   

Section 14.07      This License 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 provisions thereof to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of New York.

   

Section 14.08      The captions appearing herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning of the provisions of this License Agreement. All references in this License Agreement to Sections, Articles and Exhibits refer to the Sections, Articles and Exhibits of this License Agreement and exhibits attached hereto is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this License Agreement.

   

Section 14.09     Each party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy which may arise under this License Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore each such party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right such Party may have to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this License Agreement, or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement. Each Party certifies and acknowledges that (i) no representative, agent or attorney of any other Party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other Party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, (ii) each party makes this waiver voluntarily, and (iII) each Party has been induced to enter into this License Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this SECTION 13.08.

 

 

 
-17-

 

   

Section 14.10      The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this License Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that, except where this License Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article IX, the parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this License Agreement and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this License Agreement and any other agreement or instrument executed in connection herewith. Each party waives any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with any such remedy. The parties further agree that (i) by seeking the remedies provided for in this Section 14.10, a party shall not in any respect waive its right to seek any other form of relief that may be available to a party and not otherwise specifically waived under this License Agreement, including monetary damages in the event that this License Agreement has been terminated or in the event that the remedies provided for in this Section 14.10 are not available or otherwise are not granted and (ii) nothing contained in this Section 14.10 shall require any party to institute any proceeding for (or limit any party’s right to institute any proceeding for) specific performance under this Section 14.10 before exercising any termination right under Article IX (and pursing damages after such termination) nor shall the commencement of any action pursuant to this Section 14.10 or anything contained in this Section 14.10 restrict or limit any party’s right to terminate this License Agreement in accordance with the terms of Article IX or pursue any other remedies under this License Agreement that may be available then or thereafter.

   

Section 14.11      Each of the parties hereto (i) irrevocably consents to the service of the summons and complaint and any other process in any action or proceeding contemplated by Section 14.10 or otherwise in any way relating to this License Agreement, on behalf of itself and/or officers, in accordance with the notice provision set forth in Section 14.03 or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, of copies of such process to such party, and nothing in this Section 14.11 shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law, (ii) irrevocably and unconditionally consents and submits itself and its property in any action or proceeding to the exclusive general jurisdiction of any state or federal court within the State of New York in the event any dispute arises out of this License Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, (iii) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other similar relief from any such court, (iv) agrees that any actions or proceedings arising in connection with this License Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement shall be brought, tried and determined only in a state or federal court within the State of New York, (v) waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same and (vi) agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this License Agreement or the license or other matters covered by this License Agreement in any court other than the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties agrees that a final judgment in any action or proceeding in such court as provided above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suits on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

 

 
-18-

 

   

Section 14.12      This License Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

   

Section 14.13      Any term or provision of this License Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this License Agreement, or any such terms in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this License Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

   

Section 14.14      Nothing in this License Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer on any Person other than the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this License Agreement.

   

Section 14.15      No waiver by any party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the party so waiving. No waiver by any party 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. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this License 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.

   

Section 14.16      This License Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. A signed copy of this License Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission (to which a PDF copy is attached) shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this License Agreement.

 

[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]

 

 
-19-

 

   

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this License Agreement to be properly executed and delivered as of the Effective Date.

   

 

QIG GROUP, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Scott F. Drees

 

 

Name:

Scott F. Drees 

 

 

Title:

CEO 

 

 

 

GREATBATCH LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas J. Hook

 

 

Name:

Thomas J. Hook 

 

 

Title:

CEO 

 

   

 

 

-20-   

Exhibit 10.8

 

LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

This LICENSE AGREEMENT (the “ License Agreement ”), dated March 13, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. , a Michigan corporation (hereinafter referred to as “ Licensor ”) and GREATBATCH LTD. , a New York corporation (hereinafter referred to as “ Licensee ”). The Licensor and the Licensee are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “parties” and individually as a “party.”

 

WHEREAS, Licensor is the sole and exclusive owner of and has the right to license to Licensee the Licensed IP (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS , Licensor desires to grant, and Licensee desires to obtain, a license with respect to the Licensed IP, including the Licensed Patent Applications (as defined below) and Licensed Patents (as defined below), which are listed on Exhibit A attached hereto, for applications outside the Field of Use (as defined below); and

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Article I.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01      Capitalized terms utilized in this License Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned and ascribed to them under this Article I, as follows:

 

(a)      “ Action shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in Section 12.01.

 

(b)      “ Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Person shall be deemed to control another Person if any of the following conditions is met: (a) in the case of corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the stock or shares having the right to vote for the election of directors, and (b) in the case of non-corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the equity interest with the power to direct the management and policies of such non-corporate entities. For purposes of this License Agreement, in no event shall Licensee or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of Licensor (or any of its Affiliates) nor shall Licensor or any of its Affiliates be deemed Affiliates of Licensee (or any of its Affiliates).

 

(c)      “ Bankruptcy Proceeding shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 9.03(a) hereof.

 

 
 

 

 

(d)       “ Business Day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by applicable law to be closed for business.

 

(e)     “ Change of Control ” means (i) a consolidation or merger of a party or other change of control transaction (other than a merger to reincorporate a party in a different jurisdiction) in which the shareholders or members, as applicable, of a party immediately prior to such transaction do not continue to hold a greater than 50% interest in the successor or survivor entity immediately following such transaction, (ii) a transaction or series of transactions that results in the transfer of more than 50% of the voting power of a party to an unaffiliated Person or (iii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a party (which shall include any effective transfer of such assets regardless of the structure of any such transaction as a license or otherwise).

 

(f)      “ Confidential Information of a party means any and all information of a confidential or proprietary nature disclosed by a party under this License Agreement, whether in oral, written, graphic or electronic format, which includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, diagrams, data, business activities and operations, customer lists, reports, studies and other technical and business information.

 

(g)      “ Damages shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in Section 12.01.

 

(h)      “ Effective Date shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(i)      “ FDA means the United States Food and Drug Administration or any successor entity.

 

(j)      “ Field of Use means all neurostimulation (i.e. the delivery of electrical energy to target specific nerve fibers which may be located in the central nervous system and/or the peripheral nervous system and may be performed via implantable or transcutaneous electrical stimulator technologies in order to provide a therapeutic benefit.  Specific neurostimulation nerve targets may include the spinal cord, sacral nerves and other peripheral nerves, deep brain and/or cortical brain structures).

 

(k)      “ Governmental Body shall mean any (i) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district or other jurisdiction; (ii) federal, state, provincial, municipal, local, foreign or other government; or (iii) governmental or quasi-governmental authority (including any governmental agency branch, department, official or entity, and any court or other tribunal).

 

(l)     “ Improvement ” means any enhancement or modification to the technology that is the subject of the Licensed IP.

 

 
- 2 -

 

 

(m)      “ Improvement Notice shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 5.01.

 

(n)      “ Improvement Patent   means all patent applications, and all patents issuing therefrom that claim Improvements, have a filing date or were acquired by, transferred or licensed to Licensor on or after the Effective Date and under which Licensor has the right to grant the licenses granted hereunder.

 

(o)      “ Indemni tee shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 12.01.

 

(p)       Intellectual Property means U.S. and foreign patents, patent applications, copyrights and copyright registrations and applications, mask works and registrations thereof, know-how and Inventions.

 

(q)      “ Invention means any invention, discovery, know-how, copyright, trade secret, data, information, technology, process or concept, whether or not patented or patentable, and whether or not memorialized in writing.

 

(r)      “ License Agreement shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(s)      “ Licensed Patent Applications shall mean those United States or foreign pending patent applications listed on Exhibit A .

 

(t)      “ Licensed Patents shall mean those United States or foreign patents listed in Exhibit A ; together with any patents resulting from (i) a Licensed Patent Application, (ii) any continuation, continuation-in-part, division, reissue, and reexamination of such patents as of the Effective Date, or (iii) any invention disclosure report arising from an Invention that has been documented prior to or as of the Effective Date.

 

(u)      “ Licensed Products means any product the manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, distribution or importation of which by Licensee would, without this License Agreement, infringe or contribute to the infringement of a claim of any Licensed IP.

 

(v)      “ Licensed IP means the Licensed Patents, the Licensed Patent Applications, and the Technical Know-How.

 

(w)      “ Licensee shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(x)      “ Licensor shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term in the recitals to this License Agreement.

 

(y)      “ Licensor Affiliate means each Affiliate of Licensor.

 

 
- 3 -

 

 

(z)      “ Person shall mean any individual, and any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, company, firm, association, trust, or governmental agency.

 

(aa)      “ Spin -off Date shall mean the date that the capital stock of Nuvectra Corporation is distributed to the stockholders of Greatbatch, Inc. as described in Nuvectra Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2015, as further amended.

 

(bb)      “ Technical Know-How shall include all concepts, methods, devices and/or ideas directed or relating to the Inventions covered by the Licensed Patents or Licensed Patent Applications, some of which may be described or summarized in attached Exhibit A , as and to the extent presently configured, or as may be disclosed in a Licensed Patent Application.

 

(cc)      “ Term shall have the meaning assigned and ascribed to such term under Section 9.01.

 

(dd)      “ Territory shall mean the entire world.

 

LICENSE

 

Article II.

Section 2.01      Subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, the Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee, and the Licensee hereby accepts a non-exclusive, right and license under the Licensed IP to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import Licensed Products in the Territory during the Term for applications outside the Field of Use.

 

Section 2.02      Except for the rights and licenses granted by Licensor under this License Agreement, this License Agreement does not grant to Licensee or any other Person any right, title or interest by implication, estoppel, or otherwise. Without limitation of the foregoing, nothing in this License Agreement shall be construed as granting by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any right, title or interest in, to or under any Licensor or Licensor Affiliate patent or patent application, other than the Licensed IP, regardless of whether such other patents are dominant or subordinate to any Licensed IP. All rights, titles and interests not specifically and expressly granted by Licensor hereunder are hereby reserved.

 

Section 2.03      For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge and agree that Licensor retains the right to fully exploit, and to have any Affiliates use or otherwise exploit, the Licensed IP and any and all Inventions disclosed and/or claimed in the Licensed Patent Applications and the Licensed Patents for all applications within and outside the Field of Use. In addition, Licensee shall not, and shall not permit any of its Affiliates to, use any Licensed IP outside of the specific scope of the license granted to it under this License Agreement.

 

Section 2.04      The parties agree that any Intellectual Property invented in connection with a Licensed Product solely by or for Licensee during the period commencing on the Spin-off Date and ending on the last day of the Term shall be owned exclusively by Licensee. As used in this Section 2.04, “invented by or for” Licensee means invented by an employee, consultant, or other agent of Licensee.

 

 
- 4 -

 

 

Article III.

 

SUBLICENSES

 

 

Section 3.01      Licensor hereby grants to Licensee and its Affiliates the right to sublicense any or all of its licensed rights to and under the Licensed IP in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of this Article III, the granting of such sublicenses shall be at Licensee’s sole and exclusive discretion and Licensee shall have the sole and exclusive power to determine the identity of any sublicensee and the terms and conditions of the sublicense.

 

Section 3.02      All sublicenses must be in a written agreement. Licensee shall provide to Licensor a true, correct and complete copy of each sublicense agreement entered into by Licensee, and any modification or termination thereof, within ten (10) Business Days following such execution, modification or termination.

 

Section 3.03      No sublicense of any Licensed IP granted by Licensee, an Affiliate of Licensee or any other sublicensee shall exceed the scope of rights granted to Licensee hereunder.

 

Section 3.04      Licensee shall require that all sublicense agreements granted by it, an Affiliate of Licensee or any other sublicensee must: (a) include an agreement by the sublicensee to be bound by the terms and conditions of this License Agreement; (b) include Licensor’s right to enforce its rights in the Licensed IP; (c) provide that the term of the sublicense thereunder shall not extend beyond the Term; and (d) indicate that Licensor is a third party beneficiary and entitled to enforce the terms and conditions of the sublicense.

 

Section 3.05      Upon termination of this License Agreement, if any sublicense is in effect between Licensee or an Affiliate of Licensee and a third party sublicensee, the Licensor, upon receipt of written notice from the sublicensee within ten (10) Business Days after termination of this License Agreement, agrees to negotiate in good faith with such third party sublicensee regarding entry into a direct license agreement from the Licensor to such third party sublicensee; provided, however, that Licensor is not required to negotiate in good faith with such third party sublicensee if it is the cause of a breach that resulted in the termination of this License Agreement or is itself in breach of its obligations under its sublicense, this License Agreement or any supply agreement entered into with Licensor.

 

Article IV.

 

PATENT RIGHTS; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

Section 4.01      For each Licensed Patent and Licensed Patent Application, Licensor shall be solely responsible for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance thereof. Licensor shall pay all fees and expenses associated with such prosecution and maintenance, and shall keep Licensee reasonably informed of the filing and progress of all material aspects of the prosecution of patent applications and the issuance of patents from such patent applications. Licensor will consult with Licensee concerning any decisions which could affect the scope or enforcement of any issued claims and shall notify Licensee in writing of any additions, deletions or changes in the status of a Licensed Patent or Licensed Patent Application. However, Licensor shall maintain sole authority and discretion to make such decisions.

 

 
- 5 -

 

 

Section 4.02      In the event that Licensor decides to terminate prosecution of a Licensed Patent Application or discontinue maintaining any Licensed Patent in any country, then the Licensor shall provide the Licensee with prompt written notice of such decision but, in any event, such notice shall be provided to Licensee at least sixty (60) days before any known bar date or non-extendable deadline. At any time after receiving such notice, Licensee may provide the Licensor with written notice that Licensee wishes to assume control of the prosecution of any such Licensed Patent Application or to maintain any such Licensed Patent, as applicable, at the sole and exclusive expense of the Licensee, and Licensor shall assign to Licensee any such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent. However, should Licensee fail to provide such notice of its desire to assume control in time to take an action to maintain such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent, Licensor shall not be liable to Licensee for damages based on any loss of rights to such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent. As a condition precedent to the completion of any such assignment, the Licensee must grant to Licensor a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual right and license under such assigned Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent to use, make, have made, sell, offer to sell, distribute and import any products incorporating such Licensed Patent Application and/or Licensed Patent within the Field of Use. If the Licensee assumes such control or maintenance obligation, the Licensor agrees to cooperate with the Licensee, its attorneys and agents in the prosecution of such Licensed Patent Application and the maintenance of any Licensed Patent and to provide the Licensee with complete copies of any and all documents and other related materials that the Licensee deems necessary to undertake such control or obligation.

 

Article V.

 

IMPROVEMENTS

 

Section 5.01     During the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Spin-Off Date, Licensor shall provide written notice to Licensee (“Improvement Notice”) promptly after the filing date or, where applicable, the effective date of any assignment or transfer to Licensor, of any relevant Improvement Patents. The Improvement Notice shall include a copy of the relevant patent application and such other details of the Improvement as would reasonably be necessary to effectively evaluate the Improvement.

 

Section 5.02      If Licensee wishes to include any Improvement Patents identified in an Improvement Notice as a Licensed Patent under this License Agreement, Licensee shall provide written notice to Licensor specifying the particular Improvement Patents that Licensee wishes to include as a Licensed Patent no later than thirty (30) days after the Spin-off Date. Immediately upon Licensee’s notice to Licensor, each Improvement Patent identified by Licensee in the notice will be a Licensed Patent under this License Agreement.

 

 
- 6 -

 

 

Section 5.03       

 

 

(a)

All right, title and interest in and to any Improvement conceived, made or reduced to practice by Licensee during the Term of this License Agreement, and all of Licensee’s patents and patent applications claiming its Improvements shall:

 

(i)     remain the sole and exclusive property of Licensee; and

 

(ii)     not be licensed to Licensor, unless the parties otherwise specifically agree in writing.

 

 

(b)

All right, title and interest in and to any Improvement conceived, made, or reduced to practice solely by Licensor during the Term of this License Agreement, and all of Licensor’s patents and patent applications claiming its Improvements shall:

 

(i)     remain the sole and exclusive property of Licensor;

 

(ii)     if first conceived, made, or reduced to practice, within the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Spin-off Date, such Improvements shall be subject to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02; and

 

(iii) if first conceived, made, or reduced to practice, after the Spin-off Date, such Improvements shall not be licensed to Licensee, unless the parties otherwise specifically agree in writing.

 

 

Article VI.

 

ENFORCEMENT OF LICENSED PATENTS

 

Section 6.01      In the event of any third party infringement of any Licensed Patent, the party hereto having knowledge thereof shall promptly notify the other party of such infringement and provide it with all details of such infringement that are known by such party. Thereafter, Licensor shall have the sole right to determine the ways and means of addressing the third party infringement. Licensor shall be entitled to receive and retain, for its own use and benefit, any recovery awarded in any litigation related to such infringement, including, without limitation, monetary damages.

 

Section 6.02      In the event that the Licensor elects not to take action or otherwise fails to take action with respect to any third party infringement, the Licensee may in its sole discretion and at its sole expense, and by counsel of its own choice, bring suit to restrain such infringement, and shall be entitled to receive and retain, for its own use and benefit, any recovery awarded in such suit, including, without limitation, monetary damages; provided that Licensee may not settle any claim without the consent of Licensor, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to the extent such settlement would result in a material adverse change to the scope, validity, or enforceability of any of the Licensed IP. In connection therewith, the Licensor agrees (a) to be joined as a party in such litigation, if so required by law, and (b) that the Licensee shall have full control of such litigation.

 

 
- 7 -

 

 

Section 6.03      Licensee shall not, directly or indirectly through one or more of its Affiliates, challenge the validity of, take material and documented steps to support any proceeding with intended effect of invalidating, or otherwise attempt to limit the scope of any Licensed Patent or Licensed Patent Application, in each case whether through post grant review, inter partes review, ex parte reexamination or other method.

 

Section 6.04      The parties agree to use reasonable commercial efforts to cooperate with one another in any litigation relating to third party infringement.

 

Article VII.

 

MARKING AND REGULATORY CLEARANCES

 

Section 7.01      Licensee shall comply with the virtual patent marking provisions of 35 USC § 287(a) by marking each Licensed Product sold in the United States, or its packaging, labels, containers, displays or any associated printed materials, as appropriate, manufactured by or on behalf of the Licensee, with an internet address at which each Licensed Product covered by a Licensed Patent is associated with one or more U.S. patent numbers having claims covering the Licensed Product. Licensee shall include in all sublicense agreements, and require in any sublicense agreement granted by it or any sublicensee, a patent marking requirement substantially identical to this Section 7.01. On a semi-annual basis, Licensor shall provide Licensee with an updated list of Licensed Patents covering individual Licensed Products manufactured by or on behalf of the Licensee.

 

Section 7.02      The parties acknowledge and agree that the Licensee shall have the sole right to adopt and use trademarks of its own choosing with respect to all Licensed Products manufactured and/or sold under this License Agreement and that the Licensee shall own all right, title and interest to such trademarks. The Licensee shall not use any trademark, service mark, trade name, corporate name, or any other identifier of the Licensor, or any Affiliate of the Licensor, in connection with the Licensed Products in any manner without the express written consent of the Licensor.

 

Section 7.03      Licensee shall, at Licensee’s sole and exclusive expense, comply with all regulations and safety standards concerning Licensed Products developed and commercialized by or under the authority of Licensee, including, without limitation, the regulations and safety standards of the FDA, and obtain all necessary regulatory approvals from Governmental Bodies for the development, production, distribution, sale and use of Licensed Products developed and commercialized by or under the authority of Licensee, including any safety or clinical studies; provided , however , that Licensor shall reasonably cooperate with Licensee in obtaining any regulatory approvals from Governmental Bodies for the development, production, distribution, sale and use of Licensed Products. Licensee shall have responsibility for and provide suitable warning labels, packaging and instructions as to the use for such Licensed Products.

 

 
- 8 -

 

 

Article VIII.

 

ROYALTIES

 

Section 8.01       The parties agree that a royalty fee of $100 per year shall be payable to Licensor by Licensee under this License Agreement in respect of the Licensed IP (the “Royalty Fee”). The Royalty Fee shall be payable each year on or before the anniversary date of this License Agreement; provided , however that Licensee’s failure to pay the Royalty Fee shall not be considered a breach of this License Agreement until thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of non-payment from Licensor.

 

Article IX.

 

TERM AND TERMINATION

 

Section 9.01      This License Agreement and the license hereunder shall be effective as of the Effective Date. This License Agreement shall, unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Article IX, be and remain in effect until the expiration of the last to expire Licensed Patent or the last Licensed Patent Application that becomes abandoned, whichever is later (herein referred to as the Term ).

 

Section 9.02      In the event of any material breach of this License Agreement by a party, the non-breaching party shall deliver written notice thereof to the breaching party. The breaching party shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to cure such material breach within thirty (30) days of notice from the non-breaching party. If, within such period, the breaching party has not cured such material breach, the non-breaching party shall have the right to terminate this License Agreement upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the breaching party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such material breach is capable of being cured, but is not reasonably capable of being cured within the thirty (30) day cure period, if the breaching party (i) proposes within such thirty (30) day period a written plan to cure such material breach within a defined time frame extending for a period not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, and (ii) makes good faith efforts to cure such material breach and to implement such written cure plan, then the non-breaching party may not terminate this License Agreement until the earlier of such time as the breaching party is no longer diligently pursuing such cure in accordance with such plan or the end of such additional period.

 

Section 9.03      Either party shall have the right to immediately terminate this License Agreement, upon prior written notice to the other party, if the other party: (i) becomes insolvent or generally fails to pay, or admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due; (ii) applies for or consents to the appointment of a trustee, receiver or other custodian, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iii) commences any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other case or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution or liquidation proceedings (each, hereinafter referred to as a Bankruptcy Proceeding ); or (iv) has a Bankruptcy Proceeding commenced against it and such Bankruptcy Proceeding is not dismissed within thirty (30) days of the date of commencement thereof.

 

 
- 9 -

 

 

Section 9.04      Immediately upon termination pursuant to this Article IX, the Licensee shall cease and desist from making, having made, using, importing, distributing, selling and/or offering to sell the Licensed Products; provided , however , that Licensee shall be permitted to dispose of all Licensed Products held as inventory and all Licensed Products in the course of manufacture at the date of termination for a period of thirty (30) days after the date of termination. In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.02 or 9.03,, the Licensor shall be free to grant to others exclusive rights under any or all of the Licensed IP. Termination of this License Agreement for any reason, or the expiration of this License Agreement, shall not relieve either party from performing obligations incurred prior to such termination or expiration.

 

Section 9.05      Neither party shall be in default hereunder by reason of any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder where such failure or delay is due to any cause beyond its reasonable control, including strikes, labor disputes, civil disturbances, riot, rebellion, invasion, epidemic, hostilities, war, terrorist attack, embargo, natural disaster, acts of God, flood, fire, sabotage, loss and destruction of property or any other circumstances or causes beyond such party’s reasonable control.

 

Section 9.06      The provisions of Articles I and Articles VIII through and including Article XIV shall survive termination or expiration of this License Agreement.

 

Article X.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY LICENSOR

 

Section 10.01      The Licensor, to its knowledge, represents, warrants and covenants that:

 

(a)     The Licensor is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the law of the State of Michigan, and has full corporate power to conduct the business in which it is presently engaged and to enter into and perform its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

(b)     The Licensor has taken all necessary corporate action under the laws of the State of Michigan and its certificate of incorporation and its bylaws to authorize the execution and consummation of this License Agreement and, when executed and delivered, this License Agreement shall constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of the Licensor enforceable against the Licensor in accordance with the terms hereof, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting generally the enforceability of creditors’ rights and by limitations on the availability of equitable remedies.

 

 
- 10 -

 

 

(c)     Neither the execution and delivery of this License Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will violate any law, rule, regulation, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or other order of any court, government or governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, binding upon the Licensor, or conflict with or result in any breach of or event of termination under any of the terms of, or constitute a default under or result in the termination of or the creation or imposition of any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature pursuant to, the terms of any contract or agreement to which the Licensor is a party or by which the Licensor or any of its assets and properties are bound.

 

(d)      THE LICENSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, VALIDITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY.

 

Article XI.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY LICENSEE

 

Section 11.01      The Licensee, to its knowledge, represents, warrants and covenants that:

 

(a)     The Licensee is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the law of the State of New York, and has full corporate power to conduct the business in which it is presently engaged and to enter into and perform its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

(b)     The Licensee has taken all necessary corporate action under the laws of the State of New York and its certificate of incorporate and its bylaws to authorize the execution and consummation of this License Agreement and, when executed and delivered, this License Agreement shall constitute the valid and legally binding agreement of the Licensee enforceable against the Licensee in accordance with the terms hereof, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting generally the enforceability of equitable remedies.

 

(c)     Neither the execution and delivery of this License Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will violate any law, rule, regulation, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or other order of any court, government or governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, binding upon the Licensee, or conflict with or result in any breach of or event of termination under any of the terms of, or constitute a default under or result in the termination of or the creation or imposition of any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature pursuant to, the terms of any contract or agreement to which the Licensee is a party or by which the Licensee or any of its assets and properties are bound.

 

 
- 11 -

 

 

Article XII.

 

INDEMNIFICATION & INSURANCE

 

Section 12.01      Licensor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Licensee and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (each, an “ Indemnitee ”) against all damages, costs, expenses, interest (including prejudgment interest), losses, claims, demands, liabilities, deficiencies and/or obligations, including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (herein referred to, collectively, as “ Damages ”) arising out of or resulting from any third party claim, suit, action or proceeding related to, arising out of or resulting from Licensor’s breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation under this License Agreement (each an “ Action ”).

 

Section 12.02      Licensor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Indemnitees against all Damages arising out of, resulting from or relating to any Action involving a claim that any manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, distribution or importation of the Licensed IP or any Licensed Product outside the Field of Use in the Territory, or the exercise of any rights or privileges by Licensee granted to it under this License Agreement, infringes any patent or other intellectual property right of any third party; provided that, Licensor shall have no liability to Indemnitee with respect to any claim of infringement that is based solely upon (a) the combination of a Licensed Product with any other product or equipment not covered by the Licensed IP that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such combination is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement; (b) the customization of a Licensed Product by Indemnitee or any other third party for another Person that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such customization is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement; and (c) the modification of a Licensed Product by Indemnitee that is not authorized by Licensor and that is not reasonably anticipated by Licensor unless such modification is necessary to practice the Licensed IP and in such case, Licensor shall remain liable to the Indemnitee for such infringement.

 

Section 12.03      The Indemnitee shall within 30 days of such Indemnitee’s notice of such Action notify the indemnifying party in writing of any Action and cooperate with the indemnifying party at the indemnifying party’s sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall immediately take control of the defense and investigation of the Action and shall employ counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee to handle and defend the same, at the indemnifying party’s sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall not settle any Action in a manner that adversely affects the rights of any Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnitee’s failure to perform any obligations under this Section 12.03 shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligation under this Section 12.03 except to the extent that the indemnifying party can demonstrate that it has been materially prejudiced as a result of the failure. The Indemnitee may participate in and observe the proceedings at its own cost and expense with counsel of its own choosing.

 

Section 12.04      Licensee shall, at all times during the Term and for five (5) years thereafter, obtain and maintain at its own expense the following types of insurance, with limits of liability not less than those specified below:

 

(a)     Commercial general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury and property damage which shall include contractual coverage and product liability coverage, with limits of not less than $10,000,000 per occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate; and

 

 
- 12 -

 

 

(b)     Workers compensation and employers’ liability with limits to comply with the statutory requirements of the state(s) in which the License Agreement is to be performed. The policy shall include employers’ liability for not less than $5,000,000 per accident.

 

Licensee shall deliver certificates of insurance evidencing coverage to Licensor promptly upon request after the execution of this License Agreement and upon reasonably request thereafter. All policies provided for herein shall expressly provide that such policies shall not be cancelled, terminated or altered without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Licensee, and Licensee shall promptly notify the Licensor in the event that a policy provided for herein is cancelled, terminated or altered.

 

Except for Damages resulting from the Licensor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or arising from a breach of the Licensor’s confidentiality obligations hereunder, the Licensor’s maximum liability for Damages arising out of or resulting from any Action hereunder shall be $10,000,000 per occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate. Except for Damages resulting from the Licensor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or arising from a breach of the Licensor’s confidentiality obligations hereunder, in no event shall Licensor be liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business or goodwill) suffered or incurred by the Indemnitee. In no case shall Licensor be liable for any damages arising out of the Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

Article XIII.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Section 13.01      Confidential Information provided by the disclosing party and entitled to protection under this License Agreement shall be identified as such by an appropriate marking of “Confidential Information” on any document exchanged. If the disclosing party provides information other than in written form, such information shall be considered Confidential Information only if (a) the information by its nature would reasonably be considered of a confidential nature or if the receiving party, due to the context in which the information was disclosed, should have reasonably known it to be confidential, and (b) either the disclosing party gives written notice within thirty (30) days of disclosure that such information is to remain confidential or the disclosing party had previously confirmed in writing that such information was confidential.

 

 
- 13 -

 

 

Section 13.02      Each party acknowledges that the other party claims its trade secrets and other Confidential Information as special, valuable and unique assets. During the Restricted Period for itself and on behalf of its officers, directors, agents, and employees, each party agrees to the following:

 

(a)     The receiving party will use the Confidential Information only for the purposes of exercising its rights or fulfilling its obligations under this License Agreement and will not otherwise use it for its own benefit. In no event shall the receiving party use less than the same degree of care to protect the Confidential Information as it would employ with respect to its own information of like importance which it does not desire to have published or disseminated.

 

(b)     The receiving party will not disclose any Confidential Information to any third party or disclose to an employee unless:

 

(i)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary (A) for the filing or prosecuting of Licensed Patents as contemplated by this License Agreement; (B) to comply with the requirement of a Governmental Body with respect to obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals (or any pricing and reimbursement approvals) of any Licensed Product; or (C) for prosecuting or defending litigations as contemplated by this License Agreement;

 

(ii)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to its members, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, consultants or contractors on a need-to-know basis for the sole purpose of performing its obligations or exercising its rights under this License Agreement; provided that in each case, the disclosees must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non-use consistent with those contained in this License Agreement;

 

(iii)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to any bona fide potential or actual investor, acquiror, merger partner, or other financial or commercial partner for the sole purpose of evaluating an actual or potential investment, acquisition or other business relationship; provided that in each case, the disclosees must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non-use consistent with those contained in this License Agreement; or

 

(iv)     such disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with applicable law, including regulations promulgated by applicable security exchanges, a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative subpoena or order; provided , however , if the receiving party is subject to a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative subpoena or order requiring disclosure of Confidential Information, then, prior to disclosing any such Confidential Information, the receiving party shall promptly notify the disclosing party in writing and, upon the disclosing party’s request, shall cooperate with the disclosing party in contesting such request or in obtaining a protective order or other similar injunctive relief.

 

(c)     The parties acknowledge that either or both parties may be obligated to file a copy of this License Agreement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or similar stock exchange authorities or other governmental authorities. Each party shall be entitled to make such a required filing; provided , however , that it requests confidential treatment of the commercial terms and sensitive technical terms hereof and thereof to the extent such confidential treatment is reasonably available to such party. In the event of any such filing, each party shall provide the other party with a copy of this License Agreement marked to show provisions for which such party intends to seek confidential treatment and shall reasonably consider and incorporate the other party’s comments thereon to the extent consistent with the legal requirements, with respect to the filing party, governing disclosure of material agreements and material information that must be publicly filed.

 

 
- 14 -

 

 

(d)     For purposes hereof, the term “ Restricted Period ” means (a) in the case of any Confidential Information that is designated as trade secrets of a disclosing party (which designation can be made at any reasonable time by the disclosing party), in perpetuity; and (b) in the case of other Confidential Information of a disclosing party, during the Term and for a period of ten (10) years thereafter.

 

Section 13.03     All information furnished under this License Agreement shall remain the property of the disclosing party and shall be returned to it or destroyed or purged promptly as requested by the disclosing party upon termination of this License Agreement. All documents, memoranda, notes and other tangible embodiments whatsoever prepared by the receiving party based on or which includes Confidential Information shall be destroyed to the extent necessary to remove all such Confidential Information upon the disclosing party’s request. An authorized officer of the receiving party shall, upon request, certify all destruction under this Section 13.03 in writing to the disclosing party.

 

Section 13.04      The confidentiality obligations in this Article XIII shall not apply to disclosed information that the receiving party can prove: (a) that the receiving party knew at the time of disclosure, free of any obligation to keep it confidential, as evidenced by written records; (b) that is or becomes generally publicly known through disclosure without breach of confidentiality obligations by the receiving party, (c) that the receiving party independently developed without the use of any Confidential Information as evidenced by written records; or (d) receiving party rightfully obtains from a third party who has the right to transfer or disclose it.

 

Section 13.05      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this License Agreement, neither party may initiate or make any public announcement or other disclosure concerning the terms and conditions or the subject matter of this License Agreement to any third party without the prior written approval of the other party except as may be required by law. In those circumstances where either party believes that any such disclosure is required by law, it shall (a) notify the other party on a timely basis in advance and (b) use its best efforts to seek confidential treatment of the material provisions of this License Agreement to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

 
- 15 -

 

 

Article XIV.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 14.01       The parties intend for this License Agreement to be an “executory contract” for purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction. All rights and licenses granted by Licensor under or pursuant to this License Agreement are, and shall otherwise be deemed to be, for purposes of Section 365(n) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction, licenses of rights to “intellectual property” as defined under Section 101 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Licensee shall have the right to exercise all rights and elections with respect to the Licensed IP. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Licensor acknowledges and agrees that, in the event of the commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding by or against any Licensor (or any of Licensor’s Affiliates that own or hold any of the Licensed Patents or Licensed Patent Applications) under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any analogous provisions in any other country or jurisdiction, (a) subject to Licensee’s rights of election, all rights and licenses granted to Licensee hereunder will continue subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, and will not be affected, even by Licensor’s rejection of this License Agreement, and (b) Licensee shall be entitled to a complete duplicate (or complete access to, as appropriate) all such Licensed IP and embodiments of Licensed IP comprising or related to any Licensed Product, and such Licensed IP, if not already in Licensee’s possession, shall be promptly delivered to Licensee, unless Licensor elects to and does in fact continue to perform all of its obligations under this License Agreement.

 

Section 14.02      Neither party shall assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights, or delegate or otherwise transfer any of its obligations or performance, under this License Agreement, in each case whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, without the other party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided , however , either party may, after providing the other party with prior written notice of a proposed transfer or assignment, transfer or assign its rights under the License Agreement to its successor-in-interest in connection with occurrence of a Change of Control without the need to obtain the other party’s prior written consent. In the event of a Change of Control of Licensor, Licensee’s rights under this License Agreement shall continue unless agreed otherwise in writing between the parties. Any purported assignment, delegation or transfer in violation of Section 14.01 is void.

 

Section 14.03      Unless otherwise provided in this License Agreement, any notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and (a) delivered personally (to be effective when so delivered), (b) mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (to be effective four days after the date it is mailed) or (c) sent by Federal Express or other overnight courier service (to be effective when received by the addressee), to the following addresses (or to such other addresses which any party shall designate in writing to the other parties):

 

(a)     If to Licensor:

 

NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.

5830 Granite Parkway

Suite 1100

Plano, Texas 75024

Attn: General Counsel

 

(b)     If to Licensee:

 

Greatbatch Ltd.

10000 Wehrle Drive

Clarence, New York 14031

Attn: General Counsel

 

 
- 16 -

 

 

Section 14.04      This License Agreement and all exhibits attached hereto contain the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and supersede all prior understandings, arrangements and agreements, written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No modification or amendments to this License Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against which it is sought to be enforced. The recitals hereto are true and correct, and are part of this License Agreement.

 

Section 14.05      Each of the parties hereto shall bear such party’s own expenses in connection with this License Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except as may otherwise expressly be set forth herein. It is expressly understood that the parties are independent of one another and that neither has the authority to bind the other to any third person or otherwise to act in any way as the representative of the other, unless otherwise expressly agreed to in writing signed by both parties hereto.

 

Section 14.06      Each of the parties hereto shall use such party’s commercially reasonable efforts to take such actions as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the other party hereto to carry out and consummate the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement.

 

Section 14.07      This License 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 provisions thereof to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of New York.

 

Section 14.08      The captions appearing herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning of the provisions of this License Agreement. All references in this License Agreement to Sections, Articles and Exhibits refer to the Sections, Articles and Exhibits of this License Agreement and exhibits attached hereto is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this License Agreement.

 

S ection 14.09    Each party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy which may arise under this License Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore each such party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right such Party may have to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this License Agreement, or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement. Each Party certifies and acknowledges that (i) no representative, agent or attorney of any other Party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other Party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, (ii) each party makes this waiver voluntarily, and (iII) each Party has been induced to enter into this License Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this SECTION 13.08.

 

 
- 17 -

 

 

Section 14.10      The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this License Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that, except where this License Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article IX, the parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this License Agreement and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this License Agreement and any other agreement or instrument executed in connection herewith. Each party waives any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with any such remedy. The parties further agree that (i) by seeking the remedies provided for in this Section 14.10, a party shall not in any respect waive its right to seek any other form of relief that may be available to a party and not otherwise specifically waived under this License Agreement, including monetary damages in the event that this License Agreement has been terminated or in the event that the remedies provided for in this Section 14.10 are not available or otherwise are not granted and (ii) nothing contained in this Section 14.10 shall require any party to institute any proceeding for (or limit any party’s right to institute any proceeding for) specific performance under this Section 14.10 before exercising any termination right under Article IX (and pursing damages after such termination) nor shall the commencement of any action pursuant to this Section 14.10 or anything contained in this Section 14.10 restrict or limit any party’s right to terminate this License Agreement in accordance with the terms of Article IX or pursue any other remedies under this License Agreement that may be available then or thereafter.

 

Section 14.11      Each of the parties hereto (i) irrevocably consents to the service of the summons and complaint and any other process in any action or proceeding contemplated by Section 14.10 or otherwise in any way relating to this License Agreement, on behalf of itself and/or officers, in accordance with the notice provision set forth in Section 14.03 or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, of copies of such process to such party, and nothing in this Section 14.11 shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law, (ii) irrevocably and unconditionally consents and submits itself and its property in any action or proceeding to the exclusive general jurisdiction of any state or federal court within the State of New York in the event any dispute arises out of this License Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, (iii) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other similar relief from any such court, (iv) agrees that any actions or proceedings arising in connection with this License Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this License Agreement shall be brought, tried and determined only in a state or federal court within the State of New York, (v) waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same and (vi) agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this License Agreement or the license or other matters covered by this License Agreement in any court other than the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties agrees that a final judgment in any action or proceeding in such court as provided above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suits on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

 
- 18 -

 

 

Section 14.12      This License Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 14.13      Any term or provision of this License Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this License Agreement, or any such terms in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this License Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

 

Section 14.14      Nothing in this License Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer on any Person other than the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this License Agreement.

     

Section 14.15      No waiver by any party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the party so waiving. No waiver by any party 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. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this License 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.

 

Section 14.16      This License Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. A signed copy of this License Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission (to which a PDF copy is attached) shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this License Agreement.

 

[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]

 

 
- 19 -

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this License Agreement to be properly executed and delivered as of the Effective Date.

 

 

NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

   
   
  By: /s/ Scott F. Drees  
  Name: Scott F. Drees   
  Title: President 
     
 

GREATBATCH LTD.

   
   
  By: /s/ Thomas J. Hook  
  Name: Thomas J. Hook 
  Title: CEO 

 

 

-20- 

Exhibit 10.9

 

AGREEMENT OF SUBLEASE

     

THIS AGREEMENT OF SUBLEASE (the “ Sublease ”), made as of the 14th day of March, 2016, by and between GREATBATCH LTD ., a New York corporation, whose business address is 10000 Wehrle Drive, Clarence, New York 14031 (“ Sublandlord ”), and QiG GROUP, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company, whose business address is 5830 Granite Parkway, 11 th Floor, Plano, Texas 75024 (“ Subtenant ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS , by that certain office lease dated as of November 26, 2014 between Granite Park V Limited (“ Overlandlord ”), as landlord, and Sublandlord, as tenant (the “ Overlease ”), Sublandlord leased from Overlandlord the entire 11th and 12th floor located at 5830 Granite Parkway, Plano, TX 75024, consisting of 53,284 square feet (hereinafter “ Sublessor’s Premises ”);

 

WHEREAS , Subtenant desires to sublease from Sublandlord and Sublandlord is willing to sublease to Subtenant a portion of the 11th Floor of the Sublessor’s Premises, consisting of approximately 11,600 square feet (the “ Subleased Premises ”), as more particularly shown on Exhibit B .

 

WHEREAS, Subtenant desires to have the non-exclusive right to use a portion the 11th Floor of the Sublessor’s Premises, consisting of approximately 7,400 square feet (the “Common Area”), as more particularly shown on Exhibit B .

 

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of Ten Dollars ($10.00) in hand paid by Subtenant to Sublandlord, the mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows (capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Overlease):

 

1.      Subleasing of Subleased Premises; Condition of Premises.

 

(a)      Sublandlord hereby subleases to Subtenant and Subtenant hereby hires from Sublandlord, the Subleased Premises, upon and subject to all of the terms, covenants, rentals and conditions hereinafter set forth, together with the right in common with others to use the lobbies, stairways and other public and service portions of the Building and the Land for the respective purposes for which they are intended, and together with the parking rights expressly provided in this Sublease, subject however to all applicable provisions hereof.

 

(b)      Subtenant shall accept the Subleased Premises in the condition and state of repair on the date hereof, “as is”, subject to ordinary wear and tear between the date hereof and the Commencement Date (as hereinafter defined), and Subtenant expressly acknowledges and agrees that Sublandlord has made no representations or warranties with respect to the Subleased Premises or the Building and is not obligated, except for completion of the “punch-list” that resulted from the build-out improvements completed for the Subleased Premise, to make repairs of or to perform any work at, the Subleased Premises prior to the delivery of the Subleased Premises.

 

 

 
 

 

 

2.      Term.

 

The term of this Sublease shall commence on the date on which Overlandlord shall consent to this Sublease, (the “ Commencement Date ”) and shall expire at 11:59 P.M. on March 15, 2018 (the “ Expiration Date ”), unless sooner terminated or extended as hereinafter provided (the “ Term ”).

 

3.      Rent.

 

(a)      During the Term, from and after the Commencement Date, Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord rent (the “ Rent ”) at the rate of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) per annum, in equal monthly installments of Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Six Dollars and Sixty Six Cents ($16,666.66). Sublandord will supply gas and electric utilities and telephone and internet services for ordinary office use at no additional charge. In no event shall Sublandlord be responsible or liable for the failure to supply Subtenant or for the failure of Subtenant to receive, any utility service, nor shall Subtenant be entitled to any cessation, abatement, reduction or other offset of Rent in the event of any failure to receive any utility service.

 

(b)      The Rent shall be due and payable on the first (1st) day of each calendar month during the Term at the office of Sublandlord, or at such other place or places as Sublandlord may designate, at any time and from time to time upon prior written notice to Subtenant, without any set-off or deduction of any kind whatsoever, except that Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord the first monthly installment of Rent due under this Sublease, upon the execution of this Sublease by both Sublandlord and Subtenant.

 

(c)      If Subtenant shall fail to pay any installment or other payment of any Rent or other sums payable hereunder when due, interest shall accrue (and shall be paid to Sublandlord immediately upon demand) on such installment or payment as a late charge, from the date such installment or payment became due until the date paid, at the rate of five percent (5%) per annum.

 

(d)      All amounts due under this Sublease are to be paid to Sublandlord (or its designees) in lawful money of the United States by federal funds wire transfer or by good and sufficient check, subject to collection, drawn on a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or a successor thereto.

 

4.      Parking. During the Term, Subtenant shall be entitled to use of, at no additional cost to the Subtenant, five (5) of Sublandlord’s reserved parking spaces and fifty (50) of Sublandlord’s unreserved parking spaces.

 

5.      Alterations.

 

Subtenant may make no changes, alterations, installations, additions, improvements or decorations in, to or about the Subleased Premises without Overlandlord’s and Sublandlord’s prior written consent, Sublandlord’s consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. In the event that each of Overlandlord and Sublandlord shall consent to the performance by Subtenant of any such change, alteration, installation, addition, improvement or decoration, Subtenant shall perform same in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Overlease. Subtenant shall restore the Subleased Premises to the extent required pursuant to the Overlease unless specifically otherwise agreed to in writing by Overlandlord.

 

 

 
-2-

 

 

6.      Care, Surrender and Restoration of the Premises.

 

Upon the Expiration Date or earlier termination of the Term, Subtenant shall quit and surrender the Subleased Premises to Sublandlord, broom clean, in good order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and Subtenant shall remove all of its property therefrom. If the Expiration Date, or earlier termination of the Term, falls on a Sunday, this Sublease shall expire at noon on the immediately preceding Saturday unless such Saturday is a legal holiday, in which case the Term shall expire at noon on the first business day immediately preceding such Saturday. Subtenant shall observe and perform each of the covenants contained in this Sublease and Subtenant’s obligations hereunder shall survive the Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Sublease.

 

7.      Use.

 

(a)      Subtenant shall use and occupy the Subleased Premises for the operation of an office, including uses ancillary thereto and for no other purpose.

 

(b)      Subtenant has the non-exclusive right to use in common with Sublandlord the Common Areas. Sublandlord is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the common areas;  provided, however, to the extent such cleaning, maintenance, repairs or replacements are required as a result of any act, neglect, fault or omission of Subtenant, Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord, as additional Rent within ten (10) days after demand, the costs of such cleaning, maintenance, repairs and replacements.  Sublandlord shall not be liable to Subtenant for failure to perform any such maintenance, repairs or replacements, unless Sublandlord is the responsible party and shall fail to make such maintenance, repairs or replacements and such failure shall continue for an unreasonable time following written notice from Subtenant to Sublandlord of the need therefor. Sublandlord reserves the right from time to time to do any of the following: (i) make any changes, additions, improvements, maintenance, repairs or replacements in or to the Common Areas; (ii) close temporarily any of the Common Areas while engaged in making repairs, improvements or alterations to the Common Areas; and (iii) perform such other acts and make such other changes with respect to the Common Areas, as Sublandlord may, in the exercise of good faith business judgment, deem to be appropriate. If Sublandlord is required to reconfigure the Common Areas as a result of Sublandlord’s exercise of its rights under this subsection (iii), Sublandlord shall provide Subtenant with reasonable notice of the construction schedule to the extent that the Common Areas are affected, and Sublandlord shall endeavor to minimize, as reasonably practicable, the interference with Subtenant’s business as a result of any such construction.

 

 

 
-3-

 

 

8.      Subordination to and Incorporation of Terms of the Overlease.

 

(a)      This Sublease is in all respects subject and subordinate to all of the terms, provisions, covenants, stipulations, conditions and agreements of the Overlease, and, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Sublease, all of the terms, provisions, covenants, stipulations, conditions, rights, obligations, remedies and agreements of the Overlease are incorporated in this Sublease by reference and made a part hereof as if herein set forth at length, and shall, as between Sublandlord and Subtenant (as if they were the Landlord and Tenant, respectively, under the Overlease, and as if the word “Lease” were “Sublease”), constitute the terms of this Sublease, Basic Lease Information paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, Exhibits B, B-1, D, D-1, D-2, E, F, G, H, Riders 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, the 2 nd and 3 rd sentences of Section 1.1.1, Section 1.1.2, Section 1.1.3, Section 1.2, Section 2.1, Section 2.2, Section 4.1.2, Section 4.1.3(c), Section 4.5, Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.3.2, Section 6.1, Section 6.3.1, Section 6.3.2, Section 7.3, Section 7.6, Section 15.7, Section 15.15, Section 15.22, Section 15.23, Section 15.24 and Section 15.25 of the Overlease, as well as such other terms of the Overlease as do not relate to the Subleased Premises or are inapplicable, inconsistent with, or that are specifically modified by, the terms of this Sublease. In furtherance of the foregoing, Subtenant shall not take any action or do or permit to be done anything which (i) is or may be prohibited to Sublandlord, as tenant under the Overlease, (ii) might result in a violation of or default under any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of the Overlease or any other instrument to which this Sublease is subordinate, or (iii) would result in any additional cost or other liability to Sublandlord pursuant to the terms of the Overlease and is not permitted by the terms of this Sublease. This clause shall be self-operative and no further instrument of subordination shall be required. As between Sublandlord and Subtenant, in the event of any inconsistency between this Sublease and the Overlease, this Sublease shall control.

 

(b)      In the event that the Overlease is cancelled or terminated, Subtenant shall, at the option of Overlandlord, attorn to and recognize Overlandlord, as Sublandlord hereunder, and shall, promptly upon Overlandlord’s request, execute and deliver all instruments reasonably necessary or appropriate to confirm such attornment and recognition, provided that Overlandlord agrees to recognize Subtenant as subtenant under the Sublease. Subtenant hereby waives all rights under any present or future law to elect, by reason of the termination of the Overlease, to terminate this Sublease or surrender possession of the Subleased Premises, provided that Overlandlord agrees to recognize Subtenant as subtenant under the Sublease.

 

(c)      References in the Overlease to work or repairs to be performed or services or maintenance to supplied by “Landlord” in respect of the Premises shall continue to mean and provide that such work or repairs shall be performed and services or maintenance provided by Overlandlord (and not by Sublandlord) pursuant to the terms, covenants and conditions of the Overlease relating to the Subleased Premises, applicable to the Subleased Premises.

 

(d)      Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, all notice or cure periods of Subtenant provided for herein or other time limits for Subtenant to perform any act, condition or covenant, or exercise any right or remedy, shall be the same as those provided for in the Overlease, but reduced by the greater of 25% (rounded to the greatest reduction) or two (2) days and, if notice is required, measured from the earlier of the date on which notice is given to Subtenant by either Overlandlord or Sublandlord. Under no circumstances shall Subtenant’s notice period be less than five (5) business days.

 

 

 
-4-

 

 

9.      Subtenant’s Obligations.

 

Except as specifically set forth herein to the contrary, all acts to be performed by, and all of the terms, provisions, covenants, stipulations, conditions, obligations and agreements to be observed by, Sublandlord, as tenant under the Overlease, shall, to the extent that the same relate to the Subleased Premises, be performed and observed by Subtenant, and Subtenant’s obligations in respect thereof shall run to Sublandlord or Overlandlord as may be required by the respective interests of Sublandlord and Overlandlord. Subtenant shall indemnify Sublandlord against, and hold Sublandlord harmless from, all liabilities, losses, obligations, damages, penalties, claims, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and other costs) which are paid, suffered or incurred by Sublandlord as a result of the nonperformance or nonobservance of any such terms, provisions, covenants, stipulations, conditions, obligations or agreements by Subtenant, unless such nonperformance or nonobservance is caused by Sublandlord’s actions or failure to act.

 

10.      Sublandlord’s Obligations; Quiet Enjoyment.

 

(a)      Notwithstanding anything contained in this Sublease to the contrary, Sublandlord shall have no responsibility to Subtenant for, and shall not be required to provide, any of the services or make any of the repairs or restorations which Overlandlord has agreed to make or provide, or cause to be made or provided, under the Overlease and Subtenant shall rely upon, and look solely to, Overlandlord for the provision of such services and the performance of such repairs and restorations. Sublandlord shall, promptly upon Subtenant's request and, make demands of and send notice to Overlandlord and otherwise cooperate with Subtenant (including, without limitation, the execution of appropriate documents) in order to exercise and/or enforce, as the case may be, the rights, obligations, covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Sublease and to obtain redress for any breach on the part of the Overlandlord thereunder. Sublandlord shall use its best efforts to assist Subtenant in obtaining all services, repairs, alterations, replacements, access, appurtenances, and deliveries and enforcing other rights to which Subtenant or Sublandlord, as tenant, is entitled under the Prime Lease. Subtenant shall not make any claim against Sublandlord for any damage which may result from, nor shall Subtenant’s obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, Subtenant’s obligation to pay all Rent when due, be impaired by reason of, (a) the failure of Overlandlord to keep, observe or perform any of its obligations under the Overlease, or (b) the acts or omissions of Overlandlord or any of its agents, contractors, servants, employees, invitees or licensees.

 

(b)      Sublandlord covenants that, subject to (i) the Overlease and Overlandlord’s performance thereunder, and (ii) all matters to which the Overlease may be subject from time to time, Subtenant, on paying the all amounts due hereunder (including, without limitation, the Rent) and performing all its other obligations under this Sublease, shall and may quietly have, hold and enjoy the Subleased Premises for the term aforesaid in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(c)      Sublandlord covenants and agrees that Sublandlord shall not, without Subtenant’s prior written consent, do or suffer or permit anything to be done or suffered, including, without limitation, entering into any amendment of the Overlease which would cause the Overlease to be canceled or terminated, forfeited or which would decrease Subtenant’s rights or increase Subtenant’s obligations or liabilities under this Sublease or the Overlease or cause Subtenant to become liable to Overlandlord for any damages, claims or penalties. Sublandlord shall not do or permit to be done anything which would constitute a violation or breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the Lease or which would cause the Overlease to be terminated or forfeited by virtue of any right termination or forfeiture reserved or vested in Overlandlord. Sublandlord further covenants and agrees that it will not agree to a voluntary termination of the Overlease unless, in connection therewith, the Overlandlord accepts this Sublease as a direct lease between Overlandlord and Subtenant. If Sublandlord shall default in the performance of any of its obligations under this Sublease, Subtenant, without being under any obligation to do so and without thereby waiving such default, may remedy such default for the account and at the expense of Sublandlord without notice, in case of emergency, and in all other cases if the default continues after ten (10) days from the date of giving by Subtenant to Sublandlord of written notice of intention to do so, unless Sublandlord shall have commenced to remedy such default and shall thereafter diligently cannot prosecute such remedy to completion.

 

 

 
-5-

 

 

(d)      Sublandlord hereby indemnifies and holds harmless Subtenant from and against any and all liabilities, damages, costs and expenses of every kind, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, incurred by Subtenant in connection with or arising out of (i) any misrepresentation by Sublandlord herein, or (ii) any breach by Sublandlord of its obligations under this Sublease or the Lease.

 

11.      Sublandlord’s Representations and Warranties.

 

Sublandlord represents to Subtenant that the Overlease is in full force and effect, that no default exists on the part of any party to the Overlease, and that true, accurate and complete copies of the Overlease and all amendments thereto are attached hereto.

 

Sublandlord represents and warrants that (a) it holds a valid leasehold interest in the Sublease Premises, (b) it has the full right, power and authority to lease the Sublease Premises to Subtenant as provided in this Sublease without any need for obtaining any consents or approvals from any party, including, without limitation, any mortgagee’s or other entities, except for Overlandlord, (c) the person executing this Sublease on behalf of Sublandlord is duly authorized to do so and is authorized to act on behalf of Sublandlord, (d) this Sublease and all documents to be executed pursuant hereto by Sublandlord are binding upon and enforceable against Sublandlord in accordance with their respective terms, and (e) the transaction contemplated hereby will not result in a breach of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement to which Sublandlord, or, to Sublandlord’s best knowledge, the Overlease, the Sublease Premises or the building, are subject or by which the same are bound.

 

12.      Covenants with respect to the Overlease.

 

In the event that Subtenant shall be in default of any term, provision, covenant, stipulation, condition, obligation or agreement of, or shall fail to honor any obligation under, this Sublease, Sublandlord, on giving the notice required by the Overlease (as modified pursuant to Section 16 hereof) and subject to the right, if any, of Subtenant to cure any such default within any applicable grace period provided in the Overlease (as modified pursuant to Section 16 hereof), shall have available to it all of the remedies available to Overlandlord under the Overlease in the event of a like default or failure on the part of Sublandlord, as tenant thereunder. Such remedies shall be in addition to all other remedies available to Sublandlord at law or in equity.

 

 

 
-6-

 

 

13.      Broker.

 

Subtenant and Sublandlord represent and warrant that they have not dealt with any broker or finder in connection with this Sublease. Sublandlord and Subtenant hereby agree to indemnify and hold each other harmless from and against any and all liabilities, losses, obligations, damages, penalties, claims, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and other charges) arising out of any claim, demand or proceeding for a real estate brokerage commission, finder’s fee or other compensation made by any person or entity in connection with this Sublease and arising out of the breach on their respective parts of any representation or warranty contained in this Section 13. The provisions of this Section 13 shall survive the Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Sublease.

 

14.      Indemnification of Sublandlord.

 

Subtenant agrees to indemnify Sublandlord against and hold Sublandlord harmless from, any and all liabilities, losses, obligations, damages, penalties, claims, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and other charges) which are paid, suffered or incurred by Sublandlord as a result of (a) any personal injuries or property damage occurring in, on or about the Subleased Premises during the Term, (b) any work or thing done, or any condition created, by Subtenant in, on or about the Subleased Premises or the Building during the Term, or (c) any act or omission of Subtenant or Subtenant’s agents, contractors, servants, employees, invitees or licensees during the Term.

 

15.      Approvals or Consents.

 

In all provisions of the Overlease requiring the approval or consent of Overlandlord, Subtenant shall be required to obtain the express written approval or consent of Sublandlord, which consent shall be subject to the approval or consent of Overlandlord, pursuant to the Overlease. If Sublandlord shall give its consent to any request made by Subtenant then Sublandlord hereby agrees to promptly furnish to Overlandlord copies of such request for consent or approval received from Subtenant. If Overlandlord shall refuse to give its consent or approval to any request made by Subtenant then Sublandlord’s refusal to give its consent or approval to such request shall be deemed to be reasonable. Whenever a provision of the Overlease incorporated herein by reference requires or refers to Overlandlord’s consent, approval, or authorization, Sublandlord shall use good faith efforts to obtain Overlandlord’s consent. Wherever required under this Sublease or the Overlease, Sublandlord shall not unreasonably withhold its consent, approval or authorization.

 

16.      Time Limits; Notices as to the Subleased Premises.

 

Sublandlord and Subtenant shall, promptly after receipt thereof, furnish to each other a copy of each written notice, demand or other communication received from Overlandlord with respect to the Subleased Premises.

 

 

 
-7-

 

 

17.      Assignment and Subletting.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Overlease, Subtenant, for itself, its successors and assigns, expressly covenants that it shall not assign (whether by operation of law or otherwise), pledge or otherwise encumber this Sublease, or sublet all or any portion of the Subleased Premises, without obtaining, in each instance, the prior written consent of Overlandlord and the prior written consent of Sublandlord, which consent shall be within Sublandlord’s sole discretion. Sublandlord reserves the right to transfer and assign its interest in and to this Sublease to any entity or person who shall succeed to and assume in writing Sublandlord’s interest in and to the Overlease. Sublandlord shall promptly provide Subtenant notice of its assignment of its interest in and to this Sublease.

 

18.      End of Term; Holding Over.

 

(a)      Subtenant acknowledges that possession of the Subleased Premises must be surrendered to Sublandlord on the Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Sublease, in the same condition as set forth in Section 6 hereof, subject to normal wear and tear. Subtenant agrees to indemnify Sublandlord against and hold Sublandlord harmless from, any and all liabilities, losses, obligations, damages, penalties, claims, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and other charges) which are paid, suffered or incurred by Sublandlord as a result of the failure of, or the delay by, Subtenant in so surrendering the Subleased Premises, including, without limitation, any claims made by Overlandlord or any succeeding tenant founded on such failure or delay, unless such failure or delay in surrendering the Subleased Premises was caused by Sublandlord.

 

(b)      In addition to all other rights and remedies Sublandlord has under this Sublease, at law or in equity, if Subtenant shall fail to surrender vacant possession of the Subleased Premises on or prior to the expiration or earlier termination of the term of this Sublease in accordance with the provisions hereof, (i) Subtenant shall pay to Sublandlord (a) for each month or partial month during which Subtenant holds over in the Subleased Premises after the expiration (or after the earlier termination for any cause) of the term of this Sublease, a sum equal to 100% of all rents, damages, costs, expenses or other sums of any kind Sublandlord is obligated to pay to Overlandlord or other party as a result of such holdover (such sums to be paid as and when due and payable by Sublandlord) and (ii) Subtenant shall indemnify and hold harmless Sublandlord for any and all reasonable and actual loss, cost, damage, liability or expense (including, without limitation, losses caused by Sublandlord's inability to occupy the Subleased Premises following termination, reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and disbursements) incurred by Sublandlord arising from or by reason of Subtenant's failure to surrender vacant possession of the Subleased Premises upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Sublease.

 

 

 
-8-

 

 

19.      Destruction, Fire and other Casualty.

 

If the whole or any part of the Subleased Premises shall be damaged by fire or other casualty and the Overlease is not terminated on account thereof by Overlandlord then this Sublease shall remain in full force and effect and Subtenant’s obligation to pay Rent hereunder shall abate only proportionate to the extent that the Rent for the Subleased Premises shall abate under the terms of the Overlease.

 

20.      Notices.

 

Any notice, request or demand (each, a “ Notice ”) permitted or required to be given by the terms and provisions of this Sublease, or by any law or governmental regulation, shall be in writing. All Notices shall be sent by (i) hand delivery, (ii) reputable overnight delivery service (prepaid by sender), with acknowledgment receipt returned, (iii) legible fax with receipt of transmission, or (iv) registered or certified mail, return receipt requested (postage-prepaid):

 

(a)      if to Sublandlord, to the following address: Greatbatch Ltd. 10000 Wehrle Drive, Clarence, NY 14031, Attn: General Counsel.

 

(b)      if to Subtenant, to the following address: 5830 Granite Parkway, 11 th Floor, Plano, Texas 75024, Attn: General Counsel.

 

Either party hereto may designate a different address or facsimile number for Notices to such party by serving notice of such change in accordance with this Section 20. All notices may be given by counsel for the parties with the same force and effect as if given by the parties. Notices shall be deemed delivered when received (or, if receipt is refused, when refused).

 

21.      Sublease Conditional Upon Overlandlord’s Consent.

 

Sublandlord and Subtenant each acknowledge and agree that this Sublease is subject to the unconditional consent of Overlandlord, as required by Article 11 of the Overlease. Promptly after the execution and delivery of this Sublease, Sublandlord shall request Overlandlord’s consent hereto in accordance with the terms of the Overlease. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Sublease to the contrary, Sublandlord shall not be obligated to perform any acts, expend any sums or bring any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, in order to obtain such consent. If Overlandlord does not consent to this Sublease within thirty (30) days after the date hereof, then either party may elect to cancel this Sublease by giving notice to the other party after the expiration of said thirty (30) day period, but prior to the giving of said consent by Overlandlord to this Sublease. If this Sublease is cancelled by either party, and this Sublease shall be of no further force and effect.

 

22.      No Waiver .

 

No act or thing done by Sublandlord or Sublandlord’s agents during the Term shall be deemed an acceptance of a surrender of the Subleased Premises, and no agreement to accept such surrender shall be valid unless in writing signed by Sublandlord. The failure of either party to seek redress for violation of, or to insist upon the strict performance of, any covenant or condition of this Sublease shall not prevent a subsequent act, which would have originally constituted a violation of the provisions of this Sublease, from having all of the force and effect of an original violation of the provisions of this Sublease. The receipt by Sublandlord of Rent or any other payment with knowledge of the breach of any covenant of this Sublease shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach. No provision of this Sublease shall be deemed to have been waived by either party, unless such waiver be in writing signed by such party. No payment by Subtenant or receipt by Sublandlord of a lesser amount than the monthly Rent or other payment herein stipulated shall be deemed to be other than on account of the earliest stipulated Rent or other payment, or as Sublandlord may elect to apply same, nor shall any endorsement or statement on any check or any letter accompanying any check or payment as Rent or other payment be deemed an accord and satisfaction, and Sublandlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to Sublandlord’s right to recover the balance of such Rent or other payment or to pursue any other remedy provided in this Sublease.

 

 

 
-9-

 

 

23.      Miscellaneous.

 

(a)      The provisions of this Sublease shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

 

(b)      This Sublease may not be modified, amended, extended, renewed, terminated or otherwise modified except by a written instrument signed by both of the parties hereto.

 

(c)      It is acknowledged and agreed that all understandings and agreements heretofore had between the parties hereto are merged in this Sublease, which alone fully and completely expresses their agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Sublease has been executed and delivered after full investigation by each of the parties hereto, and neither party hereto has relied upon any statement, representation or warranty which is not specifically set forth in this Sublease. This Sublease shall be construed without regard to any presumption or other rule requiring construction against the party causing this Sublease to be drafted.

 

(d)      TIME SHALL BE OF THE ESSENCE with respect to ALL TIME LIMITS SET FORTH HEREIN.

 

(e)      The terms, covenants and conditions contained in this Sublease shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

(f)      Each of Sublandlord and Subtenant represents to the other that it has full power and authority to enter into this Sublease and to perform its obligations hereunder and the persons executing this Sublease on its behalf are duly authorized to do so.

 

(g)      The failure of Sublandlord or Subtenant to insist in any one or more instances upon the strict performance of any of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions or conditions of this Sublease, or to exercise any election or option contained herein, shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment, for the future or in any other instance, of such covenant, agreement, term, provision, condition, election or option but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any covenant, agreement, term, provision or condition of this Sublease shall be deemed to have been made, unless expressed in writing and duly executed by the waiving party.

 

 

 
-10-

 

 

(h)      The parties hereto waive any right to trial by jury in any summary proceeding that may be instituted hereafter by Sublandlord against Subtenant in respect of the Subleased Premises, or in any action that may be brought to recover any Rent or any other sum due under this Sublease or damages under this Sublease.

 

(i)      This Sublease may be executed in two or more counterparts and by facsimile, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(j)      This Sublease does not constitute an offer to sublease the Subleased Premises to Subtenant and Subtenant shall have no rights with respect the subleasing of the Subleased Premises unless and until Sublandlord, in its sole and absolute discretion, elects to be bound hereby by executing and unconditionally delivering to Subtenant an original counterpart hereof.

 

(No further text on this page)

 

 

 
-11-

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Sublease has been duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

  SUBLANDLORD :  
     

 

GREATBATCH LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ Thomas J. Hook

 

 

Name:

Thomas J. Hook 

 

 

Title:

CEO 

 

 

 

 

SUBTENANT:

 

     
  QIG GROUP, LLC  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ Scott F. Drees

 

 

Name:

Scott F. Drees 

 

 

Title:

CEO 

 

 

 
-12-

 

   

Exhibit A

 

Redacted Copy of Overlease

   

   

 

 

 

     

Exhibit B

 

The Subleased Premises

 

 

   

The floor plans which follow are intended solely to identify the general location of the Subleased Premises and Common Area and should not be used for any other purpose. All areas, dimensions and locations are approximate, and any physical conditions may not exist as shown.

 

 

Exhibit 10.10

 

Execution Version

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE LEASE

 

by and between

 

EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC ,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

as LANDLORD

 

and

 

GREATBATCH LTD . ,
a New York corporation

 

as TENANT

 

 

EOS AT INTERLOCKEN

105 EDGEVIEW DRIVE

BROOMFIELD, COLORADO

 

SUITE 310

 

 

 

December 2 , 201 5

 

 
 

 

 

 1.

LEASED PREMISES

1

 

 

 

 2.

TERM

2

 

 

 

 3.

RENT

2

 

 

 

 4.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

2

 

 

 

5. USE 3
     
6. OPERATING EXPENSES 5
     
7. UTILITIES AND SERVICES 11
     
8. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS 12
     
9. ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS 13
     
10. INSURANCE 17
     
11. INDEMNITY 18
     
12. DAMAGE, DESTRUCTION AND BUSINESS INTERRUPTION 19
     
13. TENANT'S TAXES 20
     
14. COMMON AREAS; FITNESS CENTER 21
     
15. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING 22
     
16. TENANT'S DEFAULT 25
     
17. LANDLORD'S DEFAULT 27
     
18. CONDEMNATION 28
     
19. SUBORDINATION; ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES 28
     
20. QUIET ENJOYMENT 29
     
21. FORCE MAJEURE 29
     
22. GENERAL PROVISIONS 30
     
23. RIDER 1 RIDER 1 – PAGE 1
     
24. TENANT ALLOWANCE; THE TENANT WORK RIDER 1 – PAGE 1
     
25. ABATED RENT PERIOD; CONTROLLABLE EXPENSES RIDER 1 – PAGE 2
     
27. PERMITTED TRANSFER RIDER 1 – PAGE 4
     
28. DIRECTORY BOARD AND SUITE-ENTRY SIGNAGE RIDER 1 – PAGE 4
     
29. OPTION TO RENEW RIDER 1 – PAGE 6
     
30. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL RIDER 1 – PAGE 7

 

 
- ii - 

 

 

EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

EXHIBIT A

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

EXHIBIT B

FLOOR PLAN OF LEASED PREMISES

EXHIBIT C

COMMENCEMENT DATE MEMORANDUM

EXHIBIT D

RULES AND REGULATIONS

EXHIBIT E

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

EXHIBIT F

TENANT CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT “G”

GUARANTY OF LEASE

RIDER 1

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

 

 
- iii - 

 

 

EOS AT INTERLOCKEN

 

SUMMARY OF BASIC LEASE INFORMATION

 

This Summary of Basic Lease Information (the “ Summary ”) is hereby incorporated by reference into and made a part of the attached Office Lease. Each reference in the Office Lease to any term of this Summary shall have the meaning as set forth in this Summary for such term. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Summary and the Office Lease, the terms of the Office Lease shall prevail. Any initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning as set forth in the Office Lease.

 

TERMS OF LEASE

(References are to the Office Lease)

DESCRIPTION

1.

Effective Date:

November 25, 201 5

     

2.

Landlord:

EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

     

3.

Address of Landlord:

c/o Hines Interests Limited Partnership

1515 Wynkoop, Suite 800

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attention: Jay W. Despard

Telephone: 720.932.0522

Facsimile: 720.932.1565

 

with copies to:

 

c/o Hines Interests Limited Partnership

2800 Post Oak Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77056

Attention: Jeffrey C. Hines

Facsimile: 713.966.2020

 

c/o Hines Interests Limited Partnership

1515 Wynkoop Street, Suite 390

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attention: Liz Taylor

Telephone: 303.573.8800

Facsimile: 303.573.8808

     

4.

Tenant:

GREATBATCH LTD., a New York Corporation

     

5.

Address of Tenant:

Greatbatch LTD.

105 Edgeview Drive, Suite 310

Broomfield, Colorado 80021

Attention: Office Manager

     

6.

Leased Premises ( Article 1 ):

 
     
 

6.1Leased Premises:

Approximately 13,219 square feet of Rentable Area located on the third (3 rd ) floor of the Building (as defined below), as set forth in Exhibit “B” attached hereto, known as Suite 310.

     
  6.2“ Building ”: The Leased Premises are located in the Building whose address is 105 Edgeview Drive, Broomfield, Colorado 80021.

 

 
SUMMARY – PAGE 1

 

 

7.

Term ( Article 2 )

 
     
 

7.1Lease Term:

Seventy-eight (78) months

     
 

7.2Commencement Date:

The date that is the earlier of (i) the date Tenant first takes possession of all or any portion of the Premises for purposes of operating its business, (ii) the date that the Tenant Work is substantially complete (as determined in accordance with the Tenant Construction Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “F” (the “ Tenant Construction Agreement ”)), or (iii) April 1, 2016.

     
 

7.3Expiration Date:

The last day of the seventy-eighth month of the Lease Term.

     

8.

**Base Rent ( Article 3 ):

 
     

Period of the Lease Term

Annual Base 

Rental Rate 

per Square 

Foot of 

Rentable Area 

of the Leased 

Premises

Monthly Installment of 

Base Rent

Annual Base Rent

       

1 – 6

$0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

       

7 – 12

$19.00

$20,930.08

$251,160.96

       

13 – 24

$19.50

$21,480.88

$257,770.56

       

25 – 36

$20.00

$22,031.67

$264,380.04

       

37 – 48

$20.50

$22,582.46

$270,989.52

       

49 – 60

$21.00

$23,133.25

$277,599.00

       

61 – 72

$21.50

$23,684.04

$284,208.48

       

73 – 78

$22.00

$24,234.83

$290,817.96

       

9.

Security Deposit (Article 4):

$24,234.83

     

10.

Brokers ( Section 22.15 ):

Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, representing Landlord, Jones Lang LaSalle, representing Tenant.

     

11.

Number of Parking Passes

( Section 22.16 ):

Three and one-half (3.5) unreserved parking passes for each 1,000 square feet of Rentable Area of the Leased Premises; provided, however, that in the event Landlord, in its sole discretion, elects to convert a majority of the unreserved parking spaces to reserved parking spaces, Tenant shall have the right, but not the obligation, to use up to five (5) reserved parking spaces (the “ Reserved Parking Spaces ”) at the Prevailing Parking Rate (as defined below).

     

12.

Option to Extend

( Rider 1 ):

Tenant has one (1) option to extend the Lease Term for a period of five (5) years.

     

13.

Right of First Refusal

( Rider 1 ):

Tenant has a right of first refusal to lease additional space on the third (3 rd ) floor of the Building, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of Rider 1 .

 

 
SUMMARY – PAGE 2

 

 

OFFICE LEASE

 

THIS OFFICE LEASE (this “ Lease ”), made and entered as of November 25, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Landlord ”), and GREATBATCH LTD., a New York corporation (“ Tenant ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

For and in consideration of the rental and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth to be kept and performed by Tenant, Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord the leased premises herein described for the term, at the rental and subject to and upon all of the terms, covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth.

 

 

1.      Leased Premises .

 

1.1      Grant of Leased Premises; The Building; and The Project . Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, those certain premises set forth in Section 6.1 of the Summary (the “ Leased Premises ”), which Leased Premises are located in the Building described in Section 6.2 of the Summary. The Building is part of an office project currently known as “ Eos at Interlocken ”. The term “ Project ” as used in this Lease, shall mean (i) the Building, (ii) the Parking Facility (as defined in Section 22.16 below), (iii) any outside plaza areas, land and other improvements surrounding the Building, (iv) the Common Areas, as defined below in Section 14.1 , (v) at Landlord’s discretion, any additional real property, areas, buildings or other improvements added thereto pursuant to the terms of Section 1.4 of this Lease and (vi) the land upon which any of the foregoing are situated (the “ Real Property ”). The legal description of the land comprising the Real Property is set forth in the attached Exhibit “A” . A floor plan showing the size and location of the Leased Premises within the Building is set forth in the attached Exhibit “B” . Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Leased Premises shall include the use, in common with others, of the Common Areas, but excepting therefrom and reserving unto Landlord the exterior faces of all exterior walls, the roof and the right to install, use and maintain where necessary in the Leased Premises all pipes, ductwork, conduits and utility lines through hung ceiling space, partitions, beneath the floor or through other parts of the Leased Premises; provided , however , such installation, use and maintenance shall not unreasonably interfere with the use and occupancy of the Leased Premises by Tenant or diminish Tenant’s access to the Leased Premises. Landlord reserves the right to affect such other tenancies in the Project as Landlord may elect in its sole business judgment.

 

1.2      Rentable Area . Landlord and Tenant hereby confirm and stipulate that the number of square feet of “ Rentable Area ” contained in the Leased Premises initially leased by Tenant pursuant to this Lease (i) is as set forth in Section 6.1 of the Summary, (ii) has been calculated in accordance with Landlord’s standard rentable area measurement standards used for the Building, and (iii) except as set forth in this Section 1.2 and Section 6.1 below, is not subject to remeasurement, adjustment or modification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall, at the time and in the manner set forth in the Tenant Construction Agreement, cause the Leased Premises and/or the Building to be measured according to the 2010 Building Owners and Managers Association Office Building Standard, Method A (the “ BOMA Standard ”). If the Rentable Area of the Leased Premises differs from the area set forth in the Summary, Base Rent and other amounts that vary by the size of the Leased Premises (including, without limitation, Tenant’s Share and the Tenant Allowance (as defined in Rider 1 )) shall be appropriately and equitably adjusted. If Landlord and Tenant are unable to agree upon the Rentable Area of the Leased Premises or the Rentable Area of the Building, the determination of Landlord’s architect or measurement specialist shall be binding.

 

1.3      Condition of Premises, Building and Real Property . Except for Landlord’s obligation to fund the Tenant Allowance in accordance with Rider 1 attached hereto, and Landlord’s repair obligations in Sections 8.2 and 12.1 below, (i) Tenant shall lease the Leased Premises and accept the Leased Premises, Building and Real Property in their current “AS IS” condition, latent defects excepted, without any obligation on Landlord’s part to construct or pay for any improvements, alterations or refurbishment work in the Leased Premises, the Building and the Real Property and (ii) Tenant shall be solely responsible at its sole cost and expense for constructing any and all tenant improvements, alterations and refurbishment work for the Leased Premises pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall have no obligation to cure latent defects (1) unless Tenant notifies Landlord, in writing, of such defects within 365 days after the Effective Date, or (2) if such defects were caused or exacerbated by Tenant or its Responsible Parties (as defined below).

   

1.4      Landlord’s Use and Operation of the Building, Project and Common Areas . Landlord reserves the right from time to time without notice to Tenant: (i) to close temporarily any of the Common Areas; (ii) to make changes to the Common Areas, including, without limitation, changes in the location, size, shape and number of street entrances, driveways, ramps, entrances, exits, passages, stairways and other ingress and egress, direction of traffic, landscaped areas, loading and unloading areas, and walkways; (iii) to expand the Building; (iv) to add additional buildings and improvements to the Common Areas and the Project; (v) to remove land from the Common Areas; (vi) to designate land outside the Project to be part of the Project, and, in connection with the improvement of such land, to add additional buildings and common areas to the Project; (vii) to use the Common Areas while engaged in making additional improvements, repairs or alterations to the Project or to any adjacent land, or any portion thereof; and (viii) to do and perform such other acts and make such other changes in, to or with respect to the Project, the Common Areas and the Building or the expansion thereof as Landlord may, in the exercise of sound business judgment, deem to be appropriate. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Landlord’s unilateral addition of property to the Real Property and/or Common Areas (such property referred to herein as “ Added Property ”) will not increase the cost of Tenant’s share of Additional Rent by the inclusion of costs and expenses associated with the Added Property or otherwise.

 

 
- 1 -

 

 

 

2.     Term . The term of this Lease (the “ Lease Term ”) shall be as set forth in Section 7.l of the Summary and shall commence on the date (the “ Commencement Date ”) set forth in Section 7.2 of the Summary, and shall terminate on the date (the “ Expiration Date ”) set forth in Section 7.3 of the Summary, unless this Lease is sooner terminated as hereinafter provided or extended pursuant to the terms of Rider 1 attached to this Lease. Landlord and Tenant hereby agree to execute a “ Commencement Date Memorandum ” in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “C” to confirm, among other things, the Commencement Date, the Expiration Date and the square footage of Rentable Area. Failure to execute the Commencement Date Memorandum shall not affect the commencement or expiration of the Lease Term.

 

3.      Rent .

 

3.1      Base Rent . Tenant agrees to pay Landlord, promptly when due, without notice or demand and without deduction or set-off of any amount for any reason whatsoever, as “ Base Rent ” for the Leased Premises, the annual amount set forth in Section 8 of the Summary, which shall be payable in the monthly installment amounts set forth in Section 8 of the Summary. Said monthly installments of Base Rent shall be payable in advance on the first (1 st ) day of each calendar month during the Lease Term, except that the Base Rent and Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses for the first (1 st ) full calendar month of the Lease Term shall be paid at the time of Tenant’s execution of this Lease.

 

3.2      Additional Rent . In addition to paying the Base Rent specified in Section 3.1 hereof, Tenant shall pay the amounts described in Section 6.1 and 6.2 , including both Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses and Management Fee Contribution (together, the “ Additional Rent ”), as adjustments to such Base Rent.

 

3.3      Adjustment of Rent on Commencement or Expiration . In the event the Lease Term commences or expires on a day other than the first (1 st ) day of a calendar month, Tenant shall pay to Landlord on the first (1 st ) day of the Lease Term, or on the first (1 st ) day of the month in which the Lease Term expires, a sum determined by multiplying one-thirtieth (1/30) of the monthly installment of Base Rent by the number of days in the first (1 st ) or last calendar month of the Lease Term.

   

3.4      Place of Payment; Landlord’s Rent Address . Base Rent, Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses and Management Fee Contribution, Additional Rent and all other sums or charges required by this Lease to be paid by Tenant to Landlord, all of which are herein sometimes collectively referred to as “ Rent , ” shall be paid to Landlord at Landlord’s Rent Address (as defined below) or to such other persons, or at such other places designated by Landlord. “ Landlord’s Rent Address ” means 1515 Wynkoop Street, Suite 800, Denver, Colorado 80202, or such other place as Landlord may, from time to time, designate in writing.

 

4.      Security Deposit . Concurrently with Tenant’s execution of this Lease, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord a security deposit (the “ Security Deposit ”) in the amount set forth in Section 9 of the Summary to be held by Landlord as security for the faithful performance of every provision of this Lease to be performed by Tenant. If Tenant defaults with respect to any provision of this Lease, including, but not limited to, the provisions relating to the payment of Rent, Landlord may (but shall not be required to) use, apply or retain all or any part of the Security Deposit for the payment of Rent or any other sum in default, or for the payment of any amount which Landlord may spend or become obligated to suffer by reason of Tenant’s default or to compensate Landlord for any other loss or damage which Landlord may suffer by reason of Tenant’s failure to cure event of default within any cure period provided under the lease. If any portion of the Security Deposit is so used or applied, Tenant shall, within ten (10) days after written demand therefor, deposit cash with Landlord in an amount sufficient to restore the Security Deposit to its original amount, and Tenant’s failure to do so shall be deemed a material breach of this Lease. Except as required by applicable law, Landlord shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general funds and Tenant shall not be entitled to interest on the Security Deposit. If Tenant shall fully and faithfully perform every provision of this Lease to be performed by it, the Security Deposit or any balance thereof shall be returned to Tenant (or Tenant’s assignee) at the expiration of the Lease Term and after Tenant has vacated the Leased Premises; provided , however , in no event shall Landlord be under any obligation to return the Security Deposit earlier than sixty (60) days after the expiration of the Lease Term.

 

 
- 2 -

 

 

5.      Use .

 

5.1      Permitted Use .

 

(a)      Permitted Use . Tenant shall use the Leased Premises solely for (i) general office use and (ii) subject to Section 5.1(b) below, Ancillary Uses, all of which shall be consistent with the character of the Project as a first-class office building project (collectively, the “ Permitted Use ”).

 

(b)      Ancillary Uses . Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, the following ancillary uses (collectively, “ Ancillary Uses ”) are permitted in the Leased Premises: technical lab space, electronic manufacturing and assembly, software development for medical devices, product support and/or training facilities (i) that directly and exclusively support Tenant’s business and (ii) that are not inconsistent with the character and type of tenancy found in Comparable Buildings. “ Comparable Buildings ” means commercial buildings located in the greater Denver, Colorado metropolitan area that are comparable to the Building in quantity, size, type and quality.

 

(c)      Ancillary Use Interference . If (i) any Ancillary Use creates any vibration, electromagnetic, radio frequency, or other emission (collectively, “ Ancillary Use Interference ”) that, in the reasonable opinion of Landlord, materially and adversely affects the Building’s structure or any building system or otherwise materially interferes with any other occupant of the Project, and (ii) Tenant does not correct the Ancillary Use Interference within two (2) business days after receipt of telephonic or written notice from Landlord, Landlord may by written notice to Tenant require that Tenant shut down or disconnect the Ancillary Use causing such Ancillary Use Interference until the Ancillary Use Interference is remedied. Further, in the event that Landlord suspects that Tenant’s equipment is causing any Ancillary Use Interference, Tenant shall be required to provide any data and other information reasonably requested by Landlord in connection with such interference to Landlord within two (2) business days of Landlord’s request. Upon Landlord’s notice, Tenant will immediately shut down and discontinue the Ancillary Use causing such Ancillary Use Interference and not resume such Ancillary Use (except for intermittent testing on a schedule approved by Landlord) until the Ancillary Use Interference is corrected to the reasonable satisfaction of Landlord.

   

(d)      In General . Tenant shall not permit the Leased Premises to be used for any other purpose. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that (i) Landlord has not made any representations or warranties (A) regarding the applicable zoning or other laws governing the Real Property, (B) that the Permitted Use described hereinabove is permitted in the Building or at the Real Property under any applicable zoning or other laws now or hereafter existing, or (C) that the Leased Premises, Building or Real Property are in such condition or contain such improvements, systems or equipment (including, without limitation, the sprinklers and fire/life safety systems and equipment of the Building) as are adequate or necessary for the Permitted Use or the operation of Tenant’s business in the Leased Premises, and (ii) Tenant is leasing the Leased Premises based solely upon its own independent inspection and investigation of the Leased Premises, Building and Real Property and such applicable zoning and other laws, including without limitation, the quality, nature, and condition of the Leased Premises, Building and Real Property and any aspect or portion thereof for Tenant’s Permitted Use, including, without limitation, the improvements, sprinklers and fire/life safety systems, and other systems and equipment of the Building.

 

 
- 3 -

 

 

5.2      Compliance with Laws . Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, promptly comply with all applicable Laws (as defined below) in effect during the Lease Term or any part of the Lease Term hereof, regulating Tenant’s particular use or occupancy of the Leased Premises or imposing any duty on Landlord or Tenant with regard thereto or with regard to alteration thereof, including the requirements of federal, state, county and municipal authorities now in force or which may hereinafter be in force. Tenant shall not use or permit the use of the Leased Premises in any manner which may tend to create waste or a nuisance; nor which may tend to obstruct or interfere with the rights of other tenants of the Project or, injure or annoy them. As used herein, “ Law ” or “ Laws ” shall mean all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, other requirements, orders, rulings or decisions adopted or made by any governmental body, agency, department or judicial authority having jurisdiction over the Project, the Leased Premises or Tenant’s activities at the Leased Premises and any covenants, conditions or restrictions of record which affect the Project.

 

5.3      Insurance Cancellation . Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done on or about the Leased Premises which may in any way increase the existing rate of any insurance policy covering the Building or the Project or any of its contents or cause cancellation of any such insurance policy.

 

5.4      Landlord’s Rules and Regulations . Tenant shall observe and comply with the Rules and Regulations which are in effect on the date hereof, as set forth in the attached Exhibit “D” , and such reasonable amendments and additions thereto as Landlord may from time to time promulgate with notice to Tenant and enforce on a non-discriminatory basis. Landlord shall not be responsible to Tenant for the non-performance of said rules and regulations by any other tenants of the Project.

 

5.5      Compliance with Environmental Laws .

 

(a)      Tenant shall comply with all Environmental Laws (as defined below) pertaining to Tenant’s occupancy and use of the Leased Premises and concerning the proper storage, handling and disposal of any Hazardous Material introduced to the Leased Premises, the Building or the Project by Tenant or other occupants of the Leased Premises, or any of their respective employees, servants, agents, contractors, customers or invitees (collectively, “ Responsible Parties ”). As used herein, “ Environmental Laws ” shall mean all Laws governing the use, storage, disposal or generation of any Hazardous Material, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and “ Hazardous Material ” shall mean such substances, material and wastes which are or become regulated under any Environmental Law; or which are classified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Law; and explosives and firearms, radioactive material, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Tenant shall not generate, store, handle or dispose of any Hazardous Material in, on, or about the Project without the prior written consent of Landlord, which may be withheld in Landlord’s sole discretion, except that such consent shall not be required to the extent of Hazardous Material packaged and contained in office products for consumer use in general business offices in quantities for ordinary day-to-day use provided such use does not give rise to, or pose a risk of, exposure to or release of Hazardous Material. In the event that Tenant is notified of any investigation or violation of any Environmental Law arising from Tenant’s activities at the Leased Premises, Tenant shall immediately deliver to Landlord a copy of such notice. In such event or in the event Landlord reasonably believes that a violation of Environmental Law exists, Landlord may conduct such tests and studies relating to compliance by Tenant with Environmental Laws or the alleged presence of Hazardous Material upon the Leased Premises as Landlord deems desirable, all of which shall be completed at Tenant’s expense. Landlord’s inspection and testing rights are for Landlord’s own protection only, and Landlord has not, and shall not be deemed to have assumed any responsibility to Tenant or any other party for compliance with Environmental Laws, as a result of the exercise, or non-exercise of such rights. Tenant hereby indemnifies, and agrees to defend, protect and hold harmless, Landlord, the Building’s property manager, the Lienholder (as defined below) and each of their respective officers, directors, members, managers, partners, affiliates, employees, agents and representatives (together with Landlord, collectively, the “ Indemnitees ”) from any and all loss, claim, demand, action, expense, liability and cost (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) arising out of or in any way related to the presence of any Hazardous Material introduced to the Leased Premises or the Project during the Lease Term (or any extension thereof) by Tenant or its Responsible Parties. In case of any action or proceeding brought against the Indemnitees by reason of any such claim, upon notice from Landlord, Tenant covenants to defend such action or proceeding by counsel chosen by Landlord, in Landlord’s sole discretion. Landlord reserves the right to settle, compromise or dispose of any and all actions, claims and demands related to the foregoing indemnity. If any Hazardous Material is released, discharged or disposed of on or about the Project and such release, discharge or disposal is not caused by Tenant or its Responsible Parties, such release, discharge or disposal shall be deemed casualty damage under Article 12 to the extent that the Leased Premises are affected thereby; in such case, Landlord and Tenant shall have the obligations and rights respecting such casualty damage provided under such Article 12 .

   

(b)      To the extent required by any governmental agency pursuant to Environmental Laws (each, a “ Compliance Obligation ”), Landlord shall, at Landlord’s expense (which shall not be included in Operating Expenses), remediate any Hazardous Materials located in, on or under the Project only to the extent such Hazardous Materials, (i) were in existence as of the Effective Date or were caused or exacerbated by Landlord following the Effective Date, (ii) were not caused or exacerbated by Tenant or Tenant’s Responsible Parties and (iii) are in violation of Environmental Laws. Landlord’s obligation to conduct remediation shall be to the extent required by Environmental Laws or voluntary cleanup requirements to obtain a No Further Action or appropriate closure.

 

 
- 4 -

 

 

5.6      ADA Compliance . Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.) and regulations and guidelines promulgated thereunder, as all of the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time (collectively, the “ ADA ”) establish requirements for business operations, accessibility and barrier removal, and that such requirements may or may not apply to the Leased Premises, the Building and/or the Project depending on, among other things: (1) whether Tenant’s business is deemed a “public accommodation” or “commercial facility”, (2) whether such requirements are “readily achievable”, and (3) whether a given alteration affects a “primary function area” or triggers “path of travel” requirements. The parties hereby agree that: (a) Landlord shall be responsible for ADA Title III compliance in the Common Areas, except as provided below, (b) Tenant shall be responsible for ADA Title III compliance in the Leased Premises, including any leasehold improvements or other work to be performed in the Leased Premises under or in connection with this Lease, (c) Landlord may perform, or require that Tenant perform, and Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of, ADA Title III “path of travel” requirements triggered by Tenant alterations in the Leased Premises, and (d) Landlord may perform, or require Tenant to perform, and Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of, ADA Title III compliance in the Common Areas necessitated by the Building being deemed to be a “public accommodation” instead of a “commercial facility” as a result of Tenant’s use of the Leased Premises. Tenant shall be solely responsible for requirements under Title I of the ADA relating to Tenant’s employees.

 

5.7      Compliance with the LEED EB Certification and the Environmental Management Plan .

 

(a)      The LEED E EB Certification . Landlord may, but shall have no obligation to, operate the Building in a manner to obtain a LEED for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance certification from The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ (the “ LEED EB Certification ”). Landlord makes no representations or warranties with respect to the LEED EB Certification, and Landlord shall have no liability under this Lease if the LEED EB Certification is not obtained, or, if Landlord obtains the LEED EB Certification, such LEED EB Certification is subsequently modified, revoked or not renewed.

 

(b)      The Environmental Management Plan . Tenant agrees for itself and for its Responsible Parties to comply with the environmental management plan set forth on Exhibit “E” attached hereto and with all modifications and additions thereto that Landlord may make from time to time in Landlord’s sole and absolute discretion (collectively, the “ Environmental Management Plan ”). Nothing in this Lease shall be construed to impose upon Landlord any duty or obligation to enforce the Environmental Management Plan or the terms, covenants or conditions of any other lease as against any other tenant of the Project, and Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for violation of the same by any other tenant of the Project; provided , however , that Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to enforce the Environmental Management Plan in a uniform and non-discriminatory manner.

 

(c)      General Compliance . Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, in an amount not to exceed $5,000 each lease year of the Lease Term, (i) comply with such reasonable policies, programs and measures as may be reasonably necessary or required in order to obtain or maintain the LEED EB Certification and (ii) reasonably cooperate with Landlord and comply with any and all guidelines or controls concerning energy management imposed upon Landlord by federal or state governmental organizations or by any energy conservation association to which Landlord is a party or which is applicable to the Building.

 

6.      Operating Expenses .

 

6.1      Tenant’s Obligation . For each Calendar Year during the Term, prior to January 1 of each such Calendar Year (or prior to the commencement of the Term as to the year in which the Commencement Date occurs), Landlord shall provide Tenant in writing with the projected Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses and Management Fee Contribution with respect to such Calendar Year, and thereafter Tenant shall pay Additional Rent for such year which shall include an appropriate amount on account of such projected Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses and Management Fee Contribution. Landlord shall, within a period of one hundred fifty (150) days (or as soon thereafter as possible) after the close of each such Calendar Year, provide Tenant a statement of the Operating Expenses for such year and a calculation based thereon of Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses and Management Fee Contribution for such year (“ Operating Expense Statement ”). If Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses and Management Fee Contribution for such year is greater than the projected amount theretofore paid by Tenant for such year, Tenant shall pay to Landlord within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s receipt of the Operating Expense Statement the amount of such excess. However, if Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses and Management Fee Contribution for such year is less than the projected amount theretofore paid by Tenant for such year, Landlord shall pay to Tenant within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s receipt of the Operating Expense Statement the amount of such overpayment.

 

 
- 5 -

 

 

6.2      Definitions .

 

(a)      Calendar Year ” shall mean any twelve-month period, January through December, which contains any part of the Term of this Lease.

 

(b)      Computed Operating Expenses ” shall mean, with respect to each Calendar Year during the Term, the actual Operating Expenses for said Calendar Year computed on the accrual basis and in accordance with the terms of this Lease.

 

(c)      Management Fee Contribution ” shall mean the sum of (i) three percent (3%) of the Base Rent (as the same may be adjusted from time to time as set forth above), plus (ii) three percent (3%) of Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses

 

(d)      Operating Expenses ” shall mean all expenses, costs and disbursements which Landlord shall pay or incur or become obligated to pay or incur because of or in connection with the ownership, operation or maintenance of the Project (which term for purposes hereof means and includes the Building, the Parking Facility, outside plaza areas, land and other improvements) which are directly attributable or reasonably allocable to the Building in accordance with sound accounting principles, consistently applied,, including but not limited to, the following:

 

(i)      Wages, salaries and other compensation of all employees, on site and offsite, engaged in the operation, maintenance, repair or access control of the Project, including personnel for security or who may provide traffic control relating to ingress and egress to and from the parking facilities serving the Project to the adjacent public streets. All taxes, insurance, benefits, travel expenses, continuing educational expenses, and trade association dues and expenses relating to employees providing these services shall be included; but if the employee does not work full time with respect to the Project, all of such expenses related to the employee shall be equitably pro-rated based upon the proportionate amount of time expended by the employee with respect to the Project;

 

(ii)      Tax Expenses ,” which, for purposes hereof, shall mean the Office Portion (defined below) of all real estate and personal property taxes and assessments (general, special or otherwise) and license or other fees, levied or assessed by any federal, state, city and county or local government or by any other taxing district or authority upon or with respect to the Project, the maintenance equipment and vehicles, elevators, building machinery and other personal property owned or leased by Landlord and used for the operation of the Project. Should any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Project impose an income or franchise tax or a tax on rents in substitution, in whole or in part, for such real estate or personal property taxes or license or other fees or in lieu of any increase in such taxes or fees, such income, franchise or rent tax shall be deemed to constitute Taxes hereunder. All references to Taxes for a particular year shall be deemed to refer to Taxes levied, assessed or otherwise imposed in such year without regard to when such Taxes are payable. Taxes shall also include all special taxes and special assessments, all of which or installments of which are required to be paid, or which Landlord elects to pay, during any Calendar Year (including, without limitation, the Interlocken Consolidated Metropolitan District);

 

(iii)      The Office Portion of all insurance costs relating to the Project, including, but not limited to, the cost of casualty, rental abatement and liability insurance applicable to the Project and Landlord’s personal property used in connection therewith;

 

(iv)      All costs and expenses of repairing, operating and maintaining the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system for the Project, including the cost of all utilities required in the operation thereof, except those paid directly by tenants of the Project and including the cost of replacements of equipment used in connection with such repair and maintenance work and all costs and expenses incurred in making alterations or additions to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system in order to comply with governmental rules, regulations and statutes;

 

 
- 6 -

 

 

(v)      Amortization (together with reasonable financing charges) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), of the costs of capital investment items that are installed primarily for the purpose of reducing Operating Expenses, promoting safety, complying with governmental requirements, or maintaining the quality of the Project;

 

(vi)      All costs and expenses of all service and maintenance agreements for the Project and the equipment therein, including but not limited to, the cost of janitorial services, window washing, elevator maintenance, landscaping, maintenance and repair and access control;

 

(vii)      Cost of all utilities for the Project, including but not limited to, the cost of water, power, heating, lighting, air conditioning and ventilating (excluding those costs bill to specific tenants) and the Chargepoint network service fee;

 

(viii)      All costs incurred in the operations, management, and maintenance of the Parking Facility, to include the Parking Facility’s share of property taxes whether separately assessed or through an allocation of the taxes assessed on the Project;

 

(ix)      All internal control audit and operating expense audit costs for the Project, and an equitable allocation of the costs of the off-site project accounting, senior property management, payroll and risk management departments of Landlord and/or the property manager, including personnel costs, office rent and other associated costs incurred in connection with such departments, which allocation shall be based on the amount of time spent by personnel in such departments in connection with the operation and management of the Project;

 

(x)      Office rent and other costs of a management office within the Project.

 

(xi)      Costs of operating a security/reception desk and/or other amenities or services for the general benefit of tenants of the Building that may be provided in the future, such as a fitness center; provided, however, that Landlord does not additionally charge tenants in the Project a fee for the use of such amenities;

 

(xii)      All costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in operating, managing, repairing and maintaining the Project, including all sums expended in connection with general maintenance and repairs, resurfacing, painting, restriping, cleaning, replacing wall coverings, floor coverings, ceiling tiles, window coverings and fixtures sweeping and janitorial services, window washing, maintenance and repair of elevators, stairways, sidewalks, curbs and Project signage and directories, solar panels, planting and landscaping, lighting and other utilities, maintenance and repair of any fire protection systems, automatic sprinkler systems, lighting systems, emergency back-up utility systems, storm drainage systems and any other utility systems, personnel to implement such services and to police the Common Areas, rental and/or depreciation of machinery and equipment used in such maintenance and services, police and fire protection services, trash removal services, all costs and expenses pertaining to snow and ice removal, security systems, utilities, premiums and other costs for workers’ compensation insurance, wages, withholding taxes, social security taxes, personal property taxes, fees for required licenses and permits, supplies, and charges for management of the Project and to repair and replace the roof. Costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in operating, managing, repairing and maintaining the Project which are incurred exclusively for the benefit of specific tenants of the Project will be billed accordingly and will not be included within the general Operating Expenses;

 

(xiii)      Reasonable costs, in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for any Calendar Year of the Lease Term, of (1) obtaining and maintaining the LEED EB Certification, including, without limitation, reasonable legal, accounting, inspection, and other consultation fees, (2) preparing, updating and monitoring the Environmental Management Plan, including, without limitation, reasonable legal, accounting, inspection, and other consultation fees, and (3) capital improvements and structural repairs and replacements made in or to the Project that are designed primarily to comply with, or otherwise conform to, the LEED EB Certification and/or the Environmental Management Plan (collectively, “ Green Improvements ”). The expenditures for Green Improvements shall be recovered by Landlord over the useful life of such Green Improvements (as reasonably determined by Landlord), together with interest thereon at the Prime Rate; and

 

(xiv)      Costs of obtaining renewable energy tax credits, including, without limitation, legal, accounting, inspection, and other consultation fees ( provided , however , that all such credits received by Landlord in a particular year shall be deducted from Operating Expenses in the year the same are received).

 

 
- 7 -

 

 

(e)      Exclusions . Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Lease, Operating Expenses shall not include the following (collectively, “ Exclusions ”):

 

(i)      costs of items considered capital improvements, capital repairs, capital replacements, and/or capital equipment, all as determined in accordance with Landlord’s standard real estate accounting practices, except as permitted in Sections 6.2(b)(iv) , 6.2(b)(v) , and 6.2(b)(xii) above;

 

(ii)      depreciation and amortization, except as provided herein and except on materials, tools, supplies and vendor-type equipment purchased by Landlord to enable Landlord to supply services Landlord might otherwise contract for with a third party where such depreciation and amortization would otherwise have been included in the charge for such third party’s services, all as determined in accordance with standard real estate accounting practices, consistently applied, and when depreciation or amortization is permitted or required, the item shall be amortized over its reasonably anticipated useful life as determined by Landlord in the manner described in Section 6.2(b)(v) above, together with interest on the unamortized costs at the Prime Rate;

 

(iii)      interest, points, fees and principal payments on any mortgages encumbering the Real Property, and other debt costs, if any, except as specifically included in Sections 6.2(b)(iv) , 6.2(b)(v) , and 6.2(b)(xii) above;

 

(iv)      costs incurred by Landlord for the repair of damage to the Project or the Real Property, to the extent that Landlord is reimbursed by insurance proceeds (provided that any deductible amount for which Landlord is not reimbursed by insurance shall be not excluded from Operating Expenses hereby);

 

(v)      brokerage commissions, space planning costs, finders’ fees and attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord in connection with leasing or attempting to lease space within the Real Property;

 

(vi)      costs, including permit, license and inspection costs, incurred with respect to the installation of tenant improvements made for any tenants in the Real Property or incurred in renovating or otherwise improving, preparing, decorating, painting or redecorating vacant space for tenants or other occupants of the Real Property;

 

(vii)      interest, penalties or other costs arising out of Landlord’s failure to make timely payment of any of its obligations under this Lease, including, without limitation, Landlord’s failure to make timely payment of any item that is included in Operating Expenses or Tax Expenses;

 

(viii)      attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with negotiations or disputes with present or prospective tenants or other occupants of the Real Property (including costs incurred due to violations by tenants of the terms and conditions of their leases), or any other attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the Real Property (including, without limitation, any financing, sale or syndication of the Real Property), except (A) as specifically enumerated as an Operating Expense in this Lease, or (B) to the extent, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment at the time the litigation is commenced a favorable judgment would reduce or avoid an increase in Operating Expenses, or unless the litigation is to enforce compliance with Project rules and regulations or other standards or requirements for the general benefit of the tenants in the Project;

 

 
- 8 -

 

 

(ix)      costs and overhead and profit increment paid to Landlord or to subsidiaries or affiliates of Landlord for goods and/or services in or to the Real Property to the extent the same exceeds typical costs and overhead and profit increment of such goods and/or services rendered by qualified unaffiliated third parties on a competitive basis; and

 

(x)      Costs of acquisition of sculptures, painting and other objects of art.

 

(f)      Tenant s Share of Computed Operating Expenses ” shall mean, with respect to any Calendar Year, the Computed Operating Expenses for such Calendar Year, which Computed Operating Expenses shall be (i) divided by the greater of ninety-five percent (95%) of the Rentable Area of office space leased or held for lease for general offices purposes in the Building or the average Rentable Area of office space actually leased in the Building, and (ii) multiplied times the number of square feet of Rentable Area contained within the Leased Premises. Landlord and Tenant hereby stipulate and agree for all purposes under this Lease that the aggregate Rentable Square Feet of office space within the Building is 186,231 square feet, subject to remeasurement, adjustment or modification pursuant to Section 1.2 of this Lease.

 

(g)      Office Portion ” shall mean the portion represented by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Rentable Square Feet leased or held for lease for general office purposes in the Building and the denominator of which is the sum of (i) the Rentable Square Feet leased or held for lease for general office purposes in the Building, and (ii) the Rentable Square Feet leased or held for lease for retail and storage in the Building.

 

6.3      Adjustments and Allocations .

 

(a)      If ninety-five percent (95%) or less of the Rentable Square Feet leased or held for lease for general office purposes in the Building is not occupied, and fully provided with all of the services, referred to in Section 6.2 , during any partial Calendar Year or full Calendar Year, the Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses shall be adjusted as though ninety-five percent (95%) of the Rentable Square Feet leased or held for lease for general office purposes in the Building had been occupied and fully provided with standard services, referred to in Section 6.2 , during such partial Calendar Year or full Calendar Year. If Landlord should lease any premises in the Building on such basis that Landlord is not obligated to fully furnish to the tenant(s) of such premises any one or more of the services described in Section 6.2 , then, with respect to those items of Operating Expenses that would have been incurred by Landlord had Landlord been required to fully furnish all of the services described in Section 6.2 to such premises, such premises shall be deemed “unoccupied” for purposes of the preceding sentence.

 

(b)      Landlord reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to increase or decrease from time to time the total Rentable Area of the Building based upon Landlord’s standard Rentable Area measurement standards used for the Building as set forth in Section 1.2 of this Lease. In the event either the Rentable Area of the Leased Premises and/or the total Rentable Area of the Building is changed, Tenant’s Share shall be appropriately adjusted, and, as to the Calendar Year in which such change occurs, Tenant’s Share for such year shall be determined on the basis of the number of days during such Calendar Year that each such Tenant’s Share was in effect.

 

 
- 9 -

 

 

6.4      Books and Records; Audit . Landlord shall maintain books and records showing Operating Expenses in accordance with sound accounting and management practices, consistently applied. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 6.4 , Tenant or its representative (which representative shall be a certified public accountant licensed to do business in the State of Colorado and whose primary business is certified public accounting) shall have the right, for a period of 180 days following the date upon which the Operating Expense Statement is delivered to Tenant (the “ Audit Election Period ”), to examine and audit (each, an “ Audit ”) Landlord’s books and records with respect to the items in such Operating Expense Statement during normal business hours, upon written notice, delivered at least ten (10) business days in advance. If Tenant does not object in writing to the Operating Expense Statement within 180 days after Landlord’s delivery thereof, specifying the nature of the item in dispute and the reasons therefor, then the Operating Expense Statement shall be considered final and accepted by Tenant and Landlord. Any amount due to Landlord as shown on the Operating Expense Statement, whether or not disputed by Tenant as provided herein shall be paid by Tenant when due as provided above, without prejudice to any such written exception. Each Audit must be performed (1) at the location(s) where Landlord’s books and records are maintained, (2) during normal business hours and (3) in a manner that will not unreasonably interfere with Landlord’s business activities. Unless Landlord, in good faith, disputes the results of such Audit, an appropriate adjustment shall be made between Landlord and Tenant to reflect any overpayment of Operating Expenses for the Calendar Year in question within thirty (30) days. Tenant agrees to pay the cost of any Audit; provided , however , that if the Audit reveals that Landlord’s determination of the total Operating Expenses for the Project that was used as the basis of the relevant Operating Expense Statement was in error in Landlord’s favor by more than five percent (5%), then Landlord agrees to pay up to $5,000.00 of the actual, out-of-pocket costs of such Audit incurred by Tenant (which costs must be determined on a reasonable hourly basis, and not a percentage or contingent fee basis). Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, Tenant shall have no right to conduct an Audit if Landlord furnishes to Tenant an audit report for the Calendar Year in question prepared by an independent certified public accounting firm of recognized regional or national standing (whether originally prepared for Landlord or another party). Tenant’s rights under this Section 6.4 are subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(a)      There is no uncured event of default under this Lease then in existence;

 

(b)      Each Audit shall be prepared by an independent certified public accounting firm of recognized national or regional standing using Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and auditing or attestation standards published by the American Institute of CPAs (“ AICPA ”);

 

(c)      Each Audit shall commence within forty-five (45) days after Landlord makes Landlord’s books and records available to Tenant’s auditor and shall conclude within seventy-five (75) days after commencement;

 

(d)      Tenant and its accounting firm shall treat any Audit in a confidential manner and shall each execute a commercially reasonable confidentiality agreement for Landlord’s benefit prior to commencing the Audit;

 

(e)      The accounting firm’s audit report shall, at no charge to Landlord, be submitted in draft form for Landlord’s review and comment before the final approved audit report is delivered to Landlord, and any reasonable comments by Landlord shall be incorporated into the final audit report (it being the intention of the parties that Landlord’s right to review is intended to prevent errors and avoid disputes and not to unduly influence Tenant’s auditor in the preparation of the final audit report, and Landlord’s review shall in no event be deemed an endorsement of, or agreement with, such audit report);

 

(f)      If Tenant does not give written notice of its election to Audit Landlord’s Operating Expenses during the Audit Election Period, Landlord’s Operating Expenses for the applicable Calendar Year shall be deemed approved for all purposes, and Tenant shall have no further right to review or contest the same;

 

(g)      If Tenant elects to Audit, the Audit shall be the Tenant’s exclusive remedy with respect to disputing Operating Expenses for the applicable Calendar Year, provided that this sentence shall not diminish Tenant’s right to any refunds of overpayments of Operating Expenses that may be owed after final resolution of any audit);

 

(h)      At the conclusion of any Audit, Tenant and its employees, auditors and agents shall return all copies of supporting documentation made in connection with such Audit; and

 

(i)      The right to Audit granted hereunder is personal to the initial Tenant named in this Lease and to any assignee under a Permitted Transfer (defined below) and shall not be available to any subtenant under a sublease of the Leased Premises.

 

 
- 10 -

 

 

7.      Utilities and Services .

 

7.1      Standard Tenant Services . Landlord shall provide the following services on all days during the Lease Term, unless otherwise stated below.

 

(a)      Subject to reasonable changes implemented by Landlord and to all governmental rules, regulations and guidelines applicable thereto, Landlord shall provide heating and air conditioning when necessary for normal comfort for normal office use in the Leased Premises, from Monday through Friday, during the period from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and, when requested by Tenant in advance in accordance with the Rules and Regulations, on Saturday during the period from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., except for the date of observation of New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and other locally or nationally recognized holidays (collectively, the “ Holidays ”).

 

(b)      Landlord shall provide adequate electrical wiring and facilities and power for normal general office use for Building standard lighting and standard office equipment, as determined by Landlord. Tenant shall bear the cost of replacement of non-Building standard lamps, starters and ballasts for lighting fixtures within the Leased Premises.

 

(c)      Landlord shall provide city water from the regular Building outlets for drinking, lavatory and toilet purposes.

 

(d)      Landlord shall provide janitorial services, five (5) days per week, except the date of observation of the Holidays, in and about the Leased Premises and window washing services in a manner consistent with other comparable buildings in the vicinity of the Building.

 

(e)      Except when repairs or inspections are being made thereto, and subject to such rules and regulations as established by Landlord from time to time, Landlord shall provide nonexclusive automatic passenger elevator service for use by Tenant, its customers and employees at all times.

 

7.2      Overstandard Tenant Use . Tenant shall not, without Landlord’s prior written consent, use heat-generating machines, machines other than normal fractional horsepower office machines, or equipment or lighting other than building-standard lights in the Leased Premises, which may affect the temperature otherwise maintained by the air conditioning system or increase the water normally furnished for the Leased Premises by Landlord pursuant to the terms of Section 7.1 of this Lease. If such consent is given, Tenant shall have the right to install supplementary air conditioning units or other facilities in the Leased Premises, including supplementary or additional metering devices, and the cost thereof, including the cost of installation, operation and maintenance, increased wear and tear on existing equipment and other similar charges, shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord upon billing by Landlord. If Tenant uses water or heat or air conditioning in excess of that supplied by Landlord pursuant to Section 7.1 of this Lease, or if Tenant’s consumption of electricity shall exceed three (3) watts connected load per square foot and one (1) watt per square foot of usable area of the Leased Premises for lighting, calculated on a monthly basis for the hours described in Section 7.1(a) above, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, upon billing, the cost of such excess consumption, the cost of the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment which is installed in order to supply such excess consumption, and the cost of the increased wear and tear on existing equipment caused by such excess consumption; and Landlord may install devices to separately meter any increased use and in such event Tenant shall pay the increased cost directly to Landlord, on demand, including the cost of such additional metering devices. If Tenant desires to use heat, ventilation or air conditioning during hours other than those for which Landlord is obligated to supply such utilities pursuant to the terms of Section 7.1 of this Lease, Tenant shall give Landlord such prior notice, as Landlord shall from time to time establish as appropriate, of Tenant’s desired use and Landlord shall supply such utilities to Tenant at such hourly cost to Tenant as Landlord shall from time to time establish. Amounts payable by Tenant to Landlord for such use of additional utilities shall be deemed additional rent hereunder and shall be billed on a monthly basis.

 

 
- 11 -

 

 

7.3      Separate Metering . As of the Effective Date, Landlord has caused all electricity, water and/or other utilities to be separately metered for the Leased Premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article 7 to the contrary, Tenant shall pay for the cost of all such utilities so separately metered, or which are billed directly to Tenant, within ten (10) days after invoice, in which event Operating Expenses for each Calendar Year shall be equitably reduced to exclude all such utilities provided to Tenant and other tenants in the Building. All low voltage plug loads will be separately metered for each Tenant and all building standard high voltage lighting will be tied into and controlled by the building lighting control system.

 

7.4      Additional Services . Landlord shall also have the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to provide any additional services which may be required by Tenant, including, without limitation, locksmithing, non-Building standard lamp replacement, additional janitorial service, above-standard water, electrical or HVAC usage, and additional repairs and maintenance, provided that Tenant shall pay to Landlord upon billing, the sum of all costs to Landlord of such additional services plus an administration fee equal to ten percent (10%) of the total cost of such additional services. Charges for any service for which Tenant is required to pay from time to time hereunder, shall be deemed additional rent hereunder and shall be billed on a monthly basis. If and only if Tenant uses all or any portion of the Leased Premises as a Data Center or Technology Lab, then all utilities servicing such rooms shall be separately metered and paid for by Tenant. Condenser water is available for above base building Tenant usage, however Tenant shall be responsible for installation and cost of the BTU meter and the Condenser water cost on a per ton/hour basis. The Condenser water will be limited to a capacity to be determined upon lease commencement.

 

7.5      Interruption of Services . Landlord shall not be liable for any damage, loss or expense incurred by Tenant by reason of any interruption or failure of the utilities and services. Landlord may, with notice to Tenant, or without notice in case of emergency, cut off and discontinue utilities and service when such discontinuance is necessary in order to make repairs or alterations. No such action shall be construed as an eviction or disturbance of possession by Landlord or relieve Tenant from paying Rent or performing any of its obligations under this Lease.

 

8.      Maintenance and Repairs .

 

8.1      Tenant’s Repairs . Subject to Landlord’s repair obligations in Section 8.2 below, Tenant shall, at Tenant’s own expense, keep the Leased Premises, including all improvements, fixtures and furnishings therein, in good order, repair and condition at all times during the Lease Term. In addition, Tenant shall, at Tenant’s own expense but under the supervision and subject to the prior approval of Landlord, and within a reasonable period of time, promptly and adequately repair all damage to the Leased Premises and replace or repair all damaged or broken fixtures and appurtenances; provided however, that, at Landlord’s option, or if Tenant fails to make such repairs, Landlord may, but need not, make such repairs and replacements, and Tenant shall pay Landlord the cost thereof, including a percentage of the cost thereof (to be uniformly established for the Project) sufficient to reimburse Landlord for all overhead, general conditions, fees and other costs or expenses arising from Landlord’s involvement with such repairs and replacements forthwith upon being billed for same. Landlord may, but shall not be required to, enter the Leased Premises at all reasonable times upon prior notice (or at any time in the event of an emergency) to make such repairs, alterations, improvements and additions to the Leased Premises or at the Building or to any equipment located in the Building as Landlord shall desire or deem necessary or as Landlord may be required to do by governmental or quasi-governmental authority or court order or decree.

 

 
- 12 -

 

 

8.2      Landlord’s Repairs . Anything contained in Section 8.1 above to the contrary notwithstanding, Landlord shall repair and maintain all structural components of the foundation, floor and ceiling slabs, roof, curtain wall, exterior glass and mullions, columns, beams, shafts (including elevator shafts), all Common Areas, Service Corridors and structural portions of the Building, including the basic plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and electrical systems installed or furnished by Landlord (but not including any non-base building facilities installed by or on behalf of Tenant) in a manner consistent with Comparable Buildings (as defined below) and shall operate the Building in a manner comparable to Comparable Buildings; provided , however , to the extent such maintenance and repairs are caused in part or in whole by the act, neglect, fault of or omission of any duty by Tenant, its agents, servants, employees or invitees, Tenant shall pay to Landlord as additional rent, the actual cost of such maintenance and repairs. Landlord shall not be liable for any failure to make any such repairs, or to perform any maintenance unless such failure shall persist for a period longer than thirty (30) days (or within such additional time as is reasonably required to make such repairs) after written notice of the need of such repairs or maintenance is given to Landlord by Tenant. There shall be no abatement of rent and no liability of Landlord by reason of any injury to or interference with Tenant’s business arising from the making of any repairs, alterations or improvements in or to any portion of the Project, Building or the Leased Premises or in or to fixtures, appurtenances and equipment therein. Landlord shall use reasonable effort to minimize any interruptions or interference with Tenant’s use of the Leased Premises (including but not limited to performing such work after normal business hours or on weekends) while performing its obligations under this Section 8.2 . Tenant hereby waives and releases any right to make repairs at Landlord’s expense under any law, statute or ordinance now or hereafter in effect.

 

8.3      Notification to Landlord . Tenant agrees to promptly notify Landlord or its representative of any accidents or defects in the Building or Project of which Tenant becomes aware, including defects in pipes, electrical wiring and HVAC equipment. In addition, Tenant shall provide Landlord with prompt notification of any matter or condition which may cause injury or damage to the Building or the Project or any person or property therein.

 

8.4      Condition Upon Expiration of Lease . Upon the expiration of the Lease Term, or any sooner termination, Tenant shall remove (i) all of its personal property including, without limitation, any wiring, cabling or conduit (including any cabling and wiring associated with the Wi-Fi Network, as defined in Section 9.2 below) installed above the ceiling, beneath the floors or in the Leased Premises on or behalf of Tenant, and (ii) any alterations and improvements required to be removed pursuant to Section 9.3 below and surrender the Leased Premises in good condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Tenant shall repair, at its expense, any damage to the Leased Premises occasioned by its removal of any article of personal property, trade fixtures, furnishings, signs, and improvements including but not limited to repairing the floor, patching holes and painting walls. In the event that Tenant shall fail to timely perform its obligations under this Section 8.4 , Landlord may perform such obligations and may charge the costs incurred by Landlord in connection therewith to Tenant (together with an administration fee equal to ten percent (10%) of the total costs incurred by Landlord in undertaking such obligations), and Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for such costs within thirty (30) days after being billed for the same.

 

9.      Alterations and Additions .

 

9.1      Landlord’s Consent Required ; Minor Alterations .

 

(a)      Tenant shall not make any alterations or additions to the Leased Premises without first procuring Landlord’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. In no event, however, shall Tenant alter the exterior of the Leased Premises or make any change or alteration which would impair the structural soundness of the Building. Upon obtaining such consent, Tenant shall cause the work to be done (a) promptly, (b) in accordance with all Laws, (c) at no additional material cost to Tenant, in accordance with the LEED EB Certification and the Environmental Management Plan, provided, however, if Tenant’s compliance with the LEED EB Certification results in a material additional cost, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree to reasonably cooperate to minimize the costs of such compliance, and (d) in a good and workmanlike manner, free of liens or defects, and with the use of good grades of materials. All work done and materials supplied shall be done or supplied only by contractors approved by Landlord, and Landlord shall have the right to grant such approval conditionally or to withdraw the same at any time. Landlord’s approval thereof shall create no responsibility or liability on the part of Landlord for the completeness, design, sufficiency or compliance with all laws, rules and regulations of governmental agencies or authorities regarding the alterations. The construction of the initial Tenant Improvements for the Leased Premises shall be governed by the provisions of Rider 1 and not this Article 9 .

 

 
- 13 -

 

 

(b)      Notwithstanding anything in Section 9.1(a) to the contrary, Tenant may, without Landlord’s prior written consent including without Landlord’s prior approval of any contractor, undertake Minor Alterations to the Premises so long as all other requirements of this Section 9 are satisfied. “ Minor Alterations ” means any alterations or improvements that (i) do not require a building permit, (ii) do not involve any of the structural elements of any Building or any Building system, (iii) do not affect the exterior appearance of the Building, and (iv) are reasonably estimated to cost $15,000.00 or less per alteration in any one instance.

   

9.2      Wi-Fi Network . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event Tenant desires to install a wireless intranet, internet or any data or communications network (collectively, “ Wi-Fi Network ”) in the Leased Premises for the use by Tenant and its employees, then, in addition to the other terms and conditions of this Article 9 , the terms and conditions of this Section 9.2 shall apply. In the event Landlord consents to Tenant’s installation of the Wi-Fi Network, Tenant shall, in accordance with Section 9.3 below, remove the Wi-Fi Network from the Leased Premises prior to the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. Tenant shall use the Wi-Fi Network so as not to cause any interference to other tenants in the Building or Project or with any other tenant’s communication equipment, and not to damage the Building or Project or interfere with the normal operation of the Building or Project, and Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims, costs, damages, expenses and liabilities (including attorneys’ fees) (collectively, the “ Claims ”) arising out of Tenant’s failure to comply with the provisions of this Section 9.2 , except to the extent the Claims are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord and are not insured or required to be insured by Tenant under this Lease. Should any interference occur, Tenant shall take all necessary steps as soon as reasonably possible, and no later than three (3) business days following such occurrence, to correct such interference. If such interference continues after such three (3) business day period, Tenant shall immediately cease operating the Wi-Fi Network until such interference is corrected or remedied to Landlord’s satisfaction. Tenant acknowledges that Landlord has granted and/or may grant telecommunication rights to other tenants and occupants of the Building or Project and to telecommunication set-vice providers, and in no event shall Landlord be liable to Tenant for any interference to the Wi-Fi Network. Landlord makes no representation that the Wi-Fi Network shall be able to receive or transmit communication signals without interference or disturbance. Tenant shall (i) promptly pay any tax, license or permit fees charged pursuant to any laws or regulations in connection with the installation, maintenance or use of the Wi-Fi Network and comply with all precautions and safeguards recommended by all governmental authorities, (ii) pay for all necessary repairs, replacements to or maintenance of the Wi-Fi Network, and (iii) be responsible for any modifications, additions or repairs to the Project, including without limitation, Building or Project systems or infrastructure, which are required by reason of the installation, operation or removal of Tenant’s Wi-Fi Network. Should Landlord be required to retain professionals to research any interference issues that may arise and confirm Tenant’s compliance with the terms of this Section 9.2 , Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the costs incurred by Landlord in connection with Landlord’s retention of such professionals, the research of such interference issues and confirmation of Tenant’s compliance with the terms of this Section 9.2 within twenty (20) days after the date Landlord submits to Tenant an invoice for such costs, which costs shall not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in the aggregate per year (the “ Reimbursement Cap ”); provided , however , that to the extent that it is determined that Tenant has failed to perform its obligations under this Section 9.2 , the Reimbursement Cap shall not apply, and Tenant shall be responsible for reimbursing Landlord for all costs Landlord incurs in connection with Landlord’s retention of such professionals, the research of such interference issues and confirmation of Tenant’s compliance with the terms of this Section 9.2 . This reimbursement obligation is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any rights or remedies Landlord may have in the event of a breach or default by Tenant under this Lease.

 

 
- 14 -

 

 

(a)      Surrender at End of Term . At the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease or Tenant’s right of possession, Tenant shall remove Tenant’s Removable Property (as defined below) from the Project, and quit and surrender the Project to Landlord, broom clean, and in good order, condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear, casualty, condemnation, and damage caused by Landlord excepted. If Tenant fails to remove any of Tenant’s Removable Property within five (5) days after the termination of this Lease or Expiration Date (as extended as provided herein), Landlord, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall be entitled (but not obligated) to remove and store Tenant’s Removable Property. Landlord shall not be responsible for the value, preservation or safekeeping of Tenant’s Removable Property. Tenant shall pay Landlord, upon demand, the expenses and storage charges reasonably incurred for Tenant’s Removable Property. In addition, if Tenant fails to remove Tenant’s Removable Property from the Project or storage, as the case may be, within 30 days after written notice, Landlord may deem all or any part of Tenant’s Removable Property to be abandoned, and title to Tenant’s Removable Property (except with respect to any Hazardous Materials) shall be deemed to be immediately vested in Landlord. Tenant’s possession of the Project after the termination or expiration of the Lease for removal of the Removable Property shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Lease, including the obligation to pay Base Rent and Operating Expenses on a per diem basis at the rate in effect for the last month of the Lease Term. Tenant shall repair damage caused by the installation or removal of Tenant’s Removable Property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the time Tenant requests the approval of Tenant Work as provided in Rider 1 or the consent of Landlord to install Special Installations or other Tenant alterations as required under Section 9.1 , Landlord shall notify Tenant what, if any, Tenant Work, Special Installations, and/or Tenant alterations must be removed upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease concurrently with Landlord’s delivery of written approval of the Tenant Work or written consent to the applicable Special Installations or Tenant alterations. If Landlord fails to timely deliver such notice, then Tenant may deliver a notice to Landlord (each, a “ Deemed Approval Notice ”) specifying in all capital letters and boldface type on page 1 of such letter the following: “YOUR FAILURE TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE ALTERATION REMOVAL REQUEST SET FORTH IN THIS NOTICE WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS SHALL BE DEEMED LANDLORD’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE ALTERATION(S) NEED NOT BE REMOVED AT THE TERMINATION OF THE LEASE.” If Landlord fails to respond within five (5) business days after Landlord’s receipt of a Deemed Approval Notice, then, upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall have no obligation to remove the alterations that were identified in the Deemed Approval Notice.

 

(b)      As used in this Lease, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

(i)      Cable ” means, collectively, electronic, phone and data cabling and related equipment that is installed by or for the benefit of Tenant whether located in the Leased Premises or in other portions of the Project.

 

(ii)      Special Installations ” means, collectively, any other alterations or improvements that are installed by or for the benefit of Tenant and are, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, of a nature that would require removal and repair costs that are materially in excess of the removal and repair costs associated with standard office improvements, including, without limitation, any supplemental HVAC system, floor or ceiling penetrations, raised or lowered floors or ceilings, internal staircases or specialized wall or floor coverings.

 

(iii)      Tenant’s Property ” means, collectively, all trade fixtures and personal property, including, without limitation, furnishings, furniture, equipment, sign faces, computers, computer related equipment on property, safes, security systems, communications equipment and other equipment for use in connection with the conduct of Tenant’s business regardless of the manner in which they are installed. Tenant’s Property shall be solely the property of Tenant.

 

(iv)      Tenant’s Removable Property ” means, collectively, (i) the Wi-Fi Network, (ii) Special Installations, (iii) Tenant’s Property, and (iv) Tenant’s License Property (as defined in Rider 1 ).

 

 
- 15 -

 

 

9.3      Insurance Conditions . Prior the commencement of any alterations, Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, (i) furnish Landlord with the names and addresses of all contractors and subcontractors engaged by Tenant to perform any alterations, (ii) deliver to Landlord certificates issued by insurance companies qualified to do business in the State of Colorado, evidencing that workmen’s compensation, public liability insurance and property damage insurance, all in amounts, with companies and on forms reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, are in force and effect and maintained by all contractors and subcontractors engaged by Tenant to perform any alterations, and (iii) deliver to Landlord evidence of compliance with all applicable requirements for permits and codes, ordinances, and approvals, including but not limited to, building permits, zoning and planning requirements, and approvals from various governmental agencies and bodies having jurisdiction over the Premises.

 

9.4      Payment for Work . All costs of any such work shall be paid promptly by Tenant so as to avoid the assertion of any mechanic’s or materialman’s lien. Tenant shall discharge, by bonding, payment or other means, any mechanic’s lien filed against the Leased Premises, the Building or the Project due to work performed by or on behalf of Tenant within thirty (30) days after the receipt of notice thereof, and shall promptly inform Landlord of any such notice. If the lien is not discharged within said thirty (30) day period, Landlord shall have the right, but not the obligation, to discharge said lien by payment, bonding or otherwise, and the costs and expenses to Landlord of obtaining such discharge shall be paid to Landlord by Tenant on demand as additional rent. Whether or not Tenant orders any work directly from Landlord, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a percentage of the cost of such work (such percentage, which shall vary depending upon whether or not Tenant orders the work directly from Landlord, to be established on a uniform basis for the Building) sufficient to compensate Landlord for all overhead, general conditions, fees and other costs and expenses arising from Landlord’s involvement with such work.

 

9.5      Construction Rules and Regulations; Green Globe or LEED-Accredited Professionals .

 

(a)      Construction Rules and Regulations . All alterations and improvements installed in the Leased Premises shall comply with the construction rules and regulations that Landlord may promulgate from time to time (“ Construction Rules and Regulations ”), which shall not be substantially different or cause inflated cost to Tenant including, without limitation, any applicable tenant design and construction manuals that Landlord may promulgate from time to time. Nothing in this Lease shall be construed to impose upon Landlord any duty or obligation to enforce the Construction Rules and Regulations or the terms, covenants or conditions of any other lease as against any other tenant of the Project, and Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for violation of the same by any other tenant of the Project; provided , however , that Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to enforce the Construction Rules and Regulations in a uniform and non-discriminatory manner.

 

(b)      Green Globe or LEED-Accredited Professionals . For any alterations or improvements that cost, in aggregate, in excess of $15,000, Tenant agrees to obtain Landlord’s prior written approval in order to validate that such alterations and improvements reasonably conform to and comply with the LEED EB Certification and the Environmental Management Plan. In the event that Landlord, after its review of any such alterations and improvements, reasonably determines that the same may not conform to and comply with the LEED EB Certification and Environmental Management Plan, Tenant hereby agrees to engage, or cause its contractor to engage, at no material additional cost to Tenant, a third-party Green Globe or LEED-accredited professional to oversee and validate that the alterations and improvements conform to and comply with the LEED EB Certification and the Environmental Management Plan; provided, however, if Tenant’s compliance with the LEED EB Certification results in a material additional cost, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree to reasonably cooperate to minimize the costs of such compliance.

 

 
- 16 -

 

 

9.6      Protection against Liens . Landlord may, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, condition its approval of any alterations upon Tenant providing Landlord with appropriate evidence of Tenant’s ability to complete and pay for the completion of such alterations, including, without limitation, a performance bond or letter of credit. At least five (5) days prior to the commencement of any work on the Leased Premises, Tenant shall notify Landlord of the names and addresses of the persons supplying labor and materials for the proposed work so Landlord may avail itself of the provisions of statutes such as Section 38-22-105 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. During the progress of any such work on the Leased Premises, Landlord or its representatives shall have the right to go upon and inspect the Leased Premises at all reasonable times, and shall have the right to post and keep posted thereon notices such as those provided for by CRS Section 38-22-105 or to take any further action which Landlord may deem to be proper for the protection of Landlord’s interest in the Leased Premises.

 

10.      Insurance .

 

10.1      Tenant’s Compliance with Landlord’s Fire and Casualty Insurance . Tenant shall, at Tenant’s expense, comply as to the Leased Premises with all insurance company requirements pertaining to the use of the Leased Premises. If Tenant’s conduct or use of the Leased Premises causes any increase in the premium for such insurance policies, then Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any such increase. Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, shall comply with all rules, orders, regulations or requirements of the American Insurance Association (formerly the National Board of Fire Underwriters) and with any similar body.

 

10.2      Tenant’s Insurance . Tenant shall maintain the following coverages in the following amounts:

 

(a)      Commercial General Liability Insurance with combined single limits of not less than $2,000,000 covering the insured against claims of bodily injury, personal injury and property damage arising out of Tenant’s operations, assumed liabilities or use of the Leased Premises, and assumed contractual liability with respect to Tenant’s obligations under Article 11 of this Lease.

 

(b)      Physical Damage Insurance covering (i) all office furniture, trade fixtures, office equipment, merchandise and all other items of Tenant’s property on the Leased Premises installed by, for, or at the expense of Tenant, (ii) all improvements, alterations and additions now existing or hereafter installed in or to the Leased Premises, including any improvements, alterations or additions now or hereafter installed at Tenant’s request above the ceiling of the Leased Premises or below the floor of the Leased Premises. Such insurance shall be written on an “all risks” of physical loss or damage basis, for the full replacement cost value new without deduction for depreciation of the covered items and in amounts that meet any co-insurance clauses of the policies of insurance and shall include a vandalism and malicious mischief endorsement, sprinkler leakage coverage and earthquake sprinkler leakage coverage.

 

(c)      Workers’ compensation insurance as required by law and employer’s liability insurance with limits of at least $500,000 each occurrence.

 

(d)      Tenant shall carry comprehensive automobile liability insurance having a combined single limit of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence and insuring Tenant against liability for claims arising out of ownership, maintenance or use of any owned, hired or non-owned automobiles.

 

 
- 17 -

 

 

10.3      Form of Policies . The minimum limits of policies of insurance required of Tenant under this Lease shall in no event limit the liability of Tenant under this Lease. Such insurance shall: (i) name Landlord, Landlord’s lenders, the lessors of any ground or underlying lease with respect to the Real Property and any other party Landlord so specifies, as an additional insured; (ii) specifically cover the liability assumed by Tenant under this Lease to the extent insurable by a commercially reasonably available Commercial General Liability Policy, including, but not limited to, Tenants obligations under Article 2 of this Lease; (iii) be issued by an insurance company having a rating of not less than A-X in Best’s Insurance Guide or which is otherwise acceptable to Landlord and licensed to do business in the state in which the Real Property is located; (iv) be primary insurance as to all claims thereunder and provide that any insurance carried by Landlord is excess and is noncontributing with any insurance requirement of Tenant; (v) provide that said insurance shall not be canceled or coverage changed unless thirty (30) days’ prior written notice shall be given in accordance with the provisions of the policy; (vi) contain a cross-liability endorsement or severability of interest clause acceptable to Landlord; and (vii) with respect to the insurance required in Sections 10.2(a) , 10.2(b) , 10.2(d) and 10.2(e) above, have deductible amounts not exceeding $5,000.00. Tenant shall deliver said policy or policies or certificates thereof to Landlord on or before the Commencement Date and within fifteen (15) days before the expiration dates thereof. If Tenant shall fail to procure such insurance, or to deliver such policies or certificate, within such time periods, Landlord may, at its option, in addition to all of its other rights and remedies under this Lease, and without regard to any notice and cure periods set forth in Section 16.1 , procure such policies for the account of Tenant, and the cost thereof shall be paid to Landlord as additional rent within ten (10) days after delivery of bills therefor.

 

10.4      Subrogation . Landlord and Tenant agree to have their respective insurance companies issuing property damage insurance waive any rights of subrogation that such companies may have against Landlord or Tenant, as the case may be, Landlord and Tenant hereby waive any right that either may have against the other on account of any loss or damage to their respective property.

 

10.5      Additional Insurance Obligations . Tenant shall carry and maintain during the entire Lease Term, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, increased amounts of the insurance required to be carried by Tenant pursuant to this Article 10 , and such other reasonable types of insurance coverage and in such reasonable amounts covering the Leased Premises and Tenant’s operations therein, as may be reasonably requested by Landlord; provided, however, Landlord may only exercise its rights under this Section 10.4 one (1) time every year during the Lease Term and only if such additional insurance is then being required by similarly situated landlords in Comparable Buildings and upon comparable lease transactions; provided, further, however, in no event shall such additional insurance include business interruption insurance.

 

11.      Indemnity .

 

11.1      Indemnification of Landlord . Tenant shall indemnify and hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against any and all losses, claims and damages arising from Tenant’s use of the Leased Premises or the conduct of its business or from any activity, work or thing done, permitted or suffered by Tenant in or about the Leased Premises, and shall further indemnify and hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against any and all claims arising from any breach or default in the performance of any obligation on Tenant’s part to be performed under the terms of this Lease, or arising from any act or negligence of Tenant or any of its agents, contractors or employees, and from and against all costs, attorneys’ fees, expenses and liabilities incurred in or about any such claim or any action or proceeding brought thereon; and in case any action or proceeding be brought against Landlord by reason of any such claim, Tenant, upon notice from Landlord, shall defend the same at Tenant’s expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Landlord. Tenant, as a material part of the consideration to Landlord, hereby assumes all risks of damage to property or injury to persons in, upon or about the Leased Premises.

 

11.2      Indemnification of Tenant . Landlord shall indemnify and hold the Tenant harmless from and against any and all Claims suffered or claimed by any third-party (other than Tenant or Tenant’s Responsible Parties) to the extent (i) such Claims arise in the Common Areas (except to the extent caused by the negligence or intentional misconduct of Tenant or its Responsible Parties), or (ii) arising from the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of Landlord or its Responsible Parties. In case of any action or proceeding brought against the Tenant by reason of any such Claim, upon notice from Tenant, Landlord covenants to defend such action or proceeding by counsel chosen by Tenant, and reasonably acceptable to Landlord and Landlord’s insurance company. Tenant shall notify Landlord promptly of any Claim for indemnification and shall reasonably cooperate with Landlord and Landlord’s counsel in defense of such Claims.

 

 
- 18 -

 

 

11.3      Limitation of Liability . Landlord shall not be liable for injury or damage which may be sustained by the person, goods, wares, merchandise or property of Tenant, its Responsible Parties, or any other person in or about the Leased Premises caused by or resulting from fire, steam, electricity, gas or water, which may leak or flow from or into any part of the Leased Premises, or from breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of the pipes, sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, air conditioning or lighting fixtures of the same, whether the said damage or injury results from conditions arising upon the Leased Premises or upon other portions of the Building of which the Leased Premises are a part, or from other sources. Landlord shall not be liable for any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other tenant of the Building or the Project. In no event shall Landlord be liable for consequential damages.

 

12.      Damage, Destruction and Business Interruption .

 

12.1      Repair of Damage to Leased Premises by Landlord . Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any damage to the Leased Premises resulting from fire or any other casualty. If the Leased Premises or any Common Areas of the Building or Project serving or providing access to the Leased Premises shall be damaged by fire or other casualty, Landlord shall promptly and diligently, subject to reasonable delays for insurance adjustment or other matters beyond Landlord’s reasonable control, and subject to all other terms of this Article 12 , restore the structural components of the Leased Premises and such Common Areas. Such restoration shall be to substantially the same condition of the structural components of the Leased Premises and Common Areas prior to the casualty, except for modifications required by zoning and building codes and other laws or by the holder of a mortgage on the Project, or the lessor of a ground or underlying lease with respect to the Project, or any other modifications to the Common Areas deemed desirable by Landlord, provided access to the Leased Premises and any common restrooms serving the Leased Premises shall not be materially impaired. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Lease, upon the occurrence of any damage to the Leased Premises, Landlord shall repair any injury or damage to the tenant improvements installed in the Leased Premises and shall return such tenant improvements to their original condition; provided that if the cost of such repair by Landlord exceeds the amount of insurance proceeds received by Landlord from Tenant’s insurance carrier, as assigned by Tenant, the cost of such repairs shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord prior to Landlord’s repair of the damage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall Landlord be obligated to repair or restore any specialized or dedicated equipment serving Tenant, such as any cabling, wiring, supplemental utility system, telephone system or Wi-Fi Network. In connection with such repairs and replacements, Tenant shall, prior to the commencement of construction, submit to Landlord, for Landlord’s review and approval, all plans, specifications and working drawings relating thereto, and Tenant’s selection of the contractors to perform such improvement work shall be subject to Landlord’s prior written approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Landlord shall not be liable for any inconvenience or annoyance to Tenant or its visitors, or injury to Tenant’s business resulting in any way from such damage or the repair thereof; provided however, that if such fire or other casualty shall have damaged the Leased Premises or Common Areas necessary to Tenants occupancy, and if such damage is not the result of the negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant or Tenant’s employees, contractors, licensees, or invitees, Landlord shall allow Tenant a proportionate abatement of Base Rent and Tenant’s proportionate share of Operating Expenses to the extent Landlord is reimbursed from the proceeds of rental interruption insurance purchased by Landlord as part of Operating Expenses, during the time and to the extent the Leased Premises are unfit for occupancy for the purposes permitted under this Lease, and not occupied and used by Tenant as a result thereof.

 

 
- 19 -

 

 

12.2      Landlord’s Option to Repair . Notwithstanding the terms of Section 12.1 of this Lease, Landlord may elect not to rebuild and/or restore the Leased Premises, the Building and/or the Project and instead terminate this Lease by notifying Tenant in writing of such termination within sixty (60) days after Landlord becomes aware of such damage, such notice to include a termination date giving Tenant up to ninety (90) days to vacate the Leased Premises, but Landlord may so elect only if the Building and/or Project shall be damaged by fire or other casualty or cause, whether or not the Leased Premises are affected, and one or more of the following conditions is present: (i) repairs cannot reasonably be completed within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of damage (when such repairs are made without the payment of overtime or other premiums); (ii) the holder of any mortgage on the Project or ground or underlying lessor with respect to the Project shall require that the insurance proceeds or any portion thereof be used to retire the mortgage debt, or shall terminate the ground or underlying lease, as the case may be; or (iii) the damage is not fully covered by Landlord’s insurance policies. In addition, in the event that the Leased Premises, the Building or the Project is destroyed or damaged to any substantial extent during the last twenty-four (24) months of the Lease Term, then notwithstanding anything contained in this Article 12 , Landlord shall have the option to terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Tenant of the exercise of such option within thirty (30) days after Landlord becomes aware of such damage or destruction, in which event this Lease shall cease and terminate as of the date of such notice. Upon any such termination of the Lease pursuant to this Section 12.2 , Tenant shall pay the Base Rent and additional rent, properly apportioned up to such date of termination, and both parties hereto shall thereafter be freed and discharged of all further obligations hereunder, except as provided for in provisions of this Lease which by their terms survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease Term.

 

12.3      Waiver of Statutory Provisions . The provisions of this Lease, including this Article 12 , constitute an express agreement between Landlord and Tenant with respect to any and all damage to, or destruction of, all or any part of the Leased Premises, the Building or any other portion of the Project, and any statute or regulation of the state in which the Building is located, with respect to any rights or obligations concerning damage or destruction in the absence of an express agreement between the parties, and any other statute or regulation, now or hereafter in effect, shall have no application to this Lease or any damage or destruction to all or any part of the Leased Premises, the Building or any other portion of the Project.

 

12.4      Tenant’s Responsibilities . There shall be no abatement of rent (except as expressly provided above in Section 12.1 ) and no liability of Landlord by reason of any injury to or interference with Tenant’s business or property arising from the making of any repairs, alterations or improvements in or to any portion of the Project, the Building or the Leased Premises or in or to fixtures, appurtenances and equipment therein. Tenant understands Landlord will not carry insurance of any kind on Tenant’s furniture, furnishings and other personal property, and Landlord shall not be obligated to repair any damage thereto or replace the same. All such property shall be kept, stored and maintained at the sole risk of Tenant.

 

13.      Tenant’s Taxes .

 

13.1      Personal Property . Tenant shall pay, prior to delinquency, all taxes, assessments, license fees and public charges levied, assessed or imposed upon or measured by the value of Tenant’s business operation, and/or the cost or value of any furniture, fixtures, equipment and other personal property at any time situated upon or in the Leased Premises. Tenant shall cause all such personal property to be assessed and billed separately from the real property of Landlord.

 

 
- 20 -

 

 

13.2      Other Taxes for Which Tenant Is Directly Responsible . In addition, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord upon demand for any and all taxes or assessments required to be paid by Landlord, excluding state, local and federal personal or corporate income taxes measured by the net income of Landlord from all sources and estate and inheritance taxes, whether or not now customary or within the contemplation of the parties hereto, when:

 

(a)      Said taxes are measured by or reasonably attributable to the cost or value of any leasehold improvements made in or to the Leased Premises by or for Tenant, to the extent the cost or value of such leasehold improvements exceeds the cost or value of a building standard build-out as determined by Landlord regardless of whether title to such improvements shall be vested in Tenant or Landlord;

 

(b)      Said taxes are assessed upon or with respect to the possession, leasing, operation, management, maintenance, alteration, repair, use or occupancy by Tenant of the Leased Premises or any portion of the Project (including the Building’s and/or Project’s Parking Facility);

 

(c)      Said taxes are assessed upon this transaction or any document to which Tenant is a party creating or transferring an interest or an estate in the Leased Premises; or

 

(d)      Said assessments are levied or assessed upon the Project or any part thereof or upon Landlord and/or by any governmental authority or entity, and relate to the construction, operation, management, use, alteration or repair of mass transit improvements.

 

13.3      Increase in Taxes . If at any time during the Lease Term any of Tenant’s property is assessed as a part of the Leased Premises, or if the assessed value of Landlord’s property is increased by the inclusion therein of a value placed on Tenant’s property or other improvements made by Tenant, Tenant shall pay to Landlord upon demand, as additional rent, the amount of any such additional taxes as may be levied against the Building, Real Property or Project by reason thereof.

 

14.      Common Areas; Fitness Center .

 

14.1      Definition . The term “ Common Areas ” means all areas and facilities outside the Leased Premises provided and designated for the common use and convenience of Tenant and other tenants of the Project, their respective officers, agents, employees, customers and invitees. Common Areas include, but are not limited to, corridors, lobbies, pedestrian sidewalks, stairways, landscaped areas, restrooms on multi-tenant floors, elevators and shipping and receiving areas of the Project.

 

14.2      Maintenance . Landlord agrees to maintain, operate and repair (or cause others to do so) all Common Areas and to keep same in clean and sightly condition during the Lease Term. The manner in which such areas and facilities shall be maintained and the expenditures therefor shall be at the discretion of Landlord and as to all such Common Areas Landlord shall have the right to adopt and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations from time to time generally applicable to tenants and occupants of the Project and their employees and business invitees, including the right to restrict employees of tenants and occupants from parking in areas, if any, designated exclusively for customers of the Project. For the purpose of maintenance and repair, or to avoid an involuntary taking, Landlord may temporarily close portions of the Common Areas, and such actions shall not be deemed an eviction of Tenant or a disturbance of Tenant’s use of the Leased Premises.

 

14.3      Tenant’s Rights and Obligations . Landlord grants to Tenant, during the Lease Term, the license to use, for the benefit of Tenant and its officers, agents, employees, customers and invitees, in common with others entitled to such use, the Common Areas as they from time to time exist, subject to the rights and privileges of Landlord herein reserved. Tenant shall not at any time interfere with the rights of Landlord and others entitled to use any part of the Common Areas, and shall not store, permanently or temporarily, any materials, supplies or equipment in the Common Areas.

 

14.4      Changes to Common Area . Landlord shall have the right at any time during the Lease Term to change, alter, remodel, reduce, expand or improve the Common Areas, elevators, drains, pipes, heating and air conditioning apparatus or any other part of the or Project, except the Leased Premises, without compensation to Tenant; provided, however, such modifications shall not materially and adversely interfere with Tenant’s access to the Leased Premises. For such purposes, Landlord or its agents or employees may, if necessary, enter, pass through and work upon the Leased Premises provided Landlord shall carry out such work diligently and reasonably. If there is a change in the area of the Common Areas as a result of any of the foregoing, Landlord shall cause adjustments in the computation of Operating Expenses as shall be necessary to provide for any such changes.

 

 
- 21 -

 

 

14.5      Fitness Area .

 

(a)      As of the Effective Date, the Common Areas include, without limitation, a fitness area on the first (1 st ) floor of the Building (the “ Fitness Area ”).

 

(b)      So long as the Fitness Area exists and is in operation in the Building, Tenant and its employees shall have the non-exclusive right, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease, to use the Fitness Area in common with other tenants of the Project. Tenant hereby waives and forever releases the Indemnitees from any and all Claims arising directly or indirectly from Tenant’s or its Responsible Parties’ use of the Fitness Area. Tenant shall require that each Responsible Party that desires to use, access or otherwise utilize the Fitness Area, sign and deliver, as a condition to such Responsible Party’s use of the Fitness Area, a waiver and release on Landlord’s then-current form (each, a “ Waiver ”). In the event Tenant fails to provide and have any Responsible Party execute a Waiver, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against any and all Claims arising out of any Claims or other causes of action asserted by a Responsible Party (or its successors, assigns and/or personal representatives) related to or arising out of the use of the Fitness Area.

 

(c)      Tenant acknowledges and agrees that, except for the Exclusions, any and all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with the operation, maintenance, repair and insuring of the Fitness Area shall be including in Operating Expenses. Except for such costs that are included in Operating Expenses, Tenant’s use of the Fitness Area shall be free of charge.

 

(d)      Tenant’s and its Responsible Parties’ use of the Fitness Area shall be subject to the Rules and Regulations and such other reasonable rules and regulations as Landlord may impose from time to time.

 

15.      Assignment and Subletting .

 

15.1      Transfers . Except as expressly set forth in Rider 1 (if at all), Tenant shall not, without the prior written consent of Landlord, voluntarily or by operation of law, assign, sublet, encumber or transfer all or any part of Tenant’s interest in this Lease or in the Leased Premises or permit any part of the Leased Premises to be used or occupied by any person other than Tenant, its employees, customers and others having lawful business with Tenant (all of the foregoing are hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as “ Transfers ” and any person or entity to whom any Transfer is made or sought to be made is hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “ Transferee ”). If Tenant shall desire Landlord’s consent to any Transfer, Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing, which notice (the “ Transfer Notice ”) shall include: (i) the proposed effective date of the Transfer, which shall not be less than forty-five (45) days nor more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of delivery of the Transfer Notice; (ii) a description of the portion of the Leased Premises to be transferred (the “ Subject Space ”); (iii) all of the terms of the proposed Transfer and the consideration therefor, including a calculation of the Profit Rental, as that term is defined in Section 15.4 below, in connection with such Transfer, the name and address of the proposed Transferee, and a copy of all existing operative documents to be executed to evidence such Transfer or the agreements incidental or related to such Transfer; and (iv) current financial statements pertaining to the proposed Transferee certified by an officer, partner or owner thereof, and any other information required by Landlord, which will enable Landlord to determine the financial responsibility, character, and reputation of the proposed Transferee, nature of such Transferee’s business and proposed use of the Subject Space, and such other information as Landlord may reasonably require. Each time Tenant requests Landlord’s consent to a proposed Transfer, whether or not Landlord shall grant consent, within thirty (30) days after written request by Landlord, as additional rent hereunder, Tenant shall pay to Landlord Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for Landlord’s out-of-pocket review and processing fees, and, in addition, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any reasonable out-of-pocket legal fees incurred by Landlord in connection with Tenant’s proposed Transfer. In no event shall Landlord be obligated to consider a consent to any proposed assignment of this Lease which would assign less than the entire Leased Premises. Any attempted Transfer made without Landlord’s prior consent shall be wholly void and shall constitute a breach of this Lease.

 

 
- 22 -

 

 

15.2      Landlord’s Consent . Subject to Landlord’s rights in Section 15.3 below, Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to any proposed Transfer of the Subject Space to the Transferee on the terms specified in the Transfer Notice. The parties hereby agree that it shall be reasonable under this Lease and under any applicable law for Landlord to withhold consent to any proposed Transfer where one or more of the following apply, without limitation as to other reasonable grounds for withholding consent:

 

(a)      The Transferee is of a character or reputation or engaged in business which is not consistent with the quality of the Building and/or the Project;

 

(b)      The Transferee intends to use the Subject Space for purposes which are not permitted under this Lease;

 

(c)      The Transferee is either a governmental agency or instrumentality thereof;

 

(d)      The Transfer will result in more than a reasonable and safe number of occupants per floor within the Subject Space;

 

(e)      The Transferee is not a party of reasonable financial worth and/or financial stability in light of the responsibilities involved under the Lease on the date consent is requested;

 

(f)      The proposed Transfer would cause Landlord to be in violation of another lease or agreement to which Landlord is a party, or would give an occupant of the Project a right to cancel its lease;

 

(g)      The terms of the proposed Transfer will allow the Transferee to exercise a right of renewal, right of expansion, right of first offer, or other similar right held by Tenant (or will allow the Transferee to occupy space leased by Tenant pursuant to any such right);

 

(h)      Either the proposed Transferee, or any person or entity which directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the proposed Transferee, (A) occupies space in the Project at the time of the request for consent (B) is negotiating with Landlord to lease space in the Project at such time, or (C) has negotiated with Landlord during the twelve (12)-month period immediately preceding the Transfer Notice;

 

(i)      either the Transfer or any consideration payable to Landlord in connection therewith adversely affects the real estate investment trust qualification tests applicable to Landlord or its Affiliates; or

 

(j)      the proposed Transferee is or has been involved in litigation with Landlord or any of its Affiliates.

 

If Landlord consents to any Transfer pursuant to the terms of this Section 15.2 (and does not exercise any of its rights under Section 15.3 below), Tenant may within six (6) months after Landlord’s consent, but not later than the expiration of said six-month period, enter into such Transfer of the Leased Premises or portion thereof, upon substantially the same terms and conditions as are set forth in the Transfer Notice furnished by Tenant to Landlord pursuant to Section 15.1 of this Lease, provided that if there are any changes in the terms and conditions from those specified in the Transfer Notice (A) such that Landlord would initially have been entitled to refuse its consent to such Transfer under this Section 15.2 , or (B) which would cause the proposed Transfer to be more favorable to the Transferee than the terms set forth in Tenant’s original Transfer Notice, Tenant shall again submit the Transfer to Landlord for its approval and other action under this Article 15 (including Landlord’s right under Section 15.3 below).

 

 
- 23 -

 

 

15.3      Landlord’s Right to Sublet or Assume . Landlord shall have the option to exclude from the Leased Premises covered by this Lease (“ recapture ”), the space proposed to be sublet or subject to the assignment, effective as of the proposed commencement date of such sublease or assignment. If Landlord elects to recapture, Tenant shall surrender possession of the space proposed to be subleased or subject to the assignment to Landlord on the effective date of recapture of such space from the Leased Premises. Effective as of the date of recapture of any portion of the Leased Premises pursuant to this section, the Base Rent and Tenant’s Share of Computed Operating Expenses shall be adjusted accordingly.

 

15.4      Limitation on Profit Rental . In the event Tenant enters into a Transfer, Tenant shall pay to Landlord fifty percent (50%) of the Profit Rental, if any, received from the Transferee, as it is received. “ Profit Rental ” shall be calculated by deducting from the amount received by Tenant from the Transferee on account of the Transfer, the sum of (i) the amounts payable to Landlord by Tenant pursuant to this Lease for the Subject Space which has been Transferred, (ii) the reasonable planning and improvement allowances provided by Tenant to the Transferee in connection with such Transfer, and (iii) the reasonable attorneys’ fees and brokerage commissions paid by Tenant in connection with such Transfer.

 

15.5      Continuing Obligations . No Transfer, even with Landlord’s consent, shall relieve Tenant of its obligations to pay the Rent and to perform all of the other obligations to be performed by Tenant under this Lease, unless the subtenant or assignee is Landlord pursuant to Section 15.3 . The acceptance of Rent by Landlord from any other person shall not be deemed to be a waiver by Landlord of any provision of this Lease or to be a consent to any subsequent Transfer, and Tenant shall offer to sublet or assign to Landlord pursuant to Section 15.3 prior to requesting consent for any subsequent Transfer.

 

15.6      Corporations and Partnerships . Except as expressly set forth in Rider 1 (if at all), a sale by Tenant of all or substantially all of its assets shall constitute a Transfer for purposes of this Lease. Except as expressly set forth in Rider 1 (if at all), if Tenant is a corporation or limited liability company, then any assignment or transfer of this Lease by merger, consolidation or liquidation, or any change in ownership of or power to vote of a majority of its outstanding voting stock or membership interests shall, in Landlord’s reasonable discretion, constitute a Transfer for purposes of this Lease. Except as expressly set forth in Rider 1 (if at all), if Tenant is a partnership, then any change in the identity of the general partners having an aggregate interest in the partnership exceeding fifty percent (50%) shall, in Landlord’s reasonable discretion, constitute a Transfer for purposes of this Lease.

 

15.7      Assumption and Attornment . If Tenant shall assign this Lease as permitted herein, the assignee shall expressly assume all of the obligations of Tenant arising from and after the date of the assignment hereunder in a written instrument satisfactory to Landlord and furnished to Landlord not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the effective date of the assignment. Upon the effective date of (i) an assignment to the Permitted Transferee or (ii) any Permitted Transfer, Tenant shall be released from further liability under the Lease arising from and after the effective date of such assignment. If Tenant shall sublease the Leased Premises as permitted herein, Tenant shall, at Landlord’s option, within fifteen (15) days following any request by Landlord, obtain and furnish to Landlord the written agreement of such subtenant to the effect that the subtenant will attorn to Landlord and will pay all subrent directly to Landlord.

 

15.8      Prohibited Transfers . Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, Tenant shall not enter into any lease, sublease, license, concession or other agreement for the use, occupancy or utilization of the Leased Premises or any portion thereof that provides for a rental or other payment for such use, occupancy or utilization based in whole or in part on the income or profits derived by any person from the property leased, subleased, used, occupied or utilized (other than an amount based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales). Any such purported lease, sublease, license, concession or other agreement shall be absolutely void and ineffective as a conveyance of any right or interest in the possession, use or occupancy of any part of the Leased Premises.

 

 
- 24 -

 

 

16.      Tenant’s Default .

 

16.1      Definition . The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute default and breach of this Lease by Tenant:

 

(a)      Any failure by Tenant to pay when due any Rent or any other monetary sums required to be paid thereunder, and such failure continues for a period of five (5) days after notice of such non-payment is delivered by Landlord to Tenant; provided , however , that Tenant shall not be entitled to more than two (2) notices of a delinquency in a monetary obligation during any 12-month period, and if thereafter any Rent is not paid when due, an event of default shall be considered to have occurred even though no notice thereof is given.

 

(b)      Tenant abandons the Leased Premises, or vacates the Leased Premises and fails to pay Rent to Landlord when due and owing in accordance with the terms of this Lease.

 

(c)      Any failure by Tenant to observe and perform any other provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Tenant within thirty (30) days after notice thereof has been provided to Tenant by Landlord, or if performance is not possible within said period, any failure of Tenant to commence performance within said period and to diligently prosecute such performance to completion.

 

(d)      Intentionally creating or permitting to be created a nuisance which shall not be abated within five (5) days after written notice thereof from Landlord.

 

(e)      If Tenant, or any guarantor of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease (“ Guarantor ”), admits in writing that it cannot meet its obligations as they become due; or is declared insolvent according to any law; or assignment of Tenant’s or Guarantor’s property is made for the benefit of creditors; or a receiver or trustee is appointed for Tenant or Guarantor or its property; or the interest of Tenant or Guarantor under this Lease is levied on under execution or other legal process; or any petition is filed by or against Tenant or Guarantor to declare Tenant bankrupt or to delay, reduce or modify Tenant’s debts or obligations; or any petition is filed or other action taken to reorganize or modify Tenant’s or Guarantor’s capital structure, if Tenant or Guarantor is a corporation or other entity; any such levy, execution, legal process or petition filed against Tenant or Guarantor shall not constitute a breach of this Lease provided Tenant or Guarantor shall vigorously contest the same by appropriate proceedings and shall remove or vacate the same within sixty (60) days from the date of its creation, service or filing.

 

(f)      The taking of this Lease or Tenant’s interest therein under writ of execution.

 

16.2      Interest on Unpaid Sums . If any Rent, or any other monetary sum required to be paid thereunder by Tenant to Landlord, is not paid within five (5) days of when due, such sum shall accrue interest from the date due until received at the rate (the “ Interest Rate ”) which is the lower of (i) the highest rate permitted by applicable law or (ii) eighteen percent (18%) per annum.

 

16.3      Remedies . In the event of any such default or breach by Tenant, Landlord may at any time thereafter, without limiting Landlord in the exercise of any other right or remedy which Landlord may have:

 

(a)      Without terminating this Lease, reenter and attempt to relet or take possession pursuant to legal proceedings and remove all persons and property from the Leased Premises. In such event, Landlord may, from time to time, make such alterations and repairs as may be necessary in order to relet the Leased Premises or any part thereof for such term or terms (which may be for a term extending beyond the Lease Term) and at such rental or rentals and upon such other terms and conditions as Landlord, in its reasonable discretion, may deem advisable. Upon each such reletting, all rentals received by Landlord from such reletting shall be applied: first, to the payment of any costs and expenses of such reletting, including brokerage fees and attorneys’ fees; second, to the payment of any indebtedness other than Rent due thereunder from Tenant to Landlord; third, to the payment of Rent due and unpaid thereunder; and the residue, if any, shall be held by Landlord and applied to payment of future rent as the same may become due and payable thereunder. If such rentals received from such reletting during any month be less than that to be paid during that month by Tenant thereunder, Tenant shall pay any such deficiency to Landlord. Such deficiency shall be calculated and paid monthly. In no event shall Tenant be entitled to any excess of any rental obtained by reletting over and above the Rent herein reserved, Actions to collect amounts due by Tenant to Landlord as provided in this Section 16.3(a) may be brought from time to time, on one or more occasions, without the necessity of Landlord’s waiting until expiration of the Lease Term. No such reentry or taking possession of the Leased Premises by Landlord shall be construed as an election on its part to terminate this Lease unless a notice of such intention be given to Tenant or unless the termination thereof be decreed by a court of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any such reletting without termination, Landlord may at any time thereafter elect in writing to terminate this Lease for such previous breach. No such alteration of locks or other security devices and no removal or other exercise of dominion by Landlord over Tenant’s Property or others at the Leased Premises shall be deemed unauthorized or constitute a conversion of the Leased Premises or the property of Tenant therein or termination of the Lease, Tenant hereby consenting, after any Tenant default, to the aforesaid exercise of dominion over Tenant’s property within the Leased Premises. All claims for damages by reason of such reentry and/or repossession and/or alteration of locks or other security devices are hereby waived, as are all claims for damages by reason of any distress warrant, forcible detainer proceedings, sequestration proceedings or other legal process. Tenant agrees that any reentry by Landlord may be pursuant to judgment obtained in forcible detainer proceedings or other legal proceedings or without the necessity for any legal proceedings, as Landlord may elect, and Landlord shall not be liable in trespass or otherwise.

 

 
- 25 -

 

 

(b)      WITHOUT TERMINATING THIS LEASE, DEMAND THAT ALL RENT PAYABLE BY TENANT UNDER THIS LEASE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE LEASE TERM BE ACCELERATED AND IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING WITHOUT DISCOUNT. TENANT FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS PROVISION AND AGREES TO RENDER PAYMENT OF THE AMOUNTS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION 16.3(b) IN FULL IF SO REQUESTED BY LANDLORD.

 

(c)      Terminate this Lease and Tenant’s right to possession, in which case Tenant shall immediately surrender possession. In addition to any other remedies which Landlord may have, it shall have the right to recover from Tenant: (i) the amount equal to any unpaid rent which has been earned at the time of such termination; (ii) as liquidated damages for loss of bargain, and not as a penalty, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of Rent and other charges which are Tenant’s obligation to pay under this Lease for the remainder of the stated term over the aggregate of the then reasonable rental value of the Leased Premises under a lease substantially similar to this Lease for the remainder of the stated term, all of which amounts shall be discounted to present value at the passbook savings rate of U.S. Bank, a national banking association, or its successor, then in effect and shall be immediately due and payable; and (iii) all other damages and expenses which Landlord has sustained because of Tenant’s default, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, the cost of recovering the Leased Premises, brokerage commissions and advertising expenses incurred, and expenses of remodeling the Leased Premises or any portion thereof for a new tenant, whether for the same or a different use and any special concessions made to obtain a new tenant.

 

(d)      If Tenant should fail to make any payment or cure any default hereunder within the time herein permitted, Landlord, without being under any obligation to do so and without thereby waiving such default, may make such payment and/or remedy such other default for the account of Tenant (and enter the Leased Premises for such purpose), and thereupon Tenant shall be obligated to, and hereby agrees, to pay Landlord, upon demand, all costs, expenses and disbursements (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by Landlord in taking such remedial action as additional rent.

 

(e)      No receipt of money by Landlord from Tenant after the termination of this Lease as herein provided shall reinstate, continue or extend the Lease Term or operate as a waiver of the right of Landlord to enforce the payment of Rent or other money when due by Tenant, or operate as a waiver of the right of Landlord to recover possession of the Leased Premises by proper remedy.

 

 
- 26 -

 

 

(f)      In addition to any other remedies Landlord may have at law or equity and/or under this Lease, Tenant shall pay upon demand all Landlord’s costs, charges and expenses, including reasonable fees of counsel, agents and others retained by Landlord, whether or not suit is filed, incurred in connection with the recovery under this Lease or for any other relief against Tenant.

 

(g)      All covenants and agreements to be kept or performed by Tenant under this Lease shall be performed by Tenant at Tenant’s sole cost and expense and without any reduction of Rent. If Tenant shall fail to perform any of its obligations under this Lease, within a reasonable time after such performance is required by the terms of this Lease, Landlord may, but shall not be obligated to, after reasonable prior notice to Tenant, make any such payment or perform any such act on Tenant’s part without waiving its right based upon any default of Tenant and without releasing Tenant from any obligations hereunder.

 

(h)      Except as may be specifically provided to the contrary in this Lease, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, within fifteen (15) days after delivery by Landlord to Tenant of statements therefor: (i) sums equal to expenditures reasonably made and obligations incurred by Landlord in connection with the remedying by Landlord of Tenant’s defaults pursuant to the provisions of this Article 16 ; (ii) sums equal to all losses, costs, liabilities, damages and expenses referred to in Article 10 of this Lease; and (iii) sums equal to all expenditures made and obligations reasonably incurred by Landlord in collecting or attempting to collect the Rent or in enforcing or attempting to enforce any rights of Landlord under this Lease or pursuant to law, including, without limitation, all legal fees and other amounts so expended. Tenant’s obligations under this Section 16.3(h) shall survive the expiration or sooner termination of the Lease Term.

 

16.4      Late Charges . Tenant hereby acknowledges late payment by Tenant to Landlord of Rent and other sums due thereunder will cause Landlord to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to, processing and accounting charges and late charges which may be imposed on Landlord by the terms of any mortgage or trust deed covering the Leased Premises. Accordingly, if any Rent or any other sum due from Tenant shall not be received by Landlord or Landlord’s designee when due, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a monthly late charge equal to five percent (5%) of the overdue amount for such month. The parties hereby agree such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the cost Landlord will incur by reason of late payment by Tenant. Acceptance of such late charge by Landlord shall in no event constitute a waiver of Tenant’s default with respect to such overdue amount nor prevent Landlord from exercising any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder.

 

17.      Landlord’s Default .

 

17.1      Notice to Landlord . Landlord shall in no event be charged with default in the performance of any of its obligations hereunder unless and until Landlord shall have failed to perform such obligations within thirty (30) days (or within such additional time as is reasonably required to correct any such default) after notice to Landlord by Tenant properly specifying wherein Landlord has failed to perform any such obligations.

 

17.2      Notice to Lienholder . Tenant shall, pursuant to Article 19 below, give notice to each Lienholder simultaneously with any notice given to Landlord to correct any default of Landlord as hereinabove provided. Any notice of default given Landlord shall be null and void unless simultaneous notice has been given to said Lienholder.

 

17.3      Landlord’s Exculpation . It is expressly understood and agreed that notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, and notwithstanding any applicable law to the contrary, the liability of Landlord (including any successor Landlord) and any recourse by Tenant against Landlord shall be limited solely and exclusively to an amount which is equal to the interest of Landlord in the Project, and neither Landlord, nor any of the Landlord’s partners nor their respective officers, agents directors or employees shall have any personal liability therefor, and Tenant hereby expressly waives and releases such personal liability on behalf of itself and all persons claiming by, through or under Tenant.

 

 
- 27 -

 

 

18.      Condemnation .

 

18.1      Effect of Taking . If the Leased Premises or any portion thereof are taken under the power of eminent domain, or sold by Landlord under the threat of the exercise of said power (all of which is herein referred to as “ condemnation ”), this Lease shall terminate as to the part so taken as of the date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever occurs first. If more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the floor area of the Leased Premises is taken by condemnation, Tenant may, at its option, terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning authority takes possession, by providing Landlord notice in writing of its intent to terminate not later than twenty (20) days after Landlord shall have notified Tenant of the taking. Failure of Tenant to so notify Landlord shall constitute Tenant’s agreement to continue the Lease in full force and effect as to the balance of the Leased Premises.

 

18.2      Rent Reduction . If the Lease is not fully terminated after any taking, then it shall remain in full force and effect as to the portion of the Leased Premises remaining; provided the Rent payable thereunder shall be reduced on an equitable basis, taking into account the relative value of the portion taken as compared to the portion remaining. Landlord shall, at its expense, restore the remaining portion to a complete unit of like quality and character as existed prior to the condemnation to the extent reasonably possible.

 

18.3      Awards . All awards for the taking of any part of the Leased Premises under the power of eminent domain shall be the property of Landlord, whether made as compensation for diminution of value of the leasehold or for the taking of the fee; provided, however, that Tenant shall have the right to file any separate claim available to Tenant for any taking of Tenant’s personal property and fixtures belonging to Tenant and removable by Tenant upon expiration of the Lease Term pursuant to the terms of this Lease, and for moving expenses, so long as such claim is payable separately to Tenant.

 

19.      Subordination; Estoppel Certificates .

 

19.1      Subordination . Tenant covenants and agrees that this Lease is subject and subordinate to any mortgage, deed of trust, ground lease and/or security agreement which may now or hereafter encumber the Building, the Project, the Real Property, the Leased Premises or any interest of Landlord therein and/or the contents of the Building and to any advances made on the security thereof and to any and all increases, renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements and extensions thereof. This Article 19 shall be self operative and no further instrument of subordination need be required by any owner or holder of any such ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust or security agreement. In confirmation of such subordination, Tenant shall, within ten (10) days after Landlord’s written request, execute and deliver any appropriate certificate or instrument that Landlord may reasonably request and in the event that Tenant fails to execute and deliver any such certificate or instrument within such ten day period following Landlord’s written request, Tenant hereby constitutes and appoints Landlord as Tenant’s attorney-in-fact to execute any such certificate or instrument for and on behalf of Tenant. In the event of the enforcement by any ground lessor, mortgagee, or holder of any security agreement (each, a “ Successor Landlord ”) of the remedies provided for by law or by such ground lease, mortgage, or security agreement, Tenant will automatically become the tenant of such Successor Landlord without any change in the terms or other provisions of the Lease; provided , however , that such Successor Landlord or successor in interest shall not be bound by (a) any payment of Rent for more than one (1) month in advance except prepayments in the nature of security for the performance by Tenant of its obligations under this Lease, (b) any amendment or modification of a term of this Lease, or any waiver of such term, made without the written consent of Lienholder, (c) any offset right that Tenant may have against any former Landlord relating to any event or occurrence before the date of attornment, including any claim for damages of any kind whatsoever as the result of any breach by a former Landlord that occurred before the date of attornment; (d) any obligation (i) to pay Tenant any sum(s) that any former Landlord owed to Tenant unless such sums, if any, shall have actually been delivered to Successor Landlord by way of an assumption of escrow accounts or otherwise; (ii) with respect to any security deposited with a former Landlord, unless such security was actually delivered to such Successor Landlord; or (iii) arising from representations and warranties related to a former Landlord; or (e) any consensual or negotiated surrender, cancellation, or termination of this Lease, in whole or in part, agreed upon between former Landlord and Tenant, unless effected unilaterally by Tenant pursuant to the express terms of this Lease or consented to in writing by Successor Landlord or Lienholder. Upon request by such Successor Landlord, whether before or after the enforcement of its remedies, Tenant shall execute and deliver an instrument or instruments confirming and evidencing the attornment herein set forth, and Tenant hereby irrevocably appoints Landlord as Tenant’s agent and attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing, acknowledging and delivering any such instruments and certificates. This Lease is further subject to and subordinate to all matters of record.

 

 
- 28 -

 

 

19.2      Mortgagee Protection Clause . Tenant will give the owners or holders of any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust or security agreement (each, a “ Lienholder ”), by registered mail, a copy of any notice of default Tenant serves on Landlord, provided that Landlord or Lienholder previously notified Tenant (by way of notice of assignment of rents and leases or otherwise) of the address of Lienholder. Tenant further agrees that if Landlord fails to cure such default within the time provided for in this Lease, then Tenant will provide written notice of such failure to Lienholder and Lienholder will have an additional thirty (30) days within which to cure the default. Lienholder shall have no obligation to cure (and shall have no liability or obligation for not curing) any breach or default by Landlord, except to the extent that Lienholder agrees or undertakes otherwise in writing. If the default cannot be cured within the additional thirty (30) day period, then Lienholder will have such additional time as may be necessary to effect the cure if, within the thirty (30) day period, Lienholder has commenced and is diligently pursuing the cure (including without limitation commencing foreclosure proceedings if necessary to effect the cure).

 

19.3      Estoppel Certificate . Tenant agrees periodically to furnish within five (5) days after so requested by Landlord, any ground lessor or the holder of any mortgage or security agreement covering the Building, the Project, the Real Property, the Leased Premises or any interest of Landlord therein, a certificate signed by Tenant certifying such matters with respect to this Lease and Tenant’s occupancy of the Leased Premises as may be reasonably required by Landlord, such ground lessor or holder. Any such certificate may be relied upon by any ground lessor, prospective purchaser, secured party, or mortgagee of the Building, the Project, the Real Property, the Leased Premises or any part thereof or interest of Landlord therein. If Tenant fails to execute and deliver such statement within five (5) days, then such failure shall be an event of default for which there shall be no cure or grace period. In addition to any other remedy available to Landlord, Landlord may impose a charge equal to $100.00 for each day that Tenant fails to deliver such statement and Tenant shall be deemed to have irrevocably appointed Landlord as Tenant’s attorney-in-fact to execute and deliver such statement.

 

20.      Quiet Enjoyment . Landlord agrees Tenant, upon paying Rent and other monetary sums due under this Lease and performing the covenants and conditions of this Lease, may quietly have, hold and enjoy the Leased Premises during the Lease Term, subject, however, to the provisions herein referring to subordination and condemnation.

 

21.      Force Majeure . Whenever Landlord or Tenant, as the case may be, shall be delayed or restricted in the performance of any obligation herein (including any obligation with respect to the provision of any service or utility or the performance of work or repairs, but excluding any payment obligation of Tenant) by reason of such party’s inability to obtain materials, services or labor required for such performance or by reason of any statute, law or regulation of a governmental entity, or by reason of any other cause beyond such party’s control, such party shall be entitled to extend the time for such performance by a time equal to the extent of the delay or restriction, and the other party shall not be entitled to compensation for any inconvenience, nuisance or discomfort occasioned thereby.

 

 
- 29 -

 

 

22.      General Provisions .

 

22.1      Transfer of Landlord’s Interest . In the event of a sale or conveyance voluntarily or involuntarily by Landlord of Landlord’s interest in the Leased Premises, Landlord shall be relieved from and after the date of such transfer of all liability accruing thereafter on the part of Landlord; provided, any funds in the hands of Landlord at the time of transfer in which Tenant has an interest shall be delivered to the successor of Landlord. This Lease shall not be affected by any such sale and Tenant agrees to attorn to the transferee.

 

22.2      Captions . Article, section and paragraph captions are for convenience only and are not a part of this Lease and shall not be used for interpretation or construction of this Lease.

 

22.3      Time of Essence . Time is of the essence hereof.

 

22.4      Severability . The invalidity of any provision of this Lease, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof.

 

22.5      Modifications for Mortgagee . In the event any lending institution with whom Landlord has negotiated or shall hereafter negotiate for interim or permanent financing for the Project shall require a modification of this Lease as a condition to providing such financing, Landlord shall promptly provide written notice of the requirement to Tenant. If Tenant fails or refuses to make such modification within thirty (30) days after such notice, this Lease may be terminated by Landlord at any time prior to the Commencement Date; provided , however , Tenant shall not be required to make any modification which materially alters its rights and responsibilities under this Lease.

 

22.6      Entire Agreement . This Lease, along with any exhibits or attachments hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relative to the Leased Premises and there are no oral agreements or representations between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Lease supersedes and cancels all prior agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Lease may be modified only in writing, signed by the parties in interest at the time of the modification.

 

22.7      Recording . This Lease shall not be recorded and any recordation shall be a breach under this Lease.

 

22.8      Waiver . The waiver by Landlord of the breach of any provision herein shall not be deemed a waiver of such provision. Acceptance by Landlord of any performance by Tenant after the time the same shall have become due shall not constitute a waiver by Landlord of the breach or default of any covenant, term or condition unless otherwise expressly agreed to by Landlord in writing.

 

22.9      [Intentionally Deleted] .

 

22.10      Binding Effect; Choice of Law . Subject to any provisions hereof restricting assigning or subletting by Tenant and subject to the provisions for the transfer of Landlord’s interest, this Lease shall bind the parties, their successors and assigns. This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado.

 

22.11      Holding Over . If Tenant remains in possession of all or any part of the Leased Premises after the expiration of the Lease Term, with or without the consent of Landlord, such tenancy shall be from month-to-month only, and not a renewal hereof or an extension for any further term, on the same terms and conditions as provided herein, except only as to the term of this Lease; provided, however, during such period as a tenant from month-to-month, Tenant shall pay Base Rent at one and one-half times the rate payable for the month immediately preceding the date of termination of this Lease and, in addition, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for all damages (consequential as well as direct) sustained by it by reason of Tenant’s occupying the Leased Premises past the termination date.

 

 
- 30 -

 

 

22.12      Entry by Landlord . Landlord and its agents shall have the right to enter the Leased Premises at all reasonable times upon prior notice (except in the case of emergency, in which case no notice shall be required) for the purpose of examining or inspecting the same, to supply janitorial services and any other services to be provided by Landlord or Tenant thereunder, to show the same to prospective purchasers of the Project and make such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Leased Premises or to the Building of which they are a part as Landlord may deem necessary or desirable, Tenant shall permit Landlord to show the Leased Premises to prospective tenants during the last six (6) months of the Lease Term or any renewal thereof. If Tenant shall not be personally present to open and permit an entry into the Leased Premises at any time when such entry by Landlord is necessary or permitted thereunder, Landlord may enter by means of master key without liability to Tenant except for any failure to exercise due care for Tenant’s property, and without affecting this Lease. If, during the last month of the Lease Term, Tenant shall have removed substantially all of its property from the Leased Premises, Landlord may immediately enter and alter, renovate and redecorate the Leased Premises without elimination or abatement of rent or incurring liability to Tenant for any compensation.

 

22.13      Corporate Authority . If Tenant is a corporation, each individual executing this Lease on behalf of said corporation represents and warrants he is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on behalf of said corporation in accordance with a duly adopted resolution of the Board of Directors of said corporation or in accordance with the by-laws of said corporation, and this Lease is binding upon said corporation in accordance with its terms. Tenant hereby confirms that it is not in violation of any executive order or similar governmental regulation or law which prohibits terrorism or transactions with suspected or confirmed terrorists or terrorist entities or with persons or organizations that are associated with, or that provide any form of support to, terrorists. Tenant further hereby confirms that Tenant shall comply throughout the Lease Term with all governmental laws, rules or regulations governing transactions or business dealings with any suspected or confirmed terrorists or terrorist entities, as identified from time to time by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control or any other applicable governmental entity.

 

22.14      Authorities for Actions and Notices . Except as herein otherwise provided, Landlord may act in any matter provided for herein by and through its building manager, or through any other person who may from time to time be designated by Landlord in writing. All notices or demands required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be deemed duly served upon (a) two days after being deposited in the United States Mail, with proper postage prepaid, certified or registered, return receipt requested, (b) hand delivery, (c) one day after being deposited with Federal Express, DHL Worldwide Express or another reliable overnight courier service, and addressed to Landlord at the address set forth in Section 3 of the Summary or Tenant, at the address set forth in Section 5 of the Summary, or at such other place as such party may designate from time to time.

 

22.15      Real Estate Broker . Tenant represents Tenant has dealt directly and only with the real estate brokers or agents specified in Section 11 of the Summary (“ Brokers ”) in connection with this Lease, and insofar as Tenant knows, no other broker negotiated or participated in the negotiations of this Lease, or submitted or showed the Leased Premises, or is entitled to any commission in connection herewith. Tenant agrees to indemnify and defend Landlord against and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, lawsuits, judgments, and costs and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) with respect to any leasing commission or equivalent compensation alleged to be owing on account of Tenant’s dealings with any real estate broker or agent other than the Broker(s).

 

 
- 31 -

 

 

22.16      Parking; Vehicle Charging Stations .

 

(a)      Parking . Tenant shall have the right to use, free of parking charges, up to the number of unreserved surface parking passes set forth in Section 12 of the Summary throughout the Lease Term in the Building’s surface parking facility located adjacent to the Building (the “ Parking Facility ”). Tenant’s continued right to use the parking passes is conditioned upon Tenant abiding by all rules and regulations which are prescribed from time to time for the orderly operation and use of the parking facility and upon Tenant’s cooperation in seeing that Tenant’s employees and visitors also comply with such rules and regulations. Landlord specifically reserves the right to change the size, configuration, design, layout, location and all other aspects of the Parking Facility and Tenant acknowledges and agrees that Landlord may, without incurring any liability to Tenant and without any abatement of Rent under this Lease, from time to time, close-off or restrict access to the Parking Facility or relocate Tenant’s parking passes to other parking structures and/or surface parking areas within a reasonable distance of the Leased Premises. Landlord may delegate its responsibilities hereunder to a parking operator in which case such parking operator shall have all the rights of control attributed hereby to Landlord Any parking tax or other charges imposed by governmental authorities in connection with the use of such parking shall be paid directly by Tenant or the parking users, or, if directly imposed against Landlord, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord far all such taxes and/or charges within ten (10) days after Landlord’s demand therefor. In the event that Landlord, in its sole discretion, elects to provide Reserved Parking Spaces to Tenant, Tenant shall have the right, but not the obligation to use the Reserved Parking Spaces at the Prevailing Marking Rent. “ Prevailing Parking Rate ” means base rates being charged from time to time by Landlord or its parking operator to other tenants for similar parking rights without consideration of any discounts; provided , however , in no event shall the Prevailing Parking Rate exceed the rates being charged in Comparable Buildings for comparable parking rights.    

 

(b)      Vehicle Charging Stations . As of the Effective Date, the parking facility includes eighteen (18) vehicle charging stations (collectively, the “ Charging Stations ”). So long as the Charging Stations exist and are in operation in the Project, Tenant and its employees shall have the non-exclusive right, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease, to use the Charging Station in common with other tenants of the Project. As a condition to each users use of the Charging Stations, each user of the Charging Stations shall pay the fee established by Landlord from time to time. Landlord and Tenant acknowledge and agree that the costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with the operation, maintenance, repair and insuring of the Charging Stations shall be including in Operating Expenses. Tenant’s and its Responsible Parties’ use of the Charging Stations shall be subject to the Rules and Regulations and such other reasonable rules and regulations as Landlord may impose from time to time. Without limiting the foregoing, Tenant shall, and shall cause its Responsible Parties to, use the Charging Stations and the corresponding parking spaces (A) only for the electronic charging of motor vehicles and (B) only for the amount of time prescribed by Landlord from time to time.

 

22.17      Signage . Except as expressly set forth in the Rider 1 (if at all), Tenant shall not inscribe, paint, affix or otherwise display any sign, advertisement, notice or other display on any portion of the Project (including, without limitation, the inside or outside of the Building) without Landlord’s prior written consent, which consent may be withheld in Landlord’s sole and absolute discretion; provided, however, Tenant may, without Landlord’s consent, and at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, install customary office signage and other wall hangings in the Leased Premises provided that such signage is not visible from the exterior of the Building or from any interior Common Area. Landlord may immediately remove, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, any sign, decoration or advertising material that violates this Section.

 

 
- 32 -

 

 

22.18      Patriot Act Compliance .

 

(a)      Pursuant to United States Presidential Executive Order 13224 (the “ Executive Order ”), U.S. companies are required to ensure that they do not transact business with persons or entities determined to have committed, or to pose a risk of committing or supporting, terrorists acts and those identified on the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the “ List ”), generated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of Treasury. The names or aliases of these persons or entities (each, a “ Blocked Person ”) are updated from time to time. Tenant hereby acknowledges and agrees that Tenant’s inclusion on the List at any time during the Lease Term shall result in the delay of services contemplated by this Lease. If it is determined that Tenant, or any Tenant Principal, is a Blocked Person, this Lease shall be terminated.

 

(b)      Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that (a) neither Tenant nor any person or entity that directly owns ten percent (10%) or greater equity interest in Tenant or any of Tenant’s officers, directors or managing members (each, a “ Tenant Principal ”) is a person or entity (a “ Prohibited Person ”) with whom U.S. persons or entities are restricted from doing business under regulations of the office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”) of the Department of the U.S. Treasury (including those named on the List) or under the Executive Order, or other governmental action and (ii) that throughout the Lease Term, Tenant shall comply with the Executive Order.

 

(c)      The provisions of this Section 22.18 shall survive termination of this Lease.

 

22.19      Jury Trial; Attorneys’ Fees . IF EITHER PARTY COMMENCES LITIGATION AGAINST THE OTHER FOR THE SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OF THIS LEASE, FOR DAMAGES FOR THE BREACH HEREOF OR OTHERWISE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY REMEDY HEREUNDER, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE TO AND HEREBY DO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY. In the event of any such commencement of litigation, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party such costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees as may have been incurred, including any and all costs incurred in enforcing, perfecting and executing such judgment.

 

22.20      Counterparts . This Lease may be executed in two or more duplicate originals. Each duplicate original shall be deemed to be an original hereof.

 

22.21      Facsimile/.pdf signatures . This Lease may be executed by facsimile and/or .pdf signatures which shall be binding as originals on the parties hereto.

 

22.22      Submission; No Option . Submission of this Lease for examination or signature by Tenant does not constitute a commitment or option for Lease, and it is not effective as a Lease or otherwise until execution and delivery by both Landlord and Tenant.

 

[signature page follows]

 

 
- 33 -

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Landlord and Tenant have caused this Lease to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

LANDLORD:

EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:

Eos Development Holding LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

its sole member

  By:

Hines Eos Associates Limited Partnership,

a Texas limited partnership

its managing member

    By:

Hines Eos GP LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

its general partner

      By:

Hines Interests Limited Partnership,

a Delaware limited partnership

its sole member

        By:

Hines Holdings, Inc.,

a Texas corporation

its general partner

 
             
             
     

By:

   
             
      Name:    
             
      Title:    

 

 

TENANT:

   

GREATBATCH LTD. ,

a New York corporation

   
     
       
By: /s/ Thomas J. Hook     
       
Name: Thomas J. Hook     
       
Title: CEO     

 

***If Tenant is a CORPORATION , the authorized officers must sign on behalf of the corporation and indicate the capacity in which they are signing. This Lease must be executed by the president or vice president and the secretary or assistant secretary, unless the bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors shall otherwise provide, in which event, the bylaws or a certified copy of the resolution, as the case may be, must be attached to this Lease.

 

 
SIGNATURE PAGE

 

 

EXHIBIT “A”

 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

 

LOT 2, INTERLOCKEN FILING NO. 23, EXCEPT THAT PORTION CONVEYED TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, STATE OF COLORADO, BY WARRANTY DEED RECORDED JUNE 29, 2012 UNDER RECEPTION NO. 2012007873, CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD, STATE OF COLORADO.

 

 

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

 

 
EXHIBIT “A” – PAGE 1

 

 

EXHIBIT “B”

 

FLOOR PLAN OF LEASED PREMISES

 

[to be attached]

 

 
EXHIBIT “B” – PAGE 1

 

 

EXHIBIT “C”

 

COMMENCEMENT DATE MEMORANDUM

 

EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Landlord ”), and GREATBATCH LTD., a New York corporation (“ Tenant ”), have entered into a certain Office Lease dated as of November 25, 2015 (the “ Lease ”).

 

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant wish to confirm and memorialize the Commencement Date and Expiration Date of the Lease as provided for in Section 2.3 of the Lease;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants contained herein and contained in the Lease, Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:

 

1.     Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms shall have the same meaning ascribed to them in the Lease.

 

2.     Tenant commenced beneficial occupancy of the Leased Premises (i.e. first received access to Leased Premises for any purpose, including but not limited to constructing improvements or undertaking other Tenant Work, prior to the Commencement Date) on [*] .

 

3.     The Commencement Date (as defined in the Lease) of the Lease is [*] .

 

4.     The Expiration Date (as defined in the Lease) of the Lease is [*] .

 

5.     Tenant hereby confirms the following:

 

 

(a)

That it has accepted possession of the Leased Premises pursuant to the terms of the Lease;

 

 

(b)

That the Rentable Area of the Leased Premises is [*] ; and

 

 

(c)

That the Lease is in full force and effect.

 

6.     Except as expressly modified hereby, all terms and provisions of the Lease are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect and binding on the parties hereto.

 

7.     The Lease and this Commencement Date Memorandum contain all of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements between the Landlord and the Tenant relating to the subject matter herein. No prior other agreements or understandings pertaining to such matters are valid or of any force and effect.

 

[signature page follows]

 

 
EXHIBIT “C” – PAGE 1

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Landlord and Tenant have executed this Commencement Date Memorandum as of [*] , 201 [*] .

 

LANDLORD:

EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:

Eos Development Holding LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

its sole member

  By:

Hines Eos Associates Limited Partnership,

a Texas limited partnership

its managing member

    By:

Hines Eos GP LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

its general partner

      By:

Hines Interests Limited Partnership,

a Delaware limited partnership

its sole member

        By:

Hines Holdings, Inc.,

a Texas corporation

its general partner

 
             
     

By:

[EXHIBIT – DO NOT SIGN]  
             
      Name:    
             
      Title:    

 

 

TENANT:

   

GREATBATCH LTD. ,

a New York corporation

   
     
       
By: [EXHIBIT – DO NOT SIGN]    
       
Name:      
       
Title:      

  

 
EXHIBIT “C” – PAGE 2

 

 

EXHIBIT “D”

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

1.

No sign, placard, picture, advertisement, name or notice shall be inscribed, displayed, printed or affixed on or to any part of the outside or inside of the Building without prior written consent of Landlord, and Landlord shall have the right to remove any such sign, placard, picture, advertisement, name and notice without notice to and at the expense of Tenant. At all times and at its sole discretion, Landlord shall have the express right to control signage outside or inside the Building.

 

2.

No furniture, freight or equipment of any kind shall be brought into the Building without prior notice to Landlord and all moving of same into or out of the Building shall be done at such time and in such manner as Landlord shall designate. Landlord shall have the right to prescribe the weight, size and position of all safes and other heavy equipment brought into the Building and also the times and manner of moving same in and out of the Building. Safes or other heavy objects shall, if considered necessary by Landlord, stand on supports of such thickness as is necessary to properly distribute the weight. Landlord shall not be responsible for loss of or damage to any such safe or property from any cause and all damage done to the Building by moving or maintaining any such safe or other property shall be repaired at the expense of Tenant.

 

3.

The sidewalks, halls, passages, entrances, stairways, elevators and other common areas shall not be obstructed by any tenants, their agents or employees, or used by them for any purpose other than ingress and egress to and from their offices. Tenant shall cooperate with Landlord in maintaining the good order and cleanliness of all such common areas.

 

4.

Tenant shall not disturb the occupants of this or adjoining buildings by use of any television, radio or musical instrument, making loud or disruptive noises or creation of offensive odors.

 

5.

No cooking shall be done or permitted by Tenant in the Leased Premises; provided, however, Underwriters’ laboratory-approved equipment and microwave ovens may be used in the Leased Premises for heating food and brewing coffee, tea, hot chocolate and similar beverages, provided that such use is in accordance with all applicable federal, state and city laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and does not cause odors which are objectionable to Landlord and/or other tenants. The Leased Premises shall not be used for storage of merchandise, washing clothes, lodging or any improper, objectionable or immoral purpose.

 

6.

Tenant shall not use or keep in the Leased Premises or the Building any kerosene, gasoline or inflammable or combustible fluid or material, or use any method of heating or air conditioning other than that supplied by Landlord.

 

7.

Tenant shall not bring any animals or birds into the Building and shall not permit bicycles or other vehicles inside or on the sidewalks outside the Building except in areas designated from time to time by Landlord for such purposes.

 

8.

No additional lock or locks shall be placed by Tenant on any door in the Building without prior written consent of Landlord. A reasonable number of keys to the Leased Premises and to the restrooms shall be furnished by Landlord, and neither Tenant nor its agents or employees shall have any duplicate key made. At termination of tenancy, Tenant shall promptly return all keys to offices, restrooms or vaults to Landlord.

 

9.

Tenant shall give Landlord access to the Leased Premises and to all locked areas at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting and maintaining the same.

 

10.

The toilet rooms, urinals, wash bowls and other apparatus shall not be used for any purpose other than for which they were constructed and no foreign substance of any kind whatsoever shall be thrown therein. The expense of any breakage, stoppage or damage resulting from the violation of this rule shall be borne by Tenant, or its employees or invitees, whoever shall have caused it.

 

 
EXHIBIT “D” – PAGE 1

 

 

11.

Tenant shall not employ any person other than the janitor of Landlord for the purpose of cleaning the Leased Premises without prior written consent of Landlord, and without Landlord’s consent, no person or persons shall be permitted to enter the Building for the purpose of cleaning the same. Tenant shall not cause any unnecessary labor by reason of Tenant’s carelessness or indifference in the preservation of good order and cleanliness.

 

12.

Canvassing, soliciting and peddling in or about the Building are prohibited.

 

13.

No window shades, blinds, screens or draperies shall be attached or detached by Tenant without Landlord’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

14.

With the exception of normal office decorations reasonably approved by Landlord, Tenant shall not mark upon, paint signs upon, cut, drill into, drive nails or screws into, or in any way deface the walls, ceiling, partitions or floors of the Leased Premises or the Building, and any defacement, damage or injury caused by Tenant, its agents or employees, shall be paid for by Tenant.

 

15.

Tenant shall comply with all Building security procedures as may from time to time be put into effect by Landlord.

 

16.

For the purpose of providing utilities and services, the Building’s normal business hours shall be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; and, provided that Tenant has requested Saturday service at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; Sunday and Holidays excluded.

 

17.

Prior to leaving the Building, Tenant shall make certain the doors of the Leased Premises are closed and securely locked, all water faucets or water apparatus are entirely shut off, and all electricity shall likewise be carefully shut off, so as to prevent waste or damage, and for any default or carelessness Tenant shall make good all injuries sustained by other tenants, occupants, the Building or Tenant.

 

18.

Tenant shall at all times cooperate with Landlord in preserving a first-class image for the Building.

 

19.

Neither Tenant nor any of its contractors, agents, employees, invitees or visitors shall smoke in the Leased Premises, in the Building or in any other portion of the Real Property which is not designated as an area in which smoking is permitted.

 

20.

Landlord reserves the right to make such reasonable additions and amendments to these Rules and Regulations as in its judgment may from time to time be needful and desirable for the safety, security, care, efficiency and cleanliness of the Building and the preservation of good order therein.

 

 

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

 
EXHIBIT “D” – PAGE 2

 

 

EXHIBIT “E”

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

 

(a)      Tenant shall use proven energy and carbon reduction measures, including energy-efficient bulbs in task lighting; use of lighting controls; daylighting measures to avoid overlighting interior spaces; closing shades on the south side of the Building to avoid overheating the Leased Premises; turning off lights and equipment at the end of the work day; and purchasing ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment, including but not limited to lighting, office equipment, commercial and residential quality kitchen equipment, vending and ice machines; purchasing products certified by the U.S. EPA’s Water Sense® program.

 

(b)      All fixtures and accessories shall be in compliance with the EPAct of 1992. Tenant shall limit flow rates to .5 gpm for lavatory and multipurpose faucets and 1.5 gpm for kitchen faucets (at 80 psi). Tenant shall limit flow rates to 1.25 gpm for showerheads (at 80 psi). Tenant shall limit maximum flush volume to 1.28 gallons for toilets and .13 gpm for urinals.

 

(c)      Tenant shall install occupancy sensors to reduce energy consumption by switching off light fixtures in unoccupied areas. Tenant will install dual-level lighting throughout the Leased Premises.

 

(d)      Any rebalancing of the climate control system necessitated by the installation of partitions, equipment or fixtures by Tenant or by any use of the Leased Premises not in accordance with the design standards of such system and/or this Environmental Management Plan shall be performed by Landlord at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.

 

(e)      Tenant acknowledges Landlord’s intention, but not its obligation, to achieve and maintain the following specific targets for the building:

 

(i)      electricity use averaging not greater than 6 watts per square foot of Rentable Area of the Building per year (Kwh/sf/yr); and

 

(ii)      indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) levels compared to outdoor CO2 levels of not greater than 1,000 parts per million (PPM) measured in accordance with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards 62.1-2007 or equivalent standards as it may be amended from time to time.

 

(f)      In the event that any governmental authority imposes a resource reduction target on the Building for any utility or resource otherwise than as set forth in paragraph (e) above, then this Environmental Management Plan shall be deemed amended so as to stipulate such resource reduction target and all changes required to be made by Landlord or this Environmental Management Plan (or which are necessitated as a result of such mandatory resource reduction target) shall be deemed to be included and permitted, as the case may be, pursuant to the provisions of this Environmental Management Plan and the Lease.

 

(g)      All tenant loads shall be sub-metered.

 

 
EXHIBIT “E” – PAGE 1

 

 

(h)      Sustainable Construction Rules & Regulations:

 

(i)      Recycle Mercury Lamps .

 

(1)     All mercury containing lamps must be returned to the Building Management for recycling prior to demolishing any space or area within the building.

 

(ii)      Low VOC Requirements .

 

(1)     All adhesives and sealants must have VOC content less than the current VOC content limits of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168, or sealants used as fillers meet or exceed the requirements of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 8, rule 51.

 

(2)     All paints and coatings must have VOC emissions not exceeding the VOC and chemical component limits of Green Seal’s Standard GS-11 requirements.

 

(3)     All anti-corrosive and anti-rust coatings must comply with Green Seal Standard GS-03.

 

(4)     All other coatings must comply with (SCAQMD) Rule #1133

 

(5)     All composite panels and agrifiber products must exclude any added urea formaldehyde resins. (Phenol formaldehyde is acceptable.)

 

(iii)      Construction Purchasing .

 

(1)     Build-outs must strive to achieve sustainable purchasing of 50% of total purchases by cost covering materials for facility renovations, demolitions, refits and new construction additions.

 

(iv)      Construction Waste Management .

 

(1)     Build-outs must document Construction Waste Recycling of the following materials; Concrete, Wood, Paper Cardboard, Steel, Ceiling Grid, Light Fixtures, Gypsum Board, Doors, Ceiling Tile and Lamps. The goal for this building is the re-use, salvage, or recycle 75% of waste created by all construction events totaled at the end of the year.

 

(v)      Construction Indoor Air Quality Guidelines .

 

(1)     Contractor must work with Building Management to implement a Construction Indoor Air Quality Plan that allows the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) IAQ guidelines for occupied buildings under construction prior to initiating their build-out.

 

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

 
EXHIBIT “E” – PAGE 2

 

 

EXHIBIT “F”

 

TENANT CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT

 

[attached]

 

 
EXHIBIT “F” – PAGE 1

 

 

EXHIBIT “G”

 

 

[RESERVED]

 

 
EXHIBIT “G” – PAGE 1

 

 

RIDER 1

 

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

 

THIS RIDER 1 TO LEASE (this “ Rider 1 ”) is attached to and made a part of that certain Office Lease dated as of November 25, 2015 (the “ Lease ”), by and between EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Landlord ”) and GREATBATCH LTD., a New York corporation (“ Tenant ”), for the Leased Premises described in the Lease.

 

23.      Rider 1 .

 

23.1      Rider 1 . Capitalized terms used in this Rider 1 shall have the meanings set forth in the Lease, except as otherwise specified herein and except for terms capitalized in the ordinary course of punctuation. This Rider 1 forms a part of the Lease. Should any inconsistency arise between this Rider 1 and any other provision of the Lease as to the specific matters which are the subject of this Rider 1 , the terms and conditions of this Rider 1 shall control. All of the rights, options and concessions set forth in this Rider 1 , if any, are personal to the Tenant first named above (together with any assignee that assumes the Lease pursuant to a Permitted Transfer, “ Original Tenant ”), and may only be exercised and/or utilized by Original Tenant (and not any assignee, sublessee or other transferee of Original Tenant’s interest in the Lease). All references to “Tenant” in this Rider 1 shall mean Original Tenant only. Time is of the essence of this Rider 1 .

 

24.      Tenant Allowance; The Tenant Work; The Multi-Tenant Corridor Work .

 

24.1      The Tenant Allowance . Landlord shall, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease and the Tenant Construction Agreement, provide Tenant with an improvement allowance (the “ Tenant Allowance ”) in an amount equal to (i) $646,250.00 (based on $50.00 per rentable square foot of the Leased Premises). The Tenant Allowance shall, except as otherwise expressly set forth in the Tenant Construction Agreement, be used solely for the purpose of contributing towards the costs of the design, engineering and construction of real property improvements in the Leased Premises.

 

24.2      The Tenant Work . The Tenant Work (as defined in the Tenant Construction Agreement) shall be performed in accordance with the Tenant Construction Agreement. Tenant shall, as part of the Tenant Work, perform all work required to complete the Leased Premises to a finished condition ready to open for Tenant’s business. Tenant shall cause the Tenant Work to be designed, engineered and constructed in a good and workmanlike manner, free of any defects, liens or other encumbrances, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Lease (including, without limitation, the Construction Rules and Regulations), the Tenant Construction Agreement and all applicable Laws. Tenant shall be responsible for any Excess Costs (as defined in the Tenant Construction Agreement).

 

24.3      The Multi-Tenant Corridor Work . In addition to the Tenant Work, Tenant shall cause Tenant’s Architect (as defined in the Tenant Construction Agreement) to include the design of the work required to extend the multi-tenant corridor on the south side of the Leased Premises (the “ Multi-Tenant Corridor Work ”) on the Tenant Space Plan (as defined in the Tenant Construction Agreement). Tenant’s Contractor shall complete the Multi-Tenant Corridor Work using building standard finishes in accordance with the Tenant Space Plan. Landlord shall, within thirty (30) days after receipt of invoices from Tenant accompanied by contracts, receipts and other back-up documentation reasonably requested by Landlord, reimburse Tenant for the actual and reasonable expenses of completing the Multi-Tenant Corridor Work.

 

24.4      Deadline for Use . Notwithstanding anything in this Lease or the Tenant Construction Agreement to the contrary, Tenant shall cause the Tenant Allowance to be used on or before October 31, 2016 (the “ Deadline for Use ”). If Tenant fails to cause the Tenant Allowance to be utilized on or before the Deadline for Use, Landlord shall have no obligation to provide any remaining portion of the Tenant Allowance to Tenant.

 

24.5      Limitations . Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, Landlord shall have no obligation to provide or disburse all or any portion of the Tenant Allowance so long as an event of default is continuing under this Lease.

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 1

 

 

25.      Abated Rent Period ; Controllable Expenses .

 

25.1      Abated Rent Period . Tenant’s obligation to pay Base Rent and Operating Expenses for the Leased Premises shall be abated during the first six months of the Lease Term, commencing as of the Commencement Date and ending on and including the date that is six (6) months after the Commencement Date (the “ Abated Rent Period ”). Such abatement shall apply to Base Rent and Operating Expenses payable under the Lease during the Abated Rent Period. Base Rent and Operating Expenses for any calendar month in which the Abated Rent Period expires shall be prorated based upon a thirty (30) day month, and all such Base Rent and Operating Expenses shall be due and payable for the actual days that elapse during the remainder of the month in which the Abated Rent Period expires. The abatement of Base Rent and Operating Expenses set forth in this Rider 1 is expressly conditioned on Tenant’s performance of all of its obligations and responsibilities under the Lease throughout the Lease Term, and the amount of the abated Base Rent and Operating Expenses is based in part on the amount of Base Rent due under the Lease for the Lease Term. Accordingly, if Tenant breaches the Lease at any time during the Lease Term and such breach is not cured within the applicable cure period, then the amount of Rent which would otherwise have been due and payable during the Abated Rent Period (based upon the monthly Rent due during the month immediately following the Abated Rent Period) shall immediately become due and payable by Tenant as additional rent. The payment by Tenant of all abated Rent shall not limit or affect any of Landlord’s other rights and remedies under the Lease, or at law or in equity.

 

25.2      Controllable Expenses .

 

(a)      Controllable Operating Expenses . “ Controllable Operating Expenses ” means all Operating Expenses, excluding expenses relating to (i) Tax Expenses, (ii) utilities, (iii) insurance, (iv) snow, ice and debris removal, (v) security, (vi) other weather-related costs (including extraordinary landscaping maintenance costs resulting from infestation, storms, drought and other severe weather); (vii) costs to comply with changes in Laws, (viii) other expenses not within Landlord’s reasonable control.

 

(b)      Cap On Controllable Operating Expenses . Notwithstanding anything in the Lease to the contrary, Landlord agrees that, commencing on January 1, 2017, in no event shall Controllable Operating Expenses for any Calendar Year after the 2016 Calendar Year increase by more than five percent (5%) in excess of Controllable Operating Expenses for the immediately preceding Calendar Year, on a compounding and cumulative basis. However, any increases in Operating Expenses not recovered by Landlord due to the foregoing limitation shall be carried forward into succeeding Calendar Years during the Lease Term (subject to the foregoing limitation) until fully recouped by Landlord. By way of example only, and without limitation, if Controllable Operating Expenses were $100.00 in 2016, then the total Controllable Expenses that could be included in Operating Expenses in 2017 would be $105.00, for 2018 the amount would be $110.25, for 2019 the amount would be $115.76, and so on. In the preceding example, if Controllable Operating Expenses in both 2018 and 2019 were $112.00, then Landlord could include only $110.25 in Operating Expenses in 2018, but $113.75 (the Controllable Operating Expenses plus the carry-forward from 2017) in 2019.

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 2

 

 

26.      Permitted Transfer .

 

26.1      Permitted Transfer . Notwithstanding anything in Article 15 of the Lease to the contrary, and provided there is no event of default under the Lease continuing beyond any applicable notice from Landlord and Tenant’s failure to cure such event of default within any applicable cure period provided under the Lease, Tenant shall have the right, without the prior written consent of Landlord, to (a) assign the Lease to an Affiliate (as defined below), to an entity created by merger, reorganization or recapitalization of or with Tenant, or to a purchaser of all or substantially all of Tenant’s assets; (b) assign this Lease to QIG GROUP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Permitted Transferee ”) following the date that the Permitted Transferee meets an aggregate tangible net worth (exclusive of goodwill), computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in excess of $50,000,000.00 (collectively, the “ Net Worth Minimum Amount ”); or (c) sublease the Leased Premises or any part thereof to an Affiliate (each, a “ Permitted Transfer ”); provided , however , that (i) the assignee is a reputable entity of good character and except for the Permitted Transferee, shall have, immediately after giving effect to such assignment, an aggregate net worth (computed in accordance with GAAP) at least equal to $100,000,000.00, (ii) no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the effective date of the Permitted Transfer, Tenant shall give notice to Landlord which notice shall include the full name and address of the assignee or subtenant, and a copy of all agreements executed between Tenant and the assignee or subtenant with respect to the Leased Premises or part thereof, as may be the case, (iii) no later than fifteen (15) days after the effective date of the Permitted Transfer, the assignee or sublessee shall provide the documentation required pursuant to Section 15.7 of the Lease, and (iv) within ten (10) days after Landlord’s written request, provide such reasonable documents or information which Landlord reasonably requests for the purpose of substantiating whether or not the Permitted Transfer is to an Affiliate or is otherwise in substantial accordance with the terms and conditions of this Rider 1 . Tenant shall not have the right to perform a Permitted Transfer, if, as of the date of the effective date of the Permitted Transfer, an event of default is continuing beyond any applicable notice from Landlord and Tenant’s failure to cure such event of default within any applicable cure period provided under the Lease. In the event that Tenant elects to assign this Lease to the Permitted Transferee, Tenant shall, within ten (10) days after Landlord’s written request, provide such reasonable documents or information which Landlord reasonably requests for the purpose of substantiating whether or not the Tenant has satisfied the Net Worth Minimum Amount, including without limitation, a financial statement certified by an executive officer of Tenant setting forth and demonstrating the amount of Tenant’s net worth. This certification shall be made under oath and state that the executive officer has read the statement, knowns the contents thereof and that the contents are true and correct.

 

26.2      Definitions . In addition to the terms elsewhere defined in the Lease, the following terms shall have the following meanings with respect to the provisions of the Lease:

 

(a)      Affiliate ” shall mean any Person (as defined below) which is currently owned or controlled by, owns or controls, or is under common ownership or control with Tenant.

 

(b)      control ” means, with respect to a Person that is a corporation, the right to exercise, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting rights attributable to the shares of the controlled corporation and, with respect to a Person that is not a corporation, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power at all times to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the controlled Person.

 

(c)      Person ” means an individual, partnership, trust, corporation, firm or other entity.

 

26.3      No Recapture or Excess Rent Rights . Landlord acknowledges and agrees that the terms and conditions of Sections 15.3 and 15.4 shall not apply to any Permitted Transfer.

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 3

 

 

27.      Directory Board and Suite-Entry Signage .

 

27.1      Directory Board Signage . Landlord shall provide directory board signage on the Building directory board (the “ Directory Board ”) located in the lobby of the Building. Tenant shall be entitled to have its name located on the Directory Board (“ Tenant s Directory Board Signage ”). The Directory Board may be static or electronic.

 

27.2      Suite-Entry Signage . Landlord shall building standard install suite-entry signage at or around the entrance to the Leased Premises, or in the common area elevator lobby of the floor on which the Leased Premises are located (“ Tenant s Suite-Entry Signage ”).

 

27.3      Building Standard . In order to insure the consistent quality and appearance of the Building, the style, color and items to be used in the construction and installation of Tenant’s Directory Board Signage and Tenant’s Suite-Entry Signage shall be made in Landlord’s sole discretion.

 

27.4      Revisions . Any necessary revision to Tenant’s Directory Board Signage or Tenant’s Suite-Entry Signage will be made by Landlord, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, within a reasonable time after written notice from Tenant of the change making the revision necessary.

 

28.      Option to Renew .

 

28.1      Grant of Option . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Rider 1 , Tenant shall have one (1) option to renew the Lease for an additional period of sixty (60) months (the “ Renewal Term ”). There shall be no additional renewal terms beyond the Renewal Term set forth herein. Tenant must exercise its option to extend the Lease by giving Landlord written notice (the “ Option Exercise Notice ”) of its election to do so no later than nine (9) months, and no earlier than twelve (12) months, prior to the expiration of the then-current Lease Term. Upon the timely giving of such notice, the Lease Term shall be deemed extended without the need for further act or deed of either party. If Tenant fails to timely deliver the Option Exercise Notice in strict accordance with this Rider 1 and the notice provisions of the Lease, then Tenant shall be deemed to have waived its extension rights, as aforesaid, and Tenant shall have no further right to renew the Lease.

 

28.2      Terms and Conditions of Option . The Renewal Term shall be on all the terms and conditions of the Lease and with the same concessions ( e.g., free rent, tenant improvements and other lease inducements), in Comparable Buildings, as determined by Landlord in good faith and upon comparable lease transactions. The “Base Year” for purposes of calculating Operating Expenses for the Renewal Term shall be the actual Operating Expenses for the first year of the Renewal Term.

 

28.3      Market Rent . “ Market Rent ” means (a) the annual amount per square foot (exclusive of Operating Expenses) that a willing tenant would pay and a willing landlord would accept in arm’s length bona fide negotiations, for a renewal lease of premises of like quality on the same terms and conditions in Comparable Buildings for the specified period of time, and with the same concessions ( e.g., free rent, tenant improvements and other lease inducements), as determined by Landlord in good faith and upon comparable lease transactions plus (b) the Operating Expenses, per square foot, for the first year of the Renewal Term, as reasonably estimated by Landlord.

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 4

 

 

28.4      Baseball Arbitration . Within thirty (30) days following Landlord’s receipt of Tenant’s Option Exercise Notice, Landlord shall initially deliver to Tenant a designation of Market Rent (“ Landlord s Market Rent Designation ”) and Landlord shall furnish data in support of such designation. Tenant shall have ten (10) business days (“ Tenant s Review Period ”) after receipt of Landlord’s Market Rent Designation within which to accept such rental or to object thereto in writing. In the event Tenant fails to accept in writing Landlord’s Market Rent Designation, Tenant shall deemed to have objected, and Landlord and Tenant shall attempt to agree upon such Market Rent using their good faith efforts. If Landlord and Tenant fail to reach agreement within fifteen (15) days following Tenant’s Review Period (“ Outside Agreement Date ”), then each party shall place in a separate sealed envelope their final proposal as to Market Rent and such determination shall be submitted to “baseball” arbitration in accordance with subsections ( b ) through (f) below.

 

(a)      In the event that Landlord fails to timely generate the initial written notice of Landlord’s Market Rent Designation which triggers the negotiation period of this Section 28.4 , then Tenant may commence such negotiations by providing the initial Market Rent notice, in which event Landlord shall have fifteen (15) days (“ Landlord s Review Period ”) after receipt of Tenant’s notice of the proposed Market Rent within which to accept such proposal. In the event Landlord fails to accept in writing such Market Rent proposed by Tenant, then such proposal shall be deemed rejected, and Landlord and Tenant shall attempt in good faith to agree upon Market Rent using good faith efforts. If Landlord and Tenant fail to reach agreement within fifteen (15) days following Landlord’s Review Period (which shall be, in such event, the “Outside Agreement Date” in lieu of the above definition of such date), then each party shall place in a separate sealed envelope their final proposal as to the Market Rent and such determination shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with subsections ( b ) through (f) below.

 

(b)      Landlord and Tenant shall meet with each other within five (5) business days after the Outside Agreement Date and exchange the sealed envelopes and then open such envelopes in each other’s presence. If Landlord and Tenant do not mutually agree upon the Market Rent within one (1) business day after the exchange and opening of envelopes, then, within ten (10) business days after the exchange and opening of envelopes, Landlord and Tenant shall agree upon and jointly appoint a single arbitrator who shall by profession be a real estate broker who shall have been active over the 10-year period ending on the date of such appointment in the leasing of office projects in the Broomfield/Westminster Colorado commercial market area. Neither Landlord nor Tenant shall consult with such arbitrator as to his or her opinion as to Market Rent prior to the appointment. The determination of the arbitrator shall be limited solely to the issue of whether Landlord’s or Tenant’s submitted Market Rent is the closest to the actual Market Rent as determined by the arbitrator, taking into account the requirements of Section 28.3 . Such arbitrator may hold such hearings and require such briefs as the arbitrator, in his or her sole discretion, determines is necessary. In addition, Landlord or Tenant may submit to the arbitrator, with a copy to the other party, within five (5) business days after the appointment of the arbitrator any market data and additional information that such party deems relevant to the determination of the Market Rent (“ MR Data ”) and the other party may submit a reply in writing within five (5) business days after receipt of such MR Data.

 

(c)      The arbitrator shall, within thirty (30) days after his or her appointment, reach a decision as to whether the parties shall use Landlord’s or Tenant’s submitted Market Rent, and shall notify Landlord and Tenant of such determination.

 

(d)      The decision of the arbitrator shall be binding upon Landlord and Tenant.

 

(e)      If Landlord and Tenant fail to agree upon and appoint an arbitrator, then the appointment of the arbitrator shall be made by the Presiding Judge of the Denver County District Court, or, if he or she refuses to act, by any judge having jurisdiction over the parties.

 

(f)      The cost of arbitration shall be paid by Landlord and Tenant equally.

 

28.5      Limitations; Termination of Option to Renew . Tenant shall not have the right to renew the Lease for any amount of space less than the entire Premises hereunder. In the event of any assignment or sublease of the Lease by Tenant, except for a Permitted Transfer, the option to renew shall be extinguished. The renewal option granted herein shall terminate as to the entire Premises upon the failure by Tenant to timely exercise its option to renew at the times and in the manner set forth in this Rider 1 . Tenant shall not have the option to renew, as provided in this Rider 1 , if, as of the date of the Option Exercise Notice, or as of the scheduled commencement date of the Renewal Term, (a) an Event of Default is continuing or (b) Landlord has given more than two (2) notices of default in any 12-month period for nonpayment of monetary obligations.

 

28.6      Self-Operative; Amendment to Lease . Notwithstanding the fact that, upon Tenant’s exercise of the herein option to renew, the renewal of the Lease Term shall be self executing, as aforesaid, the parties shall, within fifteen (15) days after Tenant’s exercise thereof, execute one or more amendments to the Lease reflecting such additional term.

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 5

 

 

29.      Right of First Refusal .

 

29.1      Grant of Right of First Refusal . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Rider 1 , Landlord hereby grants to Tenant a right of first refusal to lease all rentable space on the third (3 rd ) floor of the Building that is contiguous and adjacent to the Premises (the “ First Refusal Space ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, such right of first refusal shall (a) commence only following the expiration or earlier termination of the initial lease (or leases, as the case may be) of the First Refusal Space, regardless of whether any such lease is executed prior to or after the Effective Date (including the expiration of any renewal, extension or expansion rights set forth in any such lease, regardless of whether such renewal, extension or expansion rights are executed strictly in accordance with their terms, or pursuant to a lease amendment or a new lease) and (b) shall be subject and subordinate to the rights granted prior to the Effective Date to any other third-party (the “ Superior ROFR Holder ”) to lease such First Refusal Space. Tenant’s right of first refusal shall be on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 29 .

 

29.2      Procedure for Offer . If Landlord receives a bona fide written offer from an unaffiliated third party for the lease of all or any portion of the First Refusal Space (each, a “ Bona Fide Offer ”), and Landlord is willing to accept the Bona Fide Offer, Landlord shall give Tenant written notice (the “ First Refusal Notice ”) of the Bona Fide Offer, but only if the Superior ROFR Holder does not wish to lease such space. Pursuant to such First Refusal Notice, Landlord shall offer to lease to Tenant the First Refusal Space on the same terms and conditions of the Bona Fide Offer (collectively, the “ Bona Fide Offer Terms ”).

 

29.3      Procedure for Acceptance . If Tenant wishes to exercise Tenant’s right of first refusal with respect to the space described in the First Refusal Notice, then within five (5) business days after delivery of the First Refusal Notice to Tenant, Tenant shall deliver written notice to Landlord of Tenant’s exercise of its right of first refusal with respect to the entire space described in the First Refusal Notice on the Bona Fide Offer Terms. Tenant must elect to exercise its right of first refusal, if at all, with respect to all of the space offered by Landlord to Tenant in the First Refusal Notice. Tenant may not elect to lease only a portion of the space offered in the First Refusal Notice, even if the space described in the First Refusal Notice comprises an area larger than the First Refusal Space or an area that does not comprise the entire First Refusal Space. If Tenant does not so notify Landlord within the 5-business day period, then Landlord shall be free to lease and/or re-lease all or any portion of the First Refusal Space from time to time to anyone to whom Landlord desires on any terms Landlord desires.

 

29.4      Other Terms and Conditions . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in the First Refusal Notice, Tenant shall take the First Refusal Space in its “AS IS” condition, and Landlord shall have no obligation for free rent, leasehold improvements or for any other tenant inducements for the First Refusal Space. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in the First Refusal Notice, the term of the Lease for the applicable portion of the First Refusal Space, and Tenant’s obligation to pay Rent for such First Refusal Space, shall commence upon the date of delivery of the First Refusal Space to Tenant and shall terminate on the date set forth in the First Refusal Notice.

 

29.5      Limitations . Tenant shall not have the right to lease the First Refusal Space, if, as of the date of the attempted exercise of any right of first refusal by Tenant, or as of the scheduled date of delivery of such First Refusal Space to Tenant, (a) an Event of Default is continuing or (b) Landlord has given more than two (2) notices of default in any 12-month period for nonpayment of monetary obligations.

 

29.6      Termination of Right of First Refusal . The right of first refusal granted herein shall terminate as to the entire First Refusal Space upon the failure by Tenant to timely exercise its right of first refusal with respect to the entire portion of the First Refusal Space as offered by Landlord in the First Refusal Notice.

 

29.7      Amendment to Lease . If Tenant timely exercises Tenant’s right to lease the First Refusal Space as set forth herein, Landlord and Tenant shall, within fifteen (15) days after Tenant’s exercise thereof, execute an amendment to the Lease for such First Refusal Space upon the terms and conditions as set forth in the First Refusal Notice and this Section 29

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 6 

 

 

30.      License Rights; Signage .

 

30.1      Grant of Signage License .

 

(a)      The Edgeview Drive Directional Sign License . Provided there is no then-existing uncured event of default beyond any applicable cure period under the Lease by Tenant, Landlord grants to Tenant a non-exclusive license (the “ Edgeview Drive Directional Sign License ”), for the Lease Term, for the purpose of operating, maintaining and repairing one (1) sign panel bearing only Tenant’s company name or logo (the “ Edgeview Drive Directional Signage ”) on the existing directional signage for the Building located in the southeast corner of the entrance to the Project near Edgeview Drive (the “ Edgeview Drive Directional Signage ”).

 

(b)      The Signage License; The Signage . The Edgeview Drive Directional Sign License is referred to herein as the “ Signage License ”. The Edgeview Drive Directional Signage, together with any related equipment, conduits, cables and materials to be located on any portion of the Signage License Area (as defined below), are sometimes referred to herein, collectively, as the “ Signage ”.

 

(c)      The Signage License Area . The actual location, size and design of the Signage shall be subject to Operational Requirements (as defined below) and to Landlord’s prior written approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably conditioned, delayed or withheld. The portions of the Project upon which the Signage is or will be located is referred to herein collectively as the “ Signage License Area .”

 

30.2      Tenant’s License Property; The License Area . The Signage is referred to herein as the “ Tenant s License Property .” The Signage License Area is referred to herein as the “ License Area .” The Signage License is referred to herein as a “ License ”. Landlord makes no representations or warranties with respect to the License Area, and Landlord shall have no liability of any kind or nature arising from or related to Tenant’s License Property. Tenant accepts the License Area in its “AS IS” condition.

 

30.3      Design and Installation .

 

(a)      Design . Tenant must obtain Landlord’s prior approval (which approval may be withheld or conditioned in Landlord’s reasonable discretion) as to the Plans (as defined below) and all aspects of the design and installation of Tenant’s License Property. At least 30 days prior to the date on which Tenant desires to begin installing Tenant’s License Property, Tenant will deliver to Landlord drawings and specifications (the “ Plans ”), detailing (i) proposed equipment locations and cable routes, (ii) dimensions, weight, and material composition, (iii) methods of installation, attachment, and delivery, (iv) aesthetic specifications concerning the appearance of Tenant’s License Property (including, without limitation, landscaping and Screening Devices (as defined below)), and (v) any other specifications as Landlord may reasonably require. Tenant will be responsible for installing any electrical outlets necessary to provide electricity to Tenant’s License Property. Tenant agrees that Landlord may require certain aesthetic specifications concerning the appearance of Tenant’s License Property. Without limiting the foregoing, Landlord may, as condition to Landlord’s approval of all or any portion of Tenant’s License Property, require that Tenant install, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, screens, fences, walls or other screening devices to visually screen Tenant’s License Property (collectively, “ Screening Devices ”), which Screening Devices shall consist of only new materials and equipment at least equal in quality to the materials existing as of the Effective Date; provided , however , that Screening Devices need only be consistent with the minimum requirements established by Operational Requirements. Landlord’s approval of Plans will not constitute a representation by Landlord that Plans comply with any Operational Requirements. If the Tenant Work includes the installation of any of Tenant’s License Property, then any approvals given by Landlord pursuant to the Work Letter shall be deemed to be Landlord’s approval of those Plans that were reviewed and approved by Landlord as part of the Tenant Work.

 

(b)      Installation . Installation of Tenant’s License Property shall be performed (i) at the sole cost of Tenant (provided that Tenant shall have the right to use the Tenant Allowance for the payment of such costs), (ii) by a contractor reasonably approved by Landlord ( provided , however , if any portion of Tenant’s License Property is to penetrate the Building’s roof, the roof membrane or any specialty stone or building material, then all such penetrations shall be made, at Tenant’s expense, by Landlord’s designated contractor(s)), (iii) in a good and workmanlike manner, and (iv) in accordance with all Plans, Operational Requirements, and reasonable construction rules of Landlord.

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 7

 

 

30.4      Electricity; Increases in Expenses . Tenant shall be solely responsible for and shall pay as Additional Rent under the Lease all charges for the electricity consumed (if any) by Tenant’s License Property. If the installation or operation of Tenant’s License Property increases taxes, insurance premiums, or any other cost of operating or owning the Project, Tenant will pay such increases as part of Additional Rent under the Lease. Tenant will pay all taxes assessed against or attributable to Tenant’s License Property.

 

30.5      Permits and Operational Requirements . Prior to commencing the installation of Tenant’s License Property, Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, obtain each and every permit required in connection with Tenant’s License Property, including, without limitation, approvals required by Operational Requirements. Landlord shall, at no cost to Landlord, use reasonable efforts to assist Tenant in obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. Landlord makes no representations or warranties with respect to zoning or any other Operational Requirements. “ Operational Requirements ” means the following, as the same may be amended from time to time: (i) all Laws (including Environmental Laws), (ii) requirements of Landlord’s insurance carriers, the electricity provider for the Project, and any property owners’ association or similar body (including, without limitation, any requirements imposed by the Interlocken Design Guidelines and Covenants), and (iii) the technical standards of the Building and the Rules and Regulations.

 

30.6      Operation and Repair of Tenant’s License Property . Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, (a) cause Tenant’s License Property and the installation, maintenance, operation, and removal of Tenant’s License Property to comply with the Operational Requirements, (b) maintain Tenant’s License Property in a good and safe condition, and in such a manner so as not to conflict or interfere with the use of other facilities installed in the Project, (c) keep the License Area free from all trash and debris resulting from Tenant’s operations, and (d) repair all damage to the License Area arising from Tenant’s operations.

 

30.7      Alterations . Tenant shall not make any material alterations, improvements or additions to Tenant’s License Property or the License Area without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

30.8      Surrender and Removal . Upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease, Tenant’s License Property shall be removed by Tenant in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 9.3 of the Lease.

 

30.9      Indemnities; Insurance . The License Area will be considered to be part of the Leased Premises solely for the purposes of any indemnity, waiver, or obligation to defend contained in the Lease or of any insurance policy carried by Tenant. Tenant shall insure Tenant’s License Property in accordance with the Lease.

 

30.10      Repair and Maintenance of the License Area . Tenant acknowledges and agrees that Landlord may from time to time inspect, repair, replace or maintain the License Area or parts thereof, or install additional improvements or fixtures on the License Area. To the extent that Tenant’s License Property needs to be dismantled, relocated, repaired or replaced in conjunction with such repairs, Landlord shall have no liability in connection therewith, including, without limitation, any interruption of availability of the License Area; provided , however , Landlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize interference with, or disruption of, Tenant’s License Property.

 

 

 

[signature page follows]

 

 
RIDER “1” – PAGE 8

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Landlord and Tenant have executed this Rider 1 as of the date of the Lease.

 

LANDLORD:

EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:

Eos Development Holding LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

its sole member

  By:

Hines Eos Associates Limited Partnership,

a Texas limited partnership

its managing member

    By:

Hines Eos GP LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

its general partner

      By:

Hines Interests Limited Partnership,

a Delaware limited partnership

its sole member

        By:

Hines Holdings, Inc.,

a Texas corporation

its general partner

 
             
     

By:

   
             
      Name:    
             
      Title:    

 

 

TENANT:

   

GREATBATCH LTD. ,

a New York corporation

   
     
       
By: /s/ Thomas J. Hook    
       
Name: Thomas J. Hook    
       
Title: CEO    

 

 

RIDER “1”

SIGNATURE PAGE 

Office Lease

Eos at Interlocken

[Greatbatch Ltd.]

 

 
 

 

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE

 

 

(Broomfield, Colorado Lease)

 

THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE (this “Assignment”) dated as of March 14, 2016 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between GREATBATCH LTD., a New York corporation with its principal place of business located at 10000 Wehrle Drive, Clarence, New York 14031 (“Assignor”) and QIG GROUP, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business located at 5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100, Plano, Texas 75024 (“Assignee”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to a certain Office Lease, dated December 2, 2015 (the “Lease Agreement”), between EOS DEVELOPMENT 1 LLC (“Landlord) and Assignor, Assignor leases from Landlord approximately 13,219 square feet of space in a building located at 105 Edgeview Drive, Broomfield, Colorado 80021, all as more fully described therein (the “Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, Assignor desires to assign to Assignee all of its right, title and interest in, under and to the Lease Agreement and Assignee desires to assume Assignor’s duties and obligations thereunder as provided herein;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for one dollar and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, Assignor and Assignee hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.     Assignor does hereby sell, assign, transfer, set over and convey unto Assignee, its successors and assigns, all of Assignor’s right, title and interest as tenant in and to the Lease Agreement, subject to all of the terms, conditions, obligations and restrictions contained in the Lease Agreement, to have and to hold the same for and during the remainder of the term thereof.

 

Section 2.     Assignee, for itself and for its successors and assigns, hereby accepts such assignment and hereby assumes Assignor’s obligations and liabilities incurred or accrued with respect to the Lease Agreement. Assignee will indemnify and hold Assignor harmless from any and all claims, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses, including attorneys’ fees and costs, suffered by or asserted against Assignor arising from the failure of Assignee to observe or perform any of the covenants, duties and obligations under the Lease Agreement.

 

Section 3.     This Assignment is to be binding upon and inures to the benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and assigns.

 

Section 4.     This Assignment may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together will constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK]

 

 
 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor and Assignee have caused this Assignment and Assumption of Lease to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

  ASSIGNOR:
   
  GREATBATCH LTD.
   
   
   
  By: /s/ Thomas J. Hook
    Name: Thomas J. Hook
    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
   
  ASSIGNEE:
   
  QIG GROUP, LLC
   
   
   
  By: /s/ Scott F. Drees
    Name: Scott F. Drees
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Assignment and Assumption of Lease – Broomfield, Colorado Lease]

Exhibit 10.11

 

LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, supplemented or restated, this “ Agreement ”) dated as of March 18, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”) among OXFORD FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with an office located at 133 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (“ Oxford ”), as collateral agent (in such capacity, “ Collateral Agent ”), the Lenders listed on Schedule  1.1 hereof or otherwise a party hereto from time to time including Oxford in its capacity as a Lender and SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California corporation with an office located at 3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054 (“ Bank ” or “ SVB ”) (each a “ Lender ” and collectively, the “ Lenders ”), and Nuvectra Corporation , a Delaware corporation (“ Nuvectra ”), ALGOSTIM, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Algostim ”), PelviStim LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ PelviStim ”), and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc. , a Michigan corporation (“NeuroNexus”), each with offices located at 5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100, Plano, TX 75024 (Nuvectra, Algostim, PelviStim and NeuroNexus are individually and collectively, jointly and severally, “ Borrower ”), provides the terms on which the Lenders shall lend to Borrower and Borrower shall repay the Lenders. The parties agree as follows:

 

1.      ACCOUNTING AND OTHER TERMS

 

1.1      Accounting terms not defined in this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with GAAP. Calculations and determinations must be made in accordance with GAAP. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in Section 13. All other terms contained in this Agreement, unless otherwise indicated, shall have the meaning provided by the Code to the extent such terms are defined therein. All references to “ Dollars ” or “ $ ” are United States Dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

2.      LOANS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

 

2.1      Promise to Pay. Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay each Lender, the outstanding principal amount of all Term Loans advanced to Borrower by such Lender and accrued and unpaid interest thereon and any other amounts due hereunder as and when due in accordance with this Agreement.

 

2.2     Term Loans

 

(a)      Availability . (i) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders agree, severally and not jointly, to make term loans to Borrower on the Effective Date in an aggregate amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) according to each Lender’s Term A Loan Commitment as set forth on Schedule  1.1 hereto (such term loans are hereinafter referred to singly as a “ Term A Loan ”, and collectively as the “ Term A Loans ”). After repayment, no Term A Loan may be re-borrowed.

 

(ii)     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders agree, severally and not jointly, during the Second Draw Period, to make term loans to Borrower in an aggregate amount equal to Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000.00) and disbursed in a single advance according to each Lender’s Term B Loan Commitment as set forth on Schedule 1.1 hereto (such term loans are hereinafter referred to singly as a “ Term B Loan ”, and collectively as the “ Term B Loans ”). After repayment, no Term B Loan may be re-borrowed.

 

(iii)     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders agree, severally and not jointly, during the Third Draw Period, to make term loans to Borrower in an aggregate amount equal to Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000.00) and disbursed in a single advance according to each Lender’s Term C Loan Commitment as set forth on Schedule 1.1 hereto (such term loans are hereinafter referred to singly as a “ Term  C Loan ”, and collectively as the “ Term  C Loans ”; each Term A Loan, Term B Loan or Term C Loan is hereinafter referred to singly as a “ Term Loan ” and the Term A Loans, Term B Loans and Term C Loans are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “ Term Loans ”). After repayment, no Term C Loan may be re-borrowed.

 

 
1

 

 

(b)      Repayment . Borrower shall make monthly payments of interest only commencing on the first (1 st ) Payment Date following the Funding Date of each Term Loan, and continuing on the Payment Date of each successive month thereafter through and including the Payment Date immediately preceding the Amortization Date. Borrower agrees to pay, on the Funding Date of each Term Loan, any initial partial monthly interest payment otherwise due for the period between the Funding Date of such Term Loan and the first Payment Date thereof. Commencing on the Amortization Date, and continuing on the Payment Date of each month thereafter, Borrower shall make consecutive equal monthly payments of principal, together with applicable interest, in arrears, to each Lender, as calculated by Collateral Agent (which calculations shall be deemed correct absent manifest error) based upon: (1) the amount of such Lender’s Term Loan, (2) the effective rate of interest, as determined in Section 2.4(a), and (3) a repayment schedule (i) with respect to the Term A Loans, equal to (A) thirty (30) months, if the Term B Loans are funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, or (B) thirty-six (36) months, if the Term B Loans are not funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, (ii) with respect to the Term B Loans, equal to thirty (30) months, and (iii) with respect to the Term C Loans, equal to (A) thirty (30) months, if the Term B Loans are funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, or (B) if the Term B Loans are not funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, the number of months remaining during the period commencing on the second (2 nd ) Payment Date following the Funding Date of the Term C Loans and ending on the Maturity Date. All unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest with respect to each Term Loan is due and payable in full on the Maturity Date. Each Term Loan may only be prepaid in accordance with Sections 2.2(c) and 2.2(d).

 

(c)      Mandatory Prepayments . If the Term Loans are accelerated following the occurrence of an Event of Default, Borrower shall immediately pay to Lenders, payable to each Lender in accordance with its respective Pro Rata Share, an amount equal to the sum of: (i) all outstanding principal of the Term Loans plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the prepayment date, (ii) the Final Payment, (iii) the Prepayment Fee, plus (iv) all other Obligations that are due and payable, including Lenders’ Expenses and interest at the Default Rate with respect to any past due amounts. Notwithstanding (but without duplication with) the foregoing, on the Maturity Date, if the Final Payment had not previously been paid in full in connection with the prepayment of the Term Loans in full, Borrower shall pay to Collateral Agent, for payment to each Lender in accordance with its respective Pro Rata Share, the Final Payment in respect of the Term Loans.

 

(d)      Permitted Prepayment of Term Loans . Borrower shall have the option to prepay all, but not less than all, of the Term Loans advanced by the Lenders under this Agreement, provided Borrower (i) provides written notice to Collateral Agent of its election to prepay the Term Loans at least thirty (30) days prior to such prepayment, and (ii) pays to the Lenders on the date of such prepayment, payable to each Lender in accordance with its respective Pro Rata Share, an amount equal to the sum of (A) all outstanding principal of the Term Loans plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the prepayment date, (B) the Final Payment, (C) the Prepayment Fee, plus (D) all other Obligations that are due and payable, including Lenders’ Expenses and interest at the Default Rate with respect to any past due amounts.

 

2.3     Revolving Advances .

 

(a)      Availability . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to deduction of Reserves, Lenders agree, severally and not jointly, to lend to Borrower from time to time prior to the Revolving Line Maturity Date, according to each Lender’s pro rata share of the Revolving Line (based upon the respective Revolving Line Commitment Percentage of each Lender), Revolving Advances not to exceed the Availability Amount. Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Line may be repaid and, prior to the Revolving Line Maturity Date, reborrowed, subject to the applicable terms and conditions precedent herein.

 

(b)      Termination; Repayment . The Revolving Line terminates on the Revolving Line Maturity Date, when the principal amount of all Revolving Advances, the unpaid interest thereon, and all other Obligations relating to the Revolving Line shall be immediately due and payable.

 

(c)      Overadvances . If, at any time, the outstanding principal amount of any Revolving Advances exceeds the lesser of either the Revolving Line or the Borrowing Base, Borrower shall immediately pay to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, in cash the amount of such excess (such excess, the “ Overadvance ”). Without limiting Borrower’s obligation to repay any Overadvance, Borrower agrees to pay Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, interest on the outstanding amount of any Overadvance, on demand, at the Default Rate.

 

 
2

 

 

2.4      Payment of Interest on the Credit Extensions .

 

(a)      Interest Rate. Subject to Section 2.4(b), the principal amount of the outstanding Credit Extensions shall accrue interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the Basic Rate, determined by Collateral Agent on the Funding Date, which interest shall be payable monthly in arrears in accordance with Sections 2.2(b) and 2.4(e). Interest shall accrue on each Credit Extension commencing on, and including, the Funding Date of such Credit Extension, and shall accrue on the principal amount outstanding thereunder through and including the day on which such Credit Extension is paid in full.

 

(b)      Default Rate . Immediately upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Obligations shall accrue interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the rate that is otherwise applicable thereto plus five percentage points (5.00%) (the “ Default Rate ”). Payment or acceptance of the increased interest rate provided in this Section 2.4(b) is not a permitted alternative to timely payment and shall not constitute a waiver of any Event of Default or otherwise prejudice or limit any rights or remedies of Collateral Agent.

 

(c)      360 - Day Year . Interest shall be computed on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year, and the actual number of days elapsed.

 

(d)      Debit of Accounts . Collateral Agent and each Lender may debit (or ACH) any deposit accounts, maintained by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including the Designated Deposit Account, for principal and interest payments or any other amounts Borrower owes the Lenders under the Loan Documents when due. Any such debits (or ACH activity) shall not constitute a set-off.

 

(e)      Payments . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by Borrower under the Loan Documents shall be made to the respective Lender to which such payments are owed, at such Lender’s office in immediately available funds on the date specified herein. Unless otherwise provided, interest is payable monthly on the Payment Date of each month. Payments of principal and/or interest received after 12:00 noon Eastern Time are considered received at the opening of business on the next Business Day. When a payment is due on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment is due the next Business Day and additional fees or interest, as applicable, shall continue to accrue until paid. All payments to be made by Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document, including payments of principal and interest, and all fees, expenses, indemnities and reimbursements, shall be made without set-off, recoupment or counterclaim, in lawful money of the United States and in immediately available funds.

 

2.5      Secured Promissory Notes. The Term Loans and Revolving Line shall be evidenced by Secured Promissory Notes in the form attached as Exhibit  D hereto (each a “ Secured Promissory Note ”), and shall be repayable as set forth in this Agreement. Borrower irrevocably authorizes each Lender to make or cause to be made, on or about the Funding Date of any Credit Extension or at the time of receipt of any payment of principal on such Lender’s Secured Promissory Note, an appropriate notation on such Lender’s Secured Promissory Note Record reflecting the making of such Term Loan, Revolving Advance or (as the case may be) the receipt of such payment. The outstanding amount of each Term Loan and each Revolving Advance set forth on such Lender’s Secured Promissory Note Record shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount thereof owing and unpaid to such Lender, but the failure to record, or any error in so recording, any such amount on such Lender’s Secured Promissory Note Record shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Borrower under any Secured Promissory Note or any other Loan Document to make payments of principal of or interest on any Secured Promissory Note when due. Upon receipt of an affidavit of an officer of a Lender as to the loss, theft, destruction, or mutilation of its Secured Promissory Note , Borrower shall issue, in lieu thereof, a replacement Secured Promissory Note in the same principal amount thereof and of like tenor.

 

 
3

 

 

2.6      Fees . Borrower shall pay to Collateral Agent:

 

(a)      Term Loan F acility Fee . A fully earned, non-refundable Term Loan facility fee of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) to be shared between the Lenders pursuant to their respective Term Loan Commitment Percentages payable on the Effective Date;

 

(b)      Revolving Line F acility Fee . A fully earned, non-refundable Revolving Line facility fee of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) to be shared between the Lenders pursuant to their respective Revolving Line Commitment Percentages payable as follows: (i) Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($12,500.00) of such facility fee shall be due and payable on the Effective Date and (ii) the remaining Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($12,500.00) of such facility fee shall be due and payable on the first (1 st ) anniversary of the Effective Date;

 

(c)      Final Payment . The Final Payment, when due hereunder, to be shared between the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares;

 

(d)      Prepayment Fee . The Prepayment Fee, when due hereunder, to be shared between the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares;

 

(e)      Non-Use Fee s . The Non-Use Fees, when due hereunder, to be shared between the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares; and

 

(f)      Lenders Expenses . All Lenders’ Expenses (including reasonable and invoiced attorneys’ fees and expenses for documentation and negotiation of this Agreement) incurred through and after the Effective Date, when due.

 

(g)      Good Faith Deposit . Borrower has paid to the Lenders a deposit of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00), which will be applied to Lenders’ Expenses, with any remaining amount to be applied to the Term Loan facility fee set forth in Section 2.6(a), on the Effective Date.

 

2.7      Withholding. Payments received by the Lenders from Borrower hereunder will be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority (including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto). Specifically, however, if at any time any Governmental Authority, applicable law, regulation or international agreement requires Borrower to make any withholding or deduction from any such payment or other sum payable hereunder to the Lenders, Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that the amount due from Borrower with respect to such payment or other sum payable hereunder will be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such required withholding or deduction, each Lender receives a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no withholding or deduction been required and Borrower shall pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority. Borrower will, upon request, furnish the Lenders with proof reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders indicating that Borrower has made such withholding payment; provided, however, that Borrower need not make any withholding payment if the amount or validity of such withholding payment is contested in good faith by appropriate and timely proceedings and as to which payment in full is bonded or reserved against by Borrower. The agreements and obligations of Borrower contained in this Section 2.7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

3.      CONDITIONS OF LOANS

 

3.1      Conditions Precedent to Initial Credit Extension . Each Lender’s obligation to make the initial Credit Extension is subject to the condition precedent that Collateral Agent and each Lender shall consent to or shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Collateral Agent and each Lender, such documents, and completion of such other matters, as Collateral Agent and each Lender may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate, including, without limitation:

 

(a)     original Loan Documents, each duly executed by Borrower and each Subsidiary, as applicable;

 

 
4

 

 

(b)     duly executed original Control Agreements with respect to any Collateral Accounts maintained by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(c)     duly executed original Secured Promissory Notes in favor of each Lender according to its Term A Loan Commitment Percentage and Revolving Line Commitment Percentage;

 

(d)     the certificate(s) for the Shares, to the extent certificated, together with Assignment(s) Separate from Certificate, duly executed in blank;

 

(e)     the Operating Documents and good standing certificates of Borrower and its Subsidiaries certified by the Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) of Borrower’s and such Subsidiaries’ jurisdiction of organization or formation and each jurisdiction in which Borrower and each Subsidiary is qualified to conduct business, each as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date ;

 

(f)     a completed Perfection Certificate for Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries;

 

(g)     the Annual Projections, for the current calendar year;

 

(h)     duly executed original officer’s certificate for Borrower and each Subsidiary that is a party to the Loan Documents, in a form acceptable to Collateral Agent and the Lenders;

 

(i)     certified copies, dated as of date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date, of financing statement searches, as Collateral Agent shall request, accompanied by written evidence (including any UCC termination statements) that the Liens indicated in any such financing statements either constitute Permitted Liens or have been or, in connection with the initial Credit Extension, will be terminated or released;

 

(j)     a landlord’s consent executed in favor of Collateral Agent in respect of all of Borrower’s and each Subsidiaries’ leased locations (other than Borrower’s leased location in Denver, Colorado, which lease shall expire in April 2016) where Borrower or any Subsidiary maintains (i) any of Borrower’s Books or (ii) Collateral having a book value in excess of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00);

 

(k)     a bailee waiver executed in favor of Collateral Agent in respect of each third party bailee where Borrower or any Subsidiary maintains Collateral having a book value in excess of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00);

 

(l)     a duly executed legal opinion of counsel to Borrower dated as of the Effective Date;

 

(m)     evidence satisfactory to Collateral Agent and the Lenders that the insurance policies required by Section 6.5 hereof are in full force and effect, together with appropriate evidence showing loss payable and/or additional insured clauses or endorsements in favor of Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders;

 

(n)     receipt by the Title Company of the fully executed and notarized Mortgage, providing for first priority mortgage lien in respect of the Mortgaged Premises in favor of Collateral Agent and such other documents which are customary in commercial mortgage transactions in Minnesota, each in form and substance satisfactory to Collateral Agent;

 

(o)     issuance of a title commitment from the Title Company in respect of the Mortgaged Premises that is acceptable to Collateral Agent and satisfaction of the conditions to effectiveness of such title commitment;

 

(p)     the First Tranche Milestone has occurred; and

 

(q)     payment of the fees and Lenders’ Expenses then due as specified in Section 2.6 hereof.

 

 
5

 

 

3.2      Conditions Precedent to all Credit Extensions . The obligation of each Lender to make each Credit Extension, including the initial Credit Extension, is subject to the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)     receipt by (i) the Lenders of an executed Disbursement Letter in the form of Exhibit  B - 1 attached hereto; and (ii) SVB of an executed Loan Payment/Advance Request Form in the form of Exhibit  B - 2 attached hereto;

 

(b)     the representations and warranties in Section 5 hereof shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects on the date of the Disbursement Letter (and the Loan Payment/Advance Request Form and any Transaction Report) and on the Funding Date of each Credit Extension; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; and provided, further that those representations and warranties expressly referring to a specific date shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of such date, and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or result from the Credit Extension. Each Credit Extension is Borrower’s representation and warranty on that date that the representations and warranties in Section 5 hereof are true, accurate and complete in all material respects; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; and provided, further that those representations and warranties expressly referring to a specific date shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of such date;

 

(c)     in such Lender’s sole discretion, there has not been any Material Adverse Change;

 

(d)     after giving effect to such Credit Extension, the total outstanding Revolving Advances does not exceed the Availability Amount;

 

(e)     with respect to the initial Revolving Advance, (i) the completion of the Initial Audit with results satisfactory to the Lenders in their sole and absolute discretion and (ii) an executed Transaction Report;

 

(f)     to the extent not delivered at the Effective Date, duly executed original Secured Promissory Notes and Warrants, in number, form and content acceptable to each Lender, and in favor of each Lender according to its Term Loan Commitment Percentage or Revolving Line Commitment Percentage, as applicable, with respect to each Credit Extension made by such Lender after the Effective Date; and

 

(g)     payment of the fees and Lenders’ Expenses then due as specified in Section 2.6 hereof.

 

3.3      Covenant to Deliver . Borrower agrees to deliver to Collateral Agent and the Lenders each item required to be delivered to Collateral Agent under this Agreement as a condition precedent to any Credit Extension. Borrower expressly agrees that a Credit Extension made prior to the receipt by Collateral Agent or any Lender of any such item shall not constitute a waiver by Collateral Agent or any Lender of Borrower’s obligation to deliver such item, and any such Credit Extension in the absence of a required item shall be made in each Lender’s sole discretion.

 

3.4      Procedures for Borrowing.

 

(a)      Term Loans . Subject to the prior satisfaction of all other applicable conditions to the making of a Term Loan set forth in this Agreement, to obtain a Term Loan, Nuvectra, on behalf of itself and all other Borrowers, shall notify the Lenders (which notice shall be irrevocable) by electronic mail, facsimile, or telephone by 12:00 noon Pacific Time five (5) Business Days prior to the date the Term Loan is to be made. Together with any such electronic, facsimile or telephonic notification, Nuvectra, on behalf of itself and all other Borrowers, shall deliver to the Lenders by electronic mail or facsimile a completed Disbursement Letter (and the Loan Payment/Advance Request Form, with respect to SVB) executed by a Responsible Officer or his or her designee. The Lenders may rely on any telephone notice given by a person whom a Lender reasonably believes is a Responsible Officer or designee. On the applicable Funding Date, each Lender shall credit and/or transfer (as applicable) to the Designated Deposit Account, an amount equal to its Term Loan Commitment.

 

 
6

 

 

(b)      Revolving Advances . Subject to the prior satisfaction of all other applicable conditions to the making of a Revolving Advance set forth in this Agreement, to obtain a Revolving Advance, Nuvectra, on behalf of itself and all other Borrowers, shall notify the Lenders (which notice shall be irrevocable) by electronic mail, facsimile, or telephone by 12:00 noon Eastern time three (3) Business Days prior to the Funding Date of the Revolving Advance. Together with any such electronic, facsimile or telephonic notification, Nuvectra, on behalf of itself and all other Borrowers, shall deliver to the Lenders by electronic mail or facsimile a completed Borrowing Base Certificate and Transaction Report (provided that a Borrowing Base Certificate and Transaction Report shall not be required if a Borrowing Base Certificate and Transaction Report were delivered during the most recently ended month), together with any schedules related thereto, and a completed Loan Payment/Advance Request executed by a Responsible Officer or his or her designee. The Lenders may rely on any telephone notice given by a person whom a Lender reasonably believes is a Responsible Officer or his or her designee. Bank, on behalf of Collateral Agent and Lenders, shall credit Revolving Advances to the Designated Deposit Account and such Revolving Advances shall be deemed to be Revolving Advances by each of the Lenders in the amount of their respective Revolving Line Commitment Percentages. Bank, Collateral Agent and the Lenders shall make reasonable efforts to make Revolving Advances on the Funding Date requested by Borrower. The Lenders shall reimburse Bank for Revolving Advances made by Bank. (The Lenders, Collateral Agent and Bank, as among themselves, agree that unless Lenders have already funded their respective Revolving Line Commitment Percentages of a Revolving Advance, Bank shall provide the Lenders with a participation settlement report by 12:00 noon Eastern time on the second Business Day of each week following the week in which a Revolving Advance has been funded by Bank and that such reimbursement shall occur by the third Business Day of such week; the Borrower is not a party to or a beneficiary of this sentence and it may be amended without Borrower’s consent.) Bank, on behalf of the Collateral Agent and the Lenders, may make Revolving Advances under this Agreement based on instructions from a Responsible Officer or his or her designee or without instructions if the Revolving Advances are necessary to meet Obligations which have become due.

 

4.      CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST

 

4.1      Grant of Security Interest . Borrower hereby grants Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, to secure the payment and performance in full of all of the Obligations, a continuing security interest in, and pledges to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, the Collateral, wherever located, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, and all proceeds and products thereof. Borrower represents, warrants, and covenants that the security interest granted herein is and shall at all times continue to be a first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral, subject only to Permitted Liens that are permitted by the terms of this Agreement to have priority to Collateral Agent’s Lien. If Borrower shall acquire a commercial tort claim (as defined in the Code) with a value in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), Borrower shall promptly notify Collateral Agent in a writing signed by Borrower, as the case may be, of the general details thereof (and further details as may be required by Collateral Agent) and grant to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, in such writing a security interest therein and in the proceeds thereof, all upon the terms of this Agreement, with such writing to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Collateral Agent.

 

Borrower acknowledges that it previously has entered, and/or may in the future enter, into Bank Services Agreements with Bank. Regardless of the terms of any Bank Services Agreement, Borrower agrees that any amounts Borrower owes Bank thereunder shall be deemed to be Obligations hereunder and that it is the intent of Borrower and Bank to have all such Obligations secured by the first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral granted herein (subject only to Permitted Liens that may have superior priority to Bank’s Lien in this Agreement).

 

If this Agreement is terminated, Collateral Agent’s Lien in the Collateral shall continue until the Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) are repaid in full in cash. Upon payment in full in cash of the Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) and at such time as the Lenders’ obligation to make Credit Extensions has terminated, Collateral Agent shall, at the sole cost and expense of Borrower, release its Liens in the Collateral and all rights therein shall revert to Borrower. In the event (x) all Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations), except for Bank Services, are satisfied in full, and (y) this Agreement is terminated, Collateral Agent shall terminate the security interest granted herein upon Borrower providing cash collateral acceptable to Bank in its good faith business judgment for Bank Services, if any. In the event such Bank Services consist of outstanding Letters of Credit, Borrower shall provide to Bank cash collateral in an amount equal to (x) if such Letters of Credit are denominated in Dollars, then one hundred three percent (103%); and (y) if such Letters of Credit are denominated in a Foreign Currency, then one hundred five percent (105%), of the Dollar Equivalent of the face amount of all such Letters of Credit plus all interest, fees, and costs due or to become due in connection therewith (as estimated by Bank in its good faith business judgment), to secure all of the Obligations relating to such Letters of Credit.

 

 
7

 

 

4.2      Authorization to File Financing Statements . Borrower hereby authorizes Collateral Agent to file financing statements or take any other action required to perfect Collateral Agent’s security interests in the Collateral, without notice to Borrower, with all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect or protect Collateral Agent’s interest or rights under the Loan Documents, including a notice that any disposition of the Collateral, except to the extent permitted by the terms of this Agreement, by Borrower, or any other Person, shall be deemed to violate the rights of Collateral Agent under the Code.

 

4.3      Pledge of Collateral. Borrower hereby pledges, assigns and grants to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, a security interest in all the Shares, together with all proceeds and substitutions thereof, all cash, stock and other moneys and property paid thereon, all rights to subscribe for securities declared or granted in connection therewith, and all other cash and noncash proceeds of the foregoing, as security for the performance of the Obligations. On the Effective Date, or, to the extent not certificated as of the Effective Date, within ten (10) days of the certification of any Shares, the certificate or certificates for the Shares will be delivered to Collateral Agent, accompanied by an instrument of assignment duly executed in blank by Borrower. To the extent required by the terms and conditions governing the Shares, Borrower shall cause the books of each entity whose Shares are part of the Collateral and any transfer agent to reflect the pledge of the Shares. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default hereunder, Collateral Agent may effect the transfer of any securities included in the Collateral (including but not limited to the Shares) into the name of Collateral Agent and cause new (as applicable) certificates representing such securities to be issued in the name of Collateral Agent or its transferee. Borrower will execute and deliver such documents, and take or cause to be taken such actions, as Collateral Agent may reasonably request to perfect or continue the perfection of Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Shares. Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Borrower shall be entitled to exercise any voting rights with respect to the Shares and to give consents, waivers and ratifications in respect thereof, provided that no vote shall be cast or consent, waiver or ratification given or action taken which would be inconsistent with any of the terms of this Agreement or which would constitute or create any violation of any of such terms. All such rights to vote and give consents, waivers and ratifications shall terminate upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default.

 

5.      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Borrower represents and warrants to Collateral Agent and the Lenders as follows:

 

5.1      Due Organization, Authorization: Power and Authority . Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is duly existing and in good standing as a Registered Organization in its jurisdictions of organization or formation and Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is qualified and licensed to do business and is in good standing in any jurisdiction in which the conduct of its businesses or its ownership of property requires that it be qualified except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change. In connection with this Agreement, Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has delivered to Collateral Agent a completed perfection certificate signed by an officer of Borrower or such Subsidiary (each a “ Perfection Certificate ” and collectively, the “ Perfection Certificates ”). Borrower represents and warrants that (a) Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries’ exact legal name is that which is indicated on its respective Perfection Certificate and on the signature page of each Loan Document to which it is a party; (b) Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is an organization of the type and is organized in the jurisdiction set forth on its respective Perfection Certificate; (c) each Perfection Certificate accurately sets forth each of Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ organizational identification number or accurately states that Borrower or such Subsidiary has none; (d) each Perfection Certificate accurately sets forth Borrower’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ place of business, or, if more than one, its chief executive office as well as Borrower’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ mailing address (if different than its chief executive office); (e) Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (and each of its respective predecessors) have not, in the past five (5) years, changed its jurisdiction of organization, organizational structure or type, or any organizational number assigned by its jurisdiction; and (f) all other information set forth on the Perfection Certificates pertaining to Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, is accurate and complete in all material respects (it being understood and agreed that Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries may from time to time update certain information in the Perfection Certificates (including the information set forth in clause (d) above) after the Effective Date to the extent permitted by one or more specific provisions in this Agreement); such updated Perfection Certificates subject to the review and approval of Collateral Agent. If Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is not now a Registered Organization but later becomes one, Borrower shall notify Collateral Agent of such occurrence and provide Collateral Agent with such Person’s organizational identification number within five (5) Business Days of receiving such organizational identification number.

 

 
8

 

 

The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries of the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized, and do not (i) conflict with any of Borrower’s or such Subsidiaries’ organizational documents, including its respective Operating Documents, (ii) contravene, conflict with, constitute a default under or violate any material Requirement of Law applicable thereto, (iii) contravene, conflict or violate any applicable order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Authority by which Borrower or such Subsidiary, or any of their property or assets may be bound or affected, (iv) require any action by, filing, registration, or qualification with, or Governmental Approval from, any Governmental Authority (except such Governmental Approvals which have already been obtained and are in full force and effect) or are being obtained pursuant to Section 6.1(b), or (v) constitute an event of default under any material agreement by which Borrower or any of such Subsidiaries, or their respective properties, is bound. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound in which such default could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.2      Collateral .

 

(a)     Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have good title to, have rights in, and the power to transfer each item of the Collateral upon which it purports to grant a Lien under the Loan Documents, free and clear of any and all Liens except Permitted Liens, and neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries have any Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts, Commodity Accounts or other investment accounts other than the Collateral Accounts or the other investment accounts, if any, described in the Perfection Certificates delivered to Collateral Agent in connection herewith with respect of which Borrower or such Subsidiary has given Collateral Agent notice and taken such actions as are necessary to give Collateral Agent a perfected security interest therein. The Accounts are bona fide, existing obligations of the Account Debtors.

 

(b)     On the Effective Date, and except as disclosed on the Perfection Certificate (i) the Collateral is not in the possession of any third party bailee (such as a warehouse), and (ii)  no such third party bailee possesses components of the Collateral in excess of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00). None of the components of the Collateral shall be maintained at locations other than as disclosed in the Perfection Certificates on the Effective Date or as permitted pursuant to Section 6.11.

 

(c)     All Inventory is in all material respects of good and marketable quality, free from material defects.

 

(d)     Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is the sole owner of the Intellectual Property each respectively purports to own, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens. Except as noted on the Perfection Certificates, neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, nor is bound by, any material license or other material agreement with respect to which Borrower or such Subsidiary is the licensee that (i) prohibits or otherwise restricts Borrower or its Subsidiaries from granting a security interest in Borrower’s or such Subsidiaries’ interest in such material license or material agreement or any other property, or (ii) for which a default under or termination of could interfere with Collateral Agent’s or any Lender’s right to sell any Collateral. Borrower shall provide written notice to Collateral Agent and each Lender within ten (10) days of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries entering into or becoming bound by any license or agreement with respect to which Borrower or any Subsidiary is the licensee (other than over-the-counter software that is commercially available to the public).

 

5.3      Litigation . Except as disclosed (i) on the Perfection Certificates, or (ii) in accordance with Section 6.9 hereof, there are no actions, suits, investigations, or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers, threatened in writing by or against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00).

 

 
9

 

 

5.4      No Material Deterioration in Financial Condition; Financial Statements . All consolidated financial statements for Borrower and its Subsidiaries, delivered to Collateral Agent fairly present, in conformity with GAAP, in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and the consolidated results of operations of Borrower and its Subsidiaries. There has not been any material deterioration in the consolidated financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries since the date of the most recent financial statements submitted to any Lender.

 

5.5      Solvency . Nuvectra, and Nuvectra and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, is Solvent.

 

5.6      Regulatory Compliance . Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged as one of its important activities in extending credit for margin stock (under Regulations X, T and U of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors). Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “holding company” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company” as each term is defined and used in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has violated any laws, ordinances or rules, the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change. Neither Borrower’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets has been used by Borrower or such Subsidiary or, to Borrower’s knowledge, by previous Persons, in disposing, producing, storing, treating, or transporting any hazardous substance other than in material compliance with applicable laws. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained all consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings with, and given all notices to, all Governmental Authorities that are necessary to continue their respective businesses as currently conducted.

 

None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Affiliates or any of their respective agents acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is (i) in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law, (ii) engaging in or conspiring 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, or (iii) is a Blocked Person. None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of Borrower and any of their Affiliates or agents, acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (x) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, or (y) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction relating to, any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, any similar executive order or other Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

5.7      Investments . Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any stock, shares, partnership interests or other equity securities except for Permitted Investments.

 

5.8      Tax Returns and Payments; Pension Contributions . Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has timely filed all required tax returns and reports, and Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, has timely paid all foreign, federal, state, and local taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions owed by Borrower and such Subsidiaries, in all jurisdictions in which Borrower or any such Subsidiary is subject to taxes, including the United States, (a) except if such taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions do not, individually or in the aggregate, exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or (b) unless such taxes are being contested in accordance with the following sentence. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, may defer payment of any contested taxes, provided that Borrower or such Subsidiary, (i) in good faith contests its obligation to pay the taxes by appropriate proceedings promptly and diligently instituted and conducted, (ii) notifies Collateral Agent in writing of the commencement of, and any material development in, the proceedings, and (iii) posts bonds or takes any other steps required to prevent the Governmental Authority levying such contested taxes from obtaining a Lien upon any of the Collateral that is other than a “ Permitted Lien .” Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of any claims or adjustments proposed for any of Borrower’s or such Subsidiaries’, prior tax years which could result in additional taxes becoming due and payable by Borrower or its Subsidiaries. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have paid all amounts necessary to fund all present pension, profit sharing and deferred compensation plans in accordance with their terms, and neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries have, withdrawn from participation in, and have not permitted partial or complete termination of, or permitted the occurrence of any other event with respect to, any such plan which could reasonably be expected to result in any liability of Borrower or its Subsidiaries, including any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or its successors or any other Governmental Authority.

 

 
10

 

 

5.9      Use of Proceeds . Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions solely as working capital and to fund its general business requirements in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and not for personal, family, household or agricultural purposes.

 

5.10     Shares. Borrower has full power and authority to create a first lien on the Shares and no disability or contractual obligation exists that would prohibit Borrower from pledging the Shares pursuant to this Agreement. To Borrower’s knowledge, other than the Warrants issued in connection with this Agreement, there are no subscriptions, warrants, rights of first refusal or other restrictions on transfer relative to, or options exercisable with respect to the Shares. The Shares have been and will be duly authorized and validly issued, and are fully paid and non-assessable. To Borrower’s knowledge, the Shares are not the subject of any present or threatened suit, action, arbitration, administrative or other proceeding, and Borrower knows of no reasonable grounds for the institution of any such proceedings.

 

5.11      Accounts Receivable .

 

(a)     For each Account with respect to which Revolving Advances are requested, on the date each Revolving Advance is requested and made, such Account shall be an Eligible Account.

 

(b)     All statements made and all unpaid balances appearing in all invoices, instruments and other documents evidencing the Eligible Accounts are and shall be true and correct and all such invoices, instruments and other documents, and all of Borrower’s Books are genuine and in all material respects what they purport to be. Whether or not an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Collateral Agent may notify any Account Debtor owing Borrower money of Collateral Agent’s security interest in such funds and verify the amount of such Eligible Account; provided, however, that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Collateral Agent will endeavor in good faith to notify Borrower in advance of such verification, provided that the failure to do so shall not be a breach of this Agreement or give rise to any liability to Collateral Agent or any Lender. All sales and other transactions underlying or giving rise to each Eligible Account shall comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations. Borrower has no knowledge of any actual or imminent Insolvency Proceeding of any Account Debtor whose accounts are Eligible Accounts in any Borrowing Base Certificate or Transaction Report. To the best of Borrower’s knowledge, all signatures and endorsements on all documents, instruments, and agreements relating to all Eligible Accounts are genuine, and all such documents, instruments and agreements are legally enforceable in accordance with their terms.

 

5.12      Full Disclosure . No written representation, warranty or other statement of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in any certificate or written statement given to Collateral Agent or any Lender, as of the date such representation, warranty, or other statement was made, taken together with all such written certificates and written statements given to Collateral Agent or any Lender, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained in the certificates or statements not misleading (it being recognized that the projections and forecasts provided by Borrower in good faith and based upon reasonable assumptions are not viewed as facts and that actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections and forecasts may differ from the projected or forecasted results).

 

5.13      Definition of Knowledge. ” For purposes of the Loan Documents, whenever a representation or warranty is made to Borrower’s knowledge or awareness, to the “best of” Borrower’s knowledge, or with a similar qualification, knowledge or awareness means the actual knowledge, after reasonable investigation, of the Responsible Officers.

 

6.      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, do all of the following:

 

 
11

 

 

6.1     Government Compliance.

 

(a)     Maintain its and all its Subsidiaries’ legal existence and good standing in their respective jurisdictions of organization and maintain qualification in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change. Comply with all laws, ordinances and regulations to which Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, the noncompliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

(b)     Obtain and keep in full force and effect, all of the material Governmental Approvals necessary for the performance by Borrower and its Subsidiaries of their respective businesses and obligations under the Loan Documents and the grant of a security interest to Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, in all of the Collateral. Borrower shall promptly provide copies to Collateral Agent of any material Governmental Approvals obtained by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

6.2     Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates.

 

(a)     Deliver to each Lender:

 

(i)     as soon as available, but no later than five (5) days after filing with the SEC, a company prepared quarterly consolidated balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement covering the consolidated operations of Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such quarter certified by a Responsible Officer and in a form reasonably acceptable to Collateral Agent;

 

(ii)     as soon as available, but no later than the earlier of one hundred eighty (180) days after the last day of Borrower’s fiscal year or within five (5) days of filing with the SEC, audited consolidated financial statements prepared under GAAP, consistently applied, together with an unqualified opinion on the financial statements from an independent certified public accounting firm acceptable to Collateral Agent in its reasonable discretion;

 

(iii)     as soon as available after approval thereof by Borrower’s Board of Directors, but no later than the earlier of ninety (90) days after the last day of each of Borrower’s fiscal years or within seven (7) Business Days of approval by Borrower’s Board of Directors, Borrower’s annual financial projections for the entire current fiscal year as approved by Borrower’s Board of Directors, which such annual financial projections shall be set forth in a month-by-month format (such annual financial projections as originally delivered to Collateral Agent and the Lenders are referred to herein as the “ Annual Projections ”; provided that, any revisions of the Annual Projections approved by Borrower’s Board of Directors shall be delivered to Collateral Agent and the Lenders no later than seven (7) Business Days after such approval);

 

(iv)     within five (5) days of delivery, copies of all statements, reports and notices made available to Borrower’s security holders or holders of Subordinated Debt;

 

(v)     in the event that Borrower becomes subject to the reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within five (5) days of filing, all reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with the SEC;

 

(vi)     prompt notice of any amendments of or other changes to the capitalization table of any Subsidiary or to the Operating Documents of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, together with any copies reflecting such amendments or changes with respect thereto;

 

(vii)     prompt notice of any event that could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the value of the Intellectual Property;

 

(viii)     as soon as available, but no later than thirty (30) days after the last day of each month, copies of the month-end account statements for each Collateral Account maintained by Borrower or its Subsidiaries, which statements may be provided to Collateral Agent and each Lender by Borrower or directly from the applicable institution(s);

 

 
12

 

 

(ix)     with each request for a Revolving Advance (unless such documents were delivered during the most recently ended month) and within thirty (30) days after the end of each month during which any Revolving Advances are outstanding, (A) aged listings of accounts receivable and accounts payable (by invoice date), (B) an inventory report, (C) a deferred revenue report (if applicable), (D) a Transaction Report (and any schedules related thereto), and (E) a duly completed Borrowing Base Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer; and

 

(x)     other information as reasonably requested by Collateral Agent or any Lender.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, documents required to be delivered pursuant to the terms hereof (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto, on Borrower’s website on the internet at Borrower’s website address.

 

(b)     Concurrently with the delivery of the quarterly financial statements and the audited annual financial statements specified in Sections 6.2(a)(i) and 6.2(a)(ii) above but no later than five (5) days after the filing of such financial statements with the SEC, deliver to each Lender, a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer.

 

(c)     Keep proper books of record and account in accordance with GAAP in all material respects, in which full, true and correct entries shall be made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, allow, at the sole cost of Borrower, Collateral Agent or any Lender, during regular business hours upon reasonable prior notice (provided that no notice shall be required when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine and make abstracts or copies from any of its books and records, and to conduct a collateral audit and analysis of its operations and the Collateral. Such audits shall be conducted no more often than once every twelve (12) months or more frequently as conditions may warrant, unless (and more frequently if) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. The foregoing inspections and audits shall be at Borrower’s expense, and the charge therefor shall be Eight Hundred Fifty Dollars ($850.00) per person per day (or such higher amount as shall represent Lenders’ then-current standard charge for the same), plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses; provided that unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the aggregate charge for each audit shall not exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) so long as Borrower’s Books are in good order and the duration of such audit does not extend beyond three (3) days. In the event Borrower and Collateral Agent or any Lender schedule an audit more than five (5) days in advance, and Borrower cancels or seeks to reschedule the audit with less than five (5) days written notice to Collateral Agent or any such Lender, then (without limiting any of Collateral Agent’s rights or remedies) Borrower shall pay Collateral Agent or such Lender a fee of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) plus any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Collateral Agent or such Lender to compensate Collateral Agent or such Lender for the anticipated costs and expenses of the cancellation or rescheduling.

 

6.3      Inventory; Returns . Keep all Inventory in good and marketable condition, free from material defects. Returns and allowances between Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries, and their respective Account Debtors shall follow Borrower’s, or such Subsidiary’s, customary practices as they exist at the Effective Date. Borrower must promptly notify Collateral Agent and the Lenders of all returns, recoveries, disputes and claims that involve more than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) individually or in the aggregate in any calendar year.

 

6.4      Taxes; Pensions . Timely file and require each of its Subsidiaries to timely file, all required tax returns and reports and timely pay, and require each of its Subsidiaries to timely file, all foreign, federal, state, and local taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions owed by Borrower or its Subsidiaries, except for (a) such taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions that do not, individually or in the aggregate, exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and (b) deferred payment of any taxes contested pursuant to the terms of Section 5.8 hereof, and shall deliver to Lenders, on demand, appropriate certificates attesting to such payments, and pay all amounts necessary to fund all present pension, profit sharing and deferred compensation plans in accordance with the terms of such plans.

 

 
13

 

 

6.5      Insurance . Keep Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ business and the Collateral insured for risks and in amounts standard for companies in Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ industry and location and as Collateral Agent may reasonably request. Insurance policies shall be in a form, with companies, and in amounts that are reasonably satisfactory to Collateral Agent and Lenders. All property policies shall have a lender’s loss payable endorsement showing Collateral Agent as lender loss payee and waive subrogation against Collateral Agent, and all liability policies shall show, or have endorsements showing, Collateral Agent, as additional insured. The Collateral Agent shall be named as lender loss payee and/or additional insured with respect to any such insurance providing coverage in respect of any Collateral, and each provider of any such insurance shall agree, by endorsement upon the policy or policies issued by it or by independent instruments furnished to the Collateral Agent, that it will give the Collateral Agent thirty (30) days prior written notice before any such policy or policies shall be materially altered or canceled. At Collateral Agent’s request, Borrower shall deliver certified copies of policies and evidence of all premium payments. Proceeds payable under any policy shall, at Collateral Agent’s option, be payable to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, on account of the Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower shall have the option of applying the proceeds of any casualty policy up to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) with respect to any loss, but not exceeding Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00), in the aggregate for all losses under all casualty policies in any one year, toward the replacement or repair of destroyed or damaged property; provided that any such replaced or repaired property (i) shall be of equal or like value as the replaced or repaired Collateral and (ii) shall be deemed Collateral in which Collateral Agent has been granted a first priority security interest, and (b) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all proceeds payable under such casualty policy shall, at the option of Collateral Agent, be payable to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, on account of the Obligations. If Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries fails to obtain insurance as required under this Section 6.5 or to pay any amount or furnish any required proof of payment to third persons, Collateral Agent and/or any Lender may make, at Borrower’s expense, all or part of such payment or obtain such insurance policies required in this Section 6.5, and take any action under the policies Collateral Agent or such Lender deems prudent. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the Mortgage relating to insurance required in connection with the Mortgaged Premises and the provision contained herein, the provisions of the Mortgage shall control.

 

6.6     Operating Accounts.

 

(a)     Maintain (i) all of Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ Collateral Accounts in accounts which are subject to a Control Agreement in favor of Collateral Agent and (ii) within ninety (90) days of the Effective Date, all of Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ primary Collateral Accounts with Bank or its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower shall be permitted to maintain any direct or indirect deposit accounts or banking relationships to the extent required in order to comply with Borrower’s transition services agreement with Greatbatch, Inc. (the “ Transition Services Accounts ”).

 

(b)     Borrower shall provide Collateral Agent five (5) days’ prior written notice before Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries establishes any Collateral Account at or with any Person other than Bank or its Affiliates. In addition, for each Collateral Account that Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, at any time maintains, Borrower or such Subsidiary shall cause the applicable bank or financial institution at or with which such Collateral Account is maintained to execute and deliver a Control Agreement or other appropriate instrument with respect to such Collateral Account to perfect Collateral Agent’s Lien in such Collateral Account in accordance with the terms hereunder prior to the establishment of such Collateral Account, which Control Agreement may not be terminated without prior written consent of Collateral Agent. The provisions of the previous sentence shall not apply to (i) deposit accounts exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the benefit of Borrower’s, or any of its Subsidiaries’, employees and identified to Collateral Agent by Borrower as such in the Perfection Certificates, (ii) the Transition Services Accounts so long as the aggregate balance in all such accounts does not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) at any time and (iii) for a period of up to ninety (90) days after the Effective Date, deposit accounts maintained with financial institutions other than Bank or Bank’s Affiliates so long as the aggregate balance in all such accounts does not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) at any time.

 

(c)     Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall maintain any Collateral Accounts except Collateral Accounts maintained in accordance with Sections 6.6(a) and (b).

 

6.7     Protection of Intellectual Property Rights. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries shall: (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to protect, defend and maintain the validity and enforceability of its Intellectual Property that is material to Borrower’s business; (b) promptly advise Collateral Agent in writing of material infringement by a third party of its Intellectual Property; and (c) not allow any Intellectual Property material to Borrower’s business to be abandoned, forfeited or dedicated to the public without Collateral Agent’s prior written consent.

 

 
14

 

 

6.8      Litigation Cooperation . Commencing on the Effective Date and continuing through the termination of this Agreement, make available to Collateral Agent and the Lenders, without expense to Collateral Agent or the Lenders, Borrower and each of Borrower’s officers, employees and agents and Borrower’s Books, to the extent that Collateral Agent or any Lender may reasonably deem them necessary to prosecute or defend any third-party suit or proceeding instituted by or against Collateral Agent or any Lender with respect to any Collateral or relating to Borrower.

 

6.9      Notices of Litigation and Default. Borrower will give prompt written notice to Collateral Agent and the Lenders of any litigation or governmental proceedings pending or threatened (in writing) against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, which could reasonably be expected to result in damages or costs to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) or more or which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change. Without limiting or contradicting any other more specific provision of this Agreement, promptly (and in any event within three (3) Business Days) upon Borrower becoming aware of the existence of any Event of Default or event which, with the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, Borrower shall give written notice to Collateral Agent and the Lenders of such occurrence, which such notice shall include a reasonably detailed description of such Event of Default or event which, with the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

6.10      Financial Covenant. If the Term B Loans (or Term C Loans if no Term B Loans have been previously advanced) are advanced to Borrower, Borrower shall, tested on the last day of the fiscal quarter in which the Term B Loans (or Term C Loans, if applicable) are advanced and tested on the last day of each fiscal quarter ended thereafter, have revenues for such quarter ended of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the revenues projected for such quarter in the Annual Projections delivered to Collateral Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.2(a)(iii), which Annual Projections must be delivered to and approved by Collateral Agent and Lenders prior to the draw of any Term B Loans (or the draw of any Term C Loans if no Term B Loans have been previously advanced).

 

6.11      Landlord Waivers; Bailee Waivers . In the event that Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, after the Effective Date, intends to add any new offices or business locations, including warehouses, or otherwise store any portion of the Collateral with, or deliver any portion of the Collateral to, a bailee, in each case pursuant to Section 7.2, then Borrower or such Subsidiary will first receive the written consent of Collateral Agent and, in the event that the new location is the chief executive office of Borrower or such Subsidiary, any of Borrower’s Books are (or are reasonably expected to be) kept at such new location, or the Collateral at any such new location is valued (or is reasonably expected to have value) in excess of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) in the aggregate, such bailee or landlord, as applicable, must execute and deliver a bailee waiver or landlord waiver, as applicable, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Collateral Agent prior to the addition of any new offices or business locations, or any such storage with or delivery to any such bailee, as the case may be.

 

6.12      Creation/Acquisition of Subsidiaries. In the event Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries creates or acquires any Subsidiary, Borrower shall provide prior written notice to Collateral Agent and each Lender of the creation or acquisition of such new Subsidiary and take all such action as may be reasonably required by Collateral Agent or any Lender to cause each such Subsidiary to become a co-Borrower hereunder or to guarantee the Obligations of Borrower under the Loan Documents and, in each case, grant a continuing pledge and security interest in and to the assets of such Subsidiary (substantially as described on Exhibit  A hereto); and Borrower (or its Subsidiary, as applicable) shall grant and pledge to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, a perfected security interest in the Shares of each such newly created Subsidiary.

 

6.13      Further Assurances .

 

(a)     Execute any further instruments and take further action as Collateral Agent or any Lender reasonably requests to perfect or continue Collateral Agent’s Lien in the Collateral or to effect the purposes of this Agreement.

 

 
15

 

 

(b)     Deliver to Collateral Agent and Lenders, within five (5) days after the same are sent or received, copies of all material correspondence, reports, documents and other filings with any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on any of the Governmental Approvals material to Borrower’s business or otherwise could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

6.14     Accounts Receivable.

 

(a)      Schedules and Documents Relating to Accounts . Borrower shall deliver to Collateral Agent, with a copy to Lenders, transaction reports and schedules of collections, as provided in Section 6.2, on Collateral Agent’s standard forms; provided, however, that Borrower’s failure to execute and deliver the same shall not affect or limit Collateral Agent’s Lien and other rights in all of Borrower’s Accounts, nor shall Collateral Agent’s failure to advance or lend against a specific Account affect or limit Collateral Agent’s Lien and other rights therein. If reasonably requested by Collateral Agent or any Lender, Borrower shall furnish Collateral Agent, with a copy to Lenders, with copies (or, at Collateral Agent’s request, originals) of all contracts, orders, invoices, and other similar documents, and all shipping instructions, delivery receipts, bills of lading, and other evidence of delivery, for any goods the sale or disposition of which gave rise to such Accounts. In addition, Borrower shall deliver to Collateral Agent, with a copy to Lenders, on any reasonable request, the originals of all instruments, chattel paper, security agreements, guarantees and other documents and property evidencing or securing any Accounts, in the same form as received, with all necessary indorsements, and copies of all credit memos.

 

(b)      Disputes . Borrower shall promptly notify Collateral Agent and each Lender of all disputes or claims relating to Accounts in excess of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00). Borrower may forgive (completely or partially), compromise, or settle any Account for less than payment in full, or agree to do any of the foregoing so long as (i) Borrower does so in good faith, in a commercially reasonable manner, in the ordinary course of business, in arm’s-length transactions, and reports the same to Collateral Agent, with a copy to Lenders, in the Compliance Certificate; (ii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and (iii) after taking into account all such discounts, settlements and forgiveness, the total outstanding Revolving Advances will not exceed the lesser of the Revolving Line or the Availability Amount.

 

(c)      Collection of Accounts . Borrower shall have the right to collect all Accounts, unless and until an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Borrower shall direct all Account Debtors to deliver or transmit all proceeds of Accounts into a lockbox account, or via wire transfer, ACH or electronic deposit capture into a “blocked account” as specified by Collateral Agent (either such account, the “ Cash Collateral Account ”). Whether or not an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower shall immediately deliver all payments on and proceeds of Accounts to the Cash Collateral Account to be applied to immediately reduce the Obligations with respect to the Revolving Line on a daily basis. It will be considered an immediate Event of Default if the Cash Collateral Account is not established and operational prior to the earlier of (i) the initial Revolving Advance and (ii) within ninety (90) days of the Effective Date, and in either case, at all times thereafter.

 

(d)      Returns . Provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, if any Account Debtor returns any Inventory to Borrower, Borrower shall promptly (i) (A) determine the reason for such return and issue a credit memorandum to the Account Debtor in the appropriate amount or (B) handle such return in a customary and commercially reasonable manner consistent with past practices, and (ii) with respect to any such returns involving more than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) individually or in the aggregate, provide a copy of such credit memorandum or other applicable documentation to Collateral Agent, with a copy to Lenders. In the event any attempted return occurs after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Borrower shall hold the returned Inventory in trust for Collateral Agent, and immediately notify Collateral Agent and Lenders of the return of the Inventory.

 

(e)      Verification . Collateral Agent and Lenders may, from time to time, verify directly with the respective Account Debtors the validity, amount and other matters relating to the Accounts, either in the name of Borrower, Collateral Agent or such Lender or such other name as Collateral Agent or such Lender may choose, and notify any Account Debtor of Collateral Agent’s security interest in such Account; provided, however, that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Collateral Agent will endeavor in good faith to notify Borrower in advance of such verification, provided that the failure to do so shall not be a breach of this Agreement or give rise to any liability to Collateral Agent or any Lender.

 

 
16

 

 

(f)      No Liability . Neither Collateral Agent nor any Lender shall be responsible or liable for any shortage or discrepancy in, damage to, or loss or destruction of, any goods, the sale or other disposition of which gives rise to an Account, or for any error, act, omission, or delay of any kind occurring in the settlement, failure to settle, collection or failure to collect any Account, or for settling any Account in good faith for less than the full amount thereof, nor shall Collateral Agent or any Lender be deemed to be responsible for any of Borrower's obligations under any contract or agreement giving rise to an Account. Nothing herein shall, however, relieve Collateral Agent or any Lender from liability for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

6.15      Remittance of Proceeds. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.14(c), deliver, in kind, all proceeds arising from the disposition of any Collateral to Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, in the original form in which received by Borrower not later than five (5) Business Days after receipt by Borrower, to be applied to the Obligations (a) prior to an Event of Default, pursuant to the terms of Section 2.4(e) hereof, and (b) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, pursuant to the terms of Section 9.4 hereof; provided that, if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower shall not be obligated to remit to Collateral Agent the proceeds of the sale of worn out or obsolete Equipment disposed of by Borrower in good faith in an arm’s length transaction for an aggregate purchase price of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) or less (for all such transactions in any fiscal year).  Borrower agrees that it will not commingle proceeds of Collateral with any of Borrower’s other funds or property, but will hold such proceeds separate and apart from such other funds and property and in an express trust for Collateral Agent. Nothing in this Section limits the restrictions on disposition of Collateral set forth elsewhere in this Agreement.

 

7.      NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, do any of the following without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders:

 

7.1      Dispositions . Convey, sell, lease, transfer, assign, or otherwise dispose of (collectively, “ Transfer ”), or permit any of its Subsidiaries to Transfer, all or any part of its business or property, except for Transfers (a) of Inventory in the ordinary course of business; (b) of worn-out or obsolete Equipment; and (c) in connection with Permitted Liens, Permitted Investments and Permitted Licenses.

 

7.2      Changes in Business, Management, Ownership, or Business Locations . (a) Engage in or permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any business other than the businesses engaged in by Borrower as of the Effective Date or reasonably related thereto; (b) liquidate or dissolve; or (c) (i) any Key Person shall cease to be actively engaged in the management of Borrower unless written notice thereof is provided to Collateral Agent within five (5) days of such change, (ii) enter into any transaction or series of related transactions in which the stockholders of Nuvectra who were not stockholders immediately prior to the first such transaction own more than forty nine percent (49%) of the voting stock of Nuvectra immediately after giving effect to such transaction or related series of such transactions (other than by the sale of Nuvectra’s equity securities in a public offering, a private placement of public equity or to venture capital investors so long as Borrower identifies to Collateral Agent the venture capital investors prior to the closing of the transaction), or (iii) enter into any transaction or series of related transactions as a result of which Nuvectra ceases to own one hundred percent (100.00%) of Algostim, PelviStim and NeuroNexus. Borrower shall not, without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Collateral Agent: (A) add any new offices or business locations, including warehouses (unless such new offices or business locations (i) do not contain any of Borrower’s Books, (ii) contain less than Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) in assets or property of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) are not Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ chief executive office); (B) change its jurisdiction of organization, (C) change its organizational structure or type, (D) change its legal name, or (E) change any organizational number (if any) assigned by its jurisdiction of organization.

 

7.3      Mergers or Acquisitions . Merge or consolidate, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with any other Person, or acquire, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to acquire, all or substantially all of the capital stock, shares or property of another Person. A Subsidiary may merge or consolidate into another Subsidiary (provided such surviving Subsidiary is a “co-Borrower” hereunder or has provided a secured Guaranty of Borrower’s Obligations hereunder) or with (or into) Borrower provided Borrower is the surviving legal entity, and as long as no Event of Default is occurring prior thereto or arises as a result therefrom. Without limiting the foregoing, Borrower shall not, without Collateral Agent’s prior written consent, enter into any binding contractual arrangement with any Person to attempt to facilitate a merger or acquisition of Borrower, unless (i) no Event of Default exists when such agreement is entered into by Borrower, (ii) such agreement does not give such Person the right to claim any consideration, fees, payments or damages from Borrower in excess of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00), and (iii) Borrower notifies Collateral Agent in advance of entering into such an agreement.

 

 
17

 

 

7.4      Indebtedness . Create, incur, assume, or be liable for any Indebtedness, or permit any Subsidiary to do so, other than Permitted Indebtedness.

 

7.5      Encumbrance . Create, incur, allow, or suffer any Lien on any of its property, or assign or convey any right to receive income, including the sale of any Accounts, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so, except for Permitted Liens, or permit any Collateral not to be subject to the first priority security interest granted herein (except for Permitted Liens that are permitted by the terms of this Agreement to have priority over Collateral Agent’s Lien), or enter into any agreement, document, instrument or other arrangement (except with or in favor of Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders) with any Person which directly or indirectly prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries, from assigning, mortgaging, pledging, granting a security interest in or upon, or encumbering any of Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s Intellectual Property, except as is otherwise permitted in Section 7.1 hereof and the definition of “ Permitted Liens ” herein.

 

7.6      Maintenance of Collateral Accounts . Maintain any Collateral Account except pursuant to the terms of Section 6.6 hereof.

 

7.7      Distributions; Investments . (a) Pay any dividends (other than dividends payable solely in capital stock) or make any distribution or payment in respect of or redeem, retire or purchase any capital stock (other than repurchases pursuant to the terms of employee stock purchase plans, employee restricted stock agreements, stockholder rights plans, director or consultant stock option plans, or similar plans, provided such repurchases do not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) in the aggregate per fiscal year) or (b) directly or indirectly make any Investment other than Permitted Investments, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so. For the avoidance of doubt, Nuvectra shall be permitted to issue shares of capital stock in accordance with its equity incentive plan approved by Nuvectra’s Board of Directors.

 

7.8      Transactions with Affiliates . Directly or indirectly enter into or permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, except for (a) transactions that are in the ordinary course of Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s business, upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to Borrower or such Subsidiary than would be obtained in an arm’s length transaction with a non-affiliated Person, and (b) Subordinated Debt or equity investments by Borrower’s investors in Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

 

7.9      Subordinated Debt . (a) Make or permit any payment on any Subordinated Debt, except under the terms of the subordination, intercreditor, or other similar agreement to which such Subordinated Debt is subject, or (b) amend any provision in any document relating to the Subordinated Debt which would increase the amount thereof or adversely affect the subordination thereof to Obligations owed to the Lenders.

 

7.10      Compliance . Become an “investment company” or a company controlled by an “investment company”, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or undertake as one of its important activities extending credit to purchase or carry margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), or use the proceeds of any Credit Extension for that purpose; fail to meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA, permit a Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, as defined in ERISA, to occur; fail to comply with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act or violate any other law or regulation, if the violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so; withdraw or permit any Subsidiary to withdraw from participation in, permit partial or complete termination of, or permit the occurrence of any other event with respect to, any present pension, profit sharing and deferred compensation plan which could reasonably be expected to result in any liability of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or its successors or any other Governmental Authority.

 

 
18

 

 

7.11      Compliance with Anti-Terrorism Laws. Collateral Agent hereby notifies Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries that pursuant to the requirements of Anti-Terrorism Laws, and Collateral Agent’s policies and practices, Collateral Agent is required to obtain, verify and record certain information and documentation that identifies Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries and their principals, which information includes the name and address of Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries and their principals and such other information that will allow Collateral Agent to identify such party in accordance with Anti-Terrorism Laws. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries permit any Affiliate to, directly or indirectly, knowingly enter into any documents, instruments, agreements or contracts with any Person listed on the OFAC Lists. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries shall immediately notify Collateral Agent if Borrower or such Subsidiary has knowledge that Borrower, or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of Borrower, is listed on the OFAC Lists or (a) is convicted on, (b) pleads nolo contendere to, (c) is indicted on, or (d) is arraigned and held over on charges involving money laundering or predicate crimes to money laundering. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, permit any Affiliate to, directly or indirectly, (i) conduct any business or engage in any transaction or dealing with any Blocked Person, including, without limitation, the making or receiving of any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, (ii) deal in, or otherwise engage in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224 or any similar executive order or other Anti-Terrorism Law, or (iii) engage in or conspire 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 Executive Order No. 13224 or other Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

8.      EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

Any one of the following shall constitute an event of default (an “ Event of Default ”) under this Agreement:

 

8.1      Payment Default . Borrower fails to (a) make any payment of principal or interest on any Credit Extension on its due date, or (b) pay any other Obligations within three (3) Business Days after such Obligations are due and payable (which three (3) Business Day grace period shall not apply to payments due on the Maturity Date or the Revolving Line Maturity Date or the date of acceleration pursuant to Section 9.1 (a) hereof). During the cure period, the failure to cure the payment default is not an Event of Default (but no Credit Extension will be made during the cure period);

 

8.2     Covenant Default.

 

(a)     Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries fails or neglects to perform any obligation in Sections 6.2 (Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates), 6.4 (Taxes), 6.5 (Insurance), 6.6 (Operating Accounts), 6.7 (Protection of Intellectual Property Rights), 6.9 (Notice of Litigation and Default), 6.10 (Financial Covenant), 6.11 (Landlord Waivers; Bailee Waivers), 6.12 (Creation/Acquisition of Subsidiaries), 6.13 (Further Assurances) or 6.14 (Accounts Receivable) or Borrower violates any covenant in Section 7; or

 

(b)     Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries, fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe any other term, provision, condition, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any Loan Documents, and as to any default (other than those specified in this Section 8) under such other term, provision, condition, covenant or agreement that can be cured, has failed to cure the default within ten (10) days after the occurrence thereof; provided, however, that if the default cannot by its nature be cured within the ten (10) day period or cannot after diligent attempts by Borrower be cured within such ten (10) day period, and such default is likely to be cured within a reasonable time, then Borrower shall have an additional period (which shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) days) to attempt to cure such default, and within such reasonable time period the failure to cure the default shall not be deemed an Event of Default (but no Credit Extensions shall be made during such cure period). Grace periods provided under this Section shall not apply, among other things, to financial covenants or any other covenants set forth in subsection (a) above;

 

8.3      Material Adverse Change. A Material Adverse Change occurs;

 

 
19

 

 

8.4     Attachment; Levy; Restraint on Business.

 

(a)     (i) The service of process seeking to attach, by trustee or similar process, any funds of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or of any entity under control of Borrower or its Subsidiaries on deposit with any Lender or any Lender’s Affiliate or any bank or other institution at which Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries maintains a Collateral Account, or (ii) a notice of lien, levy, or assessment is filed against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective assets by any government agency, and the same under subclauses (i) and (ii) hereof are not, within ten (10) days after the occurrence thereof, discharged or stayed (whether through the posting of a bond or otherwise); provided, however, no Credit Extensions shall be made during any ten (10) day cure period; and

 

(b)     (i) any material portion of Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ assets is attached, seized, levied on, or comes into possession of a trustee or receiver, or (ii) any court order enjoins, restrains, or prevents Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from conducting any part of its business;

 

8.5      Insolvency. (a) Nuvectra, or Nuvectra and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, is or becomes Insolvent; (b) Nuvectra or any of its Subsidiaries begins an Insolvency Proceeding; or (c) an Insolvency Proceeding is begun against Nuvectra or any of its Subsidiaries and not dismissed or stayed within forty-five (45) days (but no Credit Extensions shall be made while Nuvectra, or Nuvectra and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, is Insolvent and/or until any Insolvency Proceeding is dismissed);

 

8.6      Other Agreements . There is a default in any agreement to which Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with a third party or parties resulting in a right by such third party or parties, whether or not exercised, to accelerate the maturity of any Indebtedness in an amount in excess of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) or that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change;

 

8.7      Judgments . One or more judgments, orders, or decrees for the payment of money in an amount, individually or in the aggregate, of at least Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) (not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which liability has been accepted by such insurance carrier) shall be rendered against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and shall remain unsatisfied, unvacated, or unstayed for a period of ten (10) days after the entry thereof (provided that no Credit Extensions will be made prior to the satisfaction, vacation, or stay of such judgment, order or decree);

 

8.8      Misrepresentations . Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any Person acting for Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries makes any representation, warranty, or other statement now or later in this Agreement, any Loan Document or in any writing delivered to Collateral Agent and/or Lenders or to induce Collateral Agent and/or the Lenders to enter this Agreement or any Loan Document, and such representation, warranty, or other statement is incorrect in any material respect when made;

 

8.9      Subordinated Debt . A default or breach occurs under any agreement between Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and any creditor of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that signed a subordination, intercreditor, or other similar agreement with Collateral Agent or the Lenders, or any creditor that has signed such an agreement with Collateral Agent or the Lenders breaches any terms of such agreement;

 

8.10     Guaranty . (a) Any Guaranty terminates or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect; (b) any Guarantor does not perform any obligation or covenant under any Guaranty; (c) any circumstance described in Sections 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.7, or 8.8 occurs with respect to any Guarantor, or (d) the liquidation, winding up, or termination of existence of any Guarantor;

 

8.11      Governmental Approvals. Any Governmental Approval shall have been revoked, rescinded, suspended, modified in an adverse manner, or not renewed in the ordinary course for a full term and such revocation, rescission, suspension, modification or non-renewal has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

8.12      M o r t g age . An Event of Default occurs under the Mortgage;

 

8.13      Lien Priority . Any Lien created hereunder or by any other Loan Document shall at any time fail to constitute a valid and perfected Lien on any of the Collateral purported to be secured thereby, subject to no prior or equal Lien, other than Permitted Liens which are permitted to have priority in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; or

 

 
20

 

 

 

8.14      Delisting . The shares of common stock of Borrower are delisted from NASDAQ Capital Market or the NASDAQ Global Market because of failure to comply with continued listing standards thereof or due to a voluntary delisting which results in such shares not being listed on any other nationally recognized stock exchange in the United States having listing standards at least as restrictive as the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NASDAQ Global Market.

 

9.      RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

 

9.1      Rights and Remedies.

 

(a)     Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Collateral Agent may, and at the written direction of Required Lenders shall, without notice or demand, do any or all of the following: (i) deliver notice of the Event of Default to Borrower, (ii) by notice to Borrower declare all Obligations immediately due and payable (but if an Event of Default described in Section 8.5 occurs all Obligations shall be immediately due and payable without any action by Collateral Agent or the Lenders) or (iii) by notice to Borrower suspend or terminate the obligations, if any, of the Lenders to advance money or extend credit for Borrower’s benefit under this Agreement or under any other agreement between Borrower and Collateral Agent and/or the Lenders (but if an Event of Default described in Section 8.5 occurs all obligations, if any, of the Lenders to advance money or extend credit for Borrower’s benefit under this Agreement or under any other agreement between Borrower and Collateral Agent and/or the Lenders shall be immediately terminated without any action by Collateral Agent or the Lenders).

 

(b)     Without limiting the rights of Collateral Agent and the Lenders set forth in Section 9.1(a) above, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Collateral Agent shall have the right, without notice or demand, to do any or all of the following:

 

(i)     foreclose upon and/or sell or otherwise liquidate, the Collateral;

 

(ii)     apply to the Obligations any (a) balances and deposits of Borrower that Collateral Agent or any Lender holds or controls, or (b) any amount held or controlled by Collateral Agent or any Lender owing to or for the credit or the account of Borrower; and/or

 

(iii)     commence and prosecute an Insolvency Proceeding or consent to Borrower commencing any Insolvency Proceeding.

 

(c)     Without limiting the rights of Collateral Agent and the Lenders set forth in Sections 9.1(a) and (b) above, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Collateral Agent shall have the right, without notice or demand, to do any or all of the following:

 

(i)     settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with Account Debtors for amounts on terms and in any order that Collateral Agent considers advisable, notify any Person owing Borrower money of Collateral Agent’s security interest in such funds, and verify the amount of such account;

 

(ii)     make any payments and do any acts it considers necessary or reasonable to protect the Collateral and/or its security interest in the Collateral. Borrower shall assemble the Collateral if Collateral Agent requests and make it available in a location as Collateral Agent reasonably designates. Collateral Agent may enter premises where the Collateral is located, take and maintain possession of any part of the Collateral, and pay, purchase, contest, or compromise any Lien which appears to be prior or superior to its security interest and pay all expenses incurred. Borrower grants Collateral Agent a license to enter and occupy any of its premises, without charge, to exercise any of Collateral Agent’s rights or remedies;

 

 
21

 

 

(iii)     ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain, repair, prepare for sale, and/or advertise for sale, the Collateral. Collateral Agent is hereby granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license or other right to use, without charge, Borrower’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ labels, patents, copyrights, mask works, rights of use of any name, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks, service marks, and advertising matter, or any similar property as it pertains to the Collateral, in completing production of, advertising for sale, and selling any Collateral and, in connection with Collateral Agent’s exercise of its rights under this Section 9.1, Borrower’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ rights under all licenses and all franchise agreements inure to Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders;

 

(iv)     place a “hold” on any account maintained with Collateral Agent or the Lenders and/or deliver a notice of exclusive control, any entitlement order, or other directions or instructions pursuant to any Control Agreement or similar agreements providing control of any Collateral;

 

(v)     demand and receive possession of Borrower’s Books;

 

(vi)     appoint a receiver to seize, manage and realize any of the Collateral, and such receiver shall have any right and authority as any competent court will grant or authorize in accordance with any applicable law, including any power or authority to manage the business of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(vii)     subject to clauses 9.1(a) and (b), exercise all rights and remedies available to Collateral Agent and each Lender under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the Code (including disposal of the Collateral pursuant to the terms thereof);

 

(viii)     for any Letters of Credit, demand that Borrower (i) deposit cash with Bank in an amount equal to (x) if such Letters of Credit are denominated in Dollars, then one hundred five percent (105%); and (y) if such Letters of Credit are denominated in a Foreign Currency, then one hundred ten percent (110%), of the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate face amount of all Letters of Credit remaining undrawn (plus all interest, fees, and costs due or to become due in connection therewith (as estimated by Bank in its good faith business judgment)), to secure all of the Obligations relating to such Letters of Credit, as collateral security for the repayment of any future drawings under such Letters of Credit, and Borrower shall forthwith deposit and pay such amounts, and (ii) pay in advance all letter of credit fees scheduled to be paid or payable over the remaining term of any Letters of Credit; and

 

(ix)     terminate any FX Contracts.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 9.1 to the contrary, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, Collateral Agent shall have the right to exercise any and all remedies referenced in this Section 9.1 without the written consent of Required Lenders following the occurrence of an Exigent Circumstance. As used in the immediately preceding sentence, “ Exigent Circumstance ” means any event or circumstance that, in the reasonable judgment of Collateral Agent, imminently threatens the ability of Collateral Agent to realize upon all or any material portion of the Collateral, such as, without limitation, fraudulent removal, concealment, or abscondment thereof, destruction or material waste thereof, or failure of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after reasonable demand to maintain or reinstate adequate casualty insurance coverage, or which, in the judgment of Collateral Agent, could reasonably be expected to result in a material diminution in value of the Collateral.

 

9.2     Power of Attorney. Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints Collateral Agent as its lawful attorney-in-fact, exercisable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to: (a) endorse Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ name on any checks or other forms of payment or security; (b) sign Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ name on any invoice or bill of lading for any Account or drafts against Account Debtors; (c) settle and adjust disputes and claims about the Accounts directly with Account Debtors, for amounts and on terms Collateral Agent determines reasonable; (d) make, settle, and adjust all claims under Borrower’s insurance policies; (e) pay, contest or settle any Lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, and adverse claim in or to the Collateral, or any judgment based thereon, or otherwise take any action to terminate or discharge the same; and (f) transfer the Collateral into the name of Collateral Agent or a third party as the Code or any applicable law permits. Borrower hereby appoints Collateral Agent as its lawful attorney-in-fact to sign Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ name on any documents necessary to perfect or continue the perfection of Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Collateral regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred until all Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) have been satisfied in full and Collateral Agent and the Lenders are under no further obligation to make Credit Extensions hereunder. Collateral Agent’s foregoing appointment as Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ attorney in fact, and all of Collateral Agent’s rights and powers, coupled with an interest, are irrevocable until all Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) have been fully repaid and performed and Collateral Agent’s and the Lenders’ obligation to provide Credit Extensions terminates.

 

 
22

 

 

9.3     Protective Payments. If Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries fail to obtain the insurance called for by Section 6.5 or fails to pay any premium thereon or fails to pay any other amount which Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to pay under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, Collateral Agent may obtain such insurance or make such payment, and all amounts so paid by Collateral Agent are Lenders’ Expenses and immediately due and payable, bearing interest at the Default Rate, and secured by the Collateral. Collateral Agent will make reasonable efforts to provide Borrower with notice of Collateral Agent obtaining such insurance or making such payment at the time it is obtained or paid or within a reasonable time thereafter. No such payments by Collateral Agent are deemed an agreement to make similar payments in the future or Collateral Agent’s waiver of any Event of Default.

 

9.4      Application of Payments and Proceeds. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, (a) Borrower irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of any and all payments at any time or times thereafter received by Collateral Agent from or on behalf of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of all or any part of the Obligations, and, as between Borrower on the one hand and Collateral Agent and Lenders on the other, Collateral Agent shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and to reapply any and all payments received against the Obligations in such manner as Collateral Agent may deem advisable notwithstanding any previous application by Collateral Agent, and (b) the proceeds of any sale of, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied: first, to the Lenders’ Expenses; second, to accrued and unpaid interest on the Obligations (including any interest which, but for the provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, would have accrued on such amounts); third, to the principal amount of the Obligations outstanding; and fourth, to any other indebtedness or obligations of Borrower owing to Collateral Agent or any Lender under the Loan Documents. Any balance remaining shall be delivered to Borrower or to whoever may be lawfully entitled to receive such balance or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct. In carrying out the foregoing, (x) amounts received shall be applied in the numerical order provided until exhausted prior to the application to the next succeeding category, and (y) each of the Persons entitled to receive a payment in any particular category shall receive an amount equal to its pro rata share of amounts available to be applied pursuant thereto for such category. Any reference in this Agreement to an allocation between or sharing by the Lenders of any right, interest or obligation “ratably,” “proportionally” or in similar terms shall refer to Pro Rata Share unless expressly provided otherwise. Collateral Agent, or if applicable, each Lender, shall promptly remit to the other Lenders such sums as may be necessary to ensure the ratable repayment of each Lender’s portion of any Term Loan, Revolving Advance and the ratable distribution of interest, fees and reimbursements paid or made by Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Lender receiving a scheduled payment shall not be responsible for determining whether the other Lenders also received their scheduled payment on such date; provided, however, if it is later determined that a Lender received more than its ratable share of scheduled payments made on any date or dates, then such Lender shall remit to Collateral Agent or other Lenders such sums as may be necessary to ensure the ratable payment of such scheduled payments, as instructed by Collateral Agent. If any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, properties or securities, shall be received by a Lender in excess of its ratable share, then the portion of such payment or distribution in excess of such Lender’s ratable share shall be received by such Lender in trust for and shall be promptly paid over to the other Lender for application to the payments of amounts due on the other Lenders’ claims. To the extent any payment for the account of Borrower is required to be returned as a voidable transfer or otherwise, the Lenders shall contribute to one another as is necessary to ensure that such return of payment is on a pro rata basis. If any Lender shall obtain possession of any Collateral, it shall hold such Collateral for itself and as agent and bailee for Collateral Agent and other Lenders for purposes of perfecting Collateral Agent’s security interest therein.

 

9.5     Liability for Collateral. So long as Collateral Agent and the Lenders comply with reasonable banking practices regarding the safekeeping of the Collateral in the possession or under the control of Collateral Agent and the Lenders, Collateral Agent and the Lenders shall not be liable or responsible for: (a) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (b) any loss or damage to the Collateral; (c) any diminution in the value of the Collateral; or (d) any act or default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, or other Person. Borrower bears all risk of loss, damage or destruction of the Collateral.

 

 
23

 

 

9.6     No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. Failure by Collateral Agent or any Lender, at any time or times, to require strict performance by Borrower of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall not waive, affect, or diminish any right of Collateral Agent or any Lender thereafter to demand strict performance and compliance herewith or therewith. No waiver hereunder shall be effective unless signed by Collateral Agent and the Required Lenders and then is only effective for the specific instance and purpose for which it is given. The rights and remedies of Collateral Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are cumulative. Collateral Agent and the Lenders have all rights and remedies provided under the Code, any applicable law, by law, or in equity. The exercise by Collateral Agent or any Lender of one right or remedy is not an election, and Collateral Agent’s or any Lender’s waiver of any Event of Default is not a continuing waiver. Collateral Agent’s or any Lender’s delay in exercising any remedy is not a waiver, election, or acquiescence.

 

9.7      Demand Waiver. Borrower waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, demand, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, notice of any default, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension, or renewal of accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees held by Collateral Agent or any Lender on which Borrower or any Subsidiary is liable.

 

10.      NOTICES

 

All notices, consents, requests, approvals, demands, or other communication (collectively, “ Communication ”) by any party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given, or delivered: (a) upon the earlier of actual receipt and three (3) Business Days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class, registered or certified mail return receipt requested, with proper postage prepaid; (b) upon transmission, when sent by facsimile transmission; (c) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier with all charges prepaid; or (d) when delivered, if hand-delivered by messenger, all of which shall be addressed to the party to be notified and sent to the address, facsimile number, or email address indicated below. Any of Collateral Agent, Lender or Borrower may change its mailing address or facsimile number by giving the other party written notice thereof in accordance with the terms of this Section 10.

 

If to Borrower:

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

Plano, TX 75024

Attn: Walter Berger

Fax: (469) 362-8441

Email: wberger@nuvectramed.com

   
 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

Plano, TX 75024

Attn: Melissa G. Beare

Fax: (469) 362-8441

Email: mbeare@nuvectramed.com

   

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Norton Rose Fulbright

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3600

Dallas, TX 75201

Attn: Laura Kalesnik

Fax: (214) 855-8200

Email: laura.kalesnik@nortonrosefulbright.com

 

 
24

 

 

If to Collateral Agent:

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

133 North Fairfax Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Attention: Legal Department

Fax: (703) 519-5225

Email: LegalDepartment@oxfordfinance.com

   

with a copy to

SILICON VALLEY BANK

4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1050

San Diego, CA 92122

Attn: Anthony Flores

Fax: (858) 622-1424

Email: AFlores@svb.com

   

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

VLP LAW GROUP LLP

2947 Eskridge Road

Fairfax, VA 22031

Attn: Denise Zack

Fax: (703) 260-6551

Email: DZack@VLPLawGroup.com

 

 

11.      CHOICE OF LAW, VENUE AND JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE

 

California law governs the Loan Documents without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Borrower, Collateral Agent and each Lender each submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State and Federal courts in Santa Clara County, California; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to operate to preclude Collateral Agent or any Lender from bringing suit or taking other legal action in any other jurisdiction to realize on the Collateral or any other security for the Obligations, or to enforce a judgment or other court order in favor of Collateral Agent or any Lender. Borrower expressly submits and consents in advance to such jurisdiction in any action or suit commenced in any such court, and Borrower hereby waives any objection that it may have based upon lack of personal jurisdiction, improper venue, or forum non conveniens and hereby consents to the granting of such legal or equitable relief as is deemed appropriate by such court. Borrower hereby waives personal service of the summons, complaints, and other process issued in such action or suit and agrees that service of such summons, complaints, and other process may be made by registered or certified mail addressed to Borrower at the address set forth in, or subsequently provided by Borrower in accordance with, Section 10 of this Agreement and that service so made shall be deemed completed upon the earlier to occur of Borrower’s actual receipt thereof or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mails, proper postage prepaid.

 

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER, COLLATERAL AGENT AND EACH LENDER EACH WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, BREACH OF DUTY AND ALL OTHER CLAIMS. THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR EACH PARTY TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS COUNSEL.

 

 
25

 

 

WITHOUT INTENDING IN ANY WAY TO LIMIT THE PARTIES’ AGREEMENT TO WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY, if the above waiver of the right to a trial by jury is not enforceable, the parties hereto agree that any and all disputes or controversies of any nature between them arising at any time shall be decided by a reference to a private judge, mutually selected by the parties (or, if they cannot agree, by the Presiding Judge of the Santa Clara County, California Superior Court) appointed in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 (or pursuant to comparable provisions of federal law if the dispute falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts), sitting without a jury, in Santa Clara County, California; and the parties hereby submit to the jurisdiction of such court. The reference proceedings shall be conducted pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 638 through 645.1, inclusive. The private judge shall have the power, among others, to grant provisional relief, including without limitation, entering temporary restraining orders, issuing preliminary and permanent injunctions and appointing receivers. All such proceedings shall be closed to the public and confidential and all records relating thereto shall be permanently sealed. If during the course of any dispute, a party desires to seek provisional relief, but a judge has not been appointed at that point pursuant to the judicial reference procedures, then such party may apply to the Santa Clara County, California Superior Court for such relief. The proceeding before the private judge shall be conducted in the same manner as it would be before a court under the rules of evidence applicable to judicial proceedings. The parties shall be entitled to discovery which shall be conducted in the same manner as it would be before a court under the rules of discovery applicable to judicial proceedings. The private judge shall oversee discovery and may enforce all discovery rules and orders applicable to judicial proceedings in the same manner as a trial court judge. The parties agree that the selected or appointed private judge shall have the power to decide all issues in the action or proceeding, whether of fact or of law, and shall report a statement of decision thereon pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 644(a). Nothing in this paragraph shall limit the right of any party at any time to exercise self-help remedies, foreclose against collateral, or obtain provisional remedies. The private judge shall also determine all issues relating to the applicability, interpretation, and enforceability of this paragraph.

 

12.      GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

12.1      Successors and Assigns. This Agreement binds and is for the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of each party. Borrower may not transfer, pledge or assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations under it without Collateral Agent’s and each Lender’s prior written consent (which may be granted or withheld in Collateral Agent’s and each Lender’s discretion, subject to Section 12.6). The Lenders have the right, without the consent of or notice to Borrower, to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, negotiate, or grant participation in (any such sale, transfer, assignment, negotiation , or grant of a participation, a Lender Transfer ”) all or any part of, or any interest in, the Lenders’ obligations, rights, and benefits under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided , however , that any such Lender Transfer (other than a transfer, pledge, sale or assignment to an Eligible Assignee) of its obligations, rights, and benefits under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall require the prior written consent of the Required Lenders (such approved assignee, an “ Approved Lender ”) . Borrower and Collateral Agent shall be entitled to continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the interests so assigned until Collateral Agent shall have received and accepted an effective assignment agreement in form satisfactory to Collateral Agent executed, delivered and fully completed by the applicable parties thereto, and shall have received such other information regarding such Eligible Assignee or Approved Lender as Collateral Agent reasonably shall require. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Lender Transfer (other than a Lender Transfer (i) in respect of the Warrants or (ii) in connection with (x) assignments by a Lender due to a forced divestiture at the request of any regulatory agency; or (y) upon the occurrence of a default, event of default or similar occurrence with respect to a Lender’s own financing or securitization transactions) shall be permitted, without Borrower’s consent, to any Person which is an Affiliate or Subsidiary of Borrower, a direct competitor of Borrower or a vulture hedge fund, each as determined by Collateral Agent.

 

12.2      Indemnification. Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Collateral Agent and the Lenders and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, or any other Person affiliated with or representing Collateral Agent or the Lenders (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) harmless against: (a) all obligations, demands, claims, and liabilities (collectively, “ Claims ”) asserted by any other party in connection with; related to; following; or arising from, out of or under, the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; and (b) all losses or Lenders’ Expenses incurred, or paid by Indemnified Person in connection with; related to; following; or arising from, out of or under, the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents between Collateral Agent, and/or the Lenders and Borrower (including reasonable and invoiced attorneys’ fees and expenses), except for Claims and/or losses directly caused by such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Borrower hereby further indemnifies, defends and holds each Indemnified Person harmless from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including the fees and disbursements of counsel for such Indemnified Person) in connection with any investigative, response, remedial, administrative or judicial matter or proceeding, whether or not such Indemnified Person shall be designated a party thereto and including any such proceeding initiated by or on behalf of Borrower, and the reasonable expenses of investigation by engineers, environmental consultants and similar technical personnel and any commission, fee or compensation claimed by any broker (other than any broker retained by Collateral Agent or Lenders) asserting any right to payment for the transactions contemplated hereby which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Indemnified Person as a result of or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the use or intended use of the proceeds of the loan proceeds except for liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses and disbursements directly caused by such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

 
26

 

 

12.3      Time of Essence . Time is of the essence for the performance of all Obligations in this Agreement.

 

12.4      Severability of Provisions . Each provision of this Agreement is severable from every other provision in determining the enforceability of any provision.

 

12.5     Correction of Loan Documents. Collateral Agent and the Lenders may correct patent errors and fill in any blanks in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the agreement of the parties .

 

12.6      Amendments in Writing; Integration . (a) No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, no approval or consent thereunder, or any consent to any departure by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Borrower, Collateral Agent and the Required Lenders provided that:

 

(i)     no such amendment, waiver or other modification that would have the effect of increasing or reducing a Lender’s Term Loan Commitment, Term Loan Commitment Percentage or Revolving Line Commitment Percentage shall be effective as to such Lender without such Lender’s written consent;

 

(ii)     no such amendment, waiver or modification that would affect the rights and duties of Collateral Agent shall be effective without Collateral Agent’s written consent or signature;

 

(iii)     no such amendment, waiver or other modification shall, unless signed by all the Lenders directly affected thereby, (A) reduce the principal of, rate of interest on or any fees with respect to any Term Loan or Revolving Advance or forgive any principal, interest (other than default interest) or fees (other than late charges) with respect to any Term Loan or Revolving Advance (B) postpone the date fixed for, or waive, any payment of principal of any Term Loan or Revolving Advance or of interest on any Term Loan or Revolving Advance (other than default interest) or any fees provided for hereunder (other than late charges or for any termination of any commitment); (C) change the definition of the term “ Required Lenders ” or the percentage of Lenders which shall be required for the Lenders to take any action hereunder; (D) release all or substantially all of any material portion of the Collateral, authorize Borrower to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all or any material portion of the Collateral or release any Guarantor of all or any portion of the Obligations or its guaranty obligations with respect thereto, except, in each case with respect to this clause (D), as otherwise may be expressly permitted under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including in connection with any disposition permitted hereunder); (E) amend, waive or otherwise modify this Section 12.6 or the definitions of the terms used in this Section 12.6 insofar as the definitions affect the substance of this Section 12.6; (F) consent to the assignment, delegation or other transfer by Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under any Loan Document or release Borrower of its payment obligations under any Loan Document, except, in each case with respect to this clause (F), pursuant to a merger or consolidation permitted pursuant to this Agreement; (G) amend any of the provisions of Section 9.4 or amend any of the definitions of Pro Rata Share, Term Loan Commitment, Term Loan Commitment Percentage, Revolving Line Commitment or Revolving Line Commitment Percentage or that provide for the Lenders to receive their Pro Rata Shares of any fees, payments, setoffs or proceeds of Collateral hereunder; (H) subordinate the Liens granted in favor of Collateral Agent securing the Obligations; or (I) amend any of the provisions of Section 12.10. It is hereby understood and agreed that all Lenders shall be deemed directly affected by an amendment, waiver or other modification of the type described in the preceding clauses (C), (D), (E), (F), (G) and (H) of the preceding sentence;

 

(iv)     the provisions of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are subject to the provisions of any interlender or agency agreement among the Lenders and Collateral Agent pursuant to which any Lender may agree to give its consent in connection with any amendment, waiver or modification of the Loan Documents only in the event of the unanimous agreement of all Lenders.

 

 
27

 

 

(b)     Other than as expressly provided for in Section 12.6(a)(i)-(iii), Collateral Agent may, if requested by the Required Lenders, from time to time designate covenants in this Agreement less restrictive by notification to a representative of Borrower.

 

(c)     This Agreement and the Loan Documents represent the entire agreement about this subject matter and supersede prior negotiations or agreements. All prior agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, and negotiations between the parties about the subject matter of this Agreement and the Loan Documents merge into this Agreement and the Loan Documents.

 

12.7      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, is an original, and all taken together, constitute one Agreement.

 

12.8      Survival . All covenants, representations and warranties made in this Agreement continue in full force and effect until this Agreement has terminated pursuant to its terms and all Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations and any other obligations which, by their terms, are to survive the termination of this Agreement) have been satisfied. Without limiting the foregoing, except as otherwise provided in Section 4.1, the grant of security interest by Borrower in Section 4.1 shall survive until the termination of all Bank Services Agreements. The obligation of Borrower in Section 12.2 to indemnify each Lender and Collateral Agent, as well as the confidentiality provisions in Section 12.9 below, shall survive until the statute of limitations with respect to such claim or cause of action shall have run.

 

12.9      Confidentiality . In handling any confidential information of Borrower, the Lenders and Collateral Agent shall exercise the same degree of care that it exercises for their own proprietary information, but disclosure of information may be made: (a) subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to the Lenders’ and Collateral Agent’s Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or in connection with a Lender’s own financing or securitization transactions and upon the occurrence of a default, event of default or similar occurrence with respect to such financing or securitization transaction; (b) to prospective transferees (other than those identified in (a) above) or purchasers of any interest in the Credit Extensions (provided, however, the Lenders and Collateral Agent shall, except upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, obtain such prospective transferee’s or purchaser’s agreement to the terms of this provision or to similar confidentiality terms); (c) as required by law, regulation, subpoena, or other order; (d) to Lenders’ or Collateral Agent’s regulators or as otherwise required in connection with an examination or audit; (e) as Collateral Agent reasonably considers appropriate in exercising remedies under the Loan Documents; and (f) to third party service providers of the Lenders and/or Collateral Agent so long as such service providers have executed a confidentiality agreement with the Lenders and Collateral Agent with terms no less restrictive than those contained herein. Confidential information does not include information that either: (i) is in the public domain or in the Lenders’ and/or Collateral Agent’s possession when disclosed to the Lenders and/or Collateral Agent, or becomes part of the public domain after disclosure to the Lenders and/or Collateral Agent; or (ii) is disclosed to the Lenders and/or Collateral Agent by a third party, if the Lenders and/or Collateral Agent does not know that the third party is prohibited from disclosing the information. Collateral Agent and the Lenders may use confidential information for any purpose, including, without limitation, for the development of client databases, reporting purposes, and market analysis. The provisions of the immediately preceding sentence shall survive the termination of this Agreement. The agreements provided under this Section 12.9 supersede all prior agreements, understanding, representations, warranties, and negotiations between the parties about the subject matter of this Section 12.9.

 

12.10      Right of Set Off . Borrower hereby grants to Collateral Agent and to each Lender, a lien, security interest and right of set off as security for all Obligations to Collateral Agent and each Lender hereunder, whether now existing or hereafter arising upon and against all deposits, credits, collateral and property, now or hereafter in the possession, custody, safekeeping or control of Collateral Agent or the Lenders or any entity under the control of Collateral Agent or the Lenders (including a Collateral Agent affiliate) or in transit to any of them. At any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, without demand or notice, Collateral Agent or the Lenders may set off the same or any part thereof and apply the same to any liability or obligation of Borrower even though unmatured and regardless of the adequacy of any other collateral securing the Obligations. ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO REQUIRE COLLATERAL AGENT TO EXERCISE ITS RIGHTS OR REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER COLLATERAL WHICH SECURES THE OBLIGATIONS, PRIOR TO EXERCISING ITS RIGHT OF SETOFF WITH RESPECT TO SUCH DEPOSITS, CREDITS OR OTHER PROPERTY OF BORROWER ARE HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVED.

 

 
28

 

 

12.11      S ilicon Valley B ank as Agent . Collateral Agent hereby appoints Silicon Valley Bank (“ SVB ”) as its agent (and SVB hereby accepts such appointment) for the purpose of perfecting Collateral Agent’s Liens in assets which, in accordance with Article 8 or Article 9, as applicable, of the Code can be perfected by possession or control, including without limitation, all deposit accounts maintained at SVB.

 

12.12      Cooperation of Borrower . If necessary, Borrower agrees to (i) execute any documents (including new Secured Promissory Notes) reasonably required to effectuate and acknowledge each assignment of a Term Loan Commitment, Revolving Line Commitment or Credit Extension to an assignee in accordance with Section 12.1, (ii) make Borrower’s management available to meet with Collateral Agent and prospective participants and assignees of Term Loan Commitments, Revolving Line Commitments or Credit Extensions (which meetings shall be conducted no more often than twice every twelve months unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), and (iii) assist Collateral Agent or the Lenders in the preparation of information relating to the financial affairs of Borrower as any prospective participant or assignee of a Term Loan Commitment, Revolving Line Commitment or Credit Extensions reasonably may request. Subject to the provisions of Section 12.9, Borrower authorizes each Lender to disclose to any prospective participant or assignee of a Term Loan Commitment or Revolving Line Commitment, any and all information in such Lender’s possession concerning Borrower and its financial affairs which has been delivered to such Lender by or on behalf of Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, or which has been delivered to such Lender by or on behalf of Borrower in connection with such Lender’s credit evaluation of Borrower prior to entering into this Agreement.

 

12.13      Borrower Liability . Each Borrower may, acting singly, request Credit Extensions hereunder. Each Borrower hereby appoints the other as agent for the other for all purposes hereunder, including with respect to requesting Credit Extensions hereunder. Each Borrower hereunder shall be jointly and severally obligated to repay all Credit Extensions made hereunder, regardless of which Borrower actually receives said Credit Extension, as if each Borrower hereunder directly received all Credit Extensions. Each Borrower waives (a) any suretyship defenses available to it under the Code or any other applicable law, including, without limitation, the benefit of California Civil Code Section 2815 permitting revocation as to future transactions and the benefit of California Civil Code Sections 1432, 2809, 2810, 2819, 2839, 2845, 2847, 2848, 2849, 2850, and 2899 and 3433, and (b) any right to require Collateral Agent or any Lender to: (i) proceed against any Borrower or any other person; (ii) proceed against or exhaust any security; or (iii) pursue any other remedy. Collateral Agent and or any Lender may exercise or not exercise any right or remedy it has against any Borrower or any security it holds (including the right to foreclose by judicial or non-judicial sale) without affecting any Borrower’s liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or other related document, each Borrower irrevocably waives all rights that it may have at law or in equity (including, without limitation, any law subrogating Borrower to the rights of Collateral Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement) to seek contribution, indemnification or any other form of reimbursement from any other Borrower, or any other Person now or hereafter primarily or secondarily liable for any of the Obligations, for any payment made by Borrower with respect to the Obligations in connection with this Agreement or otherwise and all rights that it might have to benefit from, or to participate in, any security for the Obligations as a result of any payment made by Borrower with respect to the Obligations in connection with this Agreement or otherwise. Any agreement providing for indemnification, reimbursement or any other arrangement prohibited under this Section shall be null and void. If any payment is made to a Borrower in contravention of this Section, such Borrower shall hold such payment in trust for Collateral Agent and the Lenders and such payment shall be promptly delivered to Collateral Agent for application to the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.

 

13.      DEFINITIONS

 

13.1      Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

Account ” is any “account” as defined in the Code with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made, and includes, without limitation, all accounts receivable and other sums owing to Borrower.

 

Account Debtor ” is any “account debtor” as defined in the Code with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made.

 

 
29

 

 

Affiliate ” of any Person is a Person that owns or controls directly or indirectly the Person, any Person that controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person, and each of that Person’s senior executive officers, directors, partners and, for any Person that is a limited liability company, that Person’s managers and members.

 

Agreement ” is defined in the preamble hereof.

 

Algostim ” is defined in the preamble hereof.

 

Amortization Date ” is, (i) with respect to the Term A Loans, (A) April 1, 2018, if the Term B Loans are funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, or (B) October 1, 2017, if the Term B Loans are not funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, (ii) with respect to the Term B Loans, April 1, 2018, and (iii) with respect to the Term C Loans, (A) April 1, 2018, if the Term B Loans are funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, or (B) if the Term B Loans are not funded prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, the first (1 st ) Payment Date following the Funding Date of the Term C Loans.

 

Annual Projections ” is defined in Section 6.2(a)(iii).

 

Anti - Terrorism Laws ” are any laws relating to terrorism or money laundering, including Executive Order No. 13224 (effective September 24, 2001), the USA PATRIOT Act, the laws comprising or implementing the Bank Secrecy Act, and the laws administered by OFAC.

 

Approved Fund ” is any (i) investment company, fund, trust, securitization vehicle or conduit that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business or (ii) any Person (other than a natural person) which temporarily warehouses loans for any Lender or any entity described in the preceding clause (i) and that, with respect to each of the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) a Person (other than a natural person) or an Affiliate of a Person (other than a natural person) that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Approved Lender ” is defined in Section 12.1.

 

Availability Amount ” is (a) the lesser of (i) the Revolving Line or (ii) the amount available under the Borrowing Base minus (b) the outstanding principal balance of any Revolving Advances.

 

Bank ” is defined in the preamble hereof.

 

Bank Services ” are any products, credit services, and/or financial accommodations previously, now, or hereafter provided to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by Bank or any Bank Affiliate, including, without limitation, any letters of credit, cash management services (including, without limitation, merchant services, direct deposit of payroll, business credit cards, and check cashing services), interest rate swap arrangements, and foreign exchange services as any such products or services may be identified in Bank’s various agreements related thereto (each, a “ Bank Services Agreement ”).

 

Basic Rate ” is (a) with respect to a Term Loan, the floating per annum rate of interest (based on a year of three hundred sixty (360) days) equal to the greater of (i) seven and sixty-five hundredths of one percent (7.65%) and (ii) the sum of (A) the “prime rate” reported in the Wall Street Journal on the date occurring on the last Business Day of the month that immediately precedes the month in which the interest will accrue, plus (B) four and fifteen hundredths of one percent (4.15%), and (b) with respect to a Revolving Advance, the floating per annum rate of interest (based on a year of three hundred sixty (360) days) equal to the greater of (i) six and ninety-five hundredths of one percent (6.95%) and (ii) the sum of (A) the “prime rate” reported in the Wall Street Journal on the date occurring on the last Business Day of the month that immediately precedes the month in which the interest will accrue, plus (B) three and forty-five hundredths of one percent (3.45%). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Basic Rate for the Term A Loans for the period from the Effective Date through and including March 31, 2016 shall be seven and sixty-five hundredths of one percent (7.65%).

 

 
30

 

 

Blocked Person is any Person: (a) listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224, (b) 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, (c) a Person with which any Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law, (d) a Person that commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in Executive Order No. 13224, or (e) a Person that is named a “specially designated national” or “blocked person” on the most current list published by OFAC or other similar list.

 

Borrower ” is defined in the preamble hereof.

 

Borrower’s Books ” are Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ books and records including ledgers, federal, and state tax returns, records regarding Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets or liabilities, the Collateral, business operations or financial condition, and all computer programs or storage or any equipment containing such information.

 

Borrowing Base ” is eighty percent (80%) of Eligible Accounts, as determined by the Lenders from Borrower’s most recent Borrowing Base Certificate and Transaction Report; provided, however, that the Lenders may decrease the foregoing percentage based on the quality and dilution of Eligible Accounts as determined by the Lenders in their good faith business judgment by initial and ongoing periodic collateral field examinations; provided further, however, that the Lenders may decrease the foregoing percentage in their good faith business judgment based on events, conditions, contingencies, or risks which, as determined by the Lenders, may adversely affect the Collateral or its value.

 

Borrowing Base Certificate ” is that certain certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E .

 

Business Day ” is any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which Collateral Agent is closed.

 

Cash Collateral Account ” is defined in Section 6.14(c).

 

Cash Equivalents ” are (a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States or any agency or any State thereof having maturities of not more than one (1) year from the date of acquisition; (b) commercial paper maturing no more than one (1) year after its creation and having the highest rating from either Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and (c) certificates of deposit maturing no more than one (1) year after issue provided that the account in which any such certificate of deposit is maintained is subject to a Control Agreement in favor of Collateral Agent. For the avoidance of doubt, the direct purchase by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any Auction Rate Securities, or purchasing participations in, or entering into any type of swap or other derivative transaction, or otherwise holding or engaging in any ownership interest in any type of Auction Rate Security by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be conclusively determined by the Lenders as an ineligible Cash Equivalent, and any such transaction shall expressly violate each other provision of this Agreement governing Permitted Investments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents does not include and Borrower, and each of its Subsidiaries, are prohibited from purchasing, purchasing participations in, entering into any type of swap or other equivalent derivative transaction other than swaps permitted under clause (h) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”, or otherwise holding or engaging in any ownership interest in any type of debt instrument, including, without limitation, any corporate or municipal bonds with a long-term nominal maturity for which the interest rate is reset through a dutch auction and more commonly referred to as an auction rate security (each, an “ Auction Rate Security ”).

 

Claims ” are defined in Section 12.2.

 

Code ” is the Uniform Commercial Code, as the same may, from time to time, be enacted and in effect in the State of California; provided, that, to the extent that the Code is used to define any term herein or in any Loan Document and such term is defined differently in different Articles or Divisions of the Code, the definition of such term contained in Article or Division 9 shall govern; provided further, that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection, or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Collateral Agent’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of California, the term “Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies and for purposes of definitions relating to such provisions .

 

 
31

 

 

Collateral ” is any and all properties, rights and assets of Borrower described on Exhibit  A .

 

Collateral Account ” is any Deposit Account, Securities Account, or Commodity Account, or any other bank account maintained by Borrower or any Subsidiary at any time.

 

Collateral Agent ” is Oxford, not in its individual capacity, but solely in its capacity as agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Lenders.

 

Commodity Account ” is any “commodity account” as defined in the Code with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made.

 

Communication ” is defined in Section 10.

 

Compliance Certificate ” is that certain certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit  C .

 

Contingent Obligation ” is, for any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or not, of that Person for (a) any indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other obligation of another such as an obligation directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made, discounted or sold with recourse by that Person, or for which that Person is directly or indirectly liable; (b) any obligations for undrawn letters of credit for the account of that Person; and (c) all obligations from any interest rate, currency or commodity swap agreement, interest rate cap or collar agreement, or other agreement or arrangement designated to protect a Person against fluctuation in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices; but “Contingent Obligation” does not include endorsements in the ordinary course of business. The amount of a Contingent Obligation is the stated or determined amount of the primary obligation for which the Contingent Obligation is made or, if not determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability for it determined by the Person in good faith; but the amount may not exceed the maximum of the obligations under any guarantee or other support arrangement.

 

Control Agreement ” is any control agreement entered into among the depository institution at which Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries maintains a Deposit Account or the securities intermediary or commodity intermediary at which Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries maintains a Securities Account or a Commodity Account, Borrower and such Subsidiary, and Collateral Agent pursuant to which Collateral Agent obtains control (within the meaning of the Code) for the benefit of the Lenders over such Deposit Account, Securities Account, or Commodity Account.

 

Copyrights ” are any and all copyright rights, copyright applications, copyright registrations and like protections in each work of authorship and derivative work thereof, whether published or unpublished and whether or not the same also constitutes a trade secret.

 

Credit Extension ” is any Term Loan, any Revolving Advance or any other extension of credit by Collateral Agent or Lenders for Borrower’s benefit.

 

Default Rate ” is defined in Section 2.4(b).

 

Deferred Revenue ” is all amounts received or invoiced in advance of performance under contracts and not yet recognized as revenue.

 

Deposit Account ” is any “deposit account” as defined in the Code with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made.

 

Designated Deposit Account ” is Borrower’s deposit account, account number *******___ , maintained with Bank.

 

 
32

 

 

Disbursement Letter ” is that certain form attached hereto as Exhibit B-1 .

 

Dollar Equivalent ” is, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in a Foreign Currency, the equivalent amount therefor in Dollars as determined by Bank at such time on the basis of the then-prevailing rate of exchange in San Francisco, California, for sales of the Foreign Currency for transfer to the country issuing such Foreign Currency.

 

Dollars , dollars ” and “$” each mean lawful money of the United States.

 

Effective Date ” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Eligible Accounts ” means Accounts which arise in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business that meet all Borrower’s representations and warranties in Section 5.11. Collateral Agent and the Lenders reserve the right at any time after the Effective Date to adjust any of the criteria set forth below and to establish new criteria in their good faith business judgment. Unless Collateral Agent and Required Lenders otherwise agree in writing, Eligible Accounts shall not include:

 

(a)     Accounts for which the Account Debtor is Borrower’s Affiliate, officer, employee, or agent;

 

(b)     Accounts that the Account Debtor has not paid within one hundred twenty (120) days of invoice date regardless of invoice payment period terms;

 

(c)     Accounts with credit balances over one hundred twenty (120) days from invoice date;

 

(d)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor, in which fifty percent (50%) or more of the Accounts have not been paid within one hundred twenty (120) days of invoice date;

 

(e)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor which does not have its principal place of business in the United States unless (i) covered in full by credit insurance satisfactory to the Lenders, less any deductible, or (ii) otherwise approved in writing by Collateral Agent and Required Lenders in their sole discretion on a case by case basis;

 

(f)     Accounts billed and/or payable outside of the United States (sometimes called foreign invoiced accounts);

 

(g)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor to the extent that Borrower is indebted or obligated in any manner to the Account Debtor (as creditor, lessor, supplier or otherwise sometimes called “contra” accounts, accounts payable, customer deposits or credit accounts).

 

(h)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor which is a United States government entity or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof unless Borrower has assigned its payment rights to Collateral Agent and the assignment has been acknowledged under the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended;

 

(i)     Accounts for demonstration or promotional equipment, or in which goods are consigned, or sold on a “sale guaranteed”, “sale or return”, “sale on approval”, or other terms if Account Debtor’s payment may be conditional;

 

(j)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor where goods or services have not yet been rendered to the Account Debtor (sometimes called memo billings or pre billings);

 

(k)     Accounts subject to contractual arrangements between Borrower and an Account Debtor where payments shall be scheduled or due according to completion or fulfillment requirements where the Account Debtor has a right of offset for damages suffered as a result of Borrower’s failure to perform in accordance with the contract (sometimes called contracts accounts receivable, progress billings, milestone billings, or fulfillment contracts);

 

 
33

 

 

(l)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor the amount of which may be subject to withholding based on the Account Debtor’s satisfaction of Borrower’s complete performance (but only to the extent of the amount withheld; sometimes called retainage billings);

 

(m)     Accounts subject to trust provisions, subrogation rights of a bonding company, or a statutory trust;

 

(n)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor that has been invoiced for goods that have not been shipped to the Account Debtor unless Collateral Agent, Borrower, and the Account Debtor have entered into an agreement acceptable to Collateral Agent and Required Lenders in their sole discretion wherein the Account Debtor acknowledges that (i) it has title to and has ownership of the goods wherever located, (ii) a bona fide sale of the goods has occurred, and (iii) it owes payment for such goods in accordance with invoices from Borrower (sometimes called “bill and hold” accounts);

 

(o)     Accounts for which the Account Debtor has not been invoiced;

 

(p)     Accounts that represent non trade receivables or that are derived by means other than in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business;

 

(q)     Accounts arising from chargebacks, debit memos or others payment deductions taken by an Account Debtor;

 

(r)     Accounts arising from product returns and/or exchanges (sometimes called “warranty” or “RMA” accounts);

 

(s)     Accounts in which the Account Debtor disputes liability or makes any claim (but only up to the disputed or claimed amount), or if the Account Debtor is subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, or becomes insolvent, or goes out of business;

 

(t)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor with respect to which Borrower has received Deferred Revenue (but only to the extent of such Deferred Revenue);

 

(u)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor, whose total obligations to Borrower exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of all Accounts, for the amounts that exceed that percentage, unless otherwise approved in writing by Collateral Agent and Required Lenders in their sole discretion on a case by case basis;

 

(v)     Accounts owing from an Account Debtor that is an individual; and

 

(w)     Accounts for which Collateral Agent and/or Required Lenders in their good faith business judgment determines collection to be doubtful, including, without limitation, accounts represented by “refreshed” or “recycled” invoices.

 

Eligible Assignee ” is (i) a Lender, (ii) an Affiliate of a Lender, (iii) an Approved Fund and (iv) any commercial bank, savings and loan association or savings bank or any other entity which is an “accredited investor” (as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and which extends credit or buys loans as one of its businesses, including insurance companies, mutual funds, lease financing companies and commercial finance companies, in each case, which either (A) has a rating of BBB or higher from Standard & Poor’s Rating Group and a rating of Baa2 or higher from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. at the date that it becomes a Lender or (B) has total assets in excess of Five Billion Dollars ($5,000,000,000.00), and in each case of clauses (i) through (iv), which, through its applicable lending office, is capable of lending to Borrower without the imposition of any withholding or similar taxes; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Assignee” shall not include, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (i) Borrower or any of Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or (ii) a direct competitor of Borrower or a vulture hedge fund, each as determined by Collateral Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) in connection with assignments by a Lender due to a forced divestiture at the request of any regulatory agency, the restrictions set forth herein shall not apply and Eligible Assignee shall mean any Person or party and (y) in connection with a Lender’s own financing or securitization transactions, the restrictions set forth herein shall not apply and Eligible Assignee shall mean any Person or party providing such financing or formed to undertake such securitization transaction and any transferee of such Person or party upon the occurrence of a default, event of default or similar occurrence with respect to such financing or securitization transaction; provided that no such sale, transfer, pledge or assignment under this clause (y) shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such Person or party for such Lender as a party hereto until Collateral Agent shall have received and accepted an effective assignment agreement from such Person or party in form satisfactory to Collateral Agent executed, delivered and fully completed by the applicable parties thereto, and shall have received such other information regarding such Eligible Assignee as Collateral Agent reasonably shall require.

 

 
34

 

 

Equipment ” is all “equipment” as defined in the Code with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made, and includes without limitation all machinery, fixtures, goods, vehicles (including motor vehicles and trailers), and any interest in any of the foregoing.

 

ERISA ” is the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and its regulations.

 

Event of Default ” is defined in Section 8.

 

Final Payment ” is a payment (in addition to and not a substitution for the regular monthly payments of principal plus accrued interest) due on the earliest to occur of (a) the Maturity Date, or (b) the acceleration of any Term Loan, or (c) the prepayment of a Term Loan pursuant to Section 2.2(c) or (d), equal to the original principal amount of such Term Loan multiplied by the Final Payment Percentage, payable to Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares.

 

Final Payment Percentage ” is seven and three-quarters percent (7.75%).

 

First Tranche Milestone ” is the Lenders receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Lenders that Borrower (a) is duly listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NASDAQ Global Market and (b) has received net cash proceeds of at least Seventy-Five Million Dollars ($75,000,000) pursuant to terms and conditions, satisfactory to the Lenders.

 

Foreign Currency ” means lawful money of a country other than the United States.

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” is a Subsidiary that is not an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any territory thereof.

 

Funding Date ” is any date on which a Credit Extension is made to or on account of Borrower which shall be a Business Day.

 

FX Contract ” is any foreign exchange contract by and between Borrower and Bank under which Borrower commits to purchase from or sell to Bank a specific amount of Foreign Currency on a specified date.

 

GAAP ” is generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other Person as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination.

 

General Intangibles ” are all “general intangibles” as defined in the Code in effect on the date hereof with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made, and includes without limitation, all copyright rights, copyright applications, copyright registrations and like protections in each work of authorship and derivative work, whether published or unpublished, any patents, trademarks, service marks and, to the extent permitted under applicable law, any applications therefor, whether registered or not, any trade secret rights, including any rights to unpatented inventions, payment intangibles, royalties, contract rights, goodwill, franchise agreements, purchase orders, customer lists, route lists, telephone numbers, domain names, claims, income and other tax refunds, security and other deposits, options to purchase or sell real or personal property, rights in all litigation presently or hereafter pending (whether in contract, tort or otherwise), insurance policies (including without limitation key man, property damage, and business interruption insurance), payments of insurance and rights to payment of any kind.

 

 
35

 

 

Governmental Approval ” is any consent, authorization, approval, order, license, franchise, permit, certificate, accreditation, registration, filing or notice, of, issued by, from or to, or other act by or in respect of, any Governmental Authority.

 

Governmental Authority ” is any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, any securities exchange and any self-regulatory organization.

 

Guarantor ” is any Person providing a Guaranty in favor of Collateral Agent.

 

Guaranty ” is any guarantee of all or any part of the Obligations, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented.

 

Indebtedness ” is (a) indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred price of property or services, such as reimbursement and other obligations for surety bonds and letters of credit, (b) obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (c) capital lease obligations, and (d) Contingent Obligations.

 

Indemnified Person ” is defined in Section 12.2.

 

Initial Audit ” is the Lenders’ inspection of Borrower’s Accounts, the Collateral, and Borrower’s Books.

 

Insolvency Proceeding ” is any proceeding by or against any Person under the United States Bankruptcy Code, or any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, including assignments for the benefit of creditors, compositions, extensions generally with its creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other relief.

 

Insolvent ” means not Solvent.

 

Intellectual Property ” means all of Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s right, title and interest in and to the following:

 

(a)     its Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents;

 

(b)     any and all trade secrets and trade secret rights, including, without limitation, any rights to unpatented inventions, know-how, operating manuals;

 

(c)     any and all source code;

 

(d)     any and all design rights which may be available to Borrower;

 

(e)     any and all claims for damages by way of past, present and future infringement of any of the foregoing, with the right, but not the obligation, to sue for and collect such damages for said use or infringement of the Intellectual Property rights identified above; and

 

(f)     all amendments, renewals and extensions of any of the Copyrights, Trademarks or Patents.

 

Inventory ” is all “inventory” as defined in the Code in effect on the date hereof with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made, and includes without limitation all merchandise, raw materials, parts, supplies, packing and shipping materials, work in process and finished products, including without limitation such inventory as is temporarily out of any Person’s custody or possession or in transit and including any returned goods and any documents of title representing any of the above.

 

 
36

 

 

Investment ” is any beneficial ownership interest in any Person (including stock, partnership interest or other securities), and any loan, advance, payment or capital contribution to any Person.

 

Key Person ” is each of Borrower’s (i) President and Chief Executive Officer, who is Scott F. Drees as of the Effective Date, and (ii) Chief Financial Officer, who is Walter F. Berger as of the Effective Date.

 

Lender ” is any one of the Lenders.

 

Lenders ” are the Persons identified on Schedule  1.1 hereto and each assignee that becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 12.1.

 

Lenders Expenses ” are all audit fees and expenses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable and invoiced attorneys’ fees and expenses, as well as appraisal fees, fees incurred on account of lien searches, inspection fees, and filing fees) for preparing, amending, negotiating, administering, defending and enforcing the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, those incurred in connection with appeals or Insolvency Proceedings) or otherwise incurred by Collateral Agent and/or the Lenders in connection with the Loan Documents.

 

Letter of Credit” is a standby or commercial letter of credit issued by Bank upon request of Borrower based upon an application, guarantee, indemnity, or similar agreement.

 

Lien ” is a claim, mortgage, deed of trust, levy, charge, pledge, security interest, or other encumbrance of any kind, whether voluntarily incurred or arising by operation of law or otherwise against any property.

 

Loan Documents ” are, collectively, this Agreement, the Warrants, the Mortgage, the Perfection Certificates, each Compliance Certificate, each Disbursement Letter, each Loan Payment/Advance Request Form, the Post Closing Letter, and any Bank Services Agreement, any subordination agreements, any note, or notes or guaranties executed by Borrower or any other Person, and any other present or future agreement entered into by Borrower, any Guarantor or any other Person for the benefit of the Lenders and Collateral Agent in connection with this Agreement; all as amended, restated, or otherwise modified.

 

Loan Payment/Advance Request Form ” is that certain form attached hereto as Exhibit  B - 2 .

 

Material Adverse Change ” is (a) a material impairment in the perfection or priority of Collateral Agent’s Lien in the Collateral or in the value of such Collateral; (b) a material adverse change in the business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower or any Subsidiary; (c) a material impairment in the perfection or priority of Collateral Agent’s Lien in the Mortgaged Premises; or (d) a material impairment of the prospect of repayment of any portion of the Obligations.

 

Maturity Date ” is September 1, 2020.

 

Mortgage ” is that certain first lien Mortgage and Absolute Assignment of Leases and Rents in respect of the Mortgaged Premises in favor of Collateral Agent to secure the Obligations.

 

Mortgaged Premises ” is the real property owned by Nuvectra located at 10675 Naples St. NE, Blaine, Minnesota 55449.

 

Non-Use Fee s ” means (i) if the Second Tranche Milestone Event occurs but the Term B Loans are not drawn prior to the end of the Second Draw Period, a fully earned, non-refundable non-use fee equal to Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00), which non-use fee shall be due and payable on the last day of the Second Draw Period; and (ii) if the Third Tranche Milestone Event occurs but the Term C Loans are not drawn prior to the end of the Third Draw Period, a fully earned, non-refundable non-use fee equal to Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00), which non-use fee shall be due and payable on the last day of the Third Draw Period.

 

 
37

 

 

NeuroNexus ” is defined in the preamble hereof.

 

Nuvectra ” is defined in the preamble hereof.

 

Obligations ” are all of Borrower’s obligations to pay when due any debts, principal, interest, Lenders’ Expenses, the Prepayment Fee, the Final Payment, the Non-Use Fees, the facility fees and other amounts Borrower owes the Lenders now or later, in connection with, related to, following, or arising from, out of or under, this Agreement or, the other Loan Documents (other than the Warrants), or otherwise, including, without limitation, all obligations relating to letters of credit (including reimbursement obligations for drawn and undrawn letters of credit), cash management services, and foreign exchange contracts, if any, and including interest accruing after Insolvency Proceedings begin (whether or not allowed) and debts, liabilities, or obligations of Borrower assigned to the Lenders and/or Collateral Agent, and the performance of Borrower’s duties under the Loan Documents (other than the Warrants).

 

OFAC ” is the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 

OFAC Lists ” are, collectively, the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by OFAC pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, 66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (Sept. 25, 2001) and/or any other list of terrorists or other restricted Persons maintained pursuant to any of the rules and regulations of OFAC or pursuant to any other applicable Executive Orders.

 

Operating Documents ” are, for any Person, such Person’s formation documents, as certified by the Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) of such Person’s jurisdiction of organization on a date that is no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date, and, (a) if such Person is a corporation, its bylaws in current form, (b) if such Person is a limited liability company, its limited liability company agreement (or similar agreement), and (c) if such Person is a partnership, its partnership agreement (or similar agreement), each of the foregoing with all current amendments or modifications thereto.

 

Overadvance ” is defined in Section 2.3(c).

 

Patents ” means all patents, patent applications and like protections including without limitation improvements, divisions, continuations, renewals, reissues, extensions and continuations-in-part of the same.

 

Payment Date ” is the first (1 st ) calendar day of each calendar month, commencing on May 1, 2016.

 

PelviStim ” is defined in the preamble hereof.

 

Perfection Certificate ” and “ Perfection Certificates ” is defined in Section 5.1.

 

Permitted Indebtedness ” is:

 

(a)     Borrower’s Indebtedness to the Lenders and Collateral Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

 

(b)     Indebtedness existing on the Effective Date and disclosed on the Perfection Certificate(s);

 

(c)     Subordinated Debt;

 

(d)     unsecured Indebtedness to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)     Indebtedness consisting of capitalized lease obligations and purchase money Indebtedness, in each case incurred by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to finance the acquisition, repair, improvement or construction of fixed or capital assets of such person, provided that (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness does not exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) at any time and (ii) the principal amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed the lower of the cost or fair market value of the property so acquired or built or of such repairs or improvements financed with such Indebtedness (each measured at the time of such acquisition, repair, improvement or construction is made);

 

 
38

 

 

(f)     Indebtedness of any Borrower to any other Borrower;

 

(g)     Indebtedness in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and similar obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) at any time, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business and not representing an obligation for borrowed money;

 

(h)     Indebtedness in respect of swaps entered into in the ordinary course of business for purposes of hedging interest rate or foreign exchange risk and not for speculative purposes; provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness does not exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) at any time;

 

(i)     Indebtedness incurred as a result of endorsing negotiable instruments received in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business; and

 

(j)     extensions, refinancings, modifications, amendments and restatements of any items of Permitted Indebtedness (a) through (h) above, provided that the principal amount thereof is not increased or the terms thereof are not modified to impose materially more burdensome terms upon Borrower, or its Subsidiary, as the case may be.

 

Permitted Investments ” are:

 

(a)     Investments disclosed on the Perfection Certificate(s) and existing on the Effective Date;

 

(b)     (i) Investments consisting of cash and Cash Equivalents, and (ii) any other Investments permitted by Borrower’s investment policy, as amended from time to time, provided that such investment policy (and any such amendment thereto) has been approved in writing by Collateral Agent;

 

(c)     Investments consisting of the endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of Borrower;

 

(d)     Investments consisting of deposit accounts in which Collateral Agent has a perfected security interest;

 

(e)     Investments in connection with Transfers permitted by Section 7.1;

 

(f)     Investments consisting of (i) travel advances and employee relocation loans and other employee loans and advances in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) loans to employees, officers or directors relating to the purchase of equity securities of Borrower or its Subsidiaries pursuant to employee stock purchase plans or agreements approved by Borrower’s Board of Directors; not to exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) in the aggregate for (i) and (ii) in any fiscal year;

 

(g)     Investments (including debt obligations) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of customers or suppliers and in settlement of delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with, customers or suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)     Investments consisting of swaps permitted under clause (h) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”;

 

(i)     Investments consisting of notes receivable of, or prepaid royalties and other credit extensions, to customers and suppliers who are not Affiliates, in the ordinary course of business; provided that this paragraph (h) shall not apply to Investments of Borrower in any Subsidiary; and

 

 
39

 

 

(j)     non-cash Investments in joint ventures or strategic alliances in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business consisting of the non-exclusive licensing of technology, the development of technology or the providing of technical support.

 

Permitted Licenses ” are (A) licenses of over-the-counter software that is commercially available to the public, (B) licenses of technology to Aleva Neurotherapeutics, S.A. in connection with that certain Development Agreement dated as of February 1, 2016, and (C) non-exclusive and exclusive licenses for the use of the Intellectual Property of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business, provided , that, with respect to each such license described in clause (C), (i) no Event of Default has occurred or is continuing at the time of such license; (ii) the license constitutes an arms-length transaction, the terms of which, on their face, do not provide for a sale or assignment of any Intellectual Property and do not restrict the ability of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, to pledge, grant a security interest in or lien on, or assign or otherwise Transfer any Intellectual Property; (iii) in the case of any exclusive license, (x) Borrower delivers ten (10) days’ prior written notice and a brief summary of the terms of the proposed license to Collateral Agent and the Lenders and delivers to Collateral Agent and the Lenders copies of the final executed licensing documents in connection with the exclusive license promptly upon consummation thereof, and (y) any such license could not result in a legal transfer of title of the licensed property but may be exclusive in respects other than territory and may be exclusive as to territory only as to discrete geographical areas outside of the United States; and (iv) all upfront payments, royalties, milestone payments or other proceeds arising from the licensing agreement that are payable to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries are paid to a Deposit Account that is governed by a Control Agreement.

 

Permitted Liens ” are:

 

(a)     Liens existing on the Effective Date and disclosed on the Perfection Certificates or arising under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

 

(b)     Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other government charges or levies, either (i) not due and payable or (ii) being contested in good faith and for which Borrower maintains adequate reserves on its Books, provided that no notice of any such Lien has been filed or recorded under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations adopted thereunder;

 

(c)     liens securing Indebtedness permitted under clause (e) of the definition of “ Permitted Indebtedness ,” provided that (i) such liens exist prior to the acquisition of, or attach substantially simultaneous with, or within twenty (20) days after the, acquisition, lease, repair, improvement or construction of, such property financed or leased by such Indebtedness and (ii) such liens do not extend to any property of Borrower other than the property (and proceeds thereof) acquired, leased or built, or the improvements or repairs, financed by such Indebtedness;

 

(d)     Liens of carriers, warehousemen, suppliers, or other Persons that are possessory in nature arising in the ordinary course of business so long as such Liens attach only to Inventory, securing liabilities in the aggregate amount not to exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00), and which are not delinquent or remain payable without penalty or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings which proceedings have the effect of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the property subject thereto;

 

(e)     Liens to secure payment of workers’ compensation, employment insurance, old-age pensions, social security and other like obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (other than Liens imposed by ERISA);

 

(f)     Liens incurred in the extension, renewal or refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens described in (a) through (c), but any extension, renewal or replacement Lien must be limited to the property encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of the indebtedness may not increase;

 

(g)     precautionary UCC filings (or similar filings under applicable law) regarding operating leases;

 

 
40

 

 

(h)     leases or subleases of real property granted in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business (or, if referring to another Person, in the ordinary course of such Person’s business), and leases, subleases, non-exclusive licenses or sublicenses of personal property (other than Intellectual Property) granted in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business (or, if referring to another Person, in the ordinary course of such Person’s business), if the leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses do not prohibit granting Collateral Agent or any Lender a security interest therein;

 

(i)     banker’s liens, rights of setoff and Liens in favor of financial institutions incurred in the ordinary course of business arising in connection with Borrower’s deposit accounts or securities accounts held at such institutions solely to secure payment of fees and similar costs and expenses and provided such accounts are maintained in compliance with Section 6.6(b) hereof;

 

(j)     Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in circumstances not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.4 or 8.7; and

 

(k)     Liens consisting of Permitted Licenses.

 

Person ” is any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, institution, public benefit corporation, firm, joint stock company, estate, entity or government agency.

 

Post Closing Letter ” is that certain Post Closing Letter dated as of the Effective Date by and between Collateral Agent and Borrower.

 

Prepayment Fee ” is, with respect to any Term Loan subject to prepayment prior to the Maturity Date, whether by mandatory or voluntary prepayment, acceleration or otherwise, an additional fee payable to the Lenders in amount equal to:

 

(i)     for a prepayment made on or after the Funding Date of such Term Loan through and including the first anniversary of the Funding Date of such Term Loan, three percent (3.00%) of the principal amount of such Term Loan prepaid;

 

(ii)     for a prepayment made after the first anniversary of the Funding Date of such Term Loan through and including the second anniversary of the Funding Date of such Term Loan, two percent (2.00%) of the principal amount of the Term Loans prepaid; and

 

(iii)     for a prepayment made after the second anniversary of the Funding Date of such Term Loan and prior to the Maturity Date, one percent (1.00%) of the principal amount of the Term Loans prepaid.

 

Pro Rata Share ” is, as of any date of determination, with respect to each Lender, a percentage (expressed as a decimal, rounded to the ninth decimal place) determined by dividing the outstanding principal amount of Term Loans held by such Lender by the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Term Loans.

 

Registered Organization ” is any “registered organization” as defined in the Code with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made.

 

Required Lenders ” means (i) for so long as all of the Persons that are Lenders on the Effective Date (each an “ Original Lender ”) have not assigned or transferred any of their interests in their Term Loans or their Revolving Line Commitment, Lenders holding one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans and the Revolving Line Commitment, or (ii) at any time from and after any Original Lender has assigned or transferred any interest in its Term Loans or its Revolving Line Commitment, Lenders holding at least sixty six percent (66%) of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans and the Revolving Line Commitment and, in respect of this clause (ii), (A) each Original Lender that has not assigned or transferred any portion of its Term Loans or Revolving Line Commitment, (B) each assignee or transferee of an Original Lender’s interest in the Term Loans or Revolving Line Commitment, but only to the extent that such assignee or transferee is an Affiliate or Approved Fund of such Original Lender, and (C) any Person providing financing to any Person described in clauses (A) and (B) above; provided, however, that this clause (C) shall only apply upon the occurrence of a default, event of default or similar occurrence with respect to such financing.

 

 
41

 

 

Requirement of Law ” is as to any Person, the organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law (statutory or common), treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

Reserves ” means, as of any date of determination, such amounts as Collateral Agent may from time to time establish and revise in its good faith business judgment, reducing the amount of Advances and other financial accommodations which would otherwise be available to Borrower (a) to reflect events, conditions, contingencies or risks which, as determined by Collateral Agent in its good faith business judgment, do or may adversely affect (i) the Collateral or any other property which is security for the Obligations or its value (including without limitation any increase in delinquencies of Accounts), (ii) the business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower or any Guarantor, or (iii) the security interests and other rights of Collateral Agent in the Collateral (including the enforceability, perfection and priority thereof); or (b) to reflect Collateral Agent's reasonable belief that any collateral report or financial information furnished by or on behalf of Borrower or any Guarantor to the Lenders is or may have been incomplete, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect; or (c) in respect of any state of facts which Collateral Agent determines constitutes an Event of Default or may, with notice or passage of time or both, constitute an Event of Default.

 

Responsible Officer ” is any of the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller, General Counsel or Corporate Secretary of Borrower acting alone.

 

Revolving Advance ” or “ Revolving Advances ” means an advance (or advances) under the Revolving Line.

 

Revolving Line ” means a Revolving Advance or Revolving Advances of up to Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).

 

Revolving Line Commitment ” is, for any Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make a Revolving Advance, up to the principal amount shown on Schedule 1.1 . “ Revolving Line Commitments ” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all Lenders.

 

Revolving Line Commitment Percentage ” is set forth on Schedule 1.1 , as amended from time to time.

 

Revolving Line M aturity Date ” is the date that is two (2) years after the Effective Date.

 

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Second Draw Period ” is the period (a) commencing on the later of (i) December 31, 2016 and (ii) the date of the occurrence of the Second Tranche Milestone and (b) ending on the earlier of (i) June 30, 2017, (ii) the date that is sixty (60) days after the occurrence of the Second Tranche Milestone and (iii) the occurrence of an Event of Default; provided, however, that the Second Draw Period shall not commence if on the date of the occurrence of the Second Tranche Milestone an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Second Tranche Milestone ” is the Lenders receipt, at any time during the period from December 31, 2016 through June 30, 2017, of evidence satisfactory to the Lenders that Borrower has achieved trailing six (6) month revenues of at least Thirteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($13,500,000.00) for the six (6) month period most recently ended.

 

Secured Promissory Note ” is defined in Section 2.5.

 

 
42

 

 

Secured Promissory Note Record ” is a record maintained by each Lender with respect to the outstanding Obligations owed by Borrower to Lender and credits made thereto.

 

Securities Account ” is any “securities account” as defined in the Code with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made.

 

Shares ” is one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding capital stock, membership units or other securities owned or held of record by Borrower or Borrower’s Subsidiary, in any Subsidiary; provided that, in the event Borrower, demonstrates to Collateral Agent’s reasonable satisfaction, that a pledge of more than sixty five percent (65%) of the Shares of such Subsidiary which is a Foreign Subsidiary, creates a present and existing adverse tax consequence to Borrower under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, “Shares” shall mean sixty-five percent (65%) of the issued and outstanding capital stock, membership units or other securities owned or held of record by Borrower or its Subsidiary in such Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Solvent ” is, with respect to any Person: the fair salable value of such Person’s consolidated assets (including goodwill minus disposition costs) exceeds the fair value of such Person’s liabilities; such Person is not left with unreasonably small capital after the transactions in this Agreement; and such Person is able to pay its debts (including trade debts) as they mature.

 

Subordinated Debt ” is indebtedness incurred by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries subordinated to all Indebtedness of Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries to the Lenders (pursuant to a subordination, intercreditor, or other similar agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Collateral Agent and the Lenders entered into between Collateral Agent, Borrower, and/or any of its Subsidiaries, and the other creditor), on terms acceptable to Collateral Agent and the Lenders.

 

Subsidiary ” is, with respect to any Person, any Person of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or other equity interests (in the case of Persons other than corporations) is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or through one or more intermediaries.

 

Term Loan ” is defined in Section 2.2(a)(iii) hereof.

 

Term A Loan ” is defined in Section 2.2(a)(i) hereof.

 

Term B Loan ” is defined in Section 2.2(a)(ii) hereof.

 

Term C Loan ” is defined in Section 2.2(a)(iii) hereof.

 

Term Loan Commitment ” is, for any Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make a Term Loan, up to the principal amount shown on Schedule  1.1 . Term Loan Commitments ” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all Lenders.

 

Term Loan C ommitment Percentage ” is set forth in Schedule  1.1 , as amended from time to time.

 

Third Draw Period ” is the period (a) commencing on the later of (i) June 30, 2017 and (ii) the date of the occurrence of the Third Tranche Milestone and (b) ending on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2017, (ii) the date that is sixty (60) days after the occurrence of the Third Tranche Milestone and (iii) the occurrence of an Event of Default; provided, however, that the Third Draw Period shall not commence if on the date of the occurrence of the Third Tranche Milestone an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Third Tranche Milestone ” is the Lenders receipt, at any time during the period from June 30, 2017 through December 31, 2017, of evidence satisfactory to the Lenders that Borrower has achieved trailing six (6) month revenues of at least Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) for the six (6) month period most recently ended.

 

Title Company ” is Chicago Title Insurance Company.

 

 
43

 

 

Trademarks ” means any trademark and servicemark rights, whether registered or not, applications to register and registrations of the same and like protections, and the entire goodwill of the business of Borrower connected with and symbolized by such trademarks.

 

Transaction Report ” is that certain report of transactions and schedule of collections in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F .

 

Transfer ” is defined in Section 7.1.

 

Warrants ” are those certain Warrants to Purchase Stock dated as of the Effective Date, or any date thereafter, issued by Nuvectra in favor of each Lender or such Lender’s Affiliates.

 

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
44

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

BORROWER :

 
   

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

ALGOSTIM, LLC

   
   

By

/s/ Scott Drees  

By

/s/ Scott Drees  
Name: Scott Drees   Name: Scott Drees  
Title: CEO & President   Title: President  
   
   

PELVISTIM LLC

NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

   
   

By

/s/ Scott Drees  

By

/s/ Scott Drees  
Name: Scott Drees   Name: Scott Drees  
Title: President   Title: President  
   
   

COLLATERAL AGENT AND LENDER:

 
   

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

   
   

By

/s/ Mark Davis    

Name:

Mark Davis    

Title:

Vice President of Finance, Secretary & Treasurer    
   
   

LENDER:

 
   

SILICON VALLEY BANK

   
   

By

/s/ R. Michael White    

Name:

R. Michael White    

Title:

Managing Director    

 

 

[ Signature Page to Loan and Security Agreement ]  

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 1.1

Lenders and Commitments

 

  Term  A Loans

Lender

Term A Loan Commitment

Term A Loan Commitment

Percentage

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

$7,500,000.00

50.00%

SILICON VALLEY BANK

$7,500,000.00

50.00%

TOTAL

$ 15,000,000.00

100.00%

 

  Term B Loans

Lender

Term B Loan Commitment

Term B Loan Commitment

Percentage

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

$6,250,000.00

50.00%

SILICON VALLEY BANK

$6,250,000.00

50.00%

TOTAL

$ 12,500,000.00

100.00%

 

  Term C Loans

Lender

Term C Loan Commitment

Term C Loan Commitment

Percentage

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

$6,250,000.00

50.00%

SILICON VALLEY BANK

$6,250,000.00

50.00%

TOTAL

$ 12,500,000.00

100.00%

 

  Aggregate (all Term Loans)

Lender

Term Loan Commitment

Term Loan Commitment

Percentage

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

$20,000,000.00

50.00%

SILICON VALLEY BANK

$20,000,000.00

50.00%

TOTAL

$ 40,000,000.00

100.00%

 

  Revolving Line

Lender

Revolving Line Commitment

Revolving Line Commitment

Percentage

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

$2,500,000.00

50.00%

SILICON VALLEY BANK

$2,500,000.00

50.00%

TOTAL

$ 5,000,000.00

100.00%

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Description of Collateral

 

The Collateral consists of all of Borrower’s right, title and interest in and to the following personal property:

 

All goods, Accounts (including health-care receivables), Equipment, Inventory, contract rights or rights to payment of money, leases, license agreements, franchise agreements, General Intangibles (except as noted below), commercial tort claims, documents, instruments (including any promissory notes), chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), cash, deposit accounts and other Collateral Accounts, all certificates of deposit, fixtures, letters of credit rights (whether or not the letter of credit is evidenced by a writing), securities, and all other investment property, supporting obligations, and financial assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, wherever located; and

 

All Borrower’s Books relating to the foregoing, and any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and all substitutions for, additions, attachments, accessories, accessions and improvements to and replacements, products, proceeds and insurance proceeds of any or all of the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral does not include any Intellectual Property; provided, however, the Collateral shall include all Accounts and all proceeds of Intellectual Property. If a judicial authority (including a U.S. Bankruptcy Court) would hold that a security interest in the underlying Intellectual Property is necessary to have a security interest in such Accounts and such property that are proceeds of Intellectual Property, then the Collateral shall automatically, and effective as of the Effective Date, include the Intellectual Property to the extent necessary to permit perfection of Collateral Agent’s security interest in such Accounts and such other property of Borrower that are proceeds of the Intellectual Property.

 

Pursuant to the terms of a certain negative pledge arrangement with Collateral Agent and the Lenders, Borrower has agreed not to encumber any of its Intellectual Property.

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT B-1

Form of Disbursement Letter

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

DISBURSEMENT LETTER

March __, 2016

 

The undersigned, being the duly elected and acting                 of NUVECTRA CORPORATION , a Delaware corporation (“ Nuvectra ”), on behalf of Nuvectra and each of ALGOSTIM, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company, PelviStim LLC , a Delaware limited liability company, and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc. , a Michigan corporation, each with offices located at 5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100, Plano, Texas 75024 (individually and collectively, jointly and severally, “ Borrower ”), does hereby certify to OXFORD FINANCE LLC (“ Oxford ” and “ Lender ”), as collateral agent (the “ Collateral Agent ”) in connection with that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March __, 2016, by and among Borrower, Collateral Agent and the Lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Loan Agreement ”; with other capitalized terms used below having the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement) that:

 

1.     The representations and warranties made by Borrower in Section 5 of the Loan Agreement and in the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof.

 

2.     No event or condition has occurred that would constitute an Event of Default under the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

3.     Borrower is in compliance with the covenants and requirements contained in Sections 4, 6 and 7 of the Loan Agreement.

 

4.     All conditions referred to in Section 3 of the Loan Agreement to the making of a Term Loan to be made on or about the date hereof have been satisfied or waived by Collateral Agent.

 

5.     No Material Adverse Change has occurred.

 

6.     The undersigned is a Responsible Officer.

 

[7.     With respect to the Term [B][C] Loans, the [Second][Third] Tranche Milestone Event occurred on or prior to the date hereof (but not more than sixty (60) days prior to the date hereof).]

 

 

[Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 
 

 

 

[7][8].     The proceeds of the Term [A][B][C] Loan shall be disbursed as follows:

 

 

Disbursement from Oxford:

 
 

Loan Amount

$_______________

 

Plus:

 
 

[--Deposit Received

$60,000.00]

     
 

Less:

 
 

[--Facility Fee

($_________)]

 

[--Interim Interest

($_________)]

 

--Lender’s Legal Fees

($_________)*--1

     
 

Net Proceeds due from Oxford:

$_______________

     
 

Disbursement from SVB:

 
 

Loan Amount

$_______________

     
 

Less:

 
 

[--Facility Fee

($_________)]

 

[--Interim Interest

($_________)]

     
 

Net Proceeds due from SVB:

$_______________

     
 

TOTAL TERM [A] [B] [C] LOAN NET PROCEEDS FROM

LENDERS

$_______________

 

[8][9].     The Term [A][B][C] Loans shall amortize in accordance with the Amortization Table attached hereto [as Exhibits A-1 and A-2, as applicable].

 

[9][10].     The aggregate net proceeds of the Term [A][B][C] Loans shall be transferred to the Designated Deposit Account as follows:

 

Account Name:

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

Bank Name:

Silicon Valley Bank

Bank Address:

3003 Tasman Drive
Santa Clara, California 95054

Account Number:

____________________________________

ABA Number:

121140399

 

 

[Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 


* Legal fees and costs are through the Effective Date. Post-closing legal fees and costs, payable after the Effective Date, to be invoiced and paid post-closing.

 

 
 

 

 

Dated as of the date first set forth above.

 

BORROWER :

   
     

NUVECTRA CORPORATION, on behalf of itself and all other Borrowers

   
     
     

By                                                                                          

   

Name:                                                                                    

   

Title:                                                                                      

   
     
     

COLLATERAL AGENT AND LENDER:

   
     

OXFORD FINANCE LLC

   
     
     

By:                                                                                         

   

Name:                                                                                    

   

Title:                                                                                      

   
     

LENDER:

   

SILICON VALLEY BANK

   
     
     

By:                                                                                        

   

Name:                                                                                    

   

Title:                                                                                      

   
     

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Disbursement Letter] 

 

 
 

 

 

AMORTIZATION TABLE
(
Term [A][B][C] Loan )

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT B-2

Loan Payment/Advance Request Form

 

Deadl i ne for same day processing is Noon Pacific Time*

Fax To: (858) 622-1424

 Date: _____________________

 

Loan Payment :

NUVECTRA CORPORATION, ALGOSTIM, LLC, PELVISTIM LLC and NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

From Account #________________________________           To Account #__________________________________________________

       (Deposit Account #)                                                                                                                    (Loan Account #)

Principal $____________________________________             and/or Interest $________________________________________________

 

Authorized Signature:                                                                                               Phone Number:                                                                                                  

Print Name/Title:                                                                           

 

 

Loan Advance :

 

Complete Outgoing Wire Request section below if all or a portion of the funds from this loan advance are for an outgoing wire.

 

From Account #________________________________            To Account #__________________________________________________

          (Loan Account #)                                                                           (Deposit Account #)

 

Amount of Advance $___________________________

 

All Borrower’s representations and warranties in the Loan and Security Agreement are true, correct and complete in all material respects on the date of the request for an advance; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; and provided, further that those representations and warranties expressly referring to a specific date shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of such date :

 

Authorized Signature:                                                                                               Phone Number:                                                                                                  

Print Name/Title:                                                                           

 

Outgoing Wire Request :

Complete only if all or a portion of funds from the loan advance above is to be wired.

Deadline for same day processing is noon, Pacific Time

 

Beneficiary Name: _____________________________                           Amount of Wire: $                                                                          

Beneficiary Bank: ______________________________                          Account Number:                                                                           

City and State:                                                                                  

 

Beneficiary Bank Transit (ABA) #:                                                                  Beneficiary Bank Code (Swift, Sort, Chip, etc.):                        

                                                                                                                                             (For International Wire Only)

Intermediary Bank:                                                                                              Transit (ABA) #:                                                                            

For Further Credit to:                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

Special Instruction:

By signing below, I (we) acknowledge and agree that my (our) funds transfer request shall be processed in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the agreements(s) covering funds transfer service(s), which agreements(s) were previously received and executed by me (us).

 

Authorized Signature: ___________________________          2 nd Signature (if required): _______________________________________

Print Name/Title: ______________________________            Print Name/Title: ______________________________________________

Telephone #:                                                                                           Telephone #:                                                          

 

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

Compliance Certificate

 

TO:

OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent and Lender
SILICON VALLEY BANK, as Lender

   

FROM:

NUVECTRA CORPORATION, ALGOSTIM, LLC, PELVISTIM LLC and NEURONEXUS TECHNOLGIES, INC.

 

The undersigned authorized officer (“ Officer ”) of NUVECTRA CORPORATION, ALGOSTIM, LLC, PELVISTIM LLC and NEURONEXUS TECHNOLGIES, INC. (individually and collectively, jointly and severally, “ Borrower ”), hereby certifies that in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan and Security Agreement by and among Borrower, Collateral Agent, and the Lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Loan Agreement ;” capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Loan Agreement),

 

(a)     Borrower is in complete compliance for the period ending _______________ with all required covenants except as noted below;

 

(b)     There are no Events of Default, except as noted below;

 

(c)     Except as noted below, all representations and warranties of Borrower stated in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on this date and for the period described in (a), above; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; and provided, further that those representations and warranties expressly referring to a specific date shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of such date.

 

(d)     Borrower, and each of Borrower’s Subsidiaries, has timely filed all required tax returns and reports, Borrower, and each of Borrower’s Subsidiaries, has timely paid all foreign, federal, state, and local taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions owed by Borrower, or Subsidiary, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms of Section 5.8 of the Loan Agreement;

 

(e)     No Liens have been levied or claims made against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries relating to unpaid employee payroll or benefits of which Borrower has not previously provided written notification to Collateral Agent and the Lenders.

 

Attached are the required documents, if any, supporting our certification(s). The Officer, on behalf of Borrower, further certifies that the attached financial statements are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and are consistently applied from one period to the next except as explained in an accompanying letter or footnotes and except, in the case of unaudited financial statements, for the absence of footnotes and subject to year-end audit adjustments as to the interim financial statements.

 

Please indicate compliance status since the last Compliance Certificate by circling Yes, No, or N/A under “Complies” column.

 

 

Reporting Covenant

 

Requirement

Actual

Complies

           

1)

Financial statements

 

Quarterly within 5 days of filing with SEC

 

Yes

No

N/A

               

2)

Annual (CPA Audited) statements

 

Within earlier of 180 days after FYE or 5 days of filing with SEC

 

Yes

No

N/A

               

3)

Annual Financial Projections/Budget (prepared on a monthly basis)

 

Annually (within earlier of 90 days of FYE or 7 Business Days of approval by Board), and when revised

 

Yes

No

N/A

 

 
 

 

 

4)

A/R & A/P agings, Inventory report, deferred revenue report, Borrowing Base Certificate, Transaction Report

 

Monthly within 30 days when Revolving Advances are outstanding, and (unless such documents were delivered during the most recently ended month) with each request for a Revolving Advance

 

Yes

No

N/A

               

5)

8-K, 10-K and 10-Q Filings

 

If applicable, within 5 days of filing

 

Yes

No

N/A

               

6)

Compliance Certificate

 

Within 5 days of filing quarterly/annual financial statements with SEC

 

Yes

No

N/A

               

7)

IP Report

 

When required

 

Yes

No

N/A

               

8)

Total amount of Borrower’s cash and cash equivalents at the last day of the measurement period

   

$________

Yes

No

N/A

               

9)

Total amount of Borrower’s Subsidiaries’ cash and cash equivalents at the last day of the measurement period

   

$________

Yes

No

N/A

 

 

Deposit and Securities Accounts

(Please list all accounts; attach separate sheet if additional space needed)

 

 

Institution Name

Account Number

New Account?

Acc oun t Control Ag reemen t in place?

         

1)

   

Yes

No

Yes

No

             

2)

   

Yes

No

Yes

No

             

3)

   

Yes

No

Yes

No

             

4)

   

Yes

No

Yes

No

 

Financial Covenants

 

 

Covenant

Requirement

Actual

Compliance

1)

Minimum Revenues

(quarterly)*

At least 75% of projections

            _____%

Yes

No

   

$_________

      $_________

   
           

*only required upon advance of the Term B Loans (or Term C Loans if no Term B Loans were previously advanced).

 

Other Matters

 

1)

Have there been any changes in management since the last Compliance Certificate?

Yes

No

       

2)

Have there been any transfers/sales/disposals/retirement of Collateral or IP prohibited by the Loan Agreement?

Yes

No

       

 

 
 

 

 

3)

Have there been any new or pending claims or causes of action against Borrower that involve more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00)?

Yes

No

       

4)

Have there been any amendments of or other changes to the capitalization table of any Subsidiary and to the Operating Documents of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries? If yes, provide copies of any such amendments or changes with this Compliance Certificate.

Yes

No

 

 

Exceptions

 

Please explain any exceptions with respect to the certification above: (If no exceptions exist, state “No exceptions.” Attach separate sheet if additional space needed.)

 

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

ALGOSTIM, LLC

PELVISTIM LLC

NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

By:                                                        

Name:                                                   

Title:                                                     

 

Date:

 

  LENDER USE ONLY  
     
 

Received by:                                                                            

Date:                  

     
 

Verified by:                                                                             

Date:                   

     
  Compliance Status:           Yes                    No  

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

Form of S ecured Promissory Note

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
(Term  [A][B][C] Loan)

 

$____________________  

 Dated: [DATE]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, each of the undersigned, NUVECTRA CORPORATION a Delaware corporation, ALGOSTIM, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PELVISTIM LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Michigan corporation, each with offices located at 5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100, Plano, Texas 75024 (individually and collectively, jointly and severally, “ Borrower ”) HEREBY PROMISES TO PAY to the order of [OXFORD FINANCE LLC][SILICON VALLEY BANK] (“ Lender ”) the principal amount of [___________] MILLION DOLLARS ($______________) or such lesser amount as shall equal the outstanding principal balance of the [Revolving Advances made under the Revolving Line][Term [A][B][C] Loan] made to Borrower by Lender, plus interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such [Revolving Advances][Term [A][B][C] Loan], at the rates and in accordance with the terms of the Loan and Security Agreement dated March __, 2016 by and among Borrower, Lender, Oxford Finance LLC, as Collateral Agent, and the other Lenders from time to time party thereto (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Loan Agreement ”). If not sooner paid, the entire principal amount and all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date as set forth in the Loan Agreement. Any capitalized term not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning attributed to such term in the Loan Agreement.

 

Principal, interest and all other amounts due with respect to the [Revolving Advances under the Revolving Line][Term [A][B][C] Loan], are payable in lawful money of the United States of America to Lender as set forth in the Loan Agreement and this Secured Promissory Note (this “ Note ”). The principal amount of this Note and the interest rate applicable thereto, and all payments made with respect thereto, shall be recorded by Lender and, prior to any transfer hereof, endorsed on the grid attached hereto which is part of this Note.

 

The Loan Agreement, among other things, (a) provides for the making of a secured [Revolving Advances under the Revolving Line][Term [A][B][C] Loan] by Lender to Borrower, and (b) contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events.

 

This Note may not be prepaid except as set forth in [Section 2.3(a)][Section 2.2(c) and Section 2.2(d)] of the Loan Agreement.

 

This Note and the obligation of Borrower to repay the unpaid principal amount of the [Revolving Advances under the Revolving Line][Term [A][B][C] Loan], interest on [such Revolving Advances][the Term [A][B][C] Loan] and all other amounts due Lender under the Loan Agreement is secured under the Loan Agreement.

 

Presentment for payment, demand, notice of protest and all other demands and notices of any kind in connection with the execution, delivery, performance and enforcement of this Note are hereby waived.

 

Borrower shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, incurred by Lender in the enforcement or attempt to enforce any of Borrower’s obligations hereunder not performed when due.

 

This Note shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of California.

 

The ownership of an interest in this Note shall be registered on a record of ownership maintained by Lender or its agent. Notwithstanding anything else in this Note to the contrary, the right to the principal of, and stated interest on, this Note may be transferred only if the transfer is registered on such record of ownership and the transferee is identified as the owner of an interest in the obligation. Borrower shall be entitled to treat the registered holder of this Note (as recorded on such record of ownership) as the owner in fact thereof for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in this Note on the part of any other person or entity.

 

[Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 
 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Note to be duly executed by one of its officers thereunto duly authorized on the date hereof.

 

   

BORROWER :

     
   

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

     
     
   

By                                                                                         

   

Name:                                                                                    

   

Title:                                                                                      

     
   

ALGOSTIM, LLC

     
     
   

By                                                                                         

   

Name:                                                                                    

   

Title:                                                                                      

     
   

PELVISTIM LLC

     
     
   

By                                                                                         

   

Name:                                                                                    

   

Title:                                                                                      

     
   

NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

     
     
   

By                                                                                         

   

Name:                                                                                    

   

Title:                                                                                      

 

 

[ Oxford Finance LLC ] [ Silicon Valley Bank ]

[Revolving Line][Term [A][B][C] Loan ] Secured Promissory Note

 

 
 

 

 

 

LOAN INTEREST RATE AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL

 

Date

 

Principal

Amount

 

Interest Rate

 

Scheduled

Payment   Amount

 

Notation By

                 

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT E

BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

 

Borrower: 

Nuvectra Corporation, Algostim, LLC, PelviStim LLC and NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc

Collateral Agent: Oxford Finance LLC     
Commitment Amount: $5,000,000.00

      

 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 
1.  Accounts Receivable (invoiced) Book Value as of                                $  
2. Additions (please explain on next page) $  
3. Less: Intercompany / Employee / Non-Trade Accounts  $  
4. NET TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE  $  

 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE DEDUCTIONS (without duplication)

 

5.

12 0 Days Past Invoice Date 

$  

6.

Credit Balances over 120 Days

$  

7.

Balance of 50% over 120 Day Accounts (Cross-Age or Current Affected)

$  

8.

Foreign Account Debtor Accounts

$  

9.

Foreign Invoiced and/or Collected Accounts

$  

10.

Contra/Customer Deposit Accounts

$  

11.

U.S. Governmental Accounts (w/o AOC)

$  

12.

Promotion or Demo Accounts; Guaranteed Sale or Consignment Sale Accounts

$  

13.

Accounts with Memo or Pre-Billings

$  

14.

Contract Accounts; Accounts with Progress / Milestone Billings

$  

15.

Accounts for Retainage Billings

$  

16.

Trust / Bonded Accounts

$  

17.

Bill and Hold Accounts

$  

18.

Unbilled Accounts

$  

19.

Non-Trade Accounts (if not already deducted above)

$  

20.

Accounts with Extended Term Invoices (Net 90+)

$  

21.

Chargeback Accounts / Debit Memos

$  

22.

Product Returns/Exchanges

$  

23.

Disputed Accounts; Insolvent Account Debtor Accounts

$  

24.

Deferred Revenue, if applicable/Other (please explain on next page)

$  

25.

Concentration Limits

$  

26 .

Individual Account Debtor Accounts

$  

27 .

TOTAL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE DEDUCTIONS

$  
28. Eligible Accounts (#4 minus #27) $  
29. ELIGIBLE AMOUNT OF ACCOUNTS (8 0% of #28) $  

 

BALANCES

 
30. Maximum Loan Amount $ 5,000,000 .00
31. Total Funds Available [Lesser of #29 or #30] $  
32. Present balance owing on Line of Credit $  
33. RESERVE POSITION (#31 minus #32) $  

 

[Continued on following page.]

 

 
 

 

 

Explanatory comments:

 

 

 

 

 

The undersigned represents and warrants that this is true, complete and correct, and that the information in this Borrowing Base Certificate complies with the representations and warranties in the Loan and Security Agreement between the undersigned, the l enders from time to time party thereto and Oxford Finance LLC, as Collateral Agent.

 

COMMENTS:

 

 

By: ___________________________

Authorized Signer

Date: _________________________

LENDERS USE ONLY

 Received by: _____________________

 authorized signer

 Date: __________________________

 Verified: ________________________

 authorized signer

 Date: ___________________________

 Compliance Status:                Yes          No

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT F

TRANSACTION REPORT

 

[EXCEL spreadsheet to be provided separately from lending officer.]

 

 
 

 

 

CORPORATE BORROWING CERTIFICATE

 

Borrower :

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

Date : March __, 2016

Lender s :

OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent and Lender

 
 

SILICON VALLEY BANK, as Lender

 

 

I hereby certify as follows, as of the date set forth above:

 

1.     I am the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other officer of Borrower. My title is as set forth below.

 

2.     Borrower’s exact legal name is set forth above. Borrower is a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

3.     Attached hereto as Exhibit  A and Exhibit  B , respectively, are true, correct and complete copies of (i) Borrower’s Certificate of Incorporation (including amendments), as filed with the Secretary of State of the state in which Borrower is incorporated as set forth in paragraph 2 above; and (ii) Borrower’s Bylaws. Neither such Certificate of Incorporation nor such Bylaws have been amended, annulled, rescinded, revoked or supplemented, and such Certificate of Incorporation and such Bylaws remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof.

 

4.     The following resolutions were duly and validly adopted by Borrower’s Board of Directors at a duly held meeting of such directors (or pursuant to a unanimous written consent or other authorized corporate action). Such resolutions are in full force and effect as of the date hereof and have not been in any way modified, repealed, rescinded, amended or revoked, and the Lenders may rely on them until each Lender receives written notice of revocation from Borrower.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

Resolved , that any one of the following officers or employees of Borrower, whose names, titles and signatures are below, may act on behalf of Borrower:

 

Name

 

Title

 

Signature

Authorized to

Add or Remove

Signatories

         

         

         

         

 

Resolved Further, that any one of the persons designated above with a checked box beside his or her name may, from time to time, add or remove any individuals to and from the above list of persons authorized to act on behalf of Borrower.

 

Resolved Further , that such individuals may, on behalf of Borrower:

 

Borrow Money . Borrow money from the Lenders.

Execute Loan Documents . Execute any loan documents any Lender requires.

Grant Security . Grant Collateral Agent a security interest in any of Borrower’s assets.

Negotiate Items . Negotiate or discount all drafts, trade acceptances, promissory notes, or other indebtedness in which Borrower has an interest and receive cash or otherwise use the proceeds.

Letters of Credit . Apply for letters of credit from Bank.

Enter Derivatives Transactions . Execute spot or forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swap agreements, or other derivatives transactions.

Issue Warrants . Issue warrants for Borrower’s capital stock.

Further Acts . Designate other individuals to request advances, pay fees and costs and execute other documents or agreements (including documents or agreement that waive Borrower’s right to a jury trial) they believe to be necessary to effectuate such resolutions.

 

Resolved Further , that all acts authorized by the above resolutions and any prior acts relating thereto are ratified.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

5.     The persons listed above are Borrower’s officers or employees with their titles and signatures shown next to their names.

 

   

By                                                                                         

     
   

Name:                                                                                   

     
   

Title:                                                                                     

 

*** If the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other certifying officer executing above is designated by the resolutions set forth in paragraph 4 as one of the authorized signing officers, this Certificate must also be signed by a second authorized officer or director of Borrower.

 

I, the __________________________ of B orrower, hereby certify as to paragraphs 1 through 5 above, as of the date set forth above.

          [print title]

 

   

By                                                                                         

     
   

Name:                                                                                   

     
   

Title:                                                                                     

 

 

[Signature Page to Corporate Borrowing Certificate]

 

 
 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Certificate of Incorporation (including amendments)

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

Bylaws

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BORROWING CERTIFICATE

 

Borrower :

ALGOSTIM, LLC

Date : March __, 2016

Lender s :

OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent and Lender

 
 

SILICON VALLEY BANK, as Lender

 

 

I hereby certify as follows, as of the date set forth above:

 

1.     I am the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other officer of Borrower. My title is as set forth below.

 

2.     Borrower’s exact legal name is set forth above. Borrower is a limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

3.     Attached hereto as Exhibit  A and Exhibit  B , respectively, are true, correct and complete copies of (i) Borrower’s Certificate of Formation (including amendments), as filed with the Secretary of State of the state in which Borrower is organized as set forth in paragraph 2 above; and (ii) Borrower’s operating agreement. Neither such Certificate of Formation nor such operating agreement have been amended, annulled, rescinded, revoked or supplemented, and such Certificate of Formation and such operating agreement remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof.

 

4.     The following resolutions were duly and validly adopted by Borrower’s [sole member][Board of Managers]. Such resolutions are in full force and effect as of the date hereof and have not been in any way modified, repealed, rescinded, amended or revoked, and the Lenders may rely on them until each Lender receives written notice of revocation from Borrower.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

Resolved , that any one of the following officers or employees of Borrower, whose names, titles and signatures are below, may act on behalf of Borrower:

 

Name

 

Title

 

Signature

Authorized   to

Add or Remove

Signatories

         

         

         

         

 

Resolved Further, that any one of the persons designated above with a checked box beside his or her name may, from time to time, add or remove any individuals to and from the above list of persons authorized to act on behalf of Borrower.

 

Resolved Further , that such individuals may, on behalf of Borrower:

 

Borrow Money . Borrow money from the Lenders.

Execute Loan Documents . Execute any loan documents any Lender requires.

Grant Security . Grant Collateral Agent a security interest in any of Borrower’s assets.

Negotiate Items . Negotiate or discount all drafts, trade acceptances, promissory notes, or other indebtedness in which Borrower has an interest and receive cash or otherwise use the proceeds.

Letters of Credit . Apply for letters of credit from Bank.

Enter Derivatives Transactions . Execute spot or forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swap agreements, or other derivatives transactions.

Further Acts . Designate other individuals to request advances, pay fees and costs and execute other documents or agreements (including documents or agreement that waive Borrower’s right to a jury trial) they believe to be necessary to effectuate such resolutions.

 

Resolved Further , that all acts authorized by the above resolutions and any prior acts relating thereto are ratified.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

5.     The persons listed above are Borrower’s officers or employees with their titles and signatures shown next to their names.

 

 

By                                                                                         

 

Name:                                                                                   

 

Title:                                                                                     

 

*** If the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other certifying officer executing above is designated by the resolutions set forth in paragraph 4 as one of the authorized signing officers, this Certificate must also be signed by a second authorized officer or director of Borrower.

 

I, the __________________________ of B orrower, hereby certify as to paragraphs 1 through 5 above, as of the date set forth above.

          [print title]

 

 

By                                                                                         

 

Name:                                                                                   

 

Title:                                                                                     

 

 

[Signature Page to Limited Liability Company Borrowing Certificate]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Certificate of Formation (including amendments)

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

Operating Agreement

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BORROWING CERTIFICATE

 

Borrower :

PELVISTIM LLC

Date : March __, 2016

Lender s :

OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent and Lender

 
 

SILICON VALLEY BANK, as Lender

 

 

I hereby certify as follows, as of the date set forth above:

 

1.     I am the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other officer of Borrower. My title is as set forth below.

 

2.     Borrower’s exact legal name is set forth above. Borrower is a limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

3.     Attached hereto as Exhibit  A and Exhibit  B , respectively, are true, correct and complete copies of (i) Borrower’s Certificate of Formation (including amendments), as filed with the Secretary of State of the state in which Borrower is organized as set forth in paragraph 2 above; and (ii) Borrower’s operating agreement. Neither such Certificate of Formation nor such operating agreement have been amended, annulled, rescinded, revoked or supplemented, and such Certificate of Formation and such operating agreement remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof.

 

4.     The following resolutions were duly and validly adopted by Borrower’s [sole member][Board of Managers]. Such resolutions are in full force and effect as of the date hereof and have not been in any way modified, repealed, rescinded, amended or revoked, and the Lenders may rely on them until each Lender receives written notice of revocation from Borrower.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

Resolved , that any one of the following officers or employees of Borrower, whose names, titles and signatures are below, may act on behalf of Borrower:

 

Name

 

Title

 

Signature

Authorized   to

Add or Remove

Signatories

         

         

         

         

 

 

Resolved Further, that any one of the persons designated above with a checked box beside his or her name may, from time to time, add or remove any individuals to and from the above list of persons authorized to act on behalf of Borrower.

 

Resolved Further , that such individuals may, on behalf of Borrower:

 

Borrow Money . Borrow money from the Lenders.

Execute Loan Documents . Execute any loan documents any Lender requires.

Grant Security . Grant Collateral Agent a security interest in any of Borrower’s assets.

Negotiate Items . Negotiate or discount all drafts, trade acceptances, promissory notes, or other indebtedness in which Borrower has an interest and receive cash or otherwise use the proceeds.

Letters of Credit . Apply for letters of credit from Bank.

Enter Derivatives Transactions . Execute spot or forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swap agreements, or other derivatives transactions.

Further Acts . Designate other individuals to request advances, pay fees and costs and execute other documents or agreements (including documents or agreement that waive Borrower’s right to a jury trial) they believe to be necessary to effectuate such resolutions.

 

Resolved Further , that all acts authorized by the above resolutions and any prior acts relating thereto are ratified.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

5.     The persons listed above are Borrower’s officers or employees with their titles and signatures shown next to their names.

 

 

By:                                                                                         

   
 

Name:                                                                                     

   
 

Title:                                                                                       

 

*** If the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other certifying officer executing above is designated by the resolutions set forth in paragraph 4 as one of the authorized signing officers, this Certificate must also be signed by a second authorized officer or director of Borrower.

 

I, the __________________________ of B orrower, hereby certify as to paragraphs 1 through 5 above, as  of the date set forth above.

                 [print title]

 

 

By:                                                                                         

   
 

Name:                                                                                     

   
 

Title:                                                                                       

 

 

[Signature Page to Limited Liability Company Borrowing Certificate]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Certificate of Formation (including amendments)

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

Operating Agreement

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

CORPORATE BORROWING CERTIFICATE

 

Borrower :

NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Date : March __, 2016

Lender s :

OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent and Lender

 
 

SILICON VALLEY BANK, as Lender

 

 

I hereby certify as follows, as of the date set forth above:

 

1.     I am the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other officer of Borrower. My title is as set forth below.

 

2.     Borrower’s exact legal name is set forth above. Borrower is a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Michigan.

 

3.     Attached hereto as Exhibit  A and Exhibit  B , respectively, are true, correct and complete copies of (i) Borrower’s Certificate of Incorporation (including amendments), as filed with the Secretary of State of the state in which Borrower is incorporated as set forth in paragraph 2 above; and (ii) Borrower’s Bylaws. Neither such Certificate of Incorporation nor such Bylaws have been amended, annulled, rescinded, revoked or supplemented, and such Certificate of Incorporation and such Bylaws remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof.

 

4.     The following resolutions were duly and validly adopted by Borrower’s Board of Directors at a duly held meeting of such directors (or pursuant to a unanimous written consent or other authorized corporate action). Such resolutions are in full force and effect as of the date hereof and have not been in any way modified, repealed, rescinded, amended or revoked, and the Lenders may rely on them until each Lender receives written notice of revocation from Borrower.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

Resolved , that any one of the following officers or employees of Borrower, whose names, titles and signatures are below, may act on behalf of Borrower:

 

Name

 

Title

 

Signature

Authorized   to

Add or Remove

Signatories

         

         

         

         

 

 

Resolved Further, that any one of the persons designated above with a checked box beside his or her name may, from time to time, add or remove any individuals to and from the above list of persons authorized to act on behalf of Borrower.

 

Resolved Further , that such individuals may, on behalf of Borrower:

 

Borrow Money . Borrow money from the Lenders.

Execute Loan Documents . Execute any loan documents any Lender requires.

Grant Security . Grant Collateral Agent a security interest in any of Borrower’s assets.

Negotiate Items . Negotiate or discount all drafts, trade acceptances, promissory notes, or other indebtedness in which Borrower has an interest and receive cash or otherwise use the proceeds.

Letters of Credit . Apply for letters of credit from Bank.

Enter Derivatives Transactions . Execute spot or forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swap agreements, or other derivatives transactions.

Further Acts . Designate other individuals to request advances, pay fees and costs and execute other documents or agreements (including documents or agreement that waive Borrower’s right to a jury trial) they believe to be necessary to effectuate such resolutions.

 

Resolved Further , that all acts authorized by the above resolutions and any prior acts relating thereto are ratified.

 

[ Balance of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

 
 

 

 

5.     The persons listed above are Borrower’s officers or employees with their titles and signatures shown next to their names.

 

 

By:                                                                                         

   
 

Name:                                                                                     

   
 

Title:                                                                                       

 

 

*** If the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other certifying officer executing above is designated by the resolutions set forth in paragraph 4 as one of the authorized signing officers, this Certificate must also be signed by a second authorized officer or director of Borrower.

 

I, the __________________________ of B orrower, hereby certify as to paragraphs 1 through 5 above, as

          [print title]

of the date set forth above.

 

 

By:                                                                                         

   
 

Name:                                                                                     

   
 

Title:                                                                                       

 

 

[Signature Page to Corporate Borrowing Certificate]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Certificate of Incorporation (including amendments)

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

Bylaws

 

[see attached]

 

 
 

 

 

DEBTOR:                      NUVECTRA CORPORATION
SECURED PARTY:     OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent

 

EXHIBIT A TO UCC FINANCING STATEMENT

Description of Collateral

 

The Collateral consists of all of Debtor’s right, title and interest in and to the following personal property:

 

All goods, Accounts (including health-care receivables), Equipment, Inventory, contract rights or rights to payment of money, leases, license agreements, franchise agreements, General Intangibles (except as noted below), commercial tort claims, documents, instruments (including any promissory notes), chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), cash, deposit accounts and other Collateral Accounts, all certificates of deposit, fixtures, letters of credit rights (whether or not the letter of credit is evidenced by a writing), securities, and all other investment property, supporting obligations, and financial assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, wherever located; and

 

All Borrower’s Books relating to the foregoing, and any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and all substitutions for, additions, attachments, accessories, accessions and improvements to and replacements, products, proceeds and insurance proceeds of any or all of the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral does not include any Intellectual Property; provided, however, the Collateral shall include all Accounts and all proceeds of Intellectual Property. If a judicial authority (including a U.S. Bankruptcy Court) would hold that a security interest in the underlying Intellectual Property is necessary to have a security interest in such Accounts and such property that are proceeds of Intellectual Property, then the Collateral shall automatically, and effective as of the Effective Date, include the Intellectual Property to the extent necessary to permit perfection of Secured Party’s security interest in such Accounts and such other property of Debtor that are proceeds of the Intellectual Property.

 

Pursuant to the terms of a certain negative pledge arrangement with Secured Party and the Lenders, Debtor has agreed not to encumber any of its Intellectual Property.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of California as in effect from time to time (the “Code”) or, if not defined in the Code, then in the Loan and Security Agreement by and between Debtor, Secured Party and the other Lenders party thereto (as modified, amended and/or restated from time to time).

 

 
 

 

   

DEBTOR:                      ALGOSTIM, LLC
SECURED PARTY:     OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent

 

EXHIBIT A TO UCC FINANCING STATEMENT

Description of Collateral

 

The Collateral consists of all of Debtor’s right, title and interest in and to the following personal property:

 

All goods, Accounts (including health-care receivables), Equipment, Inventory, contract rights or rights to payment of money, leases, license agreements, franchise agreements, General Intangibles (except as noted below), commercial tort claims, documents, instruments (including any promissory notes), chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), cash, deposit accounts and other Collateral Accounts, all certificates of deposit, fixtures, letters of credit rights (whether or not the letter of credit is evidenced by a writing), securities, and all other investment property, supporting obligations, and financial assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, wherever located; and

 

All Borrower’s Books relating to the foregoing, and any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and all substitutions for, additions, attachments, accessories, accessions and improvements to and replacements, products, proceeds and insurance proceeds of any or all of the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral does not include any Intellectual Property; provided, however, the Collateral shall include all Accounts and all proceeds of Intellectual Property. If a judicial authority (including a U.S. Bankruptcy Court) would hold that a security interest in the underlying Intellectual Property is necessary to have a security interest in such Accounts and such property that are proceeds of Intellectual Property, then the Collateral shall automatically, and effective as of the Effective Date, include the Intellectual Property to the extent necessary to permit perfection of Secured Party’s security interest in such Accounts and such other property of Debtor that are proceeds of the Intellectual Property.

 

Pursuant to the terms of a certain negative pledge arrangement with Secured Party and the Lenders, Debtor has agreed not to encumber any of its Intellectual Property.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of California as in effect from time to time (the “Code”) or, if not defined in the Code, then in the Loan and Security Agreement by and between Debtor, Secured Party and the other Lenders party thereto (as modified, amended and/or restated from time to time).

 

 
 

 

   

DEBTOR:                      PELVISTIM LLC
SECURED PARTY:     OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent

 

EXHIBIT A TO UCC FINANCING STATEMENT

Description of Collateral

 

The Collateral consists of all of Debtor’s right, title and interest in and to the following personal property:

 

All goods, Accounts (including health-care receivables), Equipment, Inventory, contract rights or rights to payment of money, leases, license agreements, franchise agreements, General Intangibles (except as noted below), commercial tort claims, documents, instruments (including any promissory notes), chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), cash, deposit accounts and other Collateral Accounts, all certificates of deposit, fixtures, letters of credit rights (whether or not the letter of credit is evidenced by a writing), securities, and all other investment property, supporting obligations, and financial assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, wherever located; and

 

All Borrower’s Books relating to the foregoing, and any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and all substitutions for, additions, attachments, accessories, accessions and improvements to and replacements, products, proceeds and insurance proceeds of any or all of the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral does not include any Intellectual Property; provided, however, the Collateral shall include all Accounts and all proceeds of Intellectual Property. If a judicial authority (including a U.S. Bankruptcy Court) would hold that a security interest in the underlying Intellectual Property is necessary to have a security interest in such Accounts and such property that are proceeds of Intellectual Property, then the Collateral shall automatically, and effective as of the Effective Date, include the Intellectual Property to the extent necessary to permit perfection of Secured Party’s security interest in such Accounts and such other property of Debtor that are proceeds of the Intellectual Property.

 

Pursuant to the terms of a certain negative pledge arrangement with Secured Party and the Lenders, Debtor has agreed not to encumber any of its Intellectual Property.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of California as in effect from time to time (the “Code”) or, if not defined in the Code, then in the Loan and Security Agreement by and between Debtor, Secured Party and the other Lenders party thereto (as modified, amended and/or restated from time to time).

 

 
 

 

 

DEBTOR:                      NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SECURED PARTY:     OXFORD FINANCE LLC, as Collateral Agent

 

EXHIBIT A TO UCC FINANCING STATEMENT

Description of Collateral

 

The Collateral consists of all of Debtor’s right, title and interest in and to the following personal property:

 

All goods, Accounts (including health-care receivables), Equipment, Inventory, contract rights or rights to payment of money, leases, license agreements, franchise agreements, General Intangibles (except as noted below), commercial tort claims, documents, instruments (including any promissory notes), chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), cash, deposit accounts and other Collateral Accounts, all certificates of deposit, fixtures, letters of credit rights (whether or not the letter of credit is evidenced by a writing), securities, and all other investment property, supporting obligations, and financial assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, wherever located; and

 

All Borrower’s Books relating to the foregoing, and any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and all substitutions for, additions, attachments, accessories, accessions and improvements to and replacements, products, proceeds and insurance proceeds of any or all of the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral does not include any Intellectual Property; provided, however, the Collateral shall include all Accounts and all proceeds of Intellectual Property. If a judicial authority (including a U.S. Bankruptcy Court) would hold that a security interest in the underlying Intellectual Property is necessary to have a security interest in such Accounts and such property that are proceeds of Intellectual Property, then the Collateral shall automatically, and effective as of the Effective Date, include the Intellectual Property to the extent necessary to permit perfection of Secured Party’s security interest in such Accounts and such other property of Debtor that are proceeds of the Intellectual Property.

 

Pursuant to the terms of a certain negative pledge arrangement with Secured Party and the Lenders, Debtor has agreed not to encumber any of its Intellectual Property.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of California as in effect from time to time (the “Code”) or, if not defined in the Code, then in the Loan and Security Agreement by and between Debtor, Secured Party and the other Lenders party thereto (as modified, amended and/or restated from time to time).

Exhibit 10.12  

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

 

2016 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

1

PURPOSE

 

The name of this plan is the Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Plan”). This Plan was adopted by the Board of Managers of QiG Group, LLC in expectation of the Spin-off (as defined below) and QiG Group, LLC’s conversion from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation with the name of Nuvectra Corporation (“Nuvectra”) and approved by Greatbatch Ltd., as sole member of QiG Group, LLC, effective as of March 14, 2016 (the “Effective Date”).

 

The purpose of this Plan is to promote the interests of Nuvectra (together with its Subsidiaries, the “Company”), and its stockholders by providing officers, other employees, non-employee directors and non-employee consultants and service providers of the Company with appropriate incentives and rewards to encourage them to enter into or continue in service to the Company and to acquire a proprietary interest in the long-term success of the Company, while aligning the interests of those officers, other employees, non-employee directors and non-employee consultants and service providers with the interests of the stockholders.

 

The Plan also governs the terms of Incentive Awards granted pursuant to the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement (“Spin-off Awards”) to current and former employees, directors or service providers of Greatbatch, Inc. (“Greatbatch”) or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the Spin-off.

 

2

DEFINITIONS

 

As used in the Plan, the following definitions apply to the terms indicated below:

 

(a)            “Award Agreement” shall mean the written agreement between the Company and a Participant or other document approved by the Committee evidencing an Incentive Award.

 

(b)            “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of Nuvectra.

 

(c)            “Cause,” and the term “for Cause” shall mean,

 

(1)     with respect to a Participant who is a party to a written employment agreement with the Company, which agreement contains a definition of “for cause” or “cause” (or words of like import) for purposes of termination of employment thereunder by the Company, “for cause” or “cause” as defined in the most recent of such agreements, or

 

(2)     in all other cases, (i) with respect to a Participant, other than a non-employee director, a determination by the Committee, in its sole discretion, that one or more of the following has occurred: (A) any intentional or willful failure, or failure due to bad faith, by such Participant to substantially perform his or her duties to the Company that shall not have been corrected within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof from the Company, (B) any misconduct by such Participant that is significantly injurious to the Company, (C) any breach by such Participant of any covenant contained in a written agreement between the Participant and the Company, including, for avoidance of doubt, an Award Agreement or other instrument pursuant to which an Incentive Award is granted, (D) such Participant’s conviction of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in respect of, any felony that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, economic or reputational injury to the Company or (E) any material violation of state or federal securities laws or (ii) with respect to a Participant that is a non-employee director, a determination by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors, in their sole discretion, that that one or more of the following has occurred: (A) any intentional or willful failure, or failure due to bad faith, by such non-employee director to substantially perform his or her duties to the Company that shall not have been corrected within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof from the Company, (B) any misconduct by such non-employee director that is significantly injurious to the Company, (C) any breach by such non-employee director of any covenant contained in an Award Agreement or other instrument pursuant to which an Incentive Award is granted, (D) such non-employee director’s conviction of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in respect of, any felony that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, economic or reputational injury to the Company or (E) any material violation of state or federal securities laws.

 

 
 

 

 

(d)            “Change in Control” occurs if

 

(1)     any “Person” or related “Group” of Persons (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of Nuvectra normally entitled to vote for the election of directors of Nuvectra;

 

(2)     a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company is consummated, in one transaction or a series of related transactions;

 

(3)     any merger or consolidation of Nuvectra is consummated in which the stockholders of Nuvectra immediately prior to such transaction own, in the aggregate, less than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the surviving entity normally entitled to vote for the election of directors of such surviving entity;

 

(4)     approval by the Company’s stockholders of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or

 

(5)     a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are replaced during any one-year period by directors whose appointment or election was not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors as of immediately prior to the date of such appointment or election.

 

For purposes hereof, ownership of voting securities shall take into account and shall include ownership as determined by applying the provisions of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) (as in effect on the date hereof) pursuant to the Exchange Act. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Spin-off shall not constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the Plan. In addition, notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, to the extent an amount forming all or a portion of an Incentive Award represents deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code that becomes payable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, a “Change in Control” will not be considered to have occurred unless the event constitutes a change in control event under Section 409A of the Code.

 

(e)            “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

 
2

 

 

(f)            “Committee” shall mean the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors or such other committee as the Board of Directors shall appoint from time to time to administer the Plan; provided, that the Committee shall at all times consist of two or more persons, each of whom shall be a member of the Board of Directors and an “independent director” under the rules of any securities exchange on which the Company Stock is listed, quoted or traded. To the extent required for transactions under the Plan to qualify for the exemptions available under Rule 16b-3 (as defined herein), members of the Committee (or any subcommittee thereof) shall be “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3. To the extent required for compensation realized from Incentive Awards (as defined herein) under the Plan to be deductible by the Company pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code, members of the Committee (or any subcommittee thereof) shall be “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(g)            “Company Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Nuvectra.

 

(h)            “Covered Employee” means a Participant who is, or could be, a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(i)            “Disability,” unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, shall mean

 

(1)     with respect to a Participant who is a party to a written employment agreement with the Company that contains a definition of “disability” or “permanent disability” (or words of like import) for purposes of termination of employment thereunder by the Company, “disability” or “permanent disability” as defined in the most recent of such agreements, or

 

(2)     in all other cases, means such Participant’s inability to perform substantially his or her duties to the Company by reason of physical or mental illness, injury, infirmity or condition: (A) for a continuous period for 180 days or one or more periods aggregating 180 days in any twelve-month period; (B) at such time as such Participant is eligible to receive disability income payments under any long-term disability insurance plan maintained by the Company; or (C) at such earlier time as such Participant or the Company submits medical evidence, in the form of a physician’s certification, that such Participant has a physical or mental illness, injury, infirmity or condition that will likely prevent such Participant from substantially performing his duties for 180 days or longer.

 

(j)            “Employee Matters Agreement” shall mean that certain employee matters agreement entered into between Greatbatch and Nuvectra in connection with the Spin-off.

 

(k)           “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(l)           “Fair Market Value” means, for any particular date, (i) for any period during which the Company Stock shall be (A) listed for trading on a national securities exchange, including, without limitation, the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market, (B) listed for trading on a national market system or (C) listed, quoted or traded on any automated quotation system, the closing price per share of Company Stock on such exchange or system as of the close of such trading day as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable, or (ii) the market price per share of Company Stock as determined in good faith by the Committee in the event (i) above shall not be applicable. If the Fair Market Value is to be determined as of a day when the securities markets are not open, the Fair Market Value on that day shall be the Fair Market Value on the first prior preceding day when the markets were open.

 

(m)          “Grant Date” shall mean the date or event specified by the Committee on which a grant of an Incentive Award will become effective (which date with respect to an Option or SAR will not be earlier than the date on which the Committee takes action with respect thereto), and, with respect to any Spin-off Award, shall mean the date the corresponding Greatbatch equity incentive award was originally granted.

 

 
3

 

 

(n)        “Incentive Award” shall mean an Option, SAR, share of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit or Stock Bonus (each as defined herein) granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan, including any Spin-off Award.

 

(o)        “Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an Option that is an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

(p)        “Non-Qualified Stock Option” shall mean an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(q)        “Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Company Stock granted pursuant to Section 7.

 

(r)        “Participant” shall mean an employee, a non-employee consultant or service provider, or non-employee director of the Company to whom an Incentive Award is granted pursuant to the Plan and, upon his or her death, his or her successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be. Participant shall also include persons entitled to receive Incentive Awards pursuant to the operation of the Employee Matters Agreement to whom a Spin-off Award has been made under the Plan.

 

(s)        “Performance-Based Award” means an Incentive Award granted to selected Covered Employees pursuant to Sections 7, 8, 9 or 10, but which is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 12. All Performance-Based Awards are intended to qualify as Qualified Performance-Based Compensation.

 

(t)        “Performance Criteria” means the criteria that the Committee selects for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal or Performance Goals for a Participant for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish Performance Goals are limited to the following: (i) net earnings or net income (either before or after one or more of the following: interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash equity-based compensation expenses), (ii) economic value-added (as determined by the Committee), (iii) sales or revenue, (iv) net earnings or net income (either before or after taxes), (v) operating earnings or income, (vi) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow), (vii) gross profit or gross profit growth, (viii) cash flow return on capital, (ix) return on investment, (x) return on stockholders’ equity, (xi) return on assets or net assets, (xii) return on capital, (xiii) stockholder returns, (xiv) return on sales, (xv) gross or net profit margin, (xvi) productivity, (xvii) expenses or expense targets, (xviii) margins, (xix) improvement of capital structure, (xx) operating efficiency, (xxi) cost reduction or savings, (xxii) budget and expense management, (xxiii) customer satisfaction, (xxiv) working capital, (xxv) basic or diluted earnings or loss per share (before or after taxes), (xxvi) price per share of Company Stock (including, but not limited to growth measures or total stockholder return), (xxvii) completion of acquisitions or business expansion, (xxviii) regulatory achievements or compliance (including, without limitation, regulatory body approval for commercialization of a product), (xxix) implementation or completion of critical products, (xxx) enterprise value, (xxxi) attainment of objective employee metrics or (xxxii) market share, any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or as compared to results of a market index, group of other companies or a combination thereof. The Committee shall, within the time prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code, define in an objective fashion the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period for such Participant.

 

 
4

 

 

(u)       “Performance Goals” means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established in writing by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Depending on the Performance Criteria used to establish such Performance Goals, the Performance Goals may be expressed in terms of overall Company performance or the performance of a division, business unit, operational unit or an individual. The Performance Goals may be subject to a threshold level of performance below which no payment will be made or no vesting will occur, levels of performance at which specified payments will be made or specified vesting will occur, and a maximum level of performance above which no additional payment will be made or no vesting will occur. To the extent consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may adjust or modify the calculation of Performance Goals for such Performance Period in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants (i) in the event of, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item, transaction, event, or development, (ii) in recognition of, or in anticipation of, any other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company (determined consistent with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles), or the financial statements of the Company, or (iii) in response to, or in anticipation of, changes in applicable laws (including, without limitation, tax laws), regulations, accounting principles, or business conditions.

 

(v)      “Performance Period” means the one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to, and the payment of, a Performance-Based Award.

 

(w)      “Qualified Performance-Based Compensation” means any compensation that is intended to qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code.

 

(x)      “Reprice” shall mean (A) changing the terms of an Incentive Award to lower its exercise price; (B) any other action that is treated as a “repricing” under generally accepted accounting principles; and (C) repurchasing for cash or canceling an Incentive Award at a time when its exercise price is greater than the Fair Market Value of the underlying stock in exchange for another Incentive Award, unless the cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with a Change in Control. Such cancellation and exchange would be considered a Repricing regardless of whether it is treated as a “repricing” under generally accepted accounting principles and regardless of whether it is voluntary on the part of the Participant.

 

(y)       A share of “Restricted Stock” shall mean a share of Company Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms of Section 9 hereof and that is subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 9(c).

 

(z)       “Restricted Stock Unit” means a contractual right to receive a share of Company Stock in the future that is granted pursuant to the terms of Section 10.

 

(aa)     “Rule 16b-3” shall mean the rule thus designated as promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

(bb)     “SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right granted pursuant to Section 8.

 

(cc)     “Spin-off” shall mean the spin-off of the Company from Greatbatch into an independent, publicly-traded company, effective as of March 14, 2016.

 

(dd)     “Stock Bonus” shall mean a bonus payable in shares of Company Stock or a payment made in shares of Company Stock pursuant to a deferred compensation plan of the Company.

 

(ee)     “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation or other entity in which, at the time of reference, the Company owns, directly or indirectly, stock or similar interests comprising more than fifty (50) percent of the combined voting power of all outstanding securities of such entity.

 

 
5

 

 

(ff)     “Vesting Date” shall mean the date established by the Committee on which a share of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit may vest.

 

3

STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

 

(a)     Company Stock Available for Incentive Awards

 

The total number of shares of Company Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan shall not exceed (i) 1,128,410 shares (the “Share Limit”), and (ii) an additional number of shares of Company Stock equal to the number of shares of Company Stock subject to all Spin-off Awards outstanding immediately following the Spin-off. Such shares may be authorized but unissued Company Stock or authorized and issued Company Stock held in the Company’s treasury or acquired by the Company for the purposes of the Plan. The Committee may direct that any stock certificate evidencing shares issued pursuant to the Plan shall bear a legend setting forth such restrictions on transferability as may apply to such shares pursuant to the Plan.

 

(b)     Automatic Share Limit Increase

 

The Share Limit will automatically increase on January 1st of each year, for nine (9) years following the Effective Date, in an amount equal to four (4%) percent of the total number of shares of Company Stock outstanding on December 31st of the preceding year. The Committee may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase of the Share Limit for such year or that the increase in the Share Limit for such year will be a smaller number of shares of Company Stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.

 

(c)     Total Grants by Award Type

 

Excluding any Spin-off Awards, the aggregate number of shares of Company Stock to be awarded under the Plan as Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed 1,128,410 shares. The number of shares of Company Stock available to be awarded as Incentive Stock Options will automatically increase on January 1 st of each year by the lesser of (i) 410,000, or (ii) the number of shares added to the Share Limit under Section 3(b).  Any shares of Company Stock added to the Share Limit pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof shall be available for issuance as Incentive Stock Options only to the extent that making such shares of Company available for issuance as Incentive Stock Options would not cause any Incentive Stock Option to cease to qualify as such. With respect to SARs, when a stock settled SAR is exercised, the shares subject to a SAR grant agreement shall be counted against the Share Limit as one (1) share for every share subject thereto, regardless of the number of shares used to settle the SAR upon exercise.

 

(d)     Non-Employee Director Limitation

 

Excluding any Spin-off Awards, the maximum number of shares of Company Stock subject to Incentive Awards awarded during any fiscal year to a non-employee director, taken together with any cash fees paid to such non-employee director during the fiscal year, shall not exceed $500,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such Incentive Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Incentive Awards for financial reporting purposes).

 

(e)     Employee Limitation

 

Excluding any Spin-off Awards, the aggregate number of shares of Company Stock subject to (i) Options and SARs awarded to any one employee during any fiscal year of the Company, including awards made pursuant to Section 12, shall not exceed 312,500 shares and (ii) Incentive Awards, other than Options and SARs, awarded to any one employee during any fiscal year of the Company shall not exceed 312,500 shares. Determinations under the preceding sentence shall be made in a manner that is consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder. The provisions of this Section 3(e) shall not apply in any circumstance with respect to which the Committee determines that compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code is not necessary.

 

 
6

 

 

(f)        Adjustment for Change in Capitalization

 

If there is any change in the outstanding shares of Company Stock by reason of a stock dividend or distribution, stock split-up, recapitalization, combination or exchange of shares, or by reason of any merger, consolidation, spinoff or other corporate reorganization in which the Company is the surviving corporation, the number of shares available for issuance both in the aggregate and with respect to each outstanding Incentive Award, the price per share under each outstanding Incentive Award, and the limitations set forth in Sections 3(c), (d) and (e), will be proportionately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be final and binding. After any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(f), the number of shares subject to each outstanding Incentive Award shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

 

(g)        Other Adjustments

 

In the event of any transaction or event described in Section 3(f) or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any affiliate of the Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any affiliate of the Company (including, without limitation, any Change in Control), or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, and whenever the Committee determines that action is appropriate in order to preserve the economic intent with respect to any Incentive Award under the Plan, to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Incentive Award under the Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles, the Committee, in its sole discretion and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, including, if the Committee deems appropriate, the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.424-1(a)(5) except to the extent necessary to ensure that the action does not violate Section 409A of the Code, either by amendment of the terms of any outstanding Incentive Awards or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions:

 

(i)     To provide for either (A) termination of any such Incentive Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or other property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Incentive Award or realization of the Participant’s rights (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction or event described in this Section 3(g) the Committee determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Incentive Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Incentive Award may be terminated by the Company without payment) or (B) the replacement of such Incentive Award with other rights or property selected by the Committee in its sole discretion;

 

(ii)     To provide that such Incentive Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar options, rights or awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; and

 

 
7

 

 

(iii)     To make adjustments in the number and type of shares of Company Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Incentive Awards, and in the number and kind of outstanding Restricted Stock and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding options, rights and awards and options, rights and awards which may be granted in the future;

 

(iv)     To provide that such Incentive Award shall be exercisable or payable or fully vested with respect to all shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement; and

 

(v)     To provide that the Incentive Award cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after such event.

 

(h)           Re-use of Shares

 

Other than with respect to any Spin-off Award, the aggregate number of shares of Company Stock issued under the Plan at any time shall equal only the number of shares of Company stock actually issued upon exercise or settlement of an Incentive Award. Other than with respect to any Spin-off Award, if an Incentive Award terminates, expires, is cancelled, forfeited, or lapses for any reason, any shares of Company Stock subject to the Incentive Award shall again be available for the grant of an Incentive Award pursuant to the Plan. Shares of Company Stock that are (i) used to pay the exercise price of an Option, (ii) delivered or withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to an Incentive Award, (iii) covered by a stock-settled SAR that are not issued upon settlement of such SAR or (iv) not issued because cash (other than with respect to fractional shares) is issued in lieu of such shares of Company Stock pursuant to an Incentive Award will, in each case, not be available for further grants of Incentive Awards pursuant to the Plan. To the extent permitted by applicable law or any stock exchange rule, shares of Company Stock issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity acquired in any form of combination by the Company or any Subsidiary shall not be counted towards the Share Limit and shall be available for grant pursuant to this Plan.

 

(i)           No Repricing

 

Absent stockholder approval, neither the Committee nor the Board of Directors shall have any authority, with or without the consent of the affected holders of Incentive Awards, to Reprice an Incentive Award; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 3(i) shall be construed to apply to the issuance of an Incentive Award that is a Spin-off Award, or the issuance of an Incentive Award in connection with the acquisition by the Company of an unrelated entity. This paragraph may not be amended, altered or repealed by the Board of Directors or the Committee without approval of the stockholders of the Company.

 

(j)          Vesting Limitation on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

 

Any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Incentive Award (other than any Spin-off Awards) that vests solely on the basis of the passage of time ( e.g., not on the basis of achievement of Performance Goals) shall not fully vest more quickly than over the three year period beginning on the Grant Date. Any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Performance-Based Awards (other than any Spin-off Awards) shall not vest prior to the first anniversary of the Grant Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3(j): (i) the Committee may provide that such vesting restrictions may lapse or be waived upon the Participant’s death, Disability or termination of service, or upon a Change of Control, (ii) Incentive Awards that result in the issuance of an aggregate of up to five percent (5%) of the Share Limit (as may be adjusted as provided under the terms of the Plan) may be granted to any one or more Participants without respect to such minimal vesting provisions, and (iii) the minimal vesting restrictions shall not apply to any Incentive Award made to any member of the Board of Directors as a component of the payment for his or her service on the Board of Directors.

 

 
8

 

 

4

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

 

The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall from time to time designate the persons who shall be granted Incentive Awards and the amount, type and other features of each Incentive Award.

 

The Committee shall have full authority to administer the Plan, including authority to interpret and construe any provision of the Plan and the terms of any Award Agreement or any Incentive Award issued under it and to adopt such rules and regulations for administering the Plan as it may deem necessary or appropriate. The Committee shall determine whether an authorized leave of absence or absence due to military or government service shall constitute termination of employment. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be made by the Committee. Decisions of the Committee shall be final and binding on all Participants. Determinations made by the Committee under the Plan need not be uniform but may be made on a Participant-by-Participant basis. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, resolve to administer the Plan, in which case the term “Committee” as used herein shall be deemed to mean the Board of Directors.

 

The Committee may, in its absolute discretion, without amendment to the Plan, (i) accelerate the date on which any Option or SAR granted under the Plan becomes exercisable, (ii) waive or amend the operation of Plan provisions respecting exercise after termination of service or otherwise adjust any of the terms of such Option or SAR and (iii) accelerate the Vesting Date, or waive any condition imposed hereunder, with respect to any share of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit or otherwise adjust any of the terms applicable to such share.

 

No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action, omission or determination relating to the Plan, and the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee and each other director or employee of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been delegated against any cost or expense (including counsel fees and expenses) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Board of Directors, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) arising out of any action, omission or determination relating to the Plan, unless, in either case, such action, omission or determination was taken or made by such member, director or employee in bad faith and without reasonable belief that it was in the best interests of the Company.

 

5

ELIGIBILITY

 

The persons who shall be eligible to receive Incentive Awards under the Plan shall be such employees of the Company (including (i) employees who are also directors and (ii) prospective employees conditioned on their becoming employees), non-employee consultants or service providers, and non-employee directors of the Company as the Committee shall designate from time to time. In addition, persons entitled to receive Incentive Awards pursuant to the operation of the Employee Matters Agreement shall be eligible to receive Spin-off Awards under the Plan.

 

 
9

 

 

6

AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN; AWARD AGREEMENTS

 

The Committee may grant Options, SARs, shares of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Stock Bonuses, in such amounts and with such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan.

 

Each Incentive Award granted under the Plan (except an unconditional Stock Bonus) shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall contain such provisions as the Committee may in its sole discretion deem necessary or desirable. By accepting an Incentive Award, a Participant thereby agrees that the Incentive Award shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

 

7

OPTIONS

 

(a)            Identification of Options

 

Each Option shall be clearly identified in the applicable Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option. In the absence of such identification, an Option will be deemed to be a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

 

(b)            Exercise Price

 

Each Award Agreement with respect to an Option shall set forth the amount (the “Exercise Price”) payable by the holder to the Company upon exercise of the Option. The Exercise Price for an Option shall be determined by the Committee but shall in no event be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock on the Grant Date.

 

(c)            Term and Exercise of Options

 

(1)     The applicable Award Agreement will provide the date or dates on which an Option shall become exercisable. The Committee shall determine the expiration date of each Option; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the Grant Date. Unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise, no Option (other than any Spin-off Awards) shall be exercisable prior to the first anniversary of the Grant Date.

 

(2)     An Option may be exercised for all or any portion of the shares as to which it is exercisable; provided, that no partial exercise of an Option shall be for an aggregate exercise price of less than $1,000. The partial exercise of an Option shall not cause the expiration, termination or cancellation of the remaining portion thereof.

 

(3)     Unless the Committee determines otherwise, an Option shall be exercised by delivering notice to the Company’s principal office, to the attention of its Secretary (or the Secretary’s designee), no less than one nor more than ten (10) business days in advance of the effective date of the proposed exercise. Such notice shall specify the number of shares of Company Stock with respect to which the Option is being exercised and the effective date of the proposed exercise and shall be signed by the Participant or other person then having the right to exercise the Option. Payment for shares of Company Stock purchased upon the exercise of an Option shall be made on the effective date of such exercise by one or a combination of the following means: (i) in cash, by certified check, bank cashier’s check or wire transfer; (ii) subject to the approval of the Committee, in shares of Company Stock owned by the Participant for at least six months prior to the date of exercise and valued at their Fair Market Value on the effective date of such exercise; or (iii) by means of a broker assisted cashless exercise procedure complying with applicable law, and (iv) by such other provision as the Committee may from time to time authorize. Any payment in shares of Company Stock shall be effected by the delivery of such shares to the Secretary (or the Secretary’s designee) of the Company, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by stock powers duly executed in blank, together with any other documents and evidences as the Secretary (or the Secretary’s designee) of the Company shall require.

 

 
10

 

 

(4)     Stock certificates for shares of Company Stock purchased upon the exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Participant or other person entitled to receive such shares, and delivered to the Participant or such other person reasonably promptly following the effective date on which the Option is exercised.

 

(d)            Limitations on Incentive Stock Options

 

(1)     Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or any “subsidiary corporation” thereof (within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code and the applicable regulations thereunder).

 

(2)     To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Company Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year under the Plan and any other stock option plan of the Company (or any “subsidiary corporation” of the Company within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code) shall exceed $100,000, or such higher value as may be permitted under Section 422 of the Code, such Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code. Such Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the Grant Date on which each such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

 

(3)     No Incentive Stock Option may be granted to an individual if, at the time of the grant, such individual owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or any “subsidiary corporation” of the Company within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code), unless (i) the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock at the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted and (ii) such Incentive Stock Option (other than any Spin-off Awards) is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Grant Date on which such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

 

(e)            Effect of Termination of Employment

 

(1)     Unless the applicable Award Agreement provides or the Committee shall determine otherwise, in the event that the employment of a Participant with the Company shall terminate for any reason other than for Cause, on account of Disability of the Participant or death of the Participant: (i) Options granted to such Participant, to the extent that they were exercisable at the time of such termination, shall remain exercisable until the date that is three (3) months after such termination, on which date they shall expire; and (ii) Options granted to such Participant, to the extent that they were not exercisable at the time of such termination, shall expire at the close of business on the date of such termination. The three-month period described in this Section 7(e)(1) shall be extended to one year in the event of the Participant’s death during such three-month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of its term.

 

(2)     Unless the applicable Award Agreement provides or the Committee shall determine otherwise, in the event that the employment of a Participant with the Company shall terminate on account of the Disability or death of the Participant: (i) Options granted to such Participant, to the extent that they were exercisable at the time of such termination, shall remain exercisable until the first anniversary of such termination, on which date they shall expire; and (ii) Options granted to such Participant, to the extent that they were not exercisable at the time of such termination, shall expire at the close of business on the date of such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of its term.

 

 
11

 

 

(3)     In the event of the termination of a Participant’s employment for Cause, all outstanding Options granted to such Participant shall cease to be exercisable, if applicable, and expire at the commencement of business on the date of such termination.

 

(f)            Acceleration of Exercise Date Upon Change in Control

 

Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, each Option granted under the Plan and outstanding at such time shall become fully and immediately exercisable and shall remain exercisable until its expiration, termination or cancellation pursuant to the terms of the Plan. In addition, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion, cancel any outstanding Options and pay to the holders thereof, in cash or stock, or any combination thereof, the value of such Options based upon the price per share of Company Stock to be received by other stockholders of the Company in the Change in Control less the Exercise Price of each Option. Additionally, in the event of a Change of Control, with respect to any Option with an Exercise Price that equals or exceeds the price per share of Common Stock to be received by the other stockholders of the Company in the Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion, cancel any outstanding Option without payment of consideration therefor.

 

(g)           Transferability of Option

 

Except as otherwise provided in an applicable Award Agreement, during the lifetime of a Participant each Option granted to a Participant shall be exercisable only by the Participant and no Option shall be assignable or transferable otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Committee may in its sole discretion on a case by case basis, in any applicable agreement evidencing an Option (other than, to the extent inconsistent with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code applicable to Incentive Stock Options), permit a Participant to transfer all or some of the Options to (i) the Participant’s Immediate Family Members, or (ii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family Members. Following any such transfer, any transferred Options shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the transfer. “Immediate Family Members” shall mean a Participant’s spouse, child(ren) and grandchild(ren). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Non-Qualified Stock Options may be transferred to a Participant’s former spouse pursuant to a property settlement made part of an agreement or court order incident to the divorce.

 

8

SARS

 

(a)            Exercise Price

 

The exercise price per share of a SAR shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, but shall in no event be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock on the Grant Date.

 

(b)            Benefit Upon Exercise

 

The exercise of SARs with respect to any number of shares of Company Stock shall entitle the Participant to receive unrestricted, fully transferable shares of Company Stock, which shall be issued reasonably promptly after the date on which the SARs are exercised, equal in value to the number of SARs exercised multiplied by (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock on the exercise date over (ii) the exercise price of the SAR. Any fractional share amounts shall be settled in cash. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares of Company Stock issued may be subject to restrictions on transfer as a result of applicable securities laws or pursuant to Section 15.

 

 
12

 

 

(c)            Term and Exercise of SARS

 

(1)     The applicable Award Agreement will provide the dates or dates on which a SAR shall become exercisable. The Committee shall determine the expiration date of each SAR; provided, however, that no SAR shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the Grant Date. Unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise, no SAR shall be exercisable prior to the first anniversary of the Grant Date.

 

(2)     A SAR may be exercised for all or any portion of the shares as to which it is exercisable; provided, that no partial exercise of a SAR shall be for an aggregate exercise price of less than $1,000. The partial exercise of a SAR shall not cause the expiration, termination or cancellation of the remaining portion thereof.

 

(3)     Unless the Committee determines otherwise, a SAR shall be exercised by delivering notice to the Company’s principal office, to the attention of its Secretary (or the Secretary’s designee), no less than one nor more than ten (10) business days in advance of the effective date of the proposed exercise. Such notice shall specify the number of shares of Company Stock with respect to which the SAR is being exercised, and the effective date of the proposed exercise, and shall be signed by the Participant.

 

(d)            Effect of Termination of Employment

 

The provisions set forth in Section 7(e) with respect to the exercise of Options following termination of employment shall apply as well to such exercise of SARs.

 

(e)            Acceleration of Exercise Date Upon Change in Control

 

Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, any SAR granted under the Plan and outstanding at such time shall become fully and immediately exercisable and shall remain exercisable until its expiration, termination or cancellation pursuant to the terms of the Plan. In addition, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion, cancel any outstanding SARs and pay to the holders thereof, in cash or stock, or any combination thereof, the value of such SARs based upon the price per share of Company Stock to be received by other stockholders of the Company in the Change in Control less the exercise price of each SAR. Additionally, in the event of a Change of Control, with respect to any SAR with an exercise price that equals or exceeds the price per share of Common Stock to be received by the other stockholders of the Company in the Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion, cancel any outstanding SAR without payment of consideration therefor.

 

9

RESTRICTED STOCK

 

(a)          General and Vesting Date

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 3(j) hereof, on a Grant Date of any shares of Restricted Stock, the Committee shall establish a Vesting Date or Vesting Dates with respect to such shares of Restricted Stock. The Committee may divide such shares of Restricted Stock into classes and assign a different Vesting Date to each class. Reasonably promptly after any shares of Restricted Stock have been granted, the Company shall cause the specified number of shares of Restricted Stock to be issued in the name of the Participant in accordance with the provisions of Section 9(e). Provided that all conditions to the vesting of a share of Restricted Stock imposed pursuant to Section 9(b) are satisfied, and except as provided in Section 9(g), upon the occurrence of the Vesting Date with respect to a share of Restricted Stock, such share shall vest and the restrictions of Section 9(c) shall cease to apply to such share.

 

 
13

 

 

(b)            Conditions to Vesting

 

At the time of the grant of shares of Restricted Stock, the Committee may impose such restrictions or conditions to the vesting of such shares as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the Committee may require, as a condition to the vesting of any class or classes of shares of Restricted Stock, that the Participant or the Company achieves such performance goals as the Committee may specify under Section 12.

 

(c)            Restrictions on Transfer Prior to Vesting

 

Prior to the vesting of a share of Restricted Stock, no transfer of a Participant’s rights with respect to such share, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall be permitted. Immediately upon any attempt to transfer such rights, such share, and all of the rights related thereto, shall be forfeited by the Participant.

 

(d)            Rights as Stockholder

 

Upon issuance of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have, unless otherwise provided by the Committee, all rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares, subject to any restrictions set forth in an Award Agreement, including the right to receive any dividend or other distribution with respect to such shares of Restricted Stock. The Committee in its sole discretion may require that any dividends paid on shares of Restricted Stock shall be held in escrow until all restrictions on such shares have lapsed.

 

(e)            Issuance of Certificates

 

(1)     Reasonably promptly after any shares of Restricted Stock have been granted, the Company shall cause to be issued a stock certificate, registered in the name of the Participant to whom such shares were granted, evidencing such shares; provided, that the Company shall not cause such a stock certificate to be issued to such Participant unless it has received a stock power duly endorsed in blank from the Participant with respect to such shares. Each such stock certificate shall bear any such legend as the Committee may determine. Such legend shall not be removed until such shares vest pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

(2)     Each certificate issued pursuant to this Section 9(e), together with the stock powers relating to the shares of Restricted Stock evidenced by such certificate, shall be held by the Company in such manner as the Company may determine unless the Committee determines otherwise.

 

(f)            Consequences of Vesting

 

Upon the vesting of a share of Restricted Stock pursuant to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, the restrictions of Section 9(c) shall cease to apply to such share. Reasonably promptly after a share of Restricted Stock vests, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Participant to whom such shares were granted, a stock certificate evidencing such share, free of the legend set forth in Section 9(e). Notwithstanding the foregoing, such share still may be subject to restrictions on transfer as a result of applicable securities laws or pursuant to Section 15.

 

 
14

 

 

(g)            Effect of Termination of Employment

 

(1)     Unless the applicable Award Agreement or the Committee determines otherwise, in the event of the termination of a Participant’s service to the Company for any reason other than for Cause, all shares of Restricted Stock granted to such Participant which have not vested as of the date of such termination shall immediately be forfeited and returned to the Company. The Committee also shall have the right to require the return of all dividends paid on such shares, whether by termination of any escrow arrangement under which such dividends are held or otherwise.

 

(2)     In the event of the termination of a Participant’s employment for Cause, all shares of Restricted Stock granted to such Participant which have not vested prior to the date of such termination shall immediately be forfeited and returned to the Company, together with any dividends credited on such shares by termination of any escrow arrangement under which such dividends are held or otherwise.

 

(h)            Effect of Change in Control

 

Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, all outstanding shares of Restricted Stock that have not previously vested shall immediately vest. In addition, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion, cancel any outstanding shares of Restricted Stock and pay to the holders thereof, in cash or stock, or any combination thereof, the value of such shares of Restricted Stock based upon the price per share of Company Stock to be received by other stockholders of the Company in the Change in Control.

 

10

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

 

(a)           Vesting Date

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 3(j) hereof, at the time of the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Committee shall establish a Vesting Date or Vesting Dates with respect to such Restricted Stock Units. The Committee may divide such Restricted Stock Units into classes and assign a different Vesting Date to each class. Provided that all conditions to the vesting of a Restricted Stock Unit imposed pursuant to Section 10(c) are satisfied, and except as provided in Section 10(d), upon the occurrence of the Vesting Date with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit, such Restricted Stock Unit shall vest and shares of Company Stock will be delivered pursuant to Section 10(b).

 

(b)           Benefit Upon Vesting

 

Upon the vesting of a Restricted Stock Unit, the Participant shall be entitled to receive one unrestricted, fully transferable share of Company Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit scheduled to be vested on such date and not previously forfeited. Delivery of the share of Company Stock will occur as soon as practicable following the date of vesting or, if otherwise specified in the applicable Award Agreement, on such later settlement date or dates as specified in the Award Agreement, and a Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to each Restricted Stock Unit until delivery of the share or payment is made as specified in the Award Agreement. If explicitly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to (i) pay cash or (ii) pay part in cash and part in Company Stock in lieu of delivering only shares of Company Stock in settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering shares of Company Stock, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Company Stock as of the date on which such Restricted Stock Units vested or, if a later settlement date is specified in the Award Agreement, the Fair Market Value of the Company Stock as of the specified date of settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares of Company Stock issued may be subject to restrictions on transfer as a result of applicable securities laws or pursuant to Section 15.

 

 
15

 

 

(c)            Conditions to Vesting

 

At the time of the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Committee may impose such restrictions or conditions to the vesting of such Restricted Stock Units as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the Committee may require, as a condition to the vesting of any class or classes of Restricted Stock Units, that the Participant or the Company achieves such performance goals as the Committee may specify under Section 12.

 

(d)            Dividends on Restricted Stock Units

 

The Committee may, in its sole discretion and as would be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, require each Restricted Stock Unit to be credited with dividends paid by the Company with respect to one share of Company Stock (“Dividend Equivalents”). Dividend Equivalents shall be withheld by the Company and credited to the Participant’s account, and interest may be credited on the amount of cash Dividend Equivalents credited to the Participant’s account at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Dividend Equivalents credited to a Participant’s account and attributable to any particular Restricted Stock Unit (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed in cash or, at the sole discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such Dividend Equivalents and earnings, if applicable, to the Participant upon settlement of such Restricted Stock Unit and, if such Restricted Stock is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such Dividend Equivalents.

 

(e)            Effect of Termination of Employment

 

(1)     Unless the applicable Award Agreement or the Committee determines otherwise, Restricted Stock Units that have not vested, together with dividends, if any, credited on such Restricted Stock Units, shall be forfeited upon the Participant’s termination of employment for any reason other than for Cause.

 

(2)     In the event of the termination of a Participant’s employment for Cause, all Restricted Stock Units granted to such Participant that have not vested as of the date of such termination shall immediately be forfeited, together with dividends, if any, credited on such shares.

 

(f)            Effect of Change in Control

 

Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control all outstanding Restricted Stock Units that have not theretofore vested shall immediately vest. In addition, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion, cancel any outstanding Restricted Stock Units and pay to the holders thereof, in cash or stock, or any combination thereof, the value of such Restricted Stock Units based upon the price per share of Company Stock to be received by other stockholders of the Company in the Change in Control.

 

11

STOCK BONUSES

 

In the event that the Committee grants a Stock Bonus, a certificate for the shares of Company Stock comprising such Stock Bonus shall be issued in the name of the Participant to whom such grant was made and delivered to such Participant as soon as practicable after the date on which such Stock Bonus is payable.

 

 
16

 

 

12

PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS

 

(a)         Purpose.

 

The purpose of this Section 12 is to provide the Committee the ability to qualify Incentive Awards as Qualified Performance-Based Compensation. If the Committee, in its sole discretion, decides to grant a Performance-Based Award to a Covered Employee, the provisions of this Section 12 shall control over any contrary provision contained in Sections 7, 8, 9 or 10; provided, however, that the Committee may in its sole discretion grant Incentive Awards to Covered Employees and to other Participants that are based on Performance Criteria or Performance Goals, but that do not satisfy the requirements of this Section 12.

 

(b)         Applicability.

 

This Section 12 shall apply only to those Covered Employees selected by the Committee to receive Performance-Based Awards, which are intended to qualify as Qualified Performance-Based Compensation. The designation of a Covered Employee as a Participant for a Performance Period shall not in any manner entitle the Participant to receive an Incentive Award for the period. Moreover, designation of a Covered Employee as a Participant for a particular Performance Period shall not require designation of such Covered Employee as a Participant in any subsequent Performance Period and designation of one Covered Employee as a Participant shall not require designation of any other Covered Employees as Participants in such period or in any other period.

 

(c)         Procedures with Respect to Performance-Based Awards.

 

To the extent necessary to comply with the Qualified Performance-Based Compensation requirements of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, with respect to any Incentive Award granted under Sections 7, 8, 9 or 10 that may be granted to one or more Covered Employees, no later than ninety (90) days following the commencement of any fiscal year in question or any other designated fiscal period or period of service (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code), the Committee shall, in writing, (a) designate one or more Covered Employees, (b) select the Performance Criteria applicable to the Performance Period, (c) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts of such Incentive Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period, and (d) specify the relationship between Performance Criteria and the Performance Goals and the amounts of such Incentive Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Covered Employee for such Performance Period. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved for such Performance Period. In determining the amount of an Incentive Award earned by a Covered Employee, the Committee shall have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the amount of Incentive Award payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Committee may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period.

 

(d)         Payment of Performance-Based Awards.

 

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant must be employed by the Company or a Subsidiary on the day a Performance-Based Award for such Performance Period is paid to the Participant. Furthermore, a Participant shall be eligible to receive payment pursuant to a Performance-Based Award for a Performance Period only if, and to the extent, the Performance Goals for such period are achieved.

 

 
17

 

 

(e)         Additional Limitations.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Incentive Award that is granted to a Covered Employee and is intended to constitute Qualified Performance-Based Compensation shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m) of the Code) or any regulations or rulings issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as qualified performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, and the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.

 

13

RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER

 

Except as provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or have any rights as a stockholder with respect to, any shares of Company Stock covered by or relating to any Incentive Award until the date of issuance of shares of Company Stock relating to such Incentive Award to such holder of the Incentive Award.

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided in Sections 3(e) or (f) or as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, no adjustment to any Incentive Award shall be made as a result of dividends or other rights being issued with respect to Company Stock for which the record date for such dividend or other rights occurred prior to the date on which the shares of Company Stock relating to such Incentive Award were issued to the holder of such Incentive Award.

 

14

SPIN-OFF AWARDS

 

(a)         Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the terms of the Plan will apply to Spin-off Awards only to the extent that such terms are not inconsistent with the Employee Matters Agreement.

 

(b)         Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the exercise price of a Spin-off Award that is an Option or an SAR may be less than the Fair Market Value of Company Stock on the date on which such Option or SAR is granted in order to preserve the intrinsic value, in full, of the outstanding Greatbatch equity award prior to the Spin-off.

 

(c)         For Spin-off Awards granted to Participants who remain active employees, directors or service providers of Greatbatch or any of its subsidiaries after the Spin-off, the Participant will be deemed to have terminated employment or service, as applicable, for purposes of his or her Spin-off Award when he or she terminates employment with or service to Greatbatch or its subsidiaries.

 

15

DEFERRAL OF AWARDS

 

The Committee may permit or require the deferral of payment or settlement of any Restricted Stock Unit or Stock Bonus subject to such rules and procedures as it may establish in its sole discretion. Payment or settlement of Options or SARs may not be deferred unless such deferral would not cause the provisions of Section 409A of the Code to be violated.

 

16

RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER OF SHARES

 

The Committee may impose, either in the Award Agreement or at the time shares of Company Stock are issued in settlement of an Incentive Award, restrictions on the ability of the Participant to sell or transfer such shares of Company Stock.

 

 
18

 

 

17

NO SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS; NO RIGHT TO INCENTIVE AWARD

 

Nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall confer upon any Participant any right with respect to the continuation of employment with the Company or interfere in any way with the right of the Company, subject to the terms of any separate employment agreement to the contrary, at any time to terminate such employment or to increase or decrease the compensation of the Participant.

 

No person shall have any claim or right to receive an Incentive Award hereunder. The Committee’s granting of an Incentive Award to a Participant at any time shall neither require the Committee to grant any other Incentive Award to such Participant or other person at any time nor preclude the Committee from making subsequent grants to such Participant or any other person.

 

18

SECURITIES MATTERS

 

(a)     The Company shall be under no obligation to effect the registration pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of any interests in the Plan or any shares of Company Stock to be issued hereunder or to effect similar compliance under any state laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to cause to be issued or delivered any certificates evidencing shares of Company Stock pursuant to the Plan unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that the issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority and the requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other securities exchange or automated quotation system on which shares of Company Stock are listed. Certificates evidencing shares of Company Stock issued pursuant to the terms hereof, may bear such legends, as the Committee or the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or desirable to insure compliance with applicable securities laws.

 

(b)     The transfer of any shares of Company Stock hereunder shall be effective only at such time as counsel to the Company shall have determined that the issuance and delivery of such shares is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority and the requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other securities exchange or automated quotation system on which shares of Company Stock are listed. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, defer the effectiveness of any transfer of shares of Company stock hereunder in order to allow the issuance of such shares to be made pursuant to registration or an exemption from registration or other methods for compliance available under federal or state securities laws. The Company shall inform the Participant in writing of the Committee’s decision to defer the effectiveness of a transfer. During the period of such a deferral in connection with the exercise of an Option, the Participant may, by written notice, withdraw such exercise and obtain the refund of any amount paid with respect thereto.

 

(c)     It is intended that the Plan be applied and administered in compliance with Rule 16b-3. If any provision of the Plan would be in violation of Rule 16b-3 if applied as written, such provision shall not have effect as written and shall be given effect so as to comply with Rule 16b-3, as determined by the Committee. The Committee is authorized to amend the Plan and to make any such modifications to Award Agreements to comply with Rule 16b-3, as it may be amended from time to time, and to make any other such amendments or modifications deemed necessary or appropriate to better accomplish the purposes of the Plan in light of any amendments made to Rule 16b-3.

 

19

WITHHOLDING TAXES

 

Whenever cash is to be paid pursuant to an Incentive Award, the Company shall have the right to deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and local withholding tax requirements related thereto.

 

 
19

 

 

Whenever shares of Company Stock are to be delivered pursuant to an Incentive Award, the Company shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and local withholding tax requirements related thereto. With the approval of the Committee, which it shall have sole discretion to grant and which approval may be evidenced by the presence in the Award Agreement of an appropriate reference to such right, a Participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by electing to have the Company withhold from delivery shares of Company Stock having a value equal to the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld. Such shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date as of which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined. Any fractional share amounts shall be settled in cash. Such a withholding election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the shares of Company Stock to be delivered pursuant to an Incentive Award. Any tax withholding above the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld must be deducted from other amounts payable to the Participant or must be paid in cash by the Participant.

 

20

NOTIFICATION OF ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) OF THE CODE

 

If any Participant shall, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Company Stock under the Plan, make the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code (i.e., an election to include in gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b) of the Code) and permitted under the terms of the Award Agreement, such Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under the authority of Code Section 83(b).

 

21

NOTIFICATION UPON DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION UNDER SECTION 421(b) OF THE CODE

 

Each Award Agreement with respect to an Incentive Stock Option shall require the Participant to notify the Company of any disposition of shares of Company Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions) within ten (10) days of such disposition.

 

22

AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

 

The Board of Directors may, at any time, suspend or terminate the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever; provided, however, that stockholder approval shall be required if and to the extent required by Rule 16b-3 or by any comparable or successor exemption under which the Board of Directors believes it is appropriate for the Plan to qualify, or if and to the extent the Board of Directors determines that such approval is appropriate for purposes of satisfying Section 162(m), Section 422 or Section 409A of the Code or any applicable rule or listing standard of any stock exchange, automated quotation system or similar organization. Nothing herein shall restrict the Committee’s ability to exercise its discretionary authority pursuant to Section 4, which discretion may be exercised without amendment to the Plan. No action hereunder may, without the consent of a Participant, reduce the Participant’s rights under any outstanding Incentive Award.

 

23

NO OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE

 

The grant to a Participant of an Option or SAR shall impose no obligation upon such Participant to exercise such Option or SAR.

 

 
20

 

 

24

TRANSFERS UPON DEATH; NONASSIGNABILITY

 

Upon the death of a Participant outstanding Incentive Awards granted to such Participant may be exercised only by the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate or by a person who shall have acquired the right to such exercise by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. No transfer of an Incentive Award by will or the laws of descent and distribution shall be effective to bind the Company unless the Company shall have been furnished with (a) written notice thereof and with a copy of the will and/or such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer and (b) an agreement by the transferee to comply with all the terms and conditions of the Incentive Award that are or would have been applicable to the Participant and to be bound by the acknowledgments made by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Incentive Award.

 

Except as otherwise provided in this Plan, no Incentive Award or interest in it may be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Participant, whether by operation of law or otherwise, or be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process.

 

25

EXPENSES AND RECEIPTS

 

The expenses of the Plan shall be paid by the Company. Any proceeds received by the Company in connection with any Incentive Award will be used for general corporate purposes.

 

26

FAILURE TO COMPLY

 

In addition to the remedies of the Company elsewhere provided for herein, failure by a Participant (or beneficiary) to comply with any of the terms and conditions of the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement, unless such failure is remedied by such Participant (or beneficiary) within ten (10) days after notice of such failure by the Committee, shall be grounds for the cancellation and forfeiture of such Incentive Award, in whole or in part, as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine.

 

27

EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF PLAN

 

The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date. Unless earlier terminated by the Board of Directors, the right to grant Incentive Awards under the Plan will terminate on the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the Effective Date. Incentive Awards outstanding at Plan termination will remain in effect according to their terms and the provisions of the Plan.

 

28

FRACTIONAL SHARES

 

No fractional shares of Company Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash or other securities or property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares of Company Stock or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

 

29

CLAWBACK

 

Any Incentive Award that is subject to recovery under any applicable law, government regulation or rule or listing standard of any stock exchange, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such applicable law, government regulation or rule or listing standard of any stock exchange (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such applicable law, government regulation or rule or listing standard of any stock exchange).

 

 
21

 

 

30

SEVERABILITY

 

If any of the provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, whether in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

 

31

AWARDS TO NON-U.S. EMPLOYEES

 

Incentive Awards may be granted to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United States, or both, on such terms and conditions different from those applicable to Incentive Awards to Participants employed in the United States as may, in the judgement of the Committee, be necessary or desirable in order to recognize differences in local law or tax policy. The Committee may impose conditions on the exercise or vesting in Incentive Awards in order to minimize the Company’s obligations with respect to tax equalization for employees on assignment outside of their home country.

 

32

SECTION 409A

 

All Incentive Awards granted under this Plan are intended to comply with or to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and will be construed accordingly. However, the Company will not be liable to any Participant or beneficiary with respect to any adverse tax consequences arising under Section 409A or other provision of the Code. All terms of this Plan that are undefined or ambiguous must be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with Section 409A of the Code if necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code. A Participant’s right to receive any installment payments under this Plan or an Incentive Award Agreement will be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that (i) a Participant is determined to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, (b) any amounts payable under this Plan or an Award Agreement represent amounts that are subject to Section 409A of the Code, and (c) such amounts are payable solely on the Participant’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, then such amounts will not be payable to the Participant before the date that is six months after the Participant’s separation from service (or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death), to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of tax penalties on the Participant under Section 409A of the Code. Payments subject to the preceding sentence to which the Participant would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following the Participant’s separation date will be accumulated and paid on the first business day that is six months after the separation date.

 

33

APPLICABLE LAW

 

Except to the extent preempted by any applicable federal law, the Plan will be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws thereunder.

 

 

22

Exhibit 10.13

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

2016 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

FORM OF NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT – EMPLOYEES

 

This NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the date of grant set forth below (the “ Date of Grant ”) by and between Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the individual named below (the “ Optionee ”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Where the context permits, references to the Company shall include any successor to the Company.

 

Name of Optionee:

[ ]

Shares Subject to Option:

[ ] shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Common Stock ”)

Exercise Price Per Share:

$ [ ]

Date of Grant:

[ ]

Vesting Date(s):

[ ]

   
   
   

Expiration Date:

[ ]

 

1.      Number of Shares . The Company hereby grants to the Optionee an option (the “ Option ”) to purchase the total number of shares of Common Stock set forth above as Shares Subject to Option (the “ Option Shares ”) at the Exercise Price Per Share set forth above (the “ Exercise Price ”), subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan.

 

2.      Nonqualified Stock Option . The Option is intended to be a nonqualified stock option and is not intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

3.      Incorporation of Plan . The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the Option and this Agreement shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.

 

4.      Option Term . The term of the Option and of this Agreement (the “ Option Term ”) shall commence on the Date of Grant set forth above and, unless previously terminated pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement, shall terminate upon the Expiration Date set forth above. As of the Expiration Date (or such earlier date set forth in Section 7), all rights of the Optionee hereunder shall terminate.

 

 

 
 

 

 

5.      Vesting . Except as otherwise provided in Section 8, the Option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to the number of Option Shares specified on the Vesting Date(s) set forth above, in each case provided that the Optionee has been continuously employed by the Company from the Date of Grant through such Vesting Date(s). If the Optionee’s employment terminates due to Optionee’s death, Disability or retirement, it will be in the discretion of the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee whether the Option shall fully vest and be exercisable with respect to all Option Shares. Any portion of the Option that is not vested as of the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment shall be cancelled and forfeited at the time of such termination of employment. Except as set forth in Sections 7 or 8 hereof, once exercisable the Option shall continue to be exercisable at any time or times prior to the Expiration Date (subject to applicable securities laws and Company policy).

 

6.      Exercise .

 

(a)     In order to exercise the exercisable portion of the Option, the Optionee (or in the case of exercise after the Optionee’s death or incapacity, the Optionee’s executor, Committee, heir or legatee, as the case may be) must deliver to the Company an executed exercise agreement in a form approved by the Company.

 

(b)     The Exercise Price shall be payable in full at the time of exercise either: (i) in cash or by personal check, certified check, bank cashier’s check or wire transfer; (ii) in shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee and valued at their Fair Market Value on the effective date of such exercise; (iii) in a broker assisted cashless exercise or net exercise; or (iv) by any such other method as the Committee may from time to time authorize in its sole discretion.

 

7.      Termination of Employment . Upon termination of the Optionee’s employment, the Option shall be treated as follows:

 

(a)     If such termination of employment is for any reason (except as may be decided in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee in the event of death, Disability or retirement), the portion, if any, of the Option that is outstanding and exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment shall remain exercisable for the 90-day period immediately following such termination of employment, but in no event following the Expiration Date.

 

(b)     If such termination of employment is on account of the Optionee’s death, Disability or Retirement, the portion, if any, of the Option that is outstanding and exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment shall remain exercisable for the one-year period immediately following such termination of employment, but in no event following the Expiration Date.

 

8.      Change in Control . In the event of a Change in Control and provided that as of such Change in Control the Optionee has been continuously employed by the Company since the Date of Grant, vesting of the Option shall accelerate and the Option shall be immediately and fully vested and exercisable with respect to all Option Shares. Alternatively, the Committee may cancel the Option and pay Optionee in cash or stock the in-the-money value (if any) of the portion of the Option that vests by operation of the previous sentence based upon the price-per-share to be received by other holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.

 

 

 
-2-

 

 

9.      Authority of the Committee . The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construction shall be final, binding and conclusive.

 

10.      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to its principles of conflicts of law.

 

11.      Binding on Successors . The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon the Optionee and upon the Optionee’s heirs, executors, Committees, personal representatives, transferees, assignees and successors in interest, and upon the Company and its successors and assignees.

 

12.      Assignment and Transferability . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither the Option, this Agreement nor any rights granted herein shall be assignable or transferable by the Optionee, other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution, or as otherwise determined by the Committee for estate planning purposes.

 

13.      Necessary Acts . The Optionee hereby agrees to perform all acts, and to execute and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to all acts and documents related to compliance with federal and/or state securities and/or tax laws.

 

14.      Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement and understanding among the parties as to the subject matter hereof, and supersede any other agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

15.      Headings . Headings are used solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not be deemed to be a limitation upon or descriptive of the contents of any such Section.

 

16.      Counterparts; Electronic Signature . 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. The Optionee’s electronic signature of this Agreement shall have the same validity and effect as a signature affixed by the Optionee’s hand.

 

17.      Withholding Taxes . As a condition to exercise of the Option, the Optionee shall be required to pay to the Company an amount the Company deems necessary to satisfy its current or future obligation to withhold federal, state or local income or other taxes that the Optionee and/or the Company incurs upon the Optionee’s exercise of the Option. The Optionee may satisfy this withholding obligation: (a) in cash or by personal check, certified check, bank cashier’s check or wire transfer; (b) in shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee and valued at their Fair Market Value on the effective date of exercise of the Option; (c) in a broker assisted cashless exercise or net exercise; or (d) by any such other method as the Committee may from time to time authorize in its sole discretion. The Committee, in its discretion, may deny the Optionee’s request to satisfy the withholding obligations using a method described in clause (a) or (b).

 

 

 
-3-

 

 

18.      Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by first class mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, and shall be deemed to have been duly given three days after mailing to the respective parties named below:

 

If to the Company:

Nuvectra Corporation

 

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

 

Plano, Texas 75024

 

Attention: General Counsel

   

If to the Optionee:

At the address in the Company’s payroll records.

 

Either party hereto may change such party’s address for notices by notice duly given pursuant hereto.

 

19.      Amendment . No amendment or modification hereof shall be valid unless it shall be in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.

 

20.      Acceptance . The Optionee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and this Agreement. The Optionee has read and understand the terms and provision thereof, and accepts the Option subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement.

   

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 

 
-4-

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

OPTIONEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

-5-

Exhibit 10.14  

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

2016 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT - EMPLOYEES

 

This Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the date of grant set forth below (the “ Date of Grant ”) by and between Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the individual named below (“ Grantee ”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Nuvectra Corporation Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Where the context permits, references to the Company shall include any successor to the Company.

 

Name of Grantee:

[ ]

Number of Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”):

[ ]

Date of Grant:

__________ __, 20__

Vesting Date(s):

[ ]

 

1.      Award of RSUs . The Company hereby grants to Grantee the total number of RSUs set forth above as the “Number of Restricted Stock Units”. Each RSU entitles Grantee, subject to Grantee ’s continuous employment with the Company through the vesting date of the RSU, to receive from the Company: (a) one (1) share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, (“ Common Stock ”); and (b) a cash payment equal to the sum of any ordinary cash dividends paid to stockholders of the Company during period that began on the Date of Grant and ends on the vesting date of such RSU (the “ Restricted Period ”), each in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, and any rules and procedures adopted by the Committee.

   

2.      Rights of Ownership . During the applicable Restricted Period, the RSUs will be subject to forfeiture. Until the Restricted Period ends with respect to a particular RSU and a share of Common Stock is delivered to Grantee, Grantee generally will not have the rights and privileges of a stockholder. In particular, Grantee will not have the right to vote the RSUs on any matter put to the stockholders of the Company; Grantee may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, use as collateral or otherwise dispose of or encumber the RSUs; and Grantee will not have the right to receive any dividends or dividend equivalents on the RSUs or the right to receive any dividend paid to stockholders on a share of Common Stock.

     

3.      Settlement of Vested RSUs . Upon expiration or termination of the Restricted Period with respect to the RSUs, and subject to the forfeiture provisions set forth below, each RSU for which the restrictions have lapsed will be exchanged for a certificate (either in paper or book entry form) evidencing one (1) share of Common Stock issued in Grantee’s name (or other name(s) designated by Grantee) and a cash payment equal to the dividends that would have been paid to Grantee had Grantee owned such share of Common Stock from the Date of Grant until the vesting date of the underlying RSU (“ Accrued Dividend Equivalents ”). Grantee’s shares of Common Stock and the cash payment for the Accrued Dividend Equivalents will be delivered to Grantee within ninety (90) days of the vesting date of the underlying RSU. In the event section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code applies because Grantee is a specified employee receiving a distribution on account of a termination of employment, delivery of Common Stock and the Accrued Dividend Equivalents may be delayed for six (6) months from such date; similarly, if Grantee is an insider subject to the reporting provisions of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, delivery of Common Stock following the expiration of the Restricted Period for any reason may be delayed for six months. Grantee will be notified if he or she is a specified employee for purposes of section 409A of the Code.

 

 

 
 

 

     

4.      Vesting . Except as otherwise provided in Section 5, the RSUs shall vest upon the date(s) set forth above as the Vesting Date(s), in each case provided that Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company from the Date of Grant through such Vesting Date(s). If the Grantee’s employment terminates due to Grantee’s death, Disability or retirement, it will be in the discretion of the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee whether the RSUs shall fully vest or be forfeited. If Grantee’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason other than as described in the preceding two sentences, any unvested RSUs then held by Grantee shall be immediately forfeited by Grantee and cancelled.

   

5.      Change in Control . In the event of a Change in Control and provided that as of such Change in Control Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company since the Date of Grant, vesting of the RSUs shall accelerate and the RSUs shall become fully vested.

 

6.      Incorporation of Plan . The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the RSUs and this Agreement shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.

 

7.      Authority of the Committee . The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construction shall be final, binding and conclusive.

 

8.      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to its principles of conflicts of law.

 

9.      Binding on Successors . The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon Grantee and upon Grantee’s heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, transferees, assignees and successors in interest, and upon the Company and its successors and assignees.

 

10.    Securities Laws Requirements . The Company shall not be obligated to issue shares of Company Stock to Grantee if such transfer, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, would violate the Securities Act of 1933 (or any other federal or state statutes having similar requirements as may be in effect at that time).

 

 

 
-2-

 

 

11.      Necessary Acts . Grantee hereby agrees to perform all acts, and to execute and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to all acts and documents related to compliance with federal and/or state securities and/or tax laws.

 

12.      Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement and understanding among the parties as to the subject matter hereof, and supersede any other agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

13.      Headings . Headings are used solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not be deemed to be a limitation upon or descriptive of the contents of any such Section.

 

14.      Counterparts; Electronic Signature . 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. Grantee’s electronic signature of this Agreement shall have the same validity and effect as a signature affixed by Grantee’s hand.

 

15.      Taxes . The Company may require Grantee to pay to the Company an amount the Company deems necessary to satisfy its current or future obligation to withhold federal, state or local income or other taxes that Grantee incurs as a result of the award, vesting or settlement of the RSUs. Grantee may satisfy this withholding obligation: (a) in cash or by personal check, certified check, bank cashier’s check or wire transfer; (b) in shares of Common Stock owned by Grantee and value at their Fair Market Value on the date on which the withholding obligation arises; (c) net settlement; or (d) by any such other method as the Committee may from time to time authorize in its sole discretion. The Committee, in its discretion, may deny Grantee’s request to satisfy the withholding obligations using a method described in clause (a) or (b).

 

16.      Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by first class mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, and shall be deemed to have been duly given three days after mailing to the respective parties named below:

 

If to the Company:

Nuvectra Corporation

 

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

 

Plano, Texas 75024

 

Attention: General Counsel

   

If to Grantee:

At the address in the Company’s payroll records.

 

Either party hereto may change such party’s address for notices by notice duly given pursuant hereto.

 

17.      Amendment . No amendment or modification hereof shall be valid unless it shall be in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.

 

18.      Acceptance . Grantee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and this Agreement. Grantee has read and understand the terms and provision thereof, and accepts the Restricted Shares subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 
-3-

 

     

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

GRANTEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

-4-

Exhibit 10.15

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

201 6 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

FORM OF NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT – NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

 

This NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the date of grant set forth below (the “ Date of Grant ”) by and between Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the individual named below (the “ Optionee ”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Where the context permits, references to the Company shall include any successor to the Company.

 

Name of Optionee:

[    ]

   

Shares Subject to Option:

[    ] shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Common Stock ”)

   

Exercise Price Per Share:

$ [    ]

   

Date of Grant:

[    ]

   

Vesting Date(s):

[            ]

   
   
   

Expiration Date:

[    ]

 

1.      Number of Shares . The Company hereby grants to the Optionee an option (the “ Option ”) to purchase the total number of shares of Common Stock set forth above as Shares Subject to Option (the “ Option Shares ”) at the Exercise Price Per Share set forth above (the “ Exercise Price ”), subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan.

 

2.      Nonqualified Stock Option . The Option is intended to be a nonqualified stock option and is not intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

3.      Incorporation of Plan . The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the Option and this Agreement shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.

 

4.     Option Term . The term of the Option and of this Agreement (the “ Option Term ”) shall commence on the Date of Grant set forth above and, unless previously terminated pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement, shall terminate upon the Expiration Date set forth above. As of the Expiration Date (or such earlier date set forth in Section 7), all rights of the Optionee hereunder shall terminate.

 

 
 

 

   

5.      Vesting . Except as otherwise provided in Section 8, the Option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to the number of Option Shares specified on the Vesting Date(s) set forth above, in each case provided that the Optionee has been in continuous service with the Company from the Date of Grant through such Vesting Date(s). If the Optionee’s service terminates due to Optionee’s death or Disability (as defined below), the Option shall fully vest and be exercisable with respect to all Option Shares. Any portion of the Option that is not vested as of the date of the Optionee’s termination of service shall be cancelled and forfeited at the time of such termination of service. Except as set forth in Sections 7 or 8 hereof, once exercisable the Option shall continue to be exercisable at any time or times prior to the Expiration Date (subject to applicable securities laws and Company policy).

 

6.      Exercise .

 

(a)     In order to exercise the exercisable portion of the Option, the Optionee (or in the case of exercise after the Optionee’s death or incapacity, the Optionee’s executor, Committee, heir or legatee, as the case may be) must deliver to the Company an executed exercise agreement in a form approved by the Company.

 

(b)     The Exercise Price shall be payable in full at the time of exercise either: (i) in cash or by personal check, certified check, bank cashier’s check or wire transfer; (ii) in shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee and valued at their Fair Market Value on the effective date of such exercise; (iii) in a broker assisted cashless exercise or net exercise; or (iv) by any such other method as the Committee may from time to time authorize in its sole discretion.

 

7.      Termination of Service . Upon termination of the Optionee’s service with the Company, the Option shall be treated as follows:

 

(a)     If such termination of service is for any reason other than death or Disability, the portion, if any, of the Option that is outstanding and exercisable as of the date of such termination of service shall remain exercisable for the 90-day period immediately following such termination of service, but in no event following the Expiration Date.

 

(b)     If such termination of service is on account of the Optionee’s death, or Disability, the portion, if any, of the Option that is outstanding and exercisable as of the date of such termination of service shall remain exercisable for the one-year period immediately following such termination of service, but in no event following the Expiration Date.

 

8.      Change in Control . In the event of a Change in Control and provided that as of such Change in Control the Optionee has been in continuous service with the Company since the Date of Grant, vesting of the Option shall accelerate and the Option shall be immediately and fully vested and exercisable with respect to all Option Shares. Alternatively, the Committee may cancel the Option and pay Optionee in cash or stock the in-the-money value (if any) of the portion of the Option that vests by operation of the previous sentence based upon the price-per-share to be received by other holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.

 

 
- 2 -

 

   

9.      Authority of the Committee . The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construction shall be final, binding and conclusive.

 

10.      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to its principles of conflicts of law.

 

11.      Binding on Successors . The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon the Optionee and upon the Optionee’s heirs, executors, Committees, personal representatives, transferees, assignees and successors in interest, and upon the Company and its successors and assignees.

 

12.      Assignment and Transferability . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither the Option, this Agreement nor any rights granted herein shall be assignable or transferable by the Optionee, other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution, or as otherwise determined by the Committee for estate planning purposes.

 

13.      Necessary Acts . The Optionee hereby agrees to perform all acts, and to execute and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to all acts and documents related to compliance with federal and/or state securities and/or tax laws.

 

14.      Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement and understanding among the parties as to the subject matter hereof, and supersede any other agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

15.      Headings . Headings are used solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not be deemed to be a limitation upon or descriptive of the contents of any such Section.

 

16.      Counterparts; Electronic Signature . 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. The Optionee’s electronic signature of this Agreement shall have the same validity and effect as a signature affixed by the Optionee’s hand.

 

 
- 3 -

 

   

17.      Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by first class mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, and shall be deemed to have been duly given three days after mailing to the respective parties named below:

 

If to the Company:

Nuvectra Corporation

 

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

 

Plano, Texas 75024

 

Attention: General Counsel

   

If to the Optionee:

At the address in the Company’s payroll records.

 

Either party hereto may change such party’s address for notices by notice duly given pursuant hereto.

 

18.      Amendment . No amendment or modification hereof shall be valid unless it shall be in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.

 

19.      Acceptance . The Optionee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and this Agreement. The Optionee has read and understand the terms and provision thereof, and accepts the Option subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement.

 

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 
- 4 -

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION:

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

       
       
  OPTIONEE:  
       
       
       
     
  Name:    

 

 

 

- 5 -

Exhibit 10.16

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

2016 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT – NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

 

This Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the date of grant set forth below (the “ Date of Grant ”) by and between Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the individual named below (“ Grantee ”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Nuvectra Corporation Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Where the context permits, references to the Company shall include any successor to the Company.

 

Name of Grantee:

[            ]

   

Number of Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”):

[     ]

   

Date of Grant:

__________ __, 20__

   

Vesting Date(s):

[            ]

 

1.      Award of RSUs . The Company hereby grants to Grantee the total number of RSUs set forth above as the “Number of Restricted Stock Units”. Each RSU entitles Grantee, subject to Grantee ’s continuous service with the Company through the vesting date of the RSU, to receive from the Company: (a) one (1) share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, (“ Common Stock ”); and (b) a cash payment equal to the sum of any ordinary cash dividends paid to stockholders of the Company during period that began on the Date of Grant and ends on the vesting date of such RSU (the “ Restricted Period ”), each in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, and any rules and procedures adopted by the Committee.  

 

2.      Rights of Ownership . During the applicable Restricted Period, the RSUs will be subject to forfeiture. Until the Restricted Period ends with respect to a particular RSU and a share of Common Stock is delivered to Grantee, Grantee generally will not have the rights and privileges of a stockholder. In particular, Grantee will not have the right to vote the RSUs on any matter put to the stockholders of the Company; Grantee may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, use as collateral or otherwise dispose of or encumber the RSUs; and Grantee will not have the right to receive any dividends or dividend equivalents on the RSUs or the right to receive any dividend paid to stockholders on a share of Common Stock.  

 

3.      Settlement of Vested RSUs . Upon expiration or termination of the Restricted Period with respect to the RSUs, and subject to the forfeiture provisions set forth below, each RSU for which the restrictions have lapsed will be exchanged for a certificate (either in paper or book entry form) evidencing one (1) share of Common Stock issued in Grantee’s name (or other name(s) designated by Grantee) and a cash payment equal to the dividends that would have been paid to Grantee had Grantee owned such share of Common Stock from the Date of Grant until the vesting date of the underlying RSU (“ Accrued Dividend Equivalents ”). Grantee’s shares of Common Stock and the cash payment for the Accrued Dividend Equivalents will be delivered to Grantee within ninety (90) days of the vesting date of the underlying RSU.   

 

 
 

 

   

4.      Vesting . Except as otherwise provided in Section 5, the RSUs shall vest upon the date(s) set forth above as the Vesting Date(s), in each case provided that Grantee has been in continuous service with the Company from the Date of Grant through such Vesting Date(s). If Grantee’s service with the Company terminates due to death or Disability, all RSUs shall become fully vested. If Grantee’s service with the Company terminates for any reason other than as described in the preceding two sentences, any unvested RSUs then held by Grantee shall be immediately forfeited by Grantee and cancelled.  

 

5.      Change in Control . In the event of a Change in Control and provided that as of such Change in Control Grantee has been in continuous service with the Company since the Date of Grant, vesting of the RSUs shall accelerate and the RSUs shall become fully vested.

 

6.      Incorporation of Plan . The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the RSUs and this Agreement shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.

 

7.     Authority of the Committee . The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construction shall be final, binding and conclusive.

 

8.      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to its principles of conflicts of law.

 

9.      Binding on Successors . The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon Grantee and upon Grantee’s heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, transferees, assignees and successors in interest, and upon the Company and its successors and assignees.

 

10.      Securities Laws Requirements . The Company shall not be obligated to issue shares of Company Stock to Grantee if such transfer, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, would violate the Securities Act of 1933 (or any other federal or state statutes having similar requirements as may be in effect at that time).

 

11.      Necessary Acts . Grantee hereby agrees to perform all acts, and to execute and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to all acts and documents related to compliance with federal and/or state securities and/or tax laws.

 

12.      Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement and understanding among the parties as to the subject matter hereof, and supersede any other agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

 
-2-

 

   

13.      Headings . Headings are used solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not be deemed to be a limitation upon or descriptive of the contents of any such Section.

 

14.      Counterparts; Electronic Signature . 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. Grantee’s electronic signature of this Agreement shall have the same validity and effect as a signature affixed by Grantee’s hand.

 

15.      Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by first class mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, and shall be deemed to have been duly given three days after mailing to the respective parties named below:

 

If to the Company:

Nuvectra Corporation

 

5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100

 

Plano, Texas 75024

 

Attention: General Counsel

   

If to Grantee:

At the address in the Company’s payroll records.

 

Either party hereto may change such party’s address for notices by notice duly given pursuant hereto.

 

16.      Amendment . No amendment or modification hereof shall be valid unless it shall be in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.

 

17.      Acceptance . Grantee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and this Agreement. Grantee has read and understand the terms and provision thereof, and accepts the Restricted Shares subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 
-3-

 

   

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION:

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

  Name:    
  Title:    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  GRANTEE:  
       
       
       
     
  Name:    

 

 

 

-4-

Exhibit 10.17

DIRECTOR INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Director Indemnification Agreement, dated as of ______________ (this “ Agreement ”), is made by and between Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and ___________________ (“ Indemnitee ”).

 

RECITALS :

 

A.     Section 141 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides that the business and affairs of a corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its board of directors.

 

B.     By virtue of the managerial prerogatives vested in the directors of a Delaware corporation, directors act as fiduciaries of the corporation and its stockholders.

 

C.     Thus, it is critically important to the Company and its stockholders that the Company be able to attract and retain the most capable persons reasonably available to serve as directors of the Company.

 

D.     In recognition of the need for corporations to be able to induce capable and responsible persons to accept positions in corporate management, Delaware law authorizes (and in some instances requires) corporations to indemnify their directors and officers, and further authorizes corporations to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of their directors and officers.

 

E.     The Delaware courts have recognized that indemnification by a corporation serves the dual policies of (1) allowing corporate officials to resist unjustified lawsuits, secure in the knowledge that, if vindicated, the corporation will bear the expense of litigation and (2) encouraging capable women and men to serve as corporate directors and officers, secure in the knowledge that the corporation will absorb the costs of defending their honesty and integrity.

 

F.      Under Delaware law, a director’s right to be reimbursed for the costs of defense of criminal actions, whether such claims are asserted under state or federal law, does not depend upon the merits of the claims asserted against the director and is separate and distinct from any right to indemnification the director may be able to establish, and indemnification of the director against criminal fines and penalties is permitted if the director satisfies the applicable standard of conduct.

 

G.     Indemnitee is a director of the Company and his/her willingness to serve in such capacity is predicated, in substantial part, upon the Company’s willingness to indemnify him/her in accordance with the principles reflected above, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of Delaware, and upon the other undertakings set forth in this Agreement.

 

H.     Therefore, in recognition of the need to provide Indemnitee with substantial protection against personal liability, in order to procure Indemnitee’s continued service as a director of the Company and to enhance Indemnitee’s ability to serve the Company in an effective manner, and in order to provide such protection pursuant to express contract rights (intended to be enforceable irrespective of, among other things, any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws (collectively, the “ Constituent Documents ”), any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) or any change-in-control or business combination transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancement of Expenses (as defined in Section 1(e)) to Indemnitee as set forth in this Agreement and for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

 

 

 
1

 

 

I.     In light of the considerations referred to in the preceding recitals, it is the Company’s intention and desire that the provisions of this Agreement be construed liberally, subject to their express terms, to maximize the protections to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder.

 

AGREEMENT :

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.      Certain Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used in this Agreement with initial capital letters:

 

(a)      An “ Affiliate ” of, or a Person “Affiliated” with, a specified Person, means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under current control with, the Person specified.

 

(b)      Change in Control ” means:

 

(i)      any acquisition or series of acquisitions by any Person other than the Company, any of the subsidiaries of the Company, any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any of their subsidiaries, or any Person holding common shares of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of such employee benefit plan, that results in that Person becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of either the then outstanding shares of the common stock of the Company (“ Outstanding Company Common Stock ”) or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to then vote generally in the election of directors of the Company (“ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”), except that any such acquisition of Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities will not constitute a Change in Control while such Person does not exercise the voting power of its Outstanding Company Common Stock or otherwise exercise control with respect to any matter concerning or affecting the Company, or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, and promptly sells, transfers, assigns or otherwise disposes of that number of shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock necessary to reduce its beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of the Outstanding Company Common Stock to below 30%.

 

(ii)      during any period not longer than 24 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, of each new Board member was approved by a vote of at least 3/4ths of the Board members then still in office who were Board members at the beginning of such period (including for these purposes, new members whose election or nomination was so approved).

 

 

 
2

 

 

(iii)      approval by the stockholders of the Company of:

 

(A)      a dissolution or liquidation of the Company,

 

(B)      a sale of 50% or more of the assets of the Company, taken as a whole (with the stock or other ownership interests of the Company in any of its subsidiaries constituting assets of the Company for this purpose) to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company (for purposes of this paragraph “sale” means any change of ownership), or

 

(C)      an agreement to merge or consolidate or otherwise reorganize, with or into one or more Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company, as a result of which less than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting entity immediately after any such merger, consolidation or reorganization are, or will be, owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of the Company immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization (assuming for purposes of such determination that there is no change in the record ownership of the Company’s securities from the record date for such approval until such merger, consolidation or reorganization and that such record owners hold no securities of the other parties to such merger, consolidation or reorganization), but including in such determination any securities of the other parties to such merger, consolidation or reorganization held by Affiliates of the Company.

 

(c)      Claim means (i) any threatened, asserted, pending or completed claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law; and (ii) any threatened, pending or completed inquiry or investigation, whether made, instituted or conducted by the Company or any other person, including without limitation any federal, state or other governmental entity, that Indemnitee determines might lead to the institution of any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding.

 

(d)      “Controlled Affiliate” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, that is directly or indirectly controlled by the Company. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of an entity or enterprise, whether through the ownership of voting securities, through other voting rights, by contract or otherwise; provided that direct or indirect beneficial ownership of capital stock or other interests in an entity or enterprise entitling the holder to cast 20% or more of the total number of votes generally entitled to be cast in the election of directors (or persons performing comparable functions) of such entity or enterprise shall be deemed to constitute control for purposes of this definition.

 

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

 

(f)      Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

 
3

 

 

(g)      Expenses means attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses and all other costs and expenses paid or payable in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in or participate in (including on appeal), any Claim. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(h)      “Incumbent Directors” means the individuals who, as of the date hereof, are directors of the Company and any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, or appointment, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the then Incumbent Directors (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination); provided , however , that an individual shall not be an Incumbent Director if such individual’s election or appointment to the Board occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-12(c) of the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.

 

(i)      Indemnifiable Claim means any Claim based upon, arising out of or resulting from (i) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, as to which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent, (ii) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in respect of any business, transaction, communication, filing, disclosure or other activity of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence, or (iii) Indemnitee’s status as a current or former director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a current or former director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence or any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in connection with any obligation or restriction imposed upon Indemnitee by reason of such status. In addition to any service at the actual request of the Company, for purposes of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be deemed to be serving or to have served at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of another entity or enterprise if Indemnitee is or was serving as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of such entity or enterprise and (i) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was a Controlled Affiliate, (ii) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or a Controlled Affiliate, or (iii) the Company or a Controlled Affiliate directly or indirectly caused or authorized Indemnitee to be nominated, elected, appointed, designated, employed, engaged or selected to serve in such capacity.

 

(j)      Indemnifiable Losses” means any and all Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim.

 

(k)      Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company (or any subsidiary of the Company) or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other named (or, as to a threatened matter, reasonably likely to be named) party to the Indemnifiable Claim 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.

 

 

 
4

 

 

(l)      Losses means any and all Expenses, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other) and amounts paid in settlement, including without limitation all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing.

 

(m)      Person ” has the meaning given that term in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act but excluding any Person described in and satisfying the conditions of Rule 13d-1(b)(1) of Section 13.

 

2.      Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director of the Company for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders [his/her] resignation or is no longer serving in such capacity. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment agreement between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that [his/her] service to the Company or any of its subsidiaries is at will and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment agreement between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Company’s Constituent Documents or Delaware law.

 

3.      Indemnification Obligation. Subject to Section 8, the Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted indemnification, against any and all Indemnifiable Claims and Indemnifiable Losses, including, without limitation, Indemnifiable Claims brought by or in the right of the Company, Indemnifiable Claims brought by third parties, and Indemnifiable Claims in which the Indemnitee is solely a witness; provided , however , that, except as provided in Sections 5 and 21, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement in connection with any Claim (i) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or any director or officer of the Company unless the Company has joined in or consented to the initiation of such Claim; (ii) for disgorgement of profits arising from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company in violation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or any similar successor statute; (iii) if a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such indemnification is prohibited by applicable law or (iv) for Indemnitee's reimbursement to the Company of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation previously received by Indemnitee or payment of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in connection with an accounting restatement of the Company or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act).

 

 

 
5

 

 

4.      Advancement of Expenses. Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, have the right to advancement by the Company prior to the final disposition of any Indemnifiable Claim of any and all Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim paid or incurred by Indemnitee. Indemnitee’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within thirty (30) calendar days after any request by Indemnitee, the Company shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), (a) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance to Indemnitee funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses, or (c) reimburse Indemnitee for such Expenses; provided that Indemnitee shall repay, without interest any amounts actually advanced to Indemnitee that, at the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim to which the advance related, were in excess of amounts paid or payable by Indemnitee in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim. In connection with any such payment, advancement or reimbursement, Indemnitee shall execute and deliver to the Company an undertaking in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (subject to Indemnitee filling in the blanks therein and selecting from among the bracketed alternatives therein), which need not be secured and shall be accepted without reference to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses. In no event shall Indemnitee’s right to the payment, advancement or reimbursement of Expenses pursuant to this Section 4 be conditioned upon any undertaking that is less favorable to Indemnitee than, or that is in addition to, the undertaking set forth in Exhibit A .

 

5.      Indemnification for Additional Expenses. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within thirty (30) calendar days of such request, any and all Expenses paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Claim made, instituted or conducted by Indemnitee for (a) indemnification or payment, advancement or reimbursement of Expenses by the Company under any provision of this Agreement, or under any other agreement or provision of the Constituent Documents now or hereafter in effect relating to Indemnifiable Claims, and/or (b) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless in each case of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, reimbursement, advance or insurance recovery, as the case may be; provided , however , that Indemnitee shall return, without interest, any such advance of Expenses (or portion thereof) which remains unspent at the final disposition of the Claim to which the advance related.

 

6.      Partial Indemnity. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Indemnifiable Loss, but not for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

7.      Procedure for Notification . To obtain indemnification under this Agreement in respect of an Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor as soon as practicable after receiving notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, including a brief description (based upon information then available to Indemnitee) of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss. In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee’s power. If, at the time of the receipt of such request, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss is potentially available, the Company shall give prompt written notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The Company shall provide to Indemnitee a copy of such notice delivered to the applicable insurers, and copies of all subsequent correspondence between the Company and such insurers regarding the Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, in each case substantially concurrently with the delivery or receipt thereof by the Company. The failure by Indemnitee to timely notify the Company of any Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss shall not relieve the Company from any liability hereunder unless, and only to the extent that, the Company did not otherwise learn of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss and such failure results in forfeiture by the Company of substantial defenses, rights or insurance coverage.

 

 

 
6

 

 

8.      Determination of Right to Indemnification .

 

(a)      To the extent that (i) Indemnitee shall have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including without limitation dismissal without prejudice or (ii) Indemnitee’s involvement in any Indemnifiable Claim is to prepare to serve and serve as a witness, and not as a party, Indemnitee shall, in each case, be indemnified against all Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim in accordance with Section 3. For purposes of this Section 8(a)(i), “successful on the merits or otherwise” shall include situations where the Indemnitee’s actions render a substantial benefit to the Company at the expense or temporary hardship of the Indemnitee. To the extent the provisions of Section 8(a) are applicable to an Indemnifiable Claim, no Standard of Conduct Determination (as defined in Section 8(b)) shall be required. 

 

(b)      To the extent that the provisions of Section 8(a) are inapplicable to an Indemnifiable Claim that shall have been finally disposed of, any determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law that is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim (a “ Standard of Conduct Determination ”) shall be made as follows: (i) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, or if a Change in Control shall have occurred but Indemnitee shall have requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to this clause (i), (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board, (B) if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of all Disinterested Directors, or (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; and (ii) if a Change in Control shall have occurred and Indemnitee shall not have requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to clause (i), by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. Indemnitee will cooperate with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination, including providing to such person or persons, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within thirty (30) calendar days of such request, any and all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination.

 

 

 
7

 

 

(c)      The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any Standard of Conduct Determination required under Section 8(b) to be made as promptly as practicable. If (i) the person or persons empowered or selected under Section 8(b) to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall not have made a determination within 30 calendar days after the later of (A) receipt by the Company of written notice from Indemnitee advising the Company of the final disposition of the applicable Indemnifiable Claim (the date of such receipt being the “ Notification Date ”) and (B) the selection of an Independent Counsel, if such determination is to be made by Independent Counsel, that is permitted under the provisions of Section 7(e) to make such determination and (ii) Indemnitee shall have fulfilled his/her obligations set forth in the second sentence of Section 7(b), then Indemnitee shall be deemed to have satisfied the applicable standard of conduct; provided that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed an additional 30 days, if the person or persons making such determination in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluation or documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

(d)      If (i) Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses pursuant to Section 8(a), (ii) no determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, or (iii) Indemnitee has been determined or deemed pursuant to Section 8(b) or (c) to have satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law which is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, then the Company shall pay to Indemnitee, within thirty (30) calendar days after the later of (x) the Notification Date in respect of the Indemnifiable Claim or portion thereof to which such Indemnifiable Losses are related, out of which such Indemnifiable Losses arose or from which such Indemnifiable Losses resulted and (y) the earliest date on which the applicable criterion specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this subsection shall have been satisfied, an amount equal to the amount of such Indemnifiable Losses.

 

(e)      If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 8(b)(i), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 7(b)(ii), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee, and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either case, Indemnitee or the Company, as applicable, may, within five (5) business days after receiving written notice of selection from the other, deliver to the other 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 satisfy the criteria set forth in the definition of “Independent Counsel” in Section 1(h), and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person or firm so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is properly and timely made and substantiated, (i) the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit and (ii) the non-objecting party may, at its option, select an alternative Independent Counsel and give written notice to the other party advising such other party of the identity of the alternative Independent Counsel so selected, in which case the provisions of the two immediately preceding sentences and clause (i) of this sentence shall apply to such subsequent selection and notice. If applicable, the provisions of clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to successive alternative selections. If no Independent Counsel that is permitted under the foregoing provisions of this Section 8(e) to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall have been selected within thirty (30) days after the Company gives its initial notice pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 8(e) or Indemnitee gives its initial notice pursuant to the second sentence of this Section 8(e), as the case may be, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person or firm selected by the Court or by such other person as the Court shall designate, and the person or firm with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person or firm so appointed will act as Independent Counsel. In all events, the Company shall pay all of the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel incurred in connection with the Independent Counsel’s determination pursuant to Section 8(b).

 

 

 
8

 

 

9.      Presumption of Entitlement . (a) In making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the person or persons making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct, and the Company may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. Any Standard of Conduct Determination that is adverse to Indemnitee may be challenged by the Indemnitee in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. No determination by the Company (including by its directors or any Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not satisfied any applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to any Claim by Indemnitee for indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company hereunder or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct.

 

(b)      For purposes of this Agreement, and without creating any presumption as to a lack of good faith if the following circumstances do not exist, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company if Indemnitee's actions or omissions to act are taken in good faith reliance upon the records of the Company, including its financial statements, or upon information, opinions, reports or statements furnished to Indemnitee by the officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the course of their duties, or by committees of the Board 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. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnity hereunder.

 

 

 
9

 

 

10.      No Other Presumption. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, will not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any applicable standard of conduct or that indemnification hereunder is otherwise not permitted.

 

11.      Non-Exclusivity. The rights of Indemnitee hereunder will be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Constituent Documents, or the substantive laws of the Company’s jurisdiction of incorporation, any other contract or otherwise (collectively, “ Other Indemnity Provisions ”); provided , however , that (a) to the extent that Indemnitee otherwise would have any greater right to indemnification under any Other Indemnity Provision, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder and (b) to the extent that any change is made to any Other Indemnity Provision which permits any greater right to indemnification than that provided under this Agreement as of the date hereof, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder. The Company will not adopt any amendment to any of the Constituent Documents the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber Indemnitee’s right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

12.      Liability Insurance and Funding. For the duration of Indemnitee’s service as a director and/or officer of the Company, and thereafter for so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any pending or possible Indemnifiable Claim, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the scope and amount of coverage available relative to the cost thereof) to cause to be maintained in effect policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing coverage for directors and/or officers of the Company that is at least substantially comparable in scope and amount to that provided by the Company’s current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. The Company shall, upon request, provide Indemnitee with a copy of all directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies. In all policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by the Company, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are provided to the most favorably insured of the Company's directors by such policy. Without limiting the generality or effect of the two immediately preceding sentences, the Company shall not discontinue or significantly reduce the scope or amount of coverage from one policy period to the next (i) without the prior approval thereof by a majority vote of the Incumbent Directors, even if less than a quorum, or (ii) if at the time that any such discontinuation or significant reduction in the scope or amount of coverage is proposed there are no Incumbent Directors, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Company may, but shall not be required to, create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means, including without limitation a letter of credit, to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy its obligations to indemnify and advance expenses pursuant to this Agreement.

 

13.      Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the related rights of recovery of Indemnitee against other persons or entities (other than Indemnitee’s successors), including any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(f). Indemnitee shall execute all papers reasonably required to evidence such rights (all of Indemnitee’s reasonable Expenses, including attorneys’ fees and charges, related thereto to be reimbursed by or, at the option of Indemnitee, advanced by the Company).

 

 

 
10

 

 

14.      No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment to Indemnitee in respect of any Indemnifiable Losses to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (net of Expenses incurred in connection therewith) under any insurance policy, the Constituent Documents and Other Indemnity Provisions or otherwise (including from any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(f)) in respect of such Indemnifiable Losses otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.

 

15.      Defense of Claims. The Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee; provided that if Indemnitee reasonably believes, after consultation with counsel selected by Indemnitee, that (a) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent Indemnitee would present such counsel with an actual or potential conflict, (b) the named parties in any such Indemnifiable Claim (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and Indemnitee and Indemnitee shall conclude that there may be one or more legal defenses available to him or her that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company, or (c) any such representation by such counsel would be precluded under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain separate counsel (but not more than one law firm plus, if applicable, local counsel in respect of any particular Indemnifiable Claim) at the Company’s expense. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of any such Indemnifiable Claim, the Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any Expenses subsequently directly incurred by Indemnitee in connection with Indemnitee's defense of such Indemnifiable Claim other than reasonable costs of investigation or as otherwise provided in the prior sentence. The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim effected without the Company’s prior written consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, effect any settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim to which the Indemnitee is, or could have been, a party unless such settlement solely involves the payment of money and includes a complete and unconditional release of the Indemnitee from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such Indemnifiable Claim. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold its consent to any proposed settlement; provided that Indemnitee may withhold consent to any settlement that does not provide a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee.

 

16.      Duration. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period that Indemnitee is a director of the Company (or is serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, as to which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent) and shall continue thereafter (i) so long as Indemnitee may be subject to any possible Indemnifiable Claim (including any rights of appeal thereto) and (ii) throughout the pendency of any proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto) commenced by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret his or her rights under this Agreement, even if, in either case, he or she may have ceased to serve in such capacity at the time of any such Indemnifiable Claim or proceeding.

 

 

 
11

 

 

17.      Successors and Binding Agreement. (a) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee and his or her counsel, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any person acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor will thereafter be deemed the “ Company ” for purposes of this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable or delegatable by the Company.

 

(a)      This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Indemnitee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, legatees and other successors.

 

(b)      This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Sections 17(a) and 17(b). Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, Indemnitee’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than by a transfer by the Indemnitee’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 17(c), the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred.

 

18.      Notices. For all purposes of this Agreement, all communications, including without limitation notices, consents, requests or approvals, required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered or dispatched by electronic facsimile transmission (with receipt thereof orally confirmed), or three (3) business days after having been mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or one (1) business day after having been sent for next day delivery by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to the Company (to the attention of the General Counsel of the Company) and to Indemnitee at the applicable address shown on the signature page hereto, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing and in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

19.      Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws of such State. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware.

 

20.      Validity. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected, and the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal shall be reformed to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to make it enforceable, valid or legal. In the event that any court or other adjudicative body shall decline to reform any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal as contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence, the parties thereto shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate to replace the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal with one or more alternative provisions that effectuate the purpose and intent of the original provisions of this Agreement as fully as possible without being invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal.

 

 

 
12

 

 

21.      Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be waived, modified or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Indemnitee and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. References to Sections are to references to Sections of this Agreement.

 

22.      Legal Fees and Expenses. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees and or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. Accordingly, without limiting the generality or effect of any other provision hereof, if it should appear to Indemnitee that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement (including its obligations under Section 4) or in the event that the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, the Company irrevocably authorizes the Indemnitee from time to time to retain counsel of Indemnitee’s choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to advise and represent Indemnitee in connection with any such interpretation, enforcement or defense, including without limitation the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Company or any director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with the Company, in any jurisdiction. Without respect to whether Indemnitee prevails, in whole or in part, in connection with any of the foregoing, the Company will pay and be solely financially responsible for any and all attorneys’ and related fees and expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any of the foregoing.

 

23.      Certain Interpretive Matters. Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (a) “it” or “its” or words of any gender include each other gender, (b) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (c) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (d) the terms “Article,” “Section,” “Annex” or “Exhibit” refer to the specified Article, Section, Annex or Exhibit of or to this Agreement, (e) the terms “include,” “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” (whether or not so expressed), and (f) the word “or” is disjunctive but not exclusive. Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number will refer to calendar days unless business days are specified and whenever action must be taken (including the giving of notice or the delivery of documents) under this Agreement during a certain period of time or by a particular date that ends or occurs on a non-business day, then such period or date will be extended until the immediately following business day. As used herein, “business day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a United States federal holiday.

 

 

 
13

 

 

24.      Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

   

 

[Signatures Appear On Following Page]

 

 

 
14

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Indemnitee has executed and the Company has caused its duly authorized representative to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

       
  Address for Notices :  
    5700 Granite Parkway  
    Suite 960  
    Plano, Texas 75024  

 

 

 

[NAME]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address for Notices :

 

 

 

 
15

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

UNDERTAKING

   

This Undertaking is submitted pursuant to the Director Indemnification Agreement, dated as of ________________, ____ (the “ Indemnification Agreement ”), between ______________, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the undersigned. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Indemnification Agreement.

 

The undersigned hereby requests [payment], [advancement], [reimbursement] by the Company of Expenses which the undersigned has incurred in connection with _____________ (the “ Indemnifiable Claim ”).

 

The undersigned hereby undertakes to repay the [payment], [advancement], [reimbursement] of Expenses made by the Company to or on behalf of the undersigned in response to the foregoing request if it is determined, following the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim and in accordance with Section 8 of the Indemnification Agreement, that the undersigned is not entitled to indemnification by the Company under the Indemnification Agreement with respect to the Indemnifiable Claim.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Undertaking as of this _____ day of ______________, ____.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

[Indemnitee]

 

   

 

16

Exhibit 10.18

 

OFFICer INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Officer Indemnification Agreement, dated as of ______________ (this “ Agreement ”), is made by and between Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and ___________________ (“ Indemnitee ”).

 

RECITALS :

 

A.     Pursuant to Sections 141 and 142 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, significant authority with respect to the management of the Company has been delegated to the officers of the Company.

 

B.     Thus, it is critically important to the Company and its stockholders that the Company be able to attract and retain the most capable persons reasonably available to serve as officers of the Company.

 

C.     In recognition of the need for corporations to be able to induce capable and responsible persons to accept positions in corporate management, Delaware law authorizes (and in some instances requires) corporations to indemnify their directors and officers, and further authorizes corporations to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of their directors and officers.

 

D.     The Delaware courts have recognized that indemnification by a corporation serves the dual policies of (1) allowing corporate officials to resist unjustified lawsuits, secure in the knowledge that, if vindicated, the corporation will bear the expense of litigation and (2) encouraging capable women and men to serve as corporate directors and officers, secure in the knowledge that the corporation will absorb the costs of defending their honesty and integrity.

 

E.      Under Delaware law, an officer’s right to be reimbursed for the costs of defense of criminal actions, whether such claims are asserted under state or federal law, does not depend upon the merits of the claims asserted against the officer and is separate and distinct from any right to indemnification the officer may be able to establish, and indemnification of the officer against criminal fines and penalties is permitted if the officer satisfies the applicable standard of conduct.

 

F.     Indemnitee is an officer of the Company and his/her willingness to serve in such capacity is predicated, in substantial part, upon the Company’s willingness to indemnify him/her in accordance with the principles reflected above, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of Delaware, and upon the other undertakings set forth in this Agreement.

 

G.     Therefore, in recognition of the need to provide Indemnitee with substantial protection against personal liability, in order to procure Indemnitee’s continued service as an officer of the Company and to enhance Indemnitee’s ability to serve the Company in an effective manner, and in order to provide such protection pursuant to express contract rights (intended to be enforceable irrespective of, among other things, any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws (collectively, the “ Constituent Documents ”), any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) or any change-in-control or business combination transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancement of Expenses (as defined in Section 1(e)) to Indemnitee as set forth in this Agreement and for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

 

 

 
1

 

 

H.     In light of the considerations referred to in the preceding recitals, it is the Company’s intention and desire that the provisions of this Agreement be construed liberally, subject to their express terms, to maximize the protections to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder.

 

AGREEMENT :

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.      Certain Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used in this Agreement with initial capital letters:

 

(a)      An “ Affiliate ” of, or a Person “Affiliated” with, a specified Person, means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under current control with, the Person specified.

 

(b)      Change in Control ” means:

 

(i)      any acquisition or series of acquisitions by any Person other than the Company, any of the subsidiaries of the Company, any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any of their subsidiaries, or any Person holding common shares of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of such employee benefit plan, that results in that Person becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of either the then outstanding shares of the common stock of the Company (“ Outstanding Company Common Stock ”) or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to then vote generally in the election of directors of the Company (“ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”), except that any such acquisition of Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities will not constitute a Change in Control while such Person does not exercise the voting power of its Outstanding Company Common Stock or otherwise exercise control with respect to any matter concerning or affecting the Company, or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, and promptly sells, transfers, assigns or otherwise disposes of that number of shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock necessary to reduce its beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of the Outstanding Company Common Stock to below 30%.

 

(ii)      during any period not longer than 24 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, of each new Board member was approved by a vote of at least 3/4ths of the Board members then still in office who were Board members at the beginning of such period (including for these purposes, new members whose election or nomination was so approved).

 

(iii)      approval by the stockholders of the Company of:

 

(A)      a dissolution or liquidation of the Company,

 

 

 
2

 

 

(B)      a sale of 50% or more of the assets of the Company, taken as a whole (with the stock or other ownership interests of the Company in any of its subsidiaries constituting assets of the Company for this purpose) to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company (for purposes of this paragraph “sale” means any change of ownership), or

 

(C)      an agreement to merge or consolidate or otherwise reorganize, with or into one or more Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company, as a result of which less than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting entity immediately after any such merger, consolidation or reorganization are, or will be, owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of the Company immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization (assuming for purposes of such determination that there is no change in the record ownership of the Company’s securities from the record date for such approval until such merger, consolidation or reorganization and that such record owners hold no securities of the other parties to such merger, consolidation or reorganization), but including in such determination any securities of the other parties to such merger, consolidation or reorganization held by Affiliates of the Company.

 

(c)      Claim means (i) any threatened, asserted, pending or completed claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law; and (ii) any threatened, pending or completed inquiry or investigation, whether made, instituted or conducted by the Company or any other person, including without limitation any federal, state or other governmental entity, that Indemnitee determines might lead to the institution of any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding.

 

(d)      “Controlled Affiliate” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, that is directly or indirectly controlled by the Company. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of an entity or enterprise, whether through the ownership of voting securities, through other voting rights, by contract or otherwise; provided that direct or indirect beneficial ownership of capital stock or other interests in an entity or enterprise entitling the holder to cast 20% or more of the total number of votes generally entitled to be cast in the election of directors (or persons performing comparable functions) of such entity or enterprise shall be deemed to constitute control for purposes of this definition.

 

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

 

(f)      Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(g)      Expenses means attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses and all other costs and expenses paid or payable in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in or participate in (including on appeal), any Claim. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

 

 
3

 

 

(h)      “Incumbent Directors” means the individuals who, as of the date hereof, are Directors of the Company and any individual becoming a Director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, or appointment, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the then Incumbent Directors (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination); provided , however , that an individual shall not be an Incumbent Director if such individual’s election or appointment to the Board occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-12(c) of the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of Directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.

 

(i)      Indemnifiable Claim means any Claim based upon, arising out of or resulting from (i) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, as to which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent, (ii) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in respect of any business, transaction, communication, filing, disclosure or other activity of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence, or (iii) Indemnitee’s status as a current or former director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a current or former director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence or any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in connection with any obligation or restriction imposed upon Indemnitee by reason of such status. In addition to any service at the actual request of the Company, for purposes of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be deemed to be serving or to have served at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of another entity or enterprise if Indemnitee is or was serving as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of such entity or enterprise and (i) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was a Controlled Affiliate, (ii) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or a Controlled Affiliate, or (iii) the Company or a Controlled Affiliate directly or indirectly caused or authorized Indemnitee to be nominated, elected, appointed, designated, employed, engaged or selected to serve in such capacity.

 

(j)      Indemnifiable Losses” means any and all Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim.

 

(k)      Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company (or any subsidiary of the Company) or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other named (or, as to a threatened matter, reasonably likely to be named) party to the Indemnifiable Claim 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.

 

 

 
4

 

 

(l)      Losses means any and all Expenses, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other) and amounts paid in settlement, including without limitation all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing.

 

(m)      Person ” has the meaning given that term in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act but excluding any Person described in and satisfying the conditions of Rule 13d-1(b)(1) of Section 13.

 

2.      Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as an officer of the Company for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders [his/her] resignation or is no longer serving in such capacity. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment agreement between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that [his/her] service to the Company or any of its subsidiaries is at will and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment agreement between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) or other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board.

 

3.      Indemnification Obligation. Subject to Section 8, the Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted indemnification, against any and all Indemnifiable Claims and Indemnifiable Losses, including, without limitation, Indemnifiable Claims brought by or in the right of the Company, Indemnifiable Claims brought by third parties, and Indemnifiable Claims in which the Indemnitee is solely a witness; provided , however , that, except as provided in Sections 5 and 21, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement in connection with any Claim (i) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or any director or officer of the Company unless the Company has joined in or consented to the initiation of such Claim; (ii) for disgorgement of profits arising from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company in violation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or any similar successor statute; (iii) if a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such indemnification is prohibited by applicable law or (iv) for Indemnitee's reimbursement to the Company of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation previously received by Indemnitee or payment of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in connection with an accounting restatement of the Company or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act).

 

4.      Advancement of Expenses. Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, have the right to advancement by the Company prior to the final disposition of any Indemnifiable Claim of any and all Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim paid or incurred by Indemnitee. Indemnitee’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within thirty (30) calendar days after any request by Indemnitee, the Company shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), (a) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance to Indemnitee funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses, or (c) reimburse Indemnitee for such Expenses; provided that Indemnitee shall repay, without interest any amounts actually advanced to Indemnitee that, at the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim to which the advance related, were in excess of amounts paid or payable by Indemnitee in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim. In connection with any such payment, advancement or reimbursement, Indemnitee shall execute and deliver to the Company an undertaking in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (subject to Indemnitee filling in the blanks therein and selecting from among the bracketed alternatives therein), which need not be secured and shall be accepted without reference to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses. In no event shall Indemnitee’s right to the payment, advancement or reimbursement of Expenses pursuant to this Section 4 be conditioned upon any undertaking that is less favorable to Indemnitee than, or that is in addition to, the undertaking set forth in Exhibit A .

 

 

 
5

 

 

5.      Indemnification for Additional Expenses. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within thirty (30) calendar days of such request, any and all Expenses paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Claim made, instituted or conducted by Indemnitee for (a) indemnification or payment, advancement or reimbursement of Expenses by the Company under any provision of this Agreement, or under any other agreement or provision of the Constituent Documents now or hereafter in effect relating to Indemnifiable Claims, and/or (b) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless in each case of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, reimbursement, advance or insurance recovery, as the case may be; provided , however , that Indemnitee shall return, without interest, any such advance of Expenses (or portion thereof) which remains unspent at the final disposition of the Claim to which the advance related.

 

6.      Partial Indemnity. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Indemnifiable Loss, but not for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

7.      Procedure for Notification . To obtain indemnification under this Agreement in respect of an Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor as soon as practicable after receiving notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, including a brief description (based upon information then available to Indemnitee) of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss. In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee’s power. If, at the time of the receipt of such request, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss is potentially available, the Company shall give prompt written notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The Company shall provide to Indemnitee a copy of such notice delivered to the applicable insurers, and copies of all subsequent correspondence between the Company and such insurers regarding the Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, in each case substantially concurrently with the delivery or receipt thereof by the Company. The failure by Indemnitee to timely notify the Company of any Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss shall not relieve the Company from any liability hereunder unless, and only to the extent that, the Company did not otherwise learn of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss and such failure results in forfeiture by the Company of substantial defenses, rights or insurance coverage.

 

 

 
6

 

 

8.      Determination of Right to Indemnification .

 

(a)      To the extent that (i) Indemnitee shall have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including without limitation dismissal without prejudice or (ii) Indemnitee’s involvement in any Indemnifiable Claim is to prepare to serve and serve as a witness, and not as a party, Indemnitee shall, in each case, be indemnified against all Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim in accordance with Section 3. For purposes of this Section 8(a)(i), “successful on the merits or otherwise” shall include situations where the Indemnitee’s actions render a substantial benefit to the Company at the expense or temporary hardship of the Indemnitee. To the extent the provisions of Section 8(a) are applicable to an Indemnifiable Claim, no Standard of Conduct Determination (as defined in Section 8(b)) shall be required. 

 

(b)      To the extent that the provisions of Section 8(a) are inapplicable to an Indemnifiable Claim that shall have been finally disposed of, any determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law that is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim (a “ Standard of Conduct Determination ”) shall be made as follows: (i) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, or if a Change in Control shall have occurred but Indemnitee shall have requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to this clause (i), (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board, (B) if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of all Disinterested Directors, or (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; and (ii) if a Change in Control shall have occurred and Indemnitee shall not have requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to clause (i), by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. Indemnitee will cooperate with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination, including providing to such person or persons, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within thirty (30) calendar days of such request, any and all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination.

 

 

 
7

 

 

(c)      The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any Standard of Conduct Determination required under Section 8(b) to be made as promptly as practicable. If (i) the person or persons empowered or selected under Section 8(b) to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall not have made a determination within 30 calendar days after the later of (A) receipt by the Company of written notice from Indemnitee advising the Company of the final disposition of the applicable Indemnifiable Claim (the date of such receipt being the “ Notification Date ”) and (B) the selection of an Independent Counsel, if such determination is to be made by Independent Counsel, that is permitted under the provisions of Section 7(e) to make such determination and (ii) Indemnitee shall have fulfilled his/her obligations set forth in the second sentence of Section 7(b), then Indemnitee shall be deemed to have satisfied the applicable standard of conduct; provided that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed an additional 30 days, if the person or persons making such determination in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluation or documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

(d)      If (i) Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses pursuant to Section 8(a), (ii) no determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, or (iii) Indemnitee has been determined or deemed pursuant to Section 8(b) or (c) to have satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law which is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, then the Company shall pay to Indemnitee, within thirty (30) calendar days after the later of (x) the Notification Date in respect of the Indemnifiable Claim or portion thereof to which such Indemnifiable Losses are related, out of which such Indemnifiable Losses arose or from which such Indemnifiable Losses resulted and (y) the earliest date on which the applicable criterion specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this subsection shall have been satisfied, an amount equal to the amount of such Indemnifiable Losses.

 

(e)      If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 8(b)(i), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 7(b)(ii), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee, and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either case, Indemnitee or the Company, as applicable, may, within five (5) business days after receiving written notice of selection from the other, deliver to the other 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 satisfy the criteria set forth in the definition of “Independent Counsel” in Section 1(h), and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person or firm so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is properly and timely made and substantiated, (i) the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit and (ii) the non-objecting party may, at its option, select an alternative Independent Counsel and give written notice to the other party advising such other party of the identity of the alternative Independent Counsel so selected, in which case the provisions of the two immediately preceding sentences and clause (i) of this sentence shall apply to such subsequent selection and notice. If applicable, the provisions of clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to successive alternative selections. If no Independent Counsel that is permitted under the foregoing provisions of this Section 8(e) to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall have been selected within thirty (30) days after the Company gives its initial notice pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 8(e) or Indemnitee gives its initial notice pursuant to the second sentence of this Section 8(e), as the case may be, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person or firm selected by the Court or by such other person as the Court shall designate, and the person or firm with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person or firm so appointed will act as Independent Counsel. In all events, the Company shall pay all of the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel incurred in connection with the Independent Counsel’s determination pursuant to Section 8(b).

 

 

 
8

 

 

9.      Presumption of Entitlement . (a) In making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the person or persons making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct, and the Company may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. Any Standard of Conduct Determination that is adverse to Indemnitee may be challenged by the Indemnitee in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. No determination by the Company (including by its directors or any Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not satisfied any applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to any Claim by Indemnitee for indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company hereunder or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct.

 

(b)      For purposes of this Agreement, and without creating any presumption as to a lack of good faith if the following circumstances do not exist, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company if Indemnitee’s actions or omissions to act are taken in good faith reliance upon the records of the Company, including its financial statements, or upon information, opinions, reports or statements furnished to Indemnitee by the officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the course of their duties, or by committees of the Board 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. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnity hereunder.

 

10.      No Other Presumption. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, will not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any applicable standard of conduct or that indemnification hereunder is otherwise not permitted.

 

11.      Non-Exclusivity. The rights of Indemnitee hereunder will be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Constituent Documents, or the substantive laws of the Company’s jurisdiction of incorporation, any other contract or otherwise (collectively, “ Other Indemnity Provisions ”); provided , however , that (a) to the extent that Indemnitee otherwise would have any greater right to indemnification under any Other Indemnity Provision, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder and (b) to the extent that any change is made to any Other Indemnity Provision which permits any greater right to indemnification than that provided under this Agreement as of the date hereof, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder. The Company will not adopt any amendment to any of the Constituent Documents the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber Indemnitee’s right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

 

 
9

 

 

12.      Liability Insurance and Funding. For the duration of Indemnitee’s service as a director and/or officer of the Company, and thereafter for so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any pending or possible Indemnifiable Claim, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the scope and amount of coverage available relative to the cost thereof) to cause to be maintained in effect policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing coverage for directors and/or officers of the Company that is at least substantially comparable in scope and amount to that provided by the Company’s current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. The Company shall, upon request, provide Indemnitee with a copy of all directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies. In all policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by the Company, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are provided to the most favorably insured of the Company's directors by such policy. Without limiting the generality or effect of the two immediately preceding sentences, the Company shall not discontinue or significantly reduce the scope or amount of coverage from one policy period to the next (i) without the prior approval thereof by a majority vote of the Incumbent Directors, even if less than a quorum, or (ii) if at the time that any such discontinuation or significant reduction in the scope or amount of coverage is proposed there are no Incumbent Directors, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Company may, but shall not be required to, create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means, including without limitation a letter of credit, to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy its obligations to indemnify and advance expenses pursuant to this Agreement.

 

13.      Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the related rights of recovery of Indemnitee against other persons or entities (other than Indemnitee’s successors), including any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(f). Indemnitee shall execute all papers reasonably required to evidence such rights (all of Indemnitee’s reasonable Expenses, including attorneys’ fees and charges, related thereto to be reimbursed by or, at the option of Indemnitee, advanced by the Company).

 

14.      No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment to Indemnitee in respect of any Indemnifiable Losses to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (net of Expenses incurred in connection therewith) under any insurance policy, the Constituent Documents and Other Indemnity Provisions or otherwise (including from any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(f)) in respect of such Indemnifiable Losses otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.

 

 

 
10

 

 

15.      Defense of Claims. The Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee; provided that if Indemnitee reasonably believes, after consultation with counsel selected by Indemnitee, that (a) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent Indemnitee would present such counsel with an actual or potential conflict, (b) the named parties in any such Indemnifiable Claim (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and Indemnitee and Indemnitee shall conclude that there may be one or more legal defenses available to him or her that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company, or (c) any such representation by such counsel would be precluded under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain separate counsel (but not more than one law firm plus, if applicable, local counsel in respect of any particular Indemnifiable Claim) at the Company’s expense. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of any such Indemnifiable Claim, the Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any Expenses subsequently directly incurred by Indemnitee in connection with Indemnitee's defense of such Indemnifiable Claim other than reasonable costs of investigation or as otherwise provided in the prior sentence. The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim effected without the Company’s prior written consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, effect any settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim to which the Indemnitee is, or could have been, a party unless such settlement solely involves the payment of money and includes a complete and unconditional release of the Indemnitee from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such Indemnifiable Claim. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold its consent to any proposed settlement; provided that Indemnitee may withhold consent to any settlement that does not provide a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee.

 

16.      Duration. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period that Indemnitee is a director of the Company (or is serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, as to which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent) and shall continue thereafter (i) so long as Indemnitee may be subject to any possible Indemnifiable Claim (including any rights of appeal thereto) and (ii) throughout the pendency of any proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto) commenced by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret his or her rights under this Agreement, even if, in either case, he or she may have ceased to serve in such capacity at the time of any such Indemnifiable Claim or proceeding.

 

17.      Successors and Binding Agreement. (a) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee and his or her counsel, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any person acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor will thereafter be deemed the “ Company ” for purposes of this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable or delegatable by the Company.

 

 

 
11

 

 

(a)      This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Indemnitee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, legatees and other successors.

 

(b)      This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Sections 17(a) and 17(b). Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, Indemnitee’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than by a transfer by the Indemnitee’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 17(c), the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred.

 

18.      Notices. For all purposes of this Agreement, all communications, including without limitation notices, consents, requests or approvals, required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered or dispatched by electronic facsimile transmission (with receipt thereof orally confirmed), or three (3) business days after having been mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or one (1) business day after having been sent for next day delivery by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to the Company (to the attention of the General Counsel of the Company) and to Indemnitee at the applicable address shown on the signature page hereto, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing and in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

19.      Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws of such State. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware.

 

20.      Validity. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected, and the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal shall be reformed to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to make it enforceable, valid or legal. In the event that any court or other adjudicative body shall decline to reform any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal as contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence, the parties thereto shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate to replace the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal with one or more alternative provisions that effectuate the purpose and intent of the original provisions of this Agreement as fully as possible without being invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal.

 

 

 
12

 

 

21.      Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be waived, modified or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Indemnitee and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. References to Sections are to references to Sections of this Agreement.

 

22.      Legal Fees and Expenses. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees and or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. Accordingly, without limiting the generality or effect of any other provision hereof, if it should appear to Indemnitee that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement (including its obligations under Section 4) or in the event that the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, the Company irrevocably authorizes the Indemnitee from time to time to retain counsel of Indemnitee’s choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to advise and represent Indemnitee in connection with any such interpretation, enforcement or defense, including without limitation the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Company or any director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with the Company, in any jurisdiction. Without respect to whether Indemnitee prevails, in whole or in part, in connection with any of the foregoing, the Company will pay and be solely financially responsible for any and all attorneys’ and related fees and expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any of the foregoing.

 

23.      Certain Interpretive Matters. Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (a) “it” or “its” or words of any gender include each other gender, (b) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (c) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (d) the terms “Article,” “Section,” “Annex” or “Exhibit” refer to the specified Article, Section, Annex or Exhibit of or to this Agreement, (e) the terms “include,” “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” (whether or not so expressed), and (f) the word “or” is disjunctive but not exclusive. Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number will refer to calendar days unless business days are specified and whenever action must be taken (including the giving of notice or the delivery of documents) under this Agreement during a certain period of time or by a particular date that ends or occurs on a non-business day, then such period or date will be extended until the immediately following business day. As used herein, “business day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a United States federal holiday.

 

24.      Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

     

 

[Signatures Appear On Following Page]

 

 

 
13

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Indemnitee has executed and the Company has caused its duly authorized representative to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.

   

 

 

NUVECTRA CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

       
  Address for Notices :  
    5700 Granite Parkway  
    Suite 960  
    Plano, Texas 75024  

 

 

 

[NAME]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Address for Notices :

 

 

 

 
14

 

   

EXHIBIT A

 

UNDERTAKING

 

 

This Undertaking is submitted pursuant to the Officer Indemnification Agreement, dated as of ________________, ____ (the “ Indemnification Agreement ”), between ______________, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the undersigned. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Indemnification Agreement.

 

The undersigned hereby requests [payment], [advancement], [reimbursement] by the Company of Expenses which the undersigned has incurred in connection with _____________ (the “ Indemnifiable Claim ”).

 

The undersigned hereby undertakes to repay the [payment], [advancement], [reimbursement] of Expenses made by the Company to or on behalf of the undersigned in response to the foregoing request if it is determined, following the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim and in accordance with Section 8 of the Indemnification Agreement, that the undersigned is not entitled to indemnification by the Company under the Indemnification Agreement with respect to the Indemnifiable Claim.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Undertaking as of this _____ day of ______________, ____.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Indemnitee]

 

 

15

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A Registration Statement on Form 10 relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2016

 

INFORMATION STATEMENT

 

 

Nuvectra Corporation

 


 

We are providing this information statement to you as a stockholder of Greatbatch, Inc., or Greatbatch, in connection with Greatbatch’s distribution to its stockholders of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Nuvectra Corporation (formerly QiG Group, LLC), or Nuvectra, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch. In this information statement, we refer to this distribution of Nuvectra common stock and the transactions related to it as the “spin-off.” All of the issued and outstanding shares of Nuvectra’s common stock will be distributed to Greatbatch stockholders on a pro rata basis in a manner that is intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes (other than with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares).

 

We expect that the distribution of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Nuvectra’s common stock in the spin-off will be made on March 14, 2016, which we refer to as the “spin-off date,” to the holders of record of Greatbatch common stock at the close of business on March 7, 2016, which we refer to as the “record date.” If you are a holder of record of Greatbatch common stock at the close of business on the record date, you will receive one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock you hold on that date. Greatbatch will distribute the shares of Nuvectra in book-entry form, which means that Nuvectra will not issue physical stock certificates.

 

You are not required to vote on or take any other action in connection with the spin-off. We are not asking you for a proxy, and you are requested not to send us a proxy. You will not be required to pay any consideration for the shares of Nuvectra common stock you receive in the spin-off or surrender or exchange your shares of Greatbatch common stock or take any action in connection with the spin-off. No approval of the Greatbatch stockholders for the spin-off is required or being sought.

 

Greatbatch currently indirectly owns all of the outstanding equity of Nuvectra. Accordingly, no trading market for Nuvectra common stock currently exists. We expect, however, that a limited trading market for Nuvectra common stock, commonly known as a “when-issued” trading market, will develop on or shortly before the record date for the spin-off, and we expect that “regular-way” trading of Nuvectra common stock will begin on the spin-off date. Nuvectra’s common stock has been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NVTR.”

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined under the federal securities laws. For implications of our status as an “emerging growth company,” please see “Summary – Emerging Growth Company Status” beginning on page 9.

 

In reviewing this information statement, you should carefully consider the matters described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 19 for a discussion of certain factors that should be considered by recipients of our common stock. 

 


 

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this information statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

This information statement is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

 


 

The date of this information statement is March 2, 2016.

 

This information statement was first mailed to Greatbatch stockholders on or about March 7, 2016.

 

 
 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

 

Page  

Summary

3

Questions and Answers About the Spin-Off

10

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

17

Risk Factors

19

The Spin-Off

42

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

49

Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off

52

Listing and Trading of our Common Stock

60

Dividend Policy

61

Capitalization

62

Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Statement

63

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

66

Business

81

Management

98

Executive Compensation

103

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

110

Description of Nuvectra Capital Stock

112

Indemnification and Limitations of Liability of Directors and Officers

116

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

117

Where You Can Find More Information

119

Index to Combined Financial Statements

F-1

 

 

Presentation of Information

 

In this information statement, unless the context requires otherwise or we specifically indicate otherwise, the terms “Nuvectra,” “we,” “our” and “us” when used in a historical context refer to QiG Group, LLC, or QiG Group, and its subsidiaries Algostim, LLC, or Algostim, and PelviStim LLC, or PelviStim, and Greatbatch’s NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc., or NeuroNexus, subsidiary, the shares of which are being transferred to us by Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off, and when used in the present or future tense refer to Nuvectra and its subsidiaries after giving effect to the spin-off. Immediately prior to completion of the spin-off, QiG Group, a Delaware limited liability company, will convert into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and all of the assets, operations and liabilities of QiG Group will become assets, operations and liabilities of Nuvectra. “Greatbatch” means Greatbatch, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, other than Nuvectra and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

The transaction in which Greatbatch will distribute the shares of Nuvectra common stock to Greatbatch stockholders is referred to in this information statement as the “distribution.” The transactions in which Nuvectra will be separated from Greatbatch and Nuvectra will become an independent publicly-traded company, including the distribution, are referred to in this information statement collectively as the “spin-off.”

 

Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, the information included in this information statement about Nuvectra assumes the completion of the spin-off.

 

This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to Greatbatch’s stockholders who will receive shares of common stock of Nuvectra in the spin-off. It is not provided as an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any securities of Greatbatch or Nuvectra. This information statement describes our business, our relationship with Greatbatch, and how the spin-off affects Greatbatch and its stockholders, and provides other information to assist you in evaluating the Nuvectra common stock that you will receive in the spin-off. You should not assume that the information contained in this information statement is accurate as of any date other than the date set forth on the front cover. Changes will occur after the date of this information statement, and neither we nor Greatbatch will update the information except in the normal course of our or Greatbatch’s respective public disclosure practices or to the extent required pursuant to federal securities laws.

 

 
1

 

 

 

Trademarks, Trade Names and Service Marks

 

We own or have rights to use the trademarks, trade names and service marks that we use in connection with the operation of our business. Some of the more important marks that we own or have the rights to use in the United States or in other jurisdictions that appear in this information statement include: Algostim, Algovita, NeuroNexus, Nuvectra and PelviStim. Our rights to some of these trademarks may be limited to select markets. Each trademark, trade name or service mark of any other company appearing in this information statement is, to our knowledge, owned by that other company.

 

 
2

 

SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights some of the information in this information statement and may not contain all of the information concerning Nuvectra, the spin-off or other information that may be important to you. You should carefully review this entire information statement, our combined financial statements and the related notes, and the unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement included in this information statement.

 

References in this information statement to the terms “Nuvectra,” “we,” “our” and “us” when used in a historical context refer to QiG Group and its subsidiaries Algostim and PelviStim and Greatbatch’s NeuroNexus subsidiary, the shares of which are being transferred to us by Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off, and when used in the present or future tense refer to Nuvectra and its subsidiaries after giving effect to the spin-off. Immediately prior to completion of the spin-off, QiG Group, a Delaware limited liability company, will convert into Nuvectra, a Delaware corporation, and all of the assets, operations and liabilities of QiG Group will become assets, operations and liabilities of Nuvectra. References in this information statement to our historical assets, liabilities, products, operations or activities of our business generally refer to the historical assets, liabilities, products, operations or activities of our business as it was historically owned, incurred or conducted by QiG Group and its subsidiaries and by NeuroNexus, as subsidiaries of Greatbatch prior to the spin-off.

 

References in this information statement to “Greatbatch” means Greatbatch, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, other than Nuvectra and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. The transaction in which Greatbatch will distribute the shares of Nuvectra common stock to Greatbatch stockholders is referred to in this information statement as the “distribution.” The transactions in which Nuvectra will be separated from Greatbatch and Nuvectra will become an independent publicly-traded company, including the distribution, are referred to in this information statement collectively as the “spin-off.” Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, the information included in this information statement assumes the completion of the spin-off and all of the transactions referred to in this information statement as occurring in connection with the spin-off.

 

Overview

 

Nuvectra is a neuromodulation medical device company initially focused on the development and commercialization of our neurostimulation technology platform for treatment of various disorders through stimulation of tissues associated with the nervous system. Our neurostimulation technology platform has the capability to provide treatment to patients in several established neurostimulation markets such as spinal cord stimulation, or SCS, sacral nerve stimulation, or SNS, deep brain stimulation, or DBS, and other emerging neurostimulation markets. Our Algovita SCS system, or Algovita, is the first application of our neurostimulation technology platform and is indicated for the treatment of chronic pain of the trunk and limbs. We are in the process of developing additional applications for our neurostimulation technology platform. Algovita brings to market a user friendly, robust and flexible design with a broad set of product capabilities and advanced technology. We believe Algovita is well positioned to compete in and help grow the existing SCS market, currently estimated to be approximately $1.6 billion globally. In addition, we believe our neurostimulation technology platform is well positioned to compete in the SCS, SNS and DBS portions of the worldwide neurostimulation market, which we estimate to be approximately $2.6 billion in size. We are currently working to develop our platform for use in the SNS market. In addition, we have entered into a development agreement with Aleva Neurotherapeutics S.A., or Aleva, to develop our platform into a complete medical device for use in the DBS market for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. To date, we have not conducted any clinical trials with respect to the use of our neurostimulation technology platform for applications in the SNS or DBS markets. In addition, we have not yet obtained, or begun the process of obtaining, the necessary regulatory approvals needed for the sale of our neurostimulation technology platform for applications in the SNS or DBS markets.  

 
3

 

 

 

On November 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced receipt of premarket approval for Algovita from the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. We expect to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016. Outside of the United States, Algovita received Conformité Européene, or CE, mark approval in June 2014 and has been commercially available to patients in Germany and several other European countries since November 2014.

 

We believe pursuing use of our neurostimulation technology platform for additional indications presents a compelling opportunity to leverage our existing technology and drive future growth. We expect to invest in product development and clinical studies to improve and further develop our existing technologies, to expand the features offered in Algovita and to enter other established markets, such as SNS and DBS. We also intend to pursue strategic partnerships with third parties to fund, in full or in part, clinical and development costs of new products, among other matters. We believe our development agreement with Aleva is an example of this type of strategic partnership.

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe a number of competitive advantages distinguish us from our competitors:

 

 

Differentiated neurostimulation technology platform. Our neurostimulation technology platform incorporates technological advances that we believe will provide us with competitive advantages in the marketplace and provide meaningful benefits to both physicians and patients as compared to existing alternatives. The implantable pulse generator, or IPG, component of our platform is capable of delivering a broad spectrum of outputs and pulse delivery ranges through its 26 independent current sources. The IPG also features a powerful chipset that enables new waveforms, stimulation outputs and embedded features that can be activated in the future. Our diverse lead portfolio provides additional capabilities for tailoring therapy to a wider spectrum of patients.

 

 

Broad range of Algovita capabilities . Algovita is based on our differentiated neurostimulation technology platform and features a broad range of technical capabilities, including 26 independent current sources, algorithmic programming, broad pulse delivery ranges and a powerful chip set for targeted SCS therapy delivery. We believe these capabilities provide Algovita with greater flexibility in tailoring therapy to a wider spectrum of SCS patients than the flexibility provided by the current generation of SCS systems that are presently available on the market.

 

 

Algovita’s robust design helps minimize therapy failures and enables greater control and precision in providing therapy . We believe Algovita’s robust design, including its leads and advanced programming features, will help to minimize early SCS therapy failures and enable greater precision and control in targeting pain sites than the current generation of SCS systems that are presently available on the market. In addition, our advanced leads feature coil-in-coil technology, allowing for elasticity and greater flexibility than the leads of other SCS systems that are presently available on the market, which we believe results in our advanced leads having a reduced likelihood of migration, breakage or kinking. Our 12 electrode lead provides the longest span of coverage available on the market and was designed to address loss of pain relief if the stimulation target changes. Additionally, our algorithmic driven clinician programming system allows for rapid localization of pain targets and use of many different stimulation programs. The stimulation field can also be further refined using direct patient inputs gathered through our patient feedback tool.

 

 

Algovita’s upgradeable technology enables next generation offerings. Algovita’s proprietary chip set and hardware is capable of being configured for use in next generation treatment offerings. This includes the ability to deliver significantly higher frequencies than most other SCS systems presently available on the market, as well as pulse train stimulation, including burst type stimulation, and  customized waveforms. We believe these additional capabilities provide a strong base platform and system for potential new SCS and other treatment options that can be provided via a software or firmware upgrade.  

 

 
4

 

 

 

Experienced management and engineering team with a track record of successful performance. Our management team has a strong track record of successful performance and execution in the neuromodulation field. Collectively, our management team has over 100 years of experience in the neuromodulation and chronic pain industry. In addition, we have an experienced engineering team with significant expertise in designing and developing medical devices for the neurostimulation market. We believe physicians and customers value working with a team like ours comprised of highly skilled professionals who have in-depth knowledge of the industry, strong engineering and development capabilities and an understanding of the needs of both patients and physicians.

 

Our Growth Strategies

 

To pursue our objectives and capitalize on our competitive strengths, we intend to implement the following growth strategies:

 

 

Expand our sales and marketing organization to drive adoption of Algovita . We will continue to build our worldwide sales organization consisting of direct sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States and a network of distributors and independent sales agents outside of the United States. Our direct sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States will target physician specialists involved with SCS treatment decisions located at strategic hospitals and outpatient surgery centers across the United States. Our marketing team will offer education programs designed to create awareness and demand among other stakeholders involved in SCS treatment decisions, including third-party payors, hospital administrators and patients and their families. Internationally, we will continue to expand our network of distributors and independent sales agents in target markets that we believe support SCS therapy and have strong reimbursement coverage.

 

 

Demonstrate the value of Algovita’s capabilities among surgeons, referring physicians and patients . Algovita was specifically designed to address the limitations of currently available SCS technologies, which we believe has slowed adoption of SCS therapies. We will dedicate significant resources to demonstrate the value of Algovita’s broad capabilities, focusing on its ability to provide flexible treatment options for chronic pain patients. We will leverage our growing sales force to promote awareness of Algovita by training and educating physicians, exhibiting at tradeshows and conducting focused advertising.

 

 

Invest in clinical and product development to drive product innovation . We intend to invest in clinical and product development in order to expand the capabilities of our neurostimulation technology platform. We expect this investment will result in further product innovations and expanded labeling and new indications for Algovita. These innovations are expected to include next generation IPG capabilities, additional lead offerings, MRI compatibility and advancements in algorithmic programming. We also expect this investment to expand our product opportunities for our neurostimulation technology platform into other established neurostimulation markets, such as SNS, DBS, and other emerging therapies.

 

 

Pursue strategic partnerships . We intend to pursue strategic partnerships to accelerate our expansion into other established neurostimulation markets. These strategic partnerships may partially or fully fund clinical and development costs for new products, expand our product distribution channels, improve our access to physicians and opinion leaders, supplement our product commercialization efforts, provide a partner that will perform or assist in performing clinical studies for new products, help us to add specialized clinical or regulatory expertise or provide access to or enable us to acquire complementary intellectual property. We believe our development agreement with Aleva is an example of this type of strategic partnership.

 

 
5

 

 

 

 

Leverage infrastructure and achieve operating efficiencies . We intend to leverage our existing infrastructure to achieve operating efficiencies as we grow sales volume. In addition, we will enter into a long-term supply agreement with Greatbatch to benefit from its world class manufacturing capabilities. We will work with Greatbatch to decrease our manufacturing costs and increase product quality.

 

Our Neurostimulation Technology Platform

 

Our neurostimulation technology platform was developed to provide the most innovative capabilities currently available on the market and to provide physicians and patients with improved solutions and tailored treatment options. Our platform is fundamental to the design of Algovita and provides the foundation for the development of future products. The key elements of our platform include:

 

 

Innovative core technology . Our neurostimulation technology platform consists of core technology developed using our advanced engineering and design capabilities in IPGs, independent current sources, algorithmic programming, chipsets and leads. We will own the patents and patent applications that embody the intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform.

 

 

Durable and flexible leads. Our leads feature coil-in-coil technology designed to improve lead durability and flexibility, thereby reducing migration, breakage and kinking. In addition, the coil-in-coil design enhances steerability as compared to the straight wire lead designs used by many existing neurostimulation systems.

 

 

Advanced programmability . The algorithmic driven technologies in our platform are designed to allow physicians to program Algovita and other products incorporating our platform for rapid and sequential delivery of multiple stimulation programs. These products are capable of capturing feedback from patients, and thereby providing physicians and patients with the flexibility to select from a number of different stimulation programs and optimize treatment.

 

 

Multiple independent current sources . Our neurostimulation technology platform is capable of delivering multiple independent current sources that optimize current delivery and improve field control allowing for finer resolution and precision of therapy.

 

 

Unique safety features. Our neurostimulation technology platform was designed with unique safety features. The IPG has a deep discharge recovery battery, bi-directional recharge and impedance checks to improve patient safety. The patient remote control indicates the battery status of the IPG, is paired to a single IPG, has quick “stim-off” functionality that permits immediate cessation of treatment and incorporates a patient feedback tool to encourage greater patient input thus improving safety.

 

 

Future offering capabilities. Our neurostimulation technology platform incorporates a proprietary chipset and hardware that is capable of being configured for use in next generation treatment offerings for Algovita and in other future neurostimulation systems. It is capable of delivering significantly higher frequencies than most other SCS systems presently available on the market, as well as pulse train stimulation and customized waveforms.

 

The Spin-Off

 

We are an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch. On July 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced that it intended to spin-off Nuvectra and its neuromodulation medical device business from the remainder of its businesses through a tax-free distribution of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Nuvectra to the stockholders of Greatbatch on a pro rata basis. The entity being spun-off is composed of Nuvectra and its subsidiaries Algostim and PelviStim, and Greatbatch’s NeuroNexus subsidiary, the shares of which are being transferred to us by Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off. On February 23, 2016, Greatbatch’s board of directors approved the distribution of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off on the basis of one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock held as of the close of business on March 7, 2016, the record date for the spin-off.

 

 
6

 

 

Conversion of Nuvectra into a Corporation

 

Nuvectra was initially formed as a limited liability company in Delaware on November 14, 2008, under the name SDI Group, LLC, which was subsequently changed to QiG Group, LLC. Immediately prior to completion of the spin-off, QiG Group will convert into Nuvectra, a Delaware corporation.

 

Our Post Spin-Off Relationship with Greatbatch

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into several agreements with Greatbatch to effect the spin-off and provide a framework for our relationship going forward after the spin-off. We and Greatbatch are entering into a separation and distribution agreement, a tax matters agreement, a transition services agreement and an employee matters agreement, which will provide for the allocation between us and Greatbatch of assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to our business for the period prior to, at and after the spin-off. We will also enter into a supply agreement with Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off under which we will agree to purchase, exclusively from Greatbatch, fully assembled Algovita systems and most products, parts and components necessary for the production of Algovita. We will also enter into a product component framework agreement providing Greatbatch with the exclusive right to supply us with products, parts and components necessary for production of future SNS or DBS neurostimulation devices that we may seek to commercialize. Additionally, we will enter into two license agreements with Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off pursuant to which we will license to Greatbatch rights in, subject to specified restrictions, certain intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform. In addition, immediately prior to the completion of the spin-off, Greatbatch will make a cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to us. This cash capital contribution, together with our cash on hand and borrowings under a proposed new $45 million credit facility, or the New Credit Facility, the availability of which will be subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, is in an amount that we estimate will, based on our current plans and expectations, meet our cash needs for approximately two years after the completion of the spin-off. After such time, we expect that we will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding.

 

For additional information regarding our separation and distribution agreement with Greatbatch and the other transaction agreements, see “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off.”

 

Reasons for the Spin-Off

 

Greatbatch’s board of directors believes that spinning-off Nuvectra is in the best interest of Greatbatch and its stockholders for a number of reasons, including:

 

 

Distinct investment identity. The spin-off will allow investors to separately value Greatbatch and Nuvectra based on their respective unique investment identities, including the merits, performance, risks and future prospects of Greatbatch’s and our respective businesses.

 

 

Enhanced strategic and management focus. The spin-off will allow Nuvectra and Greatbatch each to focus their respective attention and financial resources on their distinct operating priorities and strategies and on the different growth opportunities available to each company without diverting human and financial resources to the other’s business.

 

 
7

 

 

 

 

Improved employee incentives. We believe we will be able to better attract, develop and retain key employees through the use of equity-based and performance-based incentive plans and other benefit plans that more directly link employee compensation with the specific business objectives, financial goals and performance metrics of our business.

 

 

Direct access to capital and tailored capital structure. We will have direct access to our cash on-hand or the capital markets to issue equity or debt securities, which we expect will increase our flexibility to invest in innovation, product development and marketing, pursue strategic partnerships and establish a capital structure tailored to our business.

 

Greatbatch’s board of directors considered a number of potentially negative factors in evaluating the spin-off, including that:

 

 

Loss of synergies and increased costs. Currently, we take advantage of general and administrative functions performed by Greatbatch. After the spin-off and the termination of our transition services agreement with Greatbatch, Greatbatch will no longer perform these functions for us, and, because of our smaller scale as a standalone company, our cost of performing these functions may be higher than the amounts reflected in our combined financial statements.

 

 

Increased significance of some costs and liabilities . Some costs and liabilities that were less significant to Greatbatch as a whole will be more significant for us as a standalone company due to our being smaller than Greatbatch.

 

 

One-time costs of the spin-off. We expect to incur costs in connection with the transition to being an independent publicly-traded company that may include professional services costs, recruiting and relocation costs associated with hiring key senior management and costs to separate information systems, among others.

 

 

Inability to realize anticipated benefits of the spin-off. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the spin-off for a variety of reasons, including, among others, that we may be more susceptible to industry downturns or market fluctuations as our business will be significantly less diversified than Greatbatch’s business.

 

 

Limitations placed upon Nuvectra as a result of the tax matters agreement . Under the terms of our tax matters agreement with Greatbatch, we will be restricted from taking certain actions that could cause the spin-off to fail to qualify as a tax-free transaction under applicable law for a period of two years following the completion of the spin-off. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Tax Matters Agreement” for additional information regarding our tax matters agreement with Greatbatch.

 

The Greatbatch board of directors, however, concluded that the potential benefits of the spin-off outweighed these negative factors. For more information, see the section entitled “The Spin-Off – Reasons for the Spin-Off” included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement

 

This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to stockholders of Greatbatch who will receive shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of Nuvectra’s or Greatbatch’s shares of common stock or other securities. The information contained in this information statement is believed by Nuvectra to be accurate as of the date on the cover. Changes may occur after that date, and neither we nor Greatbatch will update the information except in the normal course of our and Greatbatch’s respective disclosure practices or to the extent required pursuant to federal securities laws.

 

 
8

 

 

 

Corporate Information

 

After the spin-off, our principal executive offices will be located at 5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100, Plano, Texas 75024 and our telephone number will be (214) 618-4823. Our website address is www.nuvectramed.com. Information contained on, or connected to, our website or Greatbatch’s website is not part of this information statement.

 

Emerging Growth Company Status

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act, and are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These include, but are not limited to, (i) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, (ii) an exception from compliance with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and (iii) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and the requirement to obtain stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

In addition, 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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities 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. However, we are choosing to “opt out” of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

 

We would cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of (1) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act; (2) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenue exceeds $1.0 billion; (3) the date on which we become a “large accelerated filer,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; and (4) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

 

 
9

 

 

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPIN-OFF

 

What is the spin-off?

 

The spin-off involves the separation of our business from Greatbatch and Greatbatch’s pro rata distribution to its stockholders of all of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Following the spin-off, we will be an independent, publicly-traded company, and Greatbatch will not retain any ownership interest in Nuvectra. You do not have to pay any consideration, give up any of your shares of Greatbatch common stock or take any other action to receive shares of our common stock in the spin-off.

 

What is Nuvectra and why is Greatbatch spinning-off its neuromodulation medical device business?

 

Nuvectra is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch that was organized to develop and operate Greatbatch’s neuromodulation medical device business.

 

 

 

The spin-off of Nuvectra from Greatbatch is intended to provide you with equity ownership in two independent publicly-traded companies – Greatbatch and Nuvectra – that will each be able to focus on their own distinct business, operating needs, priorities and strategies. Greatbatch believes that the spin-off is a tax-efficient way to separate our neuromodulation medical device business from its other businesses in a manner that is also intended to improve long-term performance of our and Greatbatch’s respective businesses for the reasons discussed in “The Spin-Off – Reasons for the Spin-Off.”

 

Why am I receiving this document?

 

Greatbatch is delivering this information statement to you because you are a holder of shares of common stock of Greatbatch. Each holder of Greatbatch common stock as of the close of business on the record date will be entitled to receive one share of common stock of Nuvectra for every three shares of common stock of Greatbatch held at the close of business on the record date. This information statement will help you understand how the spin-off will affect your investment in Greatbatch and your new investment in Nuvectra after the completion of the spin-off.

 

How will the spin-off work?

 

The spin-off will be accomplished by Greatbatch by separating Nuvectra from its other businesses, and then distributing all of the outstanding shares of Nuvectra common stock to its stockholders on a pro rata basis that is intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

What will Nuvectra’s relationship be with Greatbatch after the spin-off?

 

We will be an independent publicly-traded company and Greatbatch will not own any Nuvectra common stock after the spin-off. We will, however, enter into a separation and distribution agreement, a tax matters agreement, a transition services agreement and an employee matters agreement with Greatbatch to effect the spin-off and provide a framework for our relationship going forward after the spin-off. We will also enter into a supply agreement with Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off under which we will agree to purchase, exclusively from Greatbatch, fully assembled Algovita systems and most of the products, parts and components necessary for the production of Algovita. We will also enter into a product component framework agreement providing Greatbatch with the exclusive right to supply us with products, parts and components necessary for production of future SNS or DBS neurostimulation devices that we may seek to commercialize. Additionally, we will enter into two license agreements with Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off pursuant to which we will license to Greatbatch rights in, subject to specified restrictions, certain intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform. For additional information, see “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off.”

 

 
10

 

 

Following the spin-off, will Nuvectra have cash on hand to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditures?

 

Immediately prior to the completion of the spin-off, Greatbatch will make a cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to us. In addition, we expect to enter into the New Credit Facility, pursuant to which we will have access to borrow, subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, up to $40 million in term loan financing in up to three draws and $5 million under a revolving line of credit. This cash capital contribution, together with our cash on hand and borrowings under the New Credit Facility, the availability of which will be subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, is in an amount that we estimate will, based on our current plans and expectations, meet our cash needs for approximately two years after the completion of the spin-off. After such time, we expect that we will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding.

 

When will the spin-off occur?

 

The completion and timing of the spin-off are dependent upon a number of conditions. We expect that Greatbatch will distribute the shares of Nuvectra common stock on March 14, 2016 to holders of record of Greatbatch common stock as of the close of business on the record date.

 

What is the record date for the spin-off?

 

The record date for the spin-off will be March 7, 2016.

 

What do I have to do to participate in the spin-off?

 

You are not required to take any action to receive Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off, but you are encouraged to read this entire information statement carefully. No vote will be taken for the spin-off. You are not being asked for a proxy.

 

 

 

You do not need to pay any consideration, exchange or surrender your existing shares of Greatbatch common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of Nuvectra common stock. If you own Greatbatch common stock as of the close of business on the record date, a book-entry account statement reflecting your ownership of shares of Nuvectra common stock will be mailed to you, or your brokerage account will be credited with shares of Nuvectra common stock.

 

 

 

You should not and do not need to mail in Greatbatch common stock certificates to receive Nuvectra common stock.

 

 
11

 

 

 

 

How many shares of Nuvectra common stock will I receive?

 

Greatbatch will distribute one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock you own as of the close of business on the record date. For example, if you own 300 shares of Greatbatch common stock as of the close of business on the record date, you will receive 100 shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off. Based on approximately 30,778,835 shares of Greatbatch common stock that we expect to be outstanding on the record date, Greatbatch will distribute a total of approximately 10,259,611 shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off, representing 100% of the outstanding Nuvectra common stock. For more information, see “The Spin-Off.”

 

Will I receive physical stock certificates representing shares of Nuvectra common stock?

 

No. You will not receive a stock certificate for the Nuvectra common stock that you receive in connection with the spin-off. You will receive shares of Nuvectra common stock through the same or substantially similar channels that you currently use to hold or trade shares of Greatbatch common stock, whether through registration in a direct registration system or a brokerage account. Receipt of shares of Nuvectra common stock will be documented for you in substantially the same manner that you typically receive stockholder updates, such as monthly broker statements or other statements.

 

 

 

If you own Greatbatch common stock as of the close of business on the record date, including shares owned in certificate form, we, with the assistance of Computershare Trust Company, N.A., or Computershare, as the settlement and distribution agent, will electronically distribute shares of Nuvectra common stock to you in book-entry form by way of registration in the “direct registration system” (if you hold Greatbatch shares in your own name as a registered stockholder) or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf or through the systems of the Depository Trust Company, or DTC (if you hold Greatbatch shares through a bank or brokerage firm that uses DTC). Computershare will mail you a book-entry account statement that reflects your shares of Nuvectra common stock, or your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the Nuvectra shares.

 

Will Greatbatch distribute fractional shares?

 

No. In lieu of fractional shares of Nuvectra common stock that you would have been entitled to receive, stockholders of Greatbatch will receive cash. Fractional shares you would otherwise be entitled to receive will be aggregated and sold in the public market by Computershare, as distribution agent. The aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales will be distributed ratably to those stockholders who would otherwise have received fractional shares of Nuvectra common stock after making an appropriate deduction of the amount required to be withheld for federal income tax purposes and an amount equal to the brokerage fees and commissions attributable to the sale of the fractional share. If you own less than three shares of Greatbatch common stock on the record date, you will not receive any shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off, but you will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. Cash you receive in lieu of fractional shares will generally be taxable. For more information, see “The Spin-Off – Treatment of Fractional Shares.”

 

 
12

 

 

 

 

What are the conditions to the spin-off?

The spin-off is subject to a number of conditions, including, among others:

 

   

the receipt of an opinion from Greatbatch’s third party tax advisor, in form and substance acceptable to Greatbatch, substantially to the effect that the spin-off, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, should qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code;

 

   

the receipt of an opinion from an independent valuation firm to the Greatbatch board of directors confirming the solvency of Nuvectra following the spin-off, which is in form and substance acceptable to Greatbatch;

 

   

the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, declaring effective Nuvectra’s registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement forms a part, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement shall be in effect and, to the knowledge of either Greatbatch or Nuvectra, no proceedings for such purpose shall be threatened by the SEC;

 

   

the distribution of this information statement to Greatbatch’s stockholders;

 

   

no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decree, or ruling issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority, and no statute, rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or enacted by any governmental authority will be in effect preventing, or materially limiting the benefits of, the spin-off, and no other event outside Greatbatch’s control will have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the completion of the spin-off;

 

   

the shares of Nuvectra common stock to be distributed shall have been accepted for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to official notice of distribution; and

 

   

no other event or development will have occurred that, in the judgment of Greatbatch’s board of directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, would result in the spin-off having a material adverse effect on Greatbatch or its stockholders.

 

 

 

Neither we nor Greatbatch can assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met. In addition, Greatbatch can decline at any time to go forward with the spin-off. For a complete discussion of all of the conditions to the spin-off, see “The Spin-Off – Spin-Off Conditions and Termination.”

 

Can Greatbatch decide to cancel the spin-off even if all of the conditions have been met?

 

Yes. The spin-off is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions; however, until the spin-off has occurred, Greatbatch’s board of directors has the right to cancel or terminate the spin-off, even if all of the conditions are satisfied. For more information, see “The Spin-Off – Spin-Off Conditions and Termination.”

 

What if I want to sell my Greatbatch common stock or my Nuvectra common stock?

 

You should consult with your financial advisor, such as your stockbroker, bank or tax advisor.

 

 
13

 

 

 

 

What is “regular-way” and “ex-distribution” trading of Greatbatch stock?

 

Beginning on or around the record date and continuing up to the spin-off date, it is anticipated that there will be two markets in Greatbatch common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. Greatbatch common stock that trades in the “regular-way” market will trade with an entitlement to shares of Nuvectra common stock distributed pursuant to the spin-off. Shares of Greatbatch common stock that trade in the “ex-distribution” market, if established, will trade without an entitlement to shares of Nuvectra common stock distributed pursuant to the spin-off.

 

 

 

If you decide to sell your Greatbatch common stock before the spin-off date, you should make sure your stockbroker, bank or other nominee understands whether you want to sell your Greatbatch common stock with or without your entitlement to Nuvectra common stock to be received pursuant to the spin-off.

 

Will the spin-off affect the market price of my Greatbatch common stock?

 

Likely yes. The trading price of the Greatbatch common stock is expected to change as a result of the spin-off because it will no longer reflect the value of our neuromodulation medical device business. Moreover, the trading price of Greatbatch common stock may fluctuate significantly depending upon a number of factors, some of which may be beyond Greatbatch’s control. Greatbatch’s board of directors believes that the spin-off of Nuvectra from Greatbatch is in the best interests of Greatbatch and its stockholders. That said, we cannot provide you with any guarantees as to the price at which the Greatbatch common stock will trade following the spin-off. We also cannot assure you that following the spin-off the aggregate value of our common stock and Greatbatch common stock will exceed the pre-spin-off value of Greatbatch common stock.

 

Is the spin-off taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes?

 

The effectiveness of the spin-off is conditioned on the receipt by Greatbatch of an opinion from its third party tax advisor to the effect that the spin-off of the Nuvectra common stock should qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code. Assuming the spin-off qualifies as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss generally should not be recognized by Greatbatch on the spin-off and, except for gain or loss realized on the receipt of cash paid in lieu of fractional shares, no gain or loss should be recognized by you, and no amount should be included in your income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, upon the receipt of shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off. For more information regarding the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to Greatbatch and to you resulting from the spin-off, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

 

How will the spin-off affect my tax basis in Greatbatch common stock?

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, your basis in the Greatbatch common stock will be allocated between the Greatbatch common stock and the Nuvectra common stock (including any fractional shares of Nuvectra common stock for which cash is received) received in the spin-off in proportion to the relative fair market values of each on the spin-off date. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for a more complete description of the effects of the spin-off on your tax basis.

 

 

 

You should consult your tax advisor about the particular consequences of the spin-off to you, including the application of the tax basis allocation rules and the application of state, local and foreign tax laws.

 

 
14

 

 

Are there risks associated with owning Nuvectra common stock?

 

Yes. Ownership of Nuvectra common stock is subject to both general and specific risks relating to our business, the industry in which we operate, our ongoing contractual relationships with Greatbatch, our status as an independent, publicly-traded company and the occurrence of the spin-off. These risks are described in the “Risk Factors” section of this information statement beginning on page 19. You are encouraged to read that section carefully.

 

Will I be paid any dividends on Nuvectra common stock?

 

We currently do not anticipate paying cash dividends on Nuvectra common stock. See “Dividend Policy” for additional information on our dividend policy after the spin-off.

 

Where will I be able to trade shares of Nuvectra common stock?

 

Nuvectra’s common stock has been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NVTR.” We anticipate that trading in shares of Nuvectra common stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis on or around the record date and will continue up to the spin-off date, and that “regular-way” trading will begin on the spin-off date. If trading does begin on a “when-issued” basis, you may purchase or sell Nuvectra common stock after that time, but your transaction will not settle until after the spin-off date. We cannot predict the trading prices of Nuvectra common stock before, on or after the spin-off date.

 

Will the number of Greatbatch shares I own change as a result of the spin-off?

 

No. The number of shares of Greatbatch common stock you own will not change as a result of the spin-off.

 

 

 

The treatment of outstanding Greatbatch equity awards will, in certain respects, differ from the treatment of shares of Greatbatch common stock. For further information regarding the treatment of outstanding Greatbatch equity awards, see “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Employee Matters Agreement.”

 

What will happen to the listing of Greatbatch common stock?

 

Greatbatch common stock will continue to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GB” following the spin-off.

 

Do I have any appraisal rights in connection
with the spin-off?

 

No. Holders of shares of Greatbatch common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the spin-off.

 

Who will be the settlement agent, distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for the Nuvectra common stock?

 

The settlement agent, distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for Nuvectra common stock will be Computershare. For questions relating to the transfer or mechanics of the stock distribution, you should contact:

 

 

 

         Computershare

 

 

          P.O. Box 30170

 

 

          College Station, TX 77842-3170

 

 

          (877) 832-7265

 

 

          www.computershare.com/investor

 

 
15

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your shares are held by a bank, broker or other nominee, please call them directly.

 

Where can I find more information?

 

Before the spin-off date, if you have any questions relating to the spin-off, you should contact:

     

 

 

          Greatbatch, Inc.

 

 

          2595 Dallas Parkway

 

 

          Suite 310

 

 

          Frisco, Texas 75034

 

 

          Attention: Vice President – Business Development

 

 

 

 

 

After the spin-off date, Nuvectra stockholders who have any questions relating to Nuvectra or the spin-off should contact us at:

 

 

 

          Nuvectra Corporation

 

 

          5830 Granite Parkway

 

 

          Suite 1100

 

 

          Plano, Texas 75024

 

 

          Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

 
16

 

 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This information statement contains, and other materials we will file with the SEC contain will contain, certain “forward-looking statements” regarding business strategies, market potential, future financial performance and other matters. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan” or “continue,” or the negative of those words and similar expressions, among others. These forward-looking statements address, among other things, the anticipated effects of the spin-off. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of our management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements, including those described in the section of this information statement entitled “Risk Factors.” Whether actual future results and developments will conform to the expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the following factors, many of which are beyond our control:

 

 

the timing of the commercial launch of Algovita in the United States;

 

 

our ability to successfully commercialize Algovita and develop and commercialize enhancements to Algovita;

 

 

the outcome of our future development plans with respect to our neurostimulation technology platform, including our ability to identify additional indications or conditions for which we may develop neurostimulation medical devices or therapies and seek regulatory approval thereof;

 

 

our ability to identify business development and growth opportunities and to successfully execute on our business development strategy, including with our ability to seek and develop strategic partnerships with third parties to, among other things, fund clinical and development costs, in whole or in part, for new product offerings;

 

 

the performance by Aleva of its obligations under its development agreement with us and, to the extent that we are able to enter into other strategic partnerships with third parties, the performance by those development partners of their obligations under their agreements with us;

 

 

our receipt, upon the occurrence of a sale, asset sale or other liquidity event with respect to Aleva, of a payment from Aleva of a specified portion of the proceeds from such liquidity event, pursuant to Greatbatch’s assignment of such payment right to us in connection with the completion of the spin-off;

 

 

the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for our intellectual property rights covering Algovita and other products using our neurostimulation technology platform, along with any product enhancements;

 

 

our expectations regarding the potential market size and the size of the patient populations for our products, including Algovita and any other medical device incorporating our neurostimulation technology platform;

 

 

our dependence on Greatbatch to manufacture Algovita in sufficient quantities to meet demand;

 

 

our development, commercialization and marketing capabilities, including our ability to develop and commercialize other products that are superior to the alternatives developed by our competitors;

 

 

our ability to successfully build an effective commercial infrastructure and sales force in the United States;

 

 

the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business, product candidates, development partners and technology;

 

 

estimates of our expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, our need for additional financing and our ability to obtain additional capital;

 

 
17

 

 

 

 

our expectations regarding the time during which we will be an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act;

 

 

our financial performance, which may exceed or fall short of our and our investors’ expectations;

 

 

developments and projections relating to our competitors and our industry;

 

 

breaches or failures of our information technology systems;

 

 

loss of key employees or our inability to identify and recruit new employees;

 

 

the impact of our spin-off from Greatbatch and risks relating to our ability to operate effectively as an independent publicly-traded company;

 

 

the costs and temporary business interruption related to the spin-off;

 

 

our ability to finalize and enter into the New Credit Facility on the terms and conditions described in this information statement or at all;

 

 

our ability to satisfy the conditions and covenants, including trailing six-month revenue milestones, expected to be specified in the definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility in order to be able to draw down upon $40 million of term loan financing and $5 million of revolving line of credit financing under the New Credit Facility;

 

 

Greatbatch’s performance under the separation and distribution agreement with us and various other transaction agreements that will be executed as part of the spin-off;

 

 

our ability to transition away from the services to be provided by Greatbatch pursuant to the transition services agreement with us in a timely manner;

 

 

our ability to achieve the benefits from the spin-off as currently expected;

 

 

failure of the “regular-way,” “ex-distribution” or “when issued” markets to develop or other unexpected reactions to the spin-off in the capital markets;

 

 

restrictions on our taking certain strategic actions for a period of two years after the completion of the spin-off due to tax rules and covenants under the tax matters agreement with Greatbatch; and

 

 

other factors described in the section of this information statement entitled “Risk Factors.”

 

You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this information statement. Where, in any forward-looking statement, an expectation or belief as to future results or events is expressed, that expectation or belief is based on our current plans and expectations and is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but we cannot assure you that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Neither Greatbatch nor Nuvectra undertake any obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other such factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we or Greatbatch are expressly required to do so pursuant to federal securities laws. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated include the matters described under the sections of this information statement entitled “Summary,” “The Spin-Off,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business,” each of which contain forward-looking statements.

 

 
18

 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information included in this information statement, in evaluating us and our common stock. The occurrence of any of the risks described below could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, our ability to raise capital and growth prospects. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition, results of operations, our ability to raise capital and growth prospects.

 

Risks Related to our Business

 

We are substantially dependent on the market acceptance in the United States for Algovita and the failure of Algovita to gain market acceptance would negatively impact our business.

 

On November 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced receipt of premarket approval for Algovita, and we expect to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016. If we are unable to achieve significant market acceptance in the United States, our results of operations will be adversely affected as the United States is expected to be the principal market for Algovita. While we currently have other complete medical devices incorporating our neurostimulation technology platform in development, if we are unsuccessful in commercializing Algovita or are unable to market Algovita as a result of a quality problem, failure to maintain regulatory approval for Algovita, unexpected or serious complications or other unforeseen negative effects related to Algovita, we would lose our expected main source of revenue, and our business will be adversely affected.

 

If we fail to develop and retain an effective direct sales force in the United States, our business could suffer.

 

In order to commercialize Algovita in the United States, we must build a substantial direct sales force. As we initiate our commercial launch of Algovita in the United States in the first half of 2016 and concurrently increase our marketing efforts, we will need to retain, grow and develop our direct sales representatives. There is significant competition for sales representatives experienced in medical device sales. Once hired, the training process is lengthy because it requires significant education for new sales representatives to achieve the level of clinical competency with Algovita expected by physicians. Upon completion of the training, sales representatives typically require lead time in the field to grow their network of accounts and achieve the productivity levels we expect them to reach. If we are unable to attract, motivate, develop and retain a sufficient number of qualified sales representatives, and if our sales representatives do not achieve the productivity levels we expect them to reach, our revenue will not grow at the rate we expect and our financial performance will suffer. Also, to the extent we hire personnel from our competitors, we may have to wait until applicable non-competition provisions have expired before deploying that personnel in restricted territories or incur costs to relocate personnel outside of those territories, and we may be subject to future allegations that these new hires have been improperly solicited, or that they have divulged to us proprietary or other confidential information of their former employers. Any of these risks may adversely affect our business.

 

We must demonstrate to physicians the merits of Algovita compared to products marketed by our competitors.

 

Physicians play a significant role in determining the course of a patient’s treatment and, as a result, the type of product that will be used to treat a patient. As a result, our success depends, in large part, on effectively marketing Algovita and SCS therapy to physicians. In order for us to successfully commercialize Algovita, we must successfully demonstrate to physicians the merits of Algovita as compared to our competitors’ SCS systems. Acceptance of Algovita depends, in part, on educating physicians as to the distinctive characteristics, perceived benefits, safety, ease of use and cost-effectiveness of Algovita compared to our competitors’ SCS systems, and communicating to physicians the proper application of Algovita. If we are not successful in convincing physicians of the merits of Algovita or educating them on the use of Algovita, they may not use our products and we may be unable to increase our sales, sustain our growth or achieve profitability.

 

 
19

 

 

Additionally, an important part of our sales process also includes the education of physicians on the safe and effective use of Algovita. It is critical to the success of our commercialization efforts to educate physicians on the proper use of Algovita, and to provide them with adequate product support during clinical procedures. If physicians misuse or ineffectively use our products, it could result in unsatisfactory patient outcomes, patient injuries, negative publicity or lawsuits against us, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. Finally, in the United States, in order for physicians to use Algovita, we expect that the hospital facilities where these physicians treat patients will typically require us to enter into purchasing contracts with them. If we do not receive access to hospital facilities via these contracting processes or otherwise, or if we are unable to secure contracts or tender successful bids, our sales and operating results may be adversely affected.

 

Our competitors are large, well-established companies with substantially greater resources than us and many have a long history of competing in the SCS market.

 

Our current and potential competitors are publicly-traded, or are divisions of publicly-traded, major medical device companies that have substantially greater financial, technical, sales and marketing resources than we do. For example, our major competitors, Medtronic, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, Inc. and Nevro Corp., each has an approved neuromodulation system in at least the United States, Europe, and Australia. Medtronic, Boston Scientific and St. Jude Medical have each been established for several years while Nevro is a new entrant to the SCS market and is marketing its High Frequency 10 (HF10) SCS therapy for treatment of several chronic pain conditions. Given the size of the SCS market in the United States, we expect that as we prepare to launch Algovita commercially in the United States our competitors will take aggressive action to protect their current market share and position. We expect to face significant competition in establishing our market share in the United States and may encounter currently unforeseen obstacles and competitive challenges.

 

In addition, we face a particular challenge in overcoming entrenched practices by some physicians who exclusively use the neurostimulation products produced by our larger, more established competitors. Physicians who have completed many successful procedures using neurostimulation products made by these competitors may be reluctant or unwilling to try a new product from a new entrant in the marketplace with which they are less familiar. If these physicians are unwilling to try or, even if they are willing to try, do not subsequently adopt Algovita, our business will be adversely affected.

 

Further, a number of our competitors are currently conducting, or we anticipate will be conducting, clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy of their SCS systems, which may lead to regulatory approvals for use of their systems for additional indications or support for their marketing claims that their products are superior to Algovita. Competition may increase further as existing competitors enhance their product offerings to compete directly with Algovita or other companies enter the SCS market. If our competitors develop more effective or affordable products, or achieve earlier patent protection or product commercialization than we do, our operations will likely be negatively affected. If we are forced to reduce our prices for Algovita due to increased competition, our business could become less profitable.

 

We only recently began commercializing Algovita in Europe and we may never achieve market acceptance.

 

Algovita received CE mark approval in June 2014, enabling us to commercialize it in Europe. We currently sell Algovita in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg. We have limited experience engaging in commercial activities and limited established relationships with physicians and hospitals in those countries. We may be unable to gain broader market acceptance in these countries, which will adversely affect our sales and operating results.

 

 
20

 

 

We are dependent upon Greatbatch as a sole-source manufacturer and supplier, making us vulnerable to supply shortages, manufacturing problems and price fluctuations, which could harm our business.

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into an exclusive supply agreement with Greatbatch under which we will agree to purchase fully assembled Algovita systems and most products, parts and components necessary for the production of Algovita. We will also enter into a product component framework agreement providing  Greatbatch with the exclusive right to supply us with products, parts and components necessary for production of future SNS or DBS neurostimulation devices that we may seek to commercialize. Subject to conditions specified in these agreements, Greatbatch will be our exclusive and sole source manufacturer and supplier for our key products, including Algovita. As a result, we will be vulnerable to supply shortages, failure to maintain adequate safety stock and manufacturing problems encountered by Greatbatch, including, for example, Greatbatch’s failure to follow specific protocols and procedures, failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, equipment malfunction and environmental factors, failure to properly conduct its own business affairs, and infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, any of which could delay or impede its ability to meet our requirements. Greatbatch may also be unwilling to supply components for Algovita or our other products. In addition, we may not be able to take advantage of price fluctuations or competitive pricing that may become available from alternative supply sources. Our reliance on Greatbatch as our sole source supplier also subjects us to other risks that could harm our business, including:

 

 

we are not the only customer of Greatbatch, and it may therefore give other customers’ needs higher priority than ours;

 

 

in the event our supply agreement with Greatbatch is terminated, we may have difficulty locating and qualifying alternative suppliers on a timely basis or at all;

 

 

in the event our supply agreement with Greatbatch is terminated, switching suppliers may require product redesign and possibly submission to FDA, or other foreign regulatory bodies, which could significantly impede or delay our commercial activities; and

 

 

Greatbatch could encounter financial or other business hardships unrelated to our demand, which could inhibit their ability to fulfill our orders and meet our requirements.

 

Our ability to achieve profitability will depend, in part, on our ability to reduce the per unit cost of Algovita and improve our gross margins.

 

Currently, the gross profit generated from the sale of Algovita is not sufficient to cover our operating expenses. To achieve profitability, we need to, among other things, reduce the per unit cost for Algovita and improve our gross margins. This cannot be achieved without increasing the volume of systems and components that we purchase from Greatbatch. Any increase in manufacturing volumes is dependent upon a corresponding increase in sales. The occurrence of any factor that negatively impacts the sales of Algovita or reduces manufacturing efficiency may prevent us from achieving our desired reduction in per unit costs and increase in gross margins, which would negatively affect our operating results and may prevent us from attaining profitability.

 

Our international operations subject us to certain operating risks, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

In 2014, following our receipt of CE mark for Algovita in June 2014, we began selling Algovita in Europe through a limited number of distributors. We began our sales in Germany and, to date, have expanded our sales efforts into Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria. Given that we do not have, or currently plan to use, any direct sales representatives in Europe, we are heavily dependent on the efforts of a limited number of distributors in Europe. The sale and shipment of Algovita and our other products across international borders exposes us and our distributors to risks inherent in operating in foreign jurisdictions. These risks include:

 

 

difficulties in enforcing our intellectual property rights and in defending against third-party threats and intellectual property enforcement actions against us, our distributors, or our suppliers;

 

 

reduced or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;

 

 

pricing pressure that we may experience internationally;

 

 

a shortage of high-quality sales representatives and distributors;

 

 

third-party reimbursement policies that may require some of the patients who receive our products to directly absorb medical costs or that may necessitate the reduction of the selling prices of our products;

 

 
21

 

 

 

 

competitive disadvantage to competition with established business and customer relationships;

 

 

foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

 

the imposition of additional U.S. and foreign governmental controls or regulations;

 

 

economic instability;

 

 

changes in duties and tariffs, license obligations and other non- tariff barriers to trade;

 

 

the imposition of restrictions on the activities of foreign agents, representatives and distributors;

 

 

scrutiny of foreign tax authorities which could result in significant fines, penalties and additional taxes being imposed on us;

 

 

laws and business practices favoring local companies;

 

 

longer payment cycles;

 

 

difficulties in maintaining consistency with our internal guidelines;

 

 

difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;

 

 

the imposition of costly and lengthy new export licensing requirements; and

 

 

the imposition of new trade restrictions.

 

In addition, our international operations subject us to laws regarding sanctioned countries, entities and persons, customs, import-export, laws regarding transactions in foreign countries, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and local anti-bribery and other laws regarding interactions with healthcare professionals. Among other things, these laws restrict, and in some cases prohibit, United States companies from directly or indirectly selling goods, technology or services to people or entities in certain countries. In addition, these laws require that we exercise care in structuring our sales and marketing practices in foreign countries. Our failure to comply with these regulations and laws could subject us to penalties, fines, denial of export privileges, seizures of shipments, product recalls, restrictions on business activities or other criminal, civil or administrative actions.

 

If we experience any of these risks, our sales in non-U.S. jurisdictions may be harmed and our results of operations would suffer.

 

Issues with product quality could have a material adverse effect upon our business, subject us to regulatory actions, including product recalls, product liability litigation, and cause a loss of customer confidence in us or our products.

 

Our success depends upon the quality of our products. Quality management plays an essential role in meeting customer requirements, preventing defects and assuring the safety and efficacy of our products. Quality and safety issues may occur with respect to Algovita or any of our other products at any stage. A quality or safety issue, including a product recall, may result in adverse inspection reports, warning letters, product recalls or seizures, monetary sanctions, injunctions to halt manufacture and distribution of products, civil or criminal sanctions, costly product liability and other litigation, refusal of a government to grant approvals and licenses, restrictions on operations or withdrawal of existing approvals and licenses. An inability to address a quality or safety issue, including a product recall, in an effective and timely manner may also cause negative publicity, a diversion of management attention, a loss of customer confidence in us or our current or future products, which may result in the loss of sales and difficulty in successfully launching new products.

 

We may not be able to establish or strengthen our brand.

 

We believe that establishing and strengthening our brand is critical to achieving widespread acceptance for Algovita and our other products, particularly because of the highly competitive nature of the markets in which we operate. Promoting and positioning our brand will depend largely on the success of our marketing efforts and the perception by physicians and our other customers of the quality and efficacy of Algovita and our other products.

 

 
22

 

 

Given the established nature of our competitors, and our lack of commercialization experience in the United States, it is likely that our future marketing efforts will require us to incur significant expenses. These brand promotion activities may not yield increased sales and, even if they do yield increased sales, any sales increases may not offset the expenses we incurred to promote our brand. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand, or if we incur substantial expenses in an unsuccessful attempt to promote and maintain our brand, Algovita and our other products may not be accepted by physicians and our others customers, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our business could suffer if we lose the services of key members of our senior management or fail to hire necessary personnel and sales representatives.

 

We are dependent upon the continued services of key members of our senior management. The loss of these individuals could disrupt our operations or our strategic plans. In addition, our future success will depend on, among other things, our ability to continue to hire or contract with, and retain, the necessary qualified scientific, technical and managerial personnel and sales representatives, for whom we compete with numerous other companies, academic institutions and organizations. The loss of members of our management team or our inability to attract or retain other qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If third-party payors do not provide adequate coverage and reimbursement for the use of Algovita and other neurostimulation devices we market for sale, we may be required to decrease our selling prices, which could have a negative effect on our financial performance.

 

Our success in marketing Algovita and any other neurostimulation devices we develop depends and will depend in large part on whether United States and international government health administrative authorities, including Medicare and Medicaid in the United States, private health insurers and other organizations adequately cover and reimburse customers for the cost of Algovita and those other devices. Third-party payors continually review their coverage and reimbursement policies and could, without notice, eliminate or reduce coverage or reimbursement for SCS, SNS or DBS therapy and/or Algovita and any other devices we develop.

 

Further, the trends toward managed care, healthcare cost containment and other changes in government and private sector initiatives are placing increased emphasis on the delivery of more cost-effective medical therapies. As the healthcare industry consolidates, competition to provide products and services to industry participants will continue to intensify, which will result in greater pricing pressures and the exclusion of certain suppliers from important market segments as group purchasing organizations, integrated delivery networks and large single accounts continue to use their market power to consolidate purchasing decisions. Access to adequate coverage and reimbursement for SCS, SNS or DBS therapy and, in particular, for Algovita by third-party payors is essential to the acceptance of Algovita.

 

In addition, reimbursement systems in international markets vary significantly by country and, in some cases, by region within some countries, and reimbursement approvals are often required be obtained on a country-by-country basis. In many international markets, a product must be approved for reimbursement before it can be approved for sale in that country. Further, many international markets have government-managed healthcare systems that control reimbursement for new devices and procedures. If sufficient coverage and reimbursement is not available for Algovita and other SCS devices in our international markets, the demand for our products and our revenues will be adversely affected.

 

If we fail to properly manage our anticipated growth, our business could suffer.

 

We have a relatively short operating history. We intend to continue to grow and may experience periods of rapid growth and expansion, which could place a significant additional strain on our limited personnel, information technology systems and other resources. In particular, the hiring of our direct sales representatives in the United States requires significant management, financial and other supporting resources. In order to manage our operations and growth, we will need to continue to improve our operational and management controls, reporting systems and control procedures, which we may be unable to do in a cost efficient manner or at all. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, it may be difficult for us to execute our business strategy and our operating results and business could suffer.

 

 
23

 

 

If we are unable to successfully introduce new products or fail to keep pace with advances in technology, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Although we continue to develop or seek to develop additional products using our neurostimulation technology platform for commercial introduction, we may be substantially dependent on sales from Algovita for many years. Over the longer term, we will need to successfully introduce new products or advancements to Algovita in order to achieve our strategic business objectives. Product development requires substantial investment and there is inherent risk in the research and development process. A successful product development process depends on many factors, including our ability to properly anticipate and satisfy customer needs, adapt to new technologies, obtain regulatory approvals on a timely basis, demonstrate satisfactory clinical results, manufacture products in an economical and timely manner and differentiate our products from those of its competitors. If we cannot successfully introduce new products or adapt to changing technologies, our products may become obsolete and our revenue and profitability could suffer.

 

If clinical studies for future indications do not produce results necessary to support regulatory clearance or approval in the United States or elsewhere, we will be unable to commercialize our products for these indications.

 

We will likely need to conduct additional clinical studies and post marketing studies in the future to support approval for new indications and product claims. Clinical testing takes many years, is expensive and carries uncertain outcomes. The initiation and completion of any of these studies may be prevented, delayed, or halted for numerous reasons, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

 

the FDA, institutional review boards or other regulatory authorities do not approve a clinical study protocol, force us to modify a previously approved protocol, or place a clinical study on hold;

 

 

patients do not enroll in, or enroll at a lower rate than we expect, or do not complete a clinical study;

 

 

patients or investigators do not comply with study protocols;

 

 

patients do not return for post-treatment follow-up at the expected rate;

 

 

patients experience serious or unexpected adverse side effects for a variety of reasons that may or may not be related to our products such as the advanced stage of co-morbidities that may exist at the time of treatment, causing a clinical study to be put on hold;

 

 

sites participating in an ongoing clinical study withdraw, requiring us to engage new sites;

 

 

difficulties or delays associated with establishing additional clinical sites;

 

 

third-party clinical investigators decline to participate in our clinical studies, do not perform the clinical studies on the anticipated schedule, or perform in a manner inconsistent with the investigator agreement, clinical study protocol, good clinical practices or other regulations governing clinical trials;

 

 

third-party organizations do not perform data collection and analysis in a timely or accurate manner;

 

 

regulatory inspections of our clinical studies or manufacturing facilities require us to undertake corrective action or suspend or terminate our clinical studies;

 

 

changes in federal, state, or foreign governmental statutes, regulations or policies;

 

 

interim results are inconclusive or unfavorable as to immediate and long-term safety or efficacy;

 

 

the study design is inadequate to demonstrate safety and efficacy; or

 

 

the statistical endpoints are not met.

 

 
24

 

 

 

Clinical failure can occur at any stage of the testing. Our clinical studies or post marketing studies may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical or non-clinical studies in addition to those we have planned. Our failure to adequately demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of any of our devices would prevent receipt of regulatory clearance or approval and, ultimately, the commercialization of that device or indication for use.

 

We could also encounter delays if the FDA concludes that our financial relationships with investigators results in a perceived or actual conflict of interest that may have affected the interpretation of a study, the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site or the utility of the clinical trial itself. Principal investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive cash compensation and/or stock options in connection with such services. If these relationships and any related compensation to or ownership interest by the clinical investigator carrying out the study result in perceived or actual conflicts of interest, or if the FDA concludes that the financial relationship may have affected interpretation of the study, the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site may be questioned and the utility of the clinical trial itself may be jeopardized, which could result in the delay or rejection of our premarket approval application by the FDA. Any such delay or rejection could prevent us from commercializing any of our products currently in development.

 

Our future success is highly dependent upon our use of our intellectual property rights, including trade secrets, which rights could be adversely impacted by many factors, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

 

As a neuromodulation medical device company initially focused on the development and commercialization of our neurostimulation technology platform, we expect to be highly dependent upon our use of our intellectual property rights. These intellectual property rights could be adversely impacted by many factors, including:

 

 

We may in the future become involved in lawsuits to defend ourselves against intellectual property disputes, which could be expensive and time consuming, and ultimately unsuccessful, and could result in the diversion of significant resources, and hinder our ability to commercialize our existing or future products;

 

 

Our patents and other intellectual property rights infringing or violating the proprietary rights of others (particularly given that our competitors have made substantial investments in patent portfolios and competing technologies and may have applied for or may in the future apply for and obtain, patents that may interfere with our ability to sell our products) as if a third party brings a claim against us, our customers, our suppliers or our distributors, whether merited or not, it could be costly to defend, require us to pay damages on behalf of our customers, suppliers, or distributors, interfere with our ability to make, use, sell, and/or export our products or require us to obtain a license (which we may not be able to obtain on commercially reasonable terms or at all);

 

 

Our intellectual property rights may not provide sufficient commercial protection for Algovita and any future complete medical device that incorporates our neurostimulation technology platform, and potentially enable third parties to use our technology or very similar technology and reduce our ability to compete in the market;

 

 

Third parties may seek to challenge our patents, and, as a result, these patents could be narrowed, invalidated or rendered unenforceable;

 

 

Our current and future patent applications may not result in the issuance of patents in the United States or foreign countries;

 

 

Recent patent reform legislation, including the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or any future patent reform legislation may affect the way patent applications are prosecuted, redefine prior art, affect patent litigation or switch the United States patent system from a “first-to-invent” system to a “first-to-file” system, any or all of which could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents;

 

 
25

 

 

 

 

If we may fail to maintain the patents and patent applications covering Algovita and our neurostimulation technology platform, whether through unintentional lapse or otherwise, which, if uncurable or left uncured, could allow a competitor to market products that are the same or similar to our own;

 

 

We may become involved in interference or derivation proceedings or re-examination or opposition proceedings provoked by third parties or brought by the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any foreign patent authority to determine the priority of inventions or other matters of inventorship with respect to our patents or patent applications, which if the outcome were unfavorable could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party;

 

 

We rely on trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information, to maintain our competitive position, which we endeavor to protect through non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to these items. However, despite our best efforts and contractual limitations, our trade secrets and other unpatented or unregistered proprietary information may get disclosed and thereafter are likely to lose trade secret protection; and

 

 

We may be subject to damages resulting from claims that we or our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of our competitors or are in breach of non-competition or non-solicitation agreements with our competitors.

 

If any of the foregoing occurs, we may have to withdraw existing products from the market or may be unable to commercialize one or more of our products, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We are subject to certain risks related to our license agreements with Greatbatch, including the potential for Greatbatch to develop competing or similar products.

 

Under our license agreements with Greatbatch, we have licensed to Greatbatch the right to use certain of the intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform for applications within the neurostimulation fields of use in the unrestricted license agreement and certain other intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform for applications outside of the neurostimulation fields of use in the restricted license agreement. In addition, NeuroNexus has licensed to Greatbatch the right to use its intellectual property outside of the neurostimulation fields of use. Greatbatch, through the use of this licensed intellectual property or through the use of other intellectual property that it separately owns or has developed, may seek to develop products, components or improvements to such items that compete against or are similar to our own products and components. In addition, if Greatbatch tries to develop a product that incorporates licensed intellectual property for applications within a prohibited field of use, we may seek to enforce the terms of the license agreements to prohibit such development, which could subject us to costly litigation or may be a distraction to management. In addition, pursuant to the terms of these license agreements, we will be required to indemnify Greatbatch against certain third party infringement claims, which could result in our incurrence of significant expenses to defend any such matters or require us to make significant indemnification payments to Greatbatch.

 

Our use of “open source” software in our products could subject us to possible litigation.

 

We use and expect to continue to use some open source software in our products. We may face claims from others claiming ownership of, or seeking to enforce the terms of, an open source license, including by demanding release of the open source software, derivative works or our proprietary source code that was developed using such software. These claims could also result in litigation, require us to purchase a costly license or require us to devote additional research and development resources to change our software, any of which would have an adverse effect on our business and operating results. Further, if the license terms for the open source code change, we may be forced to re-engineer our products, resulting in additional costs.

 

 
26

 

 

 

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.

 

Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on our products in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. The requirements for patentability may differ in certain countries, particularly developing countries, and the breadth of patent claims allowed can be inconsistent. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as laws in the United States. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the United States. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection to develop their own products and, further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories in which we have patent protection that may not be sufficient to terminate infringing activities.

 

We do not have patent rights in certain foreign countries in which a market may exist. Moreover, in foreign jurisdictions where we do have patent rights, proceedings to enforce such rights could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly, and our patent applications at risk of not issuing. Additionally, such proceedings could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. Thus, we may not be able to stop a competitor from marketing and selling in foreign countries products that are the same as or similar to our products, and our competitive position in the international market would be harmed.

 

If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.

 

Our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented, declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. We may not be able to protect our rights in these trademarks and trade names, which we need in order to build name recognition with potential partners or customers in our markets of interest. In addition, third parties have registered trademarks similar to our trademarks in foreign jurisdictions, and may in the future file for registration of such trademarks. If they succeed in registering or developing common law rights in such trademarks, and if we were not successful in challenging such third-party rights, we may not be able to use these trademarks to market our products in those countries. In any case, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected.

 

We have a history of significant net operating losses. If we do not achieve and sustain profitability, our financial condition could suffer.

 

We have experienced significant net operating losses, and we expect to continue to incur net operating losses for the foreseeable future. We expect to continue to incur net operating losses as we continue to build our direct sales force in the United States and initiate the commercial launch of Algovita in the United States in 2016.

 

We intend to continue to increase our operating expenses substantially as we add sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States and a network of distributors and independent sales agents outside of the United States to increase our geographic sales coverage and penetration, invest in research and development programs to accelerate new product launches, expand our marketing and training programs, conduct clinical studies, and increase our general and administrative functions as a result of operating as an independent publicly-traded company. We may not ever generate sufficient sales from our operations to achieve profitability, and even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to remain profitable for any substantial period of time. If our revenue grows more slowly than we anticipate, or if our operating expenses are higher than we expect, we may not be able to achieve profitability and our financial condition will suffer.

 

 
27

 

 

 

We will be required to obtain additional funds in the future, and these funds may not be available on acceptable terms or at all.

 

Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception, and we anticipate our expenses will increase as we build a direct sales force in the United States, investigate the use of our neurostimulation technology platform for the treatment of other conditions, continue to grow our business, and transition to operating as an independent publicly-traded company. We believe that our growth will depend, in part, on our ability to commercialize Algovita. Our existing resources, inclusive of the cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to be made by Greatbatch immediately prior to the completion of the spin-off and borrowings under the New Credit Facility, the availability of which will be subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, may not allow us to conduct all of the activities that we believe would be beneficial for our future growth. As a result, we may need to seek additional funds in the future. If we are unable to enter into the New Credit Facility or to raise additional funds on favorable terms, or at all, we may not be able to support our commercialization efforts for Algovita or increase our research and development activities, and the growth of our business may be negatively impacted.

 

Our cash requirements in the future may be significantly different from our current estimates and depend on many factors, including:

 

 

the outcome, timing of, and costs involved in, seeking and obtaining supplementary or additional approvals from the FDA and other regulatory authorities;

 

 

the scope and timing of our investment in our United States commercial infrastructure and direct sales force;

 

 

the research and development activities we intend to undertake in order to expand the indications and product enhancements that we intend to pursue;

 

 

the costs of commercialization activities including product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution;

 

 

the degree and rate of market acceptance of Algovita;

 

 

changes or fluctuations in our inventory supply needs and forecasts of our supply needs;

 

 

the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights;

 

 

our need to implement additional infrastructure and internal systems;

 

 

our ability to satisfy the conditions and covenants, including trailing six-month revenue milestones, expected to be specified in the definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility in order to be able to draw down upon our $40 million of term loan financing and $5 million of revolving line of credit financing under the New Credit Facility;

 

 

our ability to hire additional personnel to support our operations as an independent publicly-traded company; and

 

 

the emergence of competing technologies or other adverse market developments.

 

To finance these activities, we may seek additional funds through borrowings or rounds of financing, including private or public equity or debt offerings, and strategic partnerships. We may be unable to raise necessary funds on favorable terms, or at all.

 

If we borrow funds or issue debt securities, these securities will have payment rights superior to holders of our common stock and may contain covenants that will restrict our operations. We may have to obtain funds through arrangements with strategic partners that may require us to relinquish rights to our technologies, product candidates, or products that we otherwise may not wish to relinquish.

 

 
28

 

 

 

Failure to enter into the New Credit Facility on the terms and conditions described in this information statement or at all could harm our financial condition.

 

We cannot be certain that the terms and conditions of the New Credit Facility described in this information statement will be the final terms and conditions for the New Credit Facility or that we will be able to enter into the New Credit Facility at all. The closing of the New Credit Facility is subject to the lenders’ completion of their due diligence investigations, finalization and execution of definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility and the satisfaction of other conditions. In addition, the closing of the New Credit Facility is conditioned upon the completion of the spin-off; however, the spin-off is not conditioned on the availability of the New Credit Facility. If we fail to enter into the New Credit Facility or to obtain other borrowings or rounds of financings, our ability to operate our business successfully after the completion of the spin-off, including our ability to implement our business plan and execute on our commercialization efforts for Algovita, as well as our financial condition and our liquidity may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We expect that the New Credit Facility, if entered into, will contain restrictions that will limit our flexibility in operating our business.

 

In connection with the completion of the spin-off, we expect to enter into the New Credit Facility, pursuant to which we will, subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, have access to borrow up to $40 million as term loan financing in up to three draws and $5 million as revolving line of credit financing. Pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Facility, the second tranche of the term loan, in the amount of $12.5 million, will be available for draw within sixty days of achieving trailing six-month revenues of greater than $13.5 million at any point between December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2017 and the third tranche of the term loan, in the amount of $12.5 million, will be available for draw within sixty days of achieving trailing six-month revenues of greater than $20.0 million at any point between June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017. If we fail to meet these trailing six-month revenue milestones, we expect that we will be unable to draw down upon the second and third tranches of the term loan.

 

We expect that the definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility will, if entered into, also contain various affirmative and negative covenants that will, subject to negotiated carve-outs and exceptions, limit our ability to engage in specified transactions and may limit our ability to, among other things:

 

 

sell, lease, transfer, exclusively license or dispose of our assets;

 

 

create, incur, assume or permit to exist specified amounts of additional indebtedness or liens;

 

 

make restricted payments, including paying dividends on, repurchasing or making distributions with respect to our capital stock;

 

 

make specified investments (including loans and advances);

 

 

merge, consolidate or liquidate;

 

 

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

 

enter into joint ventures or other strategic partnerships.

 

We also expect that the New Credit Facility will contain an affirmative covenant regarding minimum revenue requirements. In the event that we breach one or more of these covenants, it is expected that the lenders will have the right to declare an event of default and require that we immediately repay all amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility and foreclose on the collateral granted to secure such indebtedness under the New Credit Facility, which we expect will be substantially all of our assets, except for our intellectual property, which is expected to be subject to a negative pledge covenant.

 

 
29

 

 

 

We will need to maintain sufficient levels of inventory, which could consume a significant amount of our resources, reduce our cash flows and lead to inventory impairment charges.

 

As a result of the need to maintain substantial levels of inventory, we are subject to the risk of inventory obsolescence and expiration, which may lead to inventory impairment charges. In order to market and sell Algovita effectively, we often must maintain high levels of inventory. In particular, as we prepare for our commercial launch of Algovita in the United States, we intend to substantially increase our levels of inventory and our safety stock in order to meet our estimated demand and, as a result, incur significant expenditures associated with such increases in our inventory and safety stock. The manufacturing process requires lengthy lead times, during which components of Algovita may become obsolete, and we may over- or under-estimate the amount needed of a given component, in which case we may expend extra resources or be constrained in the number of Algovita systems that we can produce. As compared to direct manufacturers, our dependence on Greatbatch as our sole manufacturer exposes us to greater lead times increasing our risk of inventory obsolesce comparatively. Furthermore, Algovita has a limited shelf life due to sterilization requirements, and part or all of a given product or component may expire and its value would become impaired and we would be required to record an impairment charge. If our estimates of required inventory are too high, we may be exposed to further inventory obsolesce risk. In the event that a substantial portion of our inventory becomes obsolete or expires, or in the event we experience a supply chain imbalance as described above, it could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and cash flows due to the resulting costs associated with the inventory impairment charges and costs required to replace such inventory.

 

If we increase our sales outside the Unites States, we may be subject to risks associated with currency fluctuations, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates could impact our results of operations.

 

If we increase our sales outside the Unites States, we may be subject to changes in the exchange rates between such foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar, which could materially impact our reported results of operations and distort period to period comparisons. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates also impact the reporting of our receivables and payables in non-U.S. currencies. As a result of such foreign currency fluctuations, it could be more difficult to detect underlying trends in our business and results of operations. In addition, to the extent that fluctuations in currency exchange rates cause our results of operations to differ from our expectations or the expectations of our investors, the trading price of our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

In the future, we may engage in exchange rate hedging activities in an effort to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. If our hedging activities are not effective, changes in currency exchange rates may have a more significant impact on our results of operations.

 

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, and our failure to comply with applicable requirements could cause our business to suffer.

 

The medical device industry is regulated extensively by governmental authorities, principally the FDA and corresponding state and foreign regulatory agencies and authorities. The FDA and corresponding state and foreign regulatory agencies and authorities regulate and oversee virtually all aspects of a medical device’s development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, promotion, distribution and marketing, as well as modifications to existing products and the marketing of existing products for new indications.

 

Generally, unless an exemption applies, a medical device and modifications to a device or its indications must receive either premarket approval or premarket clearance from the FDA before it can be marketed in the United States. The approval process may involve lengthy and detailed laboratory and clinical testing procedures, sampling activities, extensive agency review processes, and other costly and time-consuming procedures. It may take several years to satisfy these requirements, depending on the complexity and novelty of the product or modification. We may not be successful in the future in receiving approvals and clearances in a timely manner or at all. Any delay in obtaining, or any failure to obtain, such approvals could negatively impact our marketing of any future products and reduce our product revenues.

 

 
30

 

 

 

The laws and regulations to which we are subject are complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. Legislative or regulatory changes could result in restrictions on our ability to carry on or expand our operations, higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales. See “Business – Regulation of our Business” for additional information regarding the regulatory schemes applicable to us and our business.

 

Our failure to comply with U.S. federal and state regulations or other foreign regulations applicable in the countries where we operate could lead to the issuance of warning letters or untitled letters, the imposition of injunctions, suspensions or loss of regulatory clearance or approvals, product recalls, termination of distribution, product seizures or civil penalties. In the most extreme cases, criminal sanctions or closure of manufacturing facilities are possible. If any of these risks materialize, our business would be adversely affected.

 

Algovita and other neurostimulation devices we develop may in the future be subject to notifications, recalls, or voluntary market withdrawals that could harm our reputation, business and financial results.

 

The FDA and similar foreign governmental authorities have the authority to require the recall of commercialized products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design or manufacture that could affect patient safety. Further, under the FDA medical device reporting regulations, we are required to submit information to the FDA when we receive a report or become aware that a device has or may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or has or may have a malfunction that would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur, which may prompt FDA action. A government-mandated recall or voluntary recall by us or one of our distributors could occur as a result of component failures, manufacturing errors, design or labeling defects or other issues. Recalls, which include certain notifications and corrections as well as removals, of our products could divert managerial and financial resources and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, harm our reputation with customers, and reduce our ability to achieve expected revenue.

 

In addition, the manufacturing of our products is subject to extensive post-market regulation by the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities, and any failure by us or our suppliers, including Greatbatch, to comply with regulatory requirements could result in recalls, facility closures, and other penalties. We and our suppliers are subject to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation and comparable foreign regulations that govern the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the design, manufacture, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, sterilization, storage, shipping, and servicing of medical devices. These regulations are enforced through periodic inspections of manufacturing facilities. Any manufacturing issues at our or our suppliers’ facilities, including failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in warning or untitled letters, manufacturing restrictions, voluntary or mandatory recalls or corrections, fines, withdrawals of regulatory clearances or approvals, product seizures, injunctions, or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties, which would adversely affect our business results and prospects.

 

The misuse or off-label use of our products may harm our image in the marketplace, result in injuries that lead to product liability suits, which could be costly to our business, or result in costly investigations and sanctions from the FDA and other regulatory bodies if we are deemed to have engaged in off-label promotion.

 

Algovita has received premarket approval from the FDA and CE mark approval for use in the treatment of chronic pain of the trunk or limbs. We cannot, however, prevent a physician from using our product off-label, when in the physician’s independent professional medical judgment she deems it appropriate. There may be increased risk of injury to patients if physicians attempt to use our product off-label. Furthermore, the use of our product for indications other than those approved by the applicable regulatory body may not effectively treat such conditions, which could harm our reputation in the marketplace among physicians and patients. Physicians may also misuse our product or use improper techniques if they are not adequately trained, potentially leading to injury and an increased risk of product liability litigation. If our products are misused or used with improper technique, we may become subject to costly litigation, including product liability litigation, by our customers or their patients. In addition, if the FDA or other regulatory bodies determines that our promotional materials or training constitute promotion of an  off-label use, it or they, as applicable, could request that we modify our training or promotional materials or subject us to regulatory or enforcement actions that may result in fines, penalties, injunctions or other restrictions. Any of these events could significantly harm our business and results of operations.

 

 
31

 

 

We may be subject to federal, state and foreign healthcare laws and regulations, and a finding of failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Although we do not provide healthcare services, submit claims for third-party reimbursement, or receive payments directly from Medicare, Medicaid or other third-party payors for our products, we are subject to healthcare fraud and abuse regulation and enforcement by federal, state and foreign governments, which could significantly impact our business. In the United States, the laws that may affect our ability to operate include, but are not limited to:

 

 

the U.S. federal Anti-Kickback Statute;

 

 

the U.S. federal False Claims Act and civil money penalties, including whistleblower and qui tam actions;

 

 

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology and Clinical Health Act;

 

 

federal regulation of payments made to physicians and other healthcare providers (known as the physician sunshine requirements), which requirements have been recently expanded under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or ACA;

 

 

U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and other anti-bribery laws; and

 

 

state and foreign law equivalents of each of the above federal laws.

 

See “Business – Regulation of our Business” for a detailed description of each of these laws and their impact on our operations. The scope and enforcement of each of these laws is uncertain and subject to rapid change in the current environment of healthcare reform, especially in light of the lack of applicable precedent and regulations. Federal and state enforcement bodies have recently increased their scrutiny of interactions between healthcare companies and healthcare providers, which has led to a number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and settlements in the healthcare industry. Responding to investigations can be time-and resource-consuming and can divert management’s attention from the business. Additionally, as a result of these investigations, healthcare providers and entities may have to agree to additional onerous compliance and reporting requirements as part of a consent decree or corporate integrity agreement. Any such investigation or settlement could increase our costs or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business.

 

If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws described above or any other governmental regulations that apply to us now or in the future, we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, exclusion from governmental health care programs, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results.

 

Healthcare legislative reform measures may have a material adverse effect on us.

 

In March 2010, the ACA was signed into law, which includes, among other things, a deductible 2.3% excise tax on any entity that manufactures or imports medical devices offered for sale in the United States, with limited exceptions. Beginning on January 1, 2016, this excise tax will be suspended through December 31, 2017, but if this suspension is not continued or made permanent thereafter, the excise tax will be automatically reinstated starting on January 1, 2018 and would result in a significant increase in the tax burden on our industry. If any efforts we undertake to offset the excise tax in the future are unsuccessful, the increased tax burden could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Other elements of the ACA, including comparative effectiveness research, an independent payment advisory board and payment system reforms and shared savings pilots and other provisions, may significantly affect the payment for, and the availability of, healthcare services and result in fundamental changes to federal healthcare reimbursement programs, any of which may materially affect our business. The full impact of the ACA, as well as other laws and reform measures that may be proposed and adopted in the future, remains uncertain, but may continue the downward pressure on medical device pricing, especially under the Medicare program, and may also increase our regulatory burden and operating costs.

 

 
32

 

 

Additional state and federal healthcare reform measures may be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for our product candidates or additional pricing pressures.

 

Risks Related to the Spin-Off

 

We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from being an independent publicly-traded company.

 

We believe that, as an independent publicly-traded company, we will have the ability to focus on the commercialization of Algovita, pursue development of other medical devices incorporating our technology and seek regulatory approvals for these new devices and other treatment indications with respect to Algovita. However, we may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from being an independent publicly-traded company in the time expected, if at all, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For instance, it may take longer than anticipated for us to, or we may never, succeed in achieving market acceptance of Algovita in the United States or other foreign countries, and we may be unable to compete successfully against more well established companies that provide similar SCS products and therapies. Our lack of a well-established product in the market, effective commercial infrastructure and a direct sales force, coupled with increased costs resulting from operating as an independent publicly-traded company and funding ongoing product development, may materially inhibit our ability to realize the full value of our company and to achieve our short-term and long-term strategic objectives.

 

We may incur material costs and expenses and have to devote substantial management time as a result of our operating as an independent publicly-traded company, which could adversely affect our profitability.

 

As a result of our spin-off from Greatbatch, our management may need to divert attention away from operational matters to devote substantial time to compliance with the requirements of being an independent publicly-traded company. We may also incur costs and expenses greater than those we currently incur. These increased costs and expenses may arise from various factors, including financial reporting, accounting and audit services, insurance, costs associated with information technology systems, complying with federal securities laws (including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and rules and regulations implemented by the SEC and NASDAQ) and legal and human resources-related functions. Although Greatbatch will continue to provide many of these services to us under the transition services agreement, this arrangement may not capture all the benefits our business has enjoyed as a result of being integrated with Greatbatch. These services are being provided by Greatbatch for only a limited period of time, and we will be required to establish the necessary infrastructure and systems to perform these functions and services on an ongoing basis. We may also incur one-time costs in connection with the transition to being an independent publicly-traded company, including relating to compensation costs, recruiting costs associated with building out our sales organization and costs to separate information systems. In addition, upon completion of the spin-off, we expect to need to make significant investments to replicate or outsource from other providers facilities, systems, infrastructure and personnel of Greatbatch to which we will no longer have access, which may be costly to implement. These costs may be greater than anticipated and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Prior to the spin-off, we were able to utilize Greatbatch’s purchasing power in procuring goods and services and have benefitted from resulting economies of scale and vendor relationships. As an independent publicly-traded company, we may be unable to obtain goods and services at the prices and on the terms obtained prior to the completion of the spin-off.

 

 
33

 

 

 

The spin-off requires significant time and attention of our management and may distract our employees, which could have an adverse effect on us.

 

Execution of the spin-off requires significant time and attention from our management, which may distract management from the operation of our business. Our employees may also be distracted because of uncertainty about their future roles with Nuvectra pending the completion of the spin-off. Any such difficulties could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our historical financial information may not be representative of the results we would have achieved as an independent publicly-traded company during the periods presented and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

 

Our historical financial information included in this information statement reflects our business as operated as part of Greatbatch’s organization. This historical financial information is derived from Greatbatch’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. Accordingly, our historical financial information included in this information statement may not necessarily reflect what our financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been had we been an independent publicly-traded company during the periods presented or those that we may achieve in the future. The expenses reflected in our historical financial information includes an allocation of general corporate overhead expenses from Greatbatch relating to the following support functions provided for us by Greatbatch: executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement and facilities. While our management considers the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that we would have incurred as an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs we will incur in the future after the completion of the spin-off. Accordingly, the historical financial information presented herein should not be assumed to be indicative of what our financial condition or results of operations actually would have been as an independent publicly-traded company or to be a reliable indicator of what our financial condition or results of operations actually could be in the future.

 

In addition, our working capital requirements and capital for general corporate purposes, including research and development funds and capital expenditures, have historically been funded by cash from Greatbatch. Following the completion of the spin-off, we may need to obtain additional financing from lenders, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic partnerships or other arrangements to fund these capital requirements. The cost of this capital may be higher than Greatbatch’s cost of capital prior to the spin-off.

 

The supply agreement and license agreements with Greatbatch may not reflect as favorable of terms as would have resulted from arm’s-length negotiations with unaffiliated third parties.

 

The supply agreement and license agreements that we will enter into with Greatbatch were prepared in connection with the spin-off and while we were still a wholly owned subsidiary of Greatbatch. Accordingly, during the period in which the terms of those agreements were prepared, we did not have an independent board of directors or a management team that was independent of Greatbatch. As a result, the terms of these agreements may not reflect as favorable of terms as would have resulted from arm’s-length negotiations with unaffiliated third parties.

 

Our customers, prospective customers, suppliers or other companies with whom we conduct business may need assurances that our financial stability on a stand-alone basis is sufficient to satisfy their requirements for doing or continuing to do business with them.

 

Some of our customers, prospective customers, suppliers or other companies with whom we conduct business may need assurances that our financial stability on a stand-alone basis is sufficient to satisfy their requirements for doing or continuing to do business with them, and may require us to provide additional credit support, such as letters of credit or other financial guarantees. Any failure of parties to be satisfied with our financial stability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

 
34

 

 

 

We will enter into several agreements with Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off, which may limit our ability to take actions beneficial to us for a period of time after the completion of the spin-off and may impair our future success.

 

The separation and distribution agreement, tax matters agreement, transition services agreement and employee matters agreement to be entered into between us and Greatbatch were negotiated while we were still a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch. As such, these agreements contains terms that may limit our ability, for a period of time after the completion of the spin-off, to take some actions that may be beneficial to us. As an example, to preserve the tax-free treatment of the spin-off, for a two-year period following the completion of the spin-off, we will be prohibited pursuant to the tax matters agreement, except in specific circumstances, from taking certain actions, including:

 

 

causing or permitting to occur any transaction or series of transactions, subject to certain exceptions provided under the U.S. federal income tax rules, in connection with which one or more persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire an interest in our capital stock that, when combined with any other acquisition of an interest in our capital stock that occurs after the spin-off, comprises 30% or more of the value or the total combined voting power of all interests that are treated as outstanding equity of Nuvectra for U.S. federal income tax purposes immediately after such transaction or, in the case of a series of related transactions, immediately after any transaction in such series;

 

 

transferring, selling or otherwise disposing of 35% or more of our gross assets if such transfer, sale or other disposition would violate the IRS’ rules and regulations;

 

 

liquidating our business; or

 

 

ceasing to maintain our active business.

 

Under the tax matters agreement that we intend to enter into with Greatbatch, we will be prohibited from taking or failing to take any action that prevents the spin-off from qualifying as a tax-free transaction. Further, during the two-year period following the completion of the spin-off, without obtaining the consent of Greatbatch or an unqualified opinion of a nationally recognized law or accounting firm, we may be prohibited from taking certain specified actions that could affect the tax treatment of the spin-off.

 

Under the separation and distribution agreement, a court could disregard the allocation of liabilities as agreed upon between us and Greatbatch, and require that we assume responsibility for obligations allocated to Greatbatch, particularly if Greatbatch were to refuse or were unable to pay or perform its allocated obligations.

 

Following the spin-off, we will continue to be dependent on Greatbatch for certain support services for our business pursuant to the transition services agreement.

 

Pursuant to the transition services agreement, Greatbatch will provide us with certain services for a limited period of time including, among others, human resources services, information technology services, legal support services, tax services, accounting services, treasury services and other support services specified in the transition services agreement. Although Greatbatch will be contractually obligated to provide us with certain support services during the term of the transition services agreement, these services may not be performed as efficiently or proficiently as they were performed prior to the spin-off or may not be performed at all by Greatbatch. When Greatbatch ceases to provide these services for us, our costs may increase as a result of having to procure these services from third parties. In addition, we may not be able to replace these services in a timely manner or enter into appropriate third-party agreements on terms and conditions, including cost, comparable to the transition services agreement. If Greatbatch breaches its obligations to us under the transition services agreement, we may be unable to recover the full amount of damages we may incur as damages payable by Greatbatch under the transition services agreement are capped at a maximum of $750,000 in the aggregate. To the extent that we require additional services to be performed by Greatbatch that are not included in the transition services agreement, we will need to negotiate the terms for receiving such services with Greatbatch, which may result in increased costs to us.

 

 
35

 

 

 

As we build our information technology infrastructure and transition our data to our own systems, we could incur substantial additional costs and experience temporary business interruptions.

 

After the spin-off, we will continue to install and implement information technology infrastructure to support our critical business functions, including systems relating to accounting and reporting, customer service, inventory control and distribution. We may incur temporary interruptions in business operations if we cannot transition effectively from Greatbatch’s existing transactional and operational systems. In particular, Greatbatch’s information technology networks and systems are complex, and duplicating these networks and systems will be challenging. We may not be successful in effectively and efficiently implementing our new systems and transitioning our data, and we may incur substantially higher costs for implementation than currently anticipated. In addition, our information technology systems, some of which may be managed by third-parties, may be susceptible to damage, disruptions, or shutdowns due to computer viruses, attacks by computer hackers, power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, user errors, or catastrophic events. Our failure to avoid operational interruptions as we implement the new systems or our failure to implement the new systems effectively and efficiently, could disrupt our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will agree to indemnify Greatbatch for certain liabilities. If we are required to make payments to Greatbatch as a result of these indemnification obligations, we may need to divert cash to meet those obligations and our financial results could be negatively impacted.

 

Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement between us and Greatbatch, we and Greatbatch will each agree to indemnify the other for certain liabilities, in each case in an uncapped amount. The amount of those indemnification payments to Greatbatch may be significant to us and could negatively impact our business, particularly any indemnification payment that is payable as a result of failing to preserve the tax-free treatment of the spin-off. Third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any liabilities that Greatbatch has agreed to retain. Further, any indemnification payment from Greatbatch may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of a liability we are required to pay to a third party, and Greatbatch may not, in the future, be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations to us. Moreover, even if we are ultimately indemnified by of Greatbatch, we may be temporarily required to bear the losses ourselves. Each of these risks could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We may be unable to make, on a timely or cost-effective basis, the changes necessary to operate as an independent publicly-traded company.

 

We have historically operated as part of Greatbatch’s corporate organization, and Greatbatch has assisted us by providing various corporate functions. Following the spin-off, Greatbatch will have no obligation to provide us with any assistance other than pursuant to the terms of the transition services agreement. The services to be provided by Greatbatch do not include every corporate function that Greatbatch has historically provided for us, and Greatbatch is only obligated to provide those services for the limited time periods set forth in the transition services agreement. Accordingly, we will need to provide internally or obtain from unaffiliated third parties the services that we currently receive from Greatbatch, many of which are necessary to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. We may be unable to replace these services in a timely manner or on terms and conditions as favorable as those we receive from Greatbatch. If we fail to establish or obtain the quality of services necessary to operate effectively or incur greater costs, our profitability, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

If the spin-off were to fail to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Greatbatch and its stockholders could be subject to significant tax liabilities and, in certain circumstances, we could be required to indemnify Greatbatch.

 

Greatbatch expects to receive an opinion from its third party tax advisor with respect to the tax-free treatment of the spin-off. Accordingly, the spin-off is conditioned upon the receipt by Greatbatch of an opinion from its third party tax advisor that the spin-off should qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code. This opinion will be based on, among other things, current law and certain assumptions and representations made by Greatbatch and us. Any change in currently applicable law, which may or may not be retroactive, or the failure of any factual representation or assumption to be true, correct and complete in all material respects, could adversely affect the conclusions reached in the opinion. This opinion will be expressed as of the date issued and will not cover subsequent periods. As a result, this opinion is not expected to be issued until after the date of this information statement. This opinion will not binding on the IRS or any court and will be subject to other qualifications and limitations. The IRS may not agree with the conclusions expected to be set forth in the opinion, and it is possible that the IRS or another tax authority could adopt a position contrary to one or all of those conclusions and that a court could sustain that contrary position.

 

 
36

 

 

We generally will be responsible for any taxes imposed on Greatbatch that arise from the failure of the spin-off to receive tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent such failure to qualify is attributable to actions, events or transactions relating to our stock, assets or business or a breach of the relevant representations or any covenants made by us in the tax matters agreement. Our indemnification obligations to Greatbatch will not be limited by any maximum amount. If we are required to indemnify Greatbatch under the circumstances set forth in the tax matters agreement, we may also be subject to substantial tax liabilities. For more information regarding the Tax Matters Agreement, see “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Tax Matters Agreement.”

 

We might not be able to engage in desirable strategic transactions and equity issuances following the spin-off because of restrictions relating to requirements for tax-free distributions.

 

Our ability to engage in significant equity issuances will be limited or restricted after the spin-off in order to preserve, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax-free nature of the spin-off. Even if the spin-off otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code, it may result in corporate-level taxable gain to Greatbatch under Section 355(e) of the Code if there is a 50% or greater change in ownership, by vote or value, of shares of our stock or Greatbatch’s common stock occurring as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the spin-off. Any acquisitions or issuances of our stock or Greatbatch’s common stock within two years before or after the spin-off are generally (subject to exceptions) presumed to be part of such a plan. The process for determining whether an acquisition or issuance triggering these provisions has occurred is complex, inherently factual and subject to interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case. The tax liability to Greatbatch resulting from the application of Section 355(e) could be substantial. Under the tax matters agreement that we will enter into with Greatbatch, we will be prohibited from taking or failing to take any action that prevents the spin-off from being tax-free. Therefore, these restrictions may limit our ability to pursue strategic transactions, issue equity, or engage in other transactions.

 

The Greatbatch board of directors has reserved the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, modify, abandon or terminate the spin-off at any time prior to the spin-off date.

 

Until the spin-off occurs, Greatbatch’s board of directors will have the sole discretion, to amend, modify, abandon or terminate the spin-off at any time prior to the spin-off date, even if all of the conditions to the spin-off have been satisfied. This means Greatbatch may amend, modify, abandon or terminate spin-off if at any time Greatbatch’s board of directors determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that the spin-off is not in the best interests of Greatbatch and its stockholders or that legal, market or regulatory conditions or other circumstances are such that the spin-off is no longer advisable at that time. If Greatbatch’s board of directors determines to cancel the spin-off, stockholders of Greatbatch will not receive any distribution of our shares of common stock.

 

The spin-off may expose us to potential liabilities arising out of state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws.

 

The spin-off is subject to review under various state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws. Fraudulent conveyance laws generally provide that an entity engages in a constructive fraudulent conveyance when (i) the entity transfers assets and does not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value in return; and (ii) the entity: (a) is insolvent at the time of the transfer or is rendered insolvent by the transfer; (b) has unreasonably small capital with which to carry on its business; or (c) intends to incur or believes it will incur debts beyond its ability to repay its debts as they mature. An unpaid creditor or an entity acting on behalf of a creditor (including without limitation a trustee or debtor-in-possession in a bankruptcy by us or Greatbatch or any of our respective subsidiaries) may bring an action alleging that the spin-off or any of the related transactions constituted a constructive fraudulent conveyance. If a court accepts these allegations, it could impose a number of remedies, including without limitation, voiding our claims against Greatbatch, requiring our stockholders to return to Greatbatch some or all of the shares of our common stock issued in the spin-off, or providing Greatbatch with a claim for money damages against us in an amount equal to the difference between the consideration received by Greatbatch and our fair market value at the time of the spin-off.

 

 
37

 

 

Risks Related to our Common Stock Following Completion of the Spin-Off

 

An active, liquid and orderly market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained, and the trading price of our common stock is likely to be volatile.

 

The trading price of our common stock could be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include those discussed in this “Risk Factors” section of this information statement and others such as:

 

 

results from, or any delays in, clinical trial programs relating to our product candidates, including any additional planned clinical trials for Algovita;

 

 

announcements of new products by us or our competitors;

 

 

adverse actions taken by regulatory agencies with respect to our clinical trials, manufacturing supply chain or sales and marketing activities;

 

 

our operating results;

 

 

our cash-on-hand and overall liquidity;

 

 

dilution of our common stock resulting from the issuance of additional shares of common stock, preferred stock or securities convertible into additional shares of common stock;

 

 

changes or developments in laws or regulations applicable to Algovita and our other products;

 

 

any adverse changes in our relationship with any manufacturers or suppliers, including our sole source supplier, Greatbatch;

 

 

the success of our efforts to acquire or develop additional products;

 

 

any intellectual property infringement actions in which we may become involved;

 

 

announcements concerning our competitors or the medical device industry in general;

 

 

achievement of expected product sales and profitability;

 

 

manufacture, supply or distribution shortages;

 

 

FDA or foreign regulatory actions affecting us or our industry or other healthcare reform measures in the United States;

 

 

changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts;

 

 

trading volume of our common stock;

 

 

sales of our common stock by us, our executive officers and directors or our stockholders in the future;

 

 

general economic and market conditions and overall fluctuations in the United States equity markets; and

 

 

the loss of any of our key scientific personnel or executive officers.

 

 
38

 

 

 

In addition, the stock markets in general, and the markets for equity securities of medical device companies in particular, have experienced volatility that may have been unrelated to the operating performance of the issuer. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price or liquidity of our common stock. In the past, when the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against the issuer. If any of our stockholders were to bring such a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit and the attention of our management would be diverted from the operation of our business, which could seriously harm our financial position. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities.

 

An active, liquid and orderly market for our common stock may not develop.

 

Prior to the spin-off, there has been no public market for shares of our common stock, and, after the completion of the spin-off, an active public market for our shares may not develop or be sustained. The lack of an active market may impair our stockholders’ ability to sell their shares at the time they wish to sell them or at a price that they consider reasonable. An inactive market for our common stock may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares and may impair our ability to acquire other businesses or technologies or in-license new product candidates using our shares of common stock as consideration.

 

If securities or industry analysts issue inaccurate or unfavorable research regarding our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We may not have any analysts that choose to cover us. If we have analysts choose to cover us and they downgrade our stock or issue inaccurate or unfavorable research regarding us, our business model or our stock performance, or if our operating results fail to meet the expectations of these analysts, our stock price could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our trading volume to decline and, as a result, our stock price may become more volatile and could decline.

 

We will be an “emerging growth company” and as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors.

 

Following the spin-off, we will be an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we intend to take advantage of some of the exemptions from the reporting requirements that are afforded to emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we intend to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may become more volatile. We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company.

 

Your percentage of ownership in us may be diluted in the future.

 

As with any independent publicly-traded company, your percentage ownership in us may be diluted in the future because of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions or otherwise, including incentive equity awards that we expect will be granted to our directors, officers and employees. In addition, upon a draw of a tranche of the term loan under the New Credit Facility, we expect to issue warrants to the lenders to purchase a number of shares of our common stock with a notional value equal to 4.5% of the funded amount of such tranche, with all warrants issued at such time of a tranche funding having an exercise price equal to the lower of the average closing price of our common stock for the ten previous days of trading or the closing price of our common stock on the day prior to such tranche funding. Each warrant is expected to be exercisable for ten years from the date of issuance. If we issue common stock, preferred stock or securities convertible into common stock, including the warrants described above, our stockholders would experience dilution and, as a result, our stock price may decline.

 

 
39

 

 

If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

As an independent publicly-traded company, we will be required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal control. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and, beginning with our second Annual Report on Form 10-K following our spin-off, provide a management report on internal control over financial reporting. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act also requires that our internal control over financial reporting be attested to by our independent registered public accounting firm, to the extent we are no longer an emerging growth company, as defined by the JOBS Act. We do not expect to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to our internal control over financial reporting for so long as we are an emerging growth company. We are in the process of designing and implementing the internal control over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation, which process will be time consuming, costly and complicated. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, if we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting are effective, or, when required in the future, if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are then-listed, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

 

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation, by-laws and under Delaware law may discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable and could lead to entrenchment of management.

 

We expect that following the spin-off, our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will contain provisions that could significantly reduce the value of our shares to a potential acquirer or delay or prevent changes in control or changes in our management without the consent of our Board of Directors. The provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will include the following:

 

 

a classified board of directors with three-year staggered terms, which may delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our board of directors;

 

 

no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;

 

 

the exclusive right of our Board of Directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of our Board of Directors or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors;

 

 

the required approval of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all shares of capital stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors to remove a director for cause, and the prohibition on removal of directors without cause;

 

 

the ability of our Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquiror;

 

 

the ability of our Board of Directors to alter our by-laws without obtaining stockholder approval;

 

 
40

 

 

 

 

the required approval of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all shares of capital stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors to amend, alter, change, repeal or adopt any provision of our by-laws and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation;

 

 

a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders;

 

 

the requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by our Board of Directors, Chairman of our Board of Directors or our Chief Executive Officer, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors for cause; and

 

 

advance notice procedures that stockholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our Board of Directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquiror’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

 

In addition, these provisions would apply even if we were to receive an offer that some stockholders may consider beneficial.

 

We are also subject to the anti-takeover provisions contained in Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL. Under Section 203, a corporation may not, in general, engage in a business combination with any holder of 15% or more of its capital stock unless the holder has held the stock for three years or, among other exceptions, the board of directors has approved the transaction.

 

Claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.

 

Our certificate of incorporation, by-laws and individual indemnity agreements that we expect to enter into with our officers and directors will provide that we will be required to indemnify our directors and officers, and, to the extent authorized from time to time by our Board of Directors, our other employees and agents, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, subject to specified exceptions. Any claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.

 

 
41

 

 

 

THE SPIN-OFF

 

Background

 

Greatbatch’s board of directors and management regularly review Greatbatch’s various businesses to ensure that resources are deployed and activities are pursued in the best interests of its stockholders. On July 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced that it intended to spin-off Nuvectra and its neuromodulation medical device business from the remainder of its business through a tax-free distribution of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Nuvectra to the stockholders of Greatbatch on a pro rata basis. The entity being spun-off is composed of Nuvectra and its subsidiaries Algostim and PelviStim, and Greatbatch’s NeuroNexus subsidiary, the shares of which are being transferred to us by Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off.

 

On February 23, 2016, Greatbatch’s board of directors approved the distribution of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Nuvectra common stock in a spin-off on the basis of one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock held as of the close of business on March 7, 2016, the record date for the spin-off. Greatbatch stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Nuvectra common stock that they would have received after application of this ratio. Greatbatch’s stockholders will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange any shares of Greatbatch common stock or take any other action to receive their shares of Nuvectra’s common stock in the spin-off. The distribution of Nuvectra’s common stock in the spin-off as described in this information statement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions. For a more detailed description of these conditions, see this section under “– Spin-Off Conditions and Termination.”

 

Reasons for the Spin-Off

 

Greatbatch’s board of directors has determined that spinning-off Nuvectra would be in the best interests of Greatbatch and its stockholders. Our business and the businesses of Greatbatch have distinct operating, business and financial characteristics. In making the determination to spin off our neuromodulation medical device business, Greatbatch’s board of directors noted that the spin-off would permit Greatbatch to focus on its core business of designing and manufacturing products and components for sale to medical device original equipment manufacturers and would permit us to focus our attention and financial resources on our neuromodulation medical device business, which involves the development and sale of neuromodulation medical devices to physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers generally in competition with other medical device original equipment manufacturers. Greatbatch’s board of directors considered that the issues arising from distinct operating priorities and strategies would become particular acute upon receipt of final approval of our premarket approval application for Algovita, which is our first complete medical device that uses our neurostimulation technology platform. Prior to that date, Algovita, except for a limited release in Europe, remained in the development, testing and approval phase, and therefore the operation of these businesses within the same corporate structure was not determined to materially constrain either business. Given that premarket approval for Algovita from the FDA has been received, Greatbatch’s board of directors determined that it was an appropriate time to pursue the spin-off. A variety of other positive and negative factors were considered by Greatbatch’s board of directors in evaluating the spin-off. The Greatbatch board of directors considered the following to be the material potential benefits to the spin-off:

 

 

Distinct investment identity. The spin-off will allow investors to separately value Greatbatch and Nuvectra based on their respective unique investment identities, including the merits, performance, risks and future prospects of Greatbatch’s and our respective businesses. The spin-off will also provide investors with two distinct investment opportunities with different fundamentals and growth prospects, which we believe will improve investor understanding of the business and financial characteristics of Greatbatch and Nuvectra and facilitate independent valuation assessments for each company that fully recognize the value of each company.

 

 

Enhanced strategic and management focus. The spin-off will allow Nuvectra and Greatbatch each to focus their respective attention and financial resources on their distinct operating priorities and strategies and on the different growth opportunities available to each company without diverting human and financial resources to the other’s business or otherwise being constrained by a board of directors or management that is also responsible for overseeing and furthering the objectives of the other company and its business. The spin-off will also enhance the opportunities for success for each company by reducing internal complexity and enabling each of Nuvectra and Greatbatch to avoid management, systemic and other problems that may arise by operation of different businesses within the same corporate structure.

 

 
42

 

 

 

Improved employee incentives. We believe that competition for qualified employees is significant in the neuromodulation medical device industry. Following the completion of the spin-off, we believe we will be able to better attract, develop and retain key employees through the use of equity-based and performance-based incentive plans and other benefit plans that more directly link employee compensation with the specific business objectives, financial goals and performance metrics of our business.

 

 

Direct access to capital and tailored capital structure . As an independent publicly-held company, we will avoid conflicts in the allocation of capital between us and other Greatbatch businesses. Rather, we will have direct access to our cash on-hand or the capital markets to issue equity or debt securities, which we expect will increase our flexibility to invest in innovation, product development and marketing, pursue strategic partnerships and establish a capital structure tailored to our business.

 

There can be no assurance that, following the spin-off, these or any other benefits will be realized to the extent anticipated or at all.

 

Greatbatch’s board of directors also considered a number of potentially negative factors in evaluating the spin-off, including the following which it considered to be the material potentially negative factors:

 

 

Loss of synergies and increased costs. Currently as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch, we take advantage of certain support functions performed by Greatbatch, such as accounting, tax, legal, human resources and other general and administrative functions. After the spin-off and the termination of our transition services agreement with Greatbatch, Greatbatch will no longer perform these functions for us, and, because of our smaller scale as a standalone company, our cost of performing these functions may be higher than the amounts reflected in our combined financial statements. In addition, we take advantage of Greatbatch’s size and purchasing power in procuring goods and services. After the spin-off, we may be unable to obtain these goods and services at prices or on terms as favorable as those Greatbatch obtained prior to completion of the spin-off.

 

 

Increased significance of some costs and liabilities . Some costs and liabilities that were less significant to Greatbatch as a whole will be more significant for us as a standalone company due to our being smaller than Greatbatch.

 

 

One-time costs of the spin-off. We expect to incur costs in connection with the transition to being an independent publicly-traded company that may include accounting, tax, legal, and other professional services costs, recruiting and relocation costs associated with hiring key senior management personnel new to Nuvectra and costs to separate information systems, among others.

 

 

Inability to realize anticipated benefits of the spin-off. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the spin-off for a variety of reasons, including, among others, that following the spin-off, we may be more susceptible to industry downturns and market fluctuations and other adverse events than if we were still a part of Greatbatch, in part, because our business will be significantly less diversified than Greatbatch’s business.

 

 

Limitations placed upon Nuvectra as a result of the tax matters agreement . Under the terms of our tax matters agreement with Greatbatch, we will be restricted from taking certain actions that could cause the spin-off to fail to qualify as a tax-free transaction under applicable law for a period of two years following the completion of the spin-off. During this two-year period, these restrictions may limit our ability to pursue certain strategic transactions, to issue additional equity, to repurchase shares of our common stock or to engage in other transactions that might increase the value of our business. Generally, during the two-year period following the date of the spin-off, we will be prohibited from (i) causing or permitting to occur any transaction or series of transactions, subject to certain exceptions provided under the U.S. federal income tax rules, in connection with which one or more persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire an interest in our capital stock that, when combined with any other acquisition of an interest in our capital stock that occurs after the spin-off, comprises 30% or more of the value or the total combined voting power of all interests that are treated as outstanding equity of Nuvectra for U.S. federal income tax purposes immediately after such transaction or, in the case of a series of related transactions, immediately after any transaction in such series; (ii) transferring, selling or otherwise disposing of 35% or more of our gross assets if such transfer, sale or other disposition would violate the IRS’ rules and regulations; (iii) liquidating our business; or (iv) ceasing to maintain our active business. If we take any of these actions and these actions result in tax-related costs for Greatbatch, then we would generally be required to indemnify Greatbatch for these costs. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Tax Matters Agreement” for additional information regarding our tax matters agreement with Greatbatch.

 

 
43

 

 

The Greatbatch board of directors, however, concluded that the potential benefits of the spin-off outweighed these negative factors.

 

Conversion of Nuvectra into a Corporation

 

Nuvectra was initially formed as a limited liability company in Delaware on November 14, 2008, under the name SDI Group, LLC, which was subsequently changed to QiG Group, LLC. Immediately prior to completion of the spin-off, QiG Group will convert into Nuvectra, a Delaware corporation.

 

Manner of Effecting the Distribution

 

With the assistance of Computershare, as the settlement agent and distribution agent, Greatbatch will distribute the shares of Nuvectra common stock on March 14, 2016, the spin-off date, to all holders of Greatbatch’s common stock as of the close of business on the record date, in each case on the basis of one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock, or the distribution ratio, held as of the close of business on the record date. Computershare, which currently serves as the transfer agent and registrar for Greatbatch’s common stock, will serve as the settlement agent and distribution agent in connection with the spin-off and the transfer agent and registrar for Nuvectra’s common stock following the spin-off.

 

If you own shares of common stock of Greatbatch as of the close of business on the record date, Greatbatch, with the assistance of Computershare, will electronically distribute whole shares of Nuvectra common stock to you in book-entry form by way of registration in the “direct registration system” (if you hold Greatbatch shares in your own name as a registered stockholder) or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf or through the systems of DTC (if you hold Greatbatch shares through a bank or brokerage firm that uses DTC).

 

Direct registration form refers to a method of recording share ownership when no physical stock certificates are issued to stockholders, as is the case in this spin-off. If you are a registered stockholder, Computershare will then mail you a direct registration account statement after the completion of the spin-off that reflects the shares of common stock of Nuvectra that you own after the spin-off.

 

Most Greatbatch stockholders hold their common stock through a bank or brokerage firm. In such cases, the bank or brokerage firm would be said to hold the shares in “street name” and ownership would be recorded on the bank or brokerage firm’s books. For stockholders holding their shares of Greatbatch common stock through a bank or brokerage firm, such bank or brokerage firm will credit such stockholder’s account for the Nuvectra  common stock that such stockholder is entitled to receive in the spin-off. If you have any questions concerning the mechanics of having shares held in “street name,” please contact your bank or brokerage firm directly.

 

 
44

 

 

Each share of Nuvectra common stock that is distributed will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free of preemptive rights.

 

Treatment of Fractional Shares

 

Greatbatch will not distribute fractional shares of Nuvectra common stock in connection with the spin-off. You will receive a check, or a credit to your brokerage account, for the cash equivalent of any fractional shares you otherwise would have received in the spin-off. Computershare, as distribution agent, will aggregate and sell all of those fractional shares on the open market at the then-applicable market price and distribute the aggregate cash proceeds ratably (based on the fractional share such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive) to each Greatbatch stockholder who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the spin-off after making appropriate deductions of the amount required to be withheld for federal income tax purposes and an amount equal to the brokerage fees and commissions attributable to the sale of the fractional share. Neither Greatbatch nor Nuvectra will be able to guarantee any minimum sale price in connection with the sale of these fractional shares. Computershare, in its sole discretion, will determine the timing and method of selling such aggregated fractional shares in open market transactions and the selling price for such shares. Recipients of cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be entitled to any interest on the payments made in lieu of fractional shares. If you own less than three shares of Greatbatch common stock on the record date, you will not receive any shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off, but you will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. The receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares will generally result in a taxable gain or loss to the recipient stockholder. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of proceeds from fractional shares in the spin-off.

 

Treatment of Equity-Based Compensation

 

Generally, under our employee matters agreement with Greatbatch all outstanding awards granted under Greatbatch’s equity incentive plans (whether held by Greatbatch or Nuvectra employees or other participants) will be converted into adjusted awards for shares of both Greatbatch common stock and Nuvectra common stock. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Employee Matters Agreement” for additional information regarding the treatment of awards granted under Greatbatch’s existing equity compensation plans.

 

Results of the Spin-Off

 

After the spin-off, we will be an independent, publicly-traded company owning and operating what had previously been Greatbatch’s QiG Group subsidiary and its neuromodulation medical device business. Immediately after the spin-off, we expect to have approximately 10,259,611 shares of Nuvectra common stock issued and outstanding, based on the distribution ratio described above and approximately 30,778,835 shares of Greatbatch common stock that we expect to be outstanding on the record date of March 7, 2016. The actual number of shares to be distributed in the spin-off will be determined based on the number of Greatbatch shares outstanding as of the close of business on the record date, which may be different from the estimated figure.

 

The spin-off will not affect the number of outstanding shares of Greatbatch common stock or any rights of Greatbatch stockholders, although it may affect the trading price of Greatbatch common stock. The trading price of Greatbatch common stock is expected to change as a result of the spin-off because it will no longer reflect the value of our neuromodulation medical device business. Moreover, the trading price of Greatbatch common stock may fluctuate significantly depending upon a number of factors, some of which may be beyond Greatbatch’s control. We also cannot assure you that following the spin-off the aggregate value of our common stock and Greatbatch common stock will exceed the pre-spin-off value of Greatbatch common stock.

 

 
45

 

 

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into several agreements with Greatbatch to effect the spin-off and provide a framework for our relationship going forward after the spin-off. We and Greatbatch are entering into a separation and distribution agreement, a tax matters agreement, a transition services agreement and an employee matters agreement, which will provide for the allocation between us and Greatbatch of the assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to our business for the period prior to, at and after the spin-off. We will also enter into a supply agreement with Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off under which we will agree to purchase, exclusively from Greatbatch, fully assembled Algovita systems and most of the products, parts and components necessary for the production of Algovita. We will also enter into a product component framework agreement providing Greatbatch with the exclusive right to supply us with products, parts and components necessary for production of future SNS or DBS neurostimulation devices that we may seek to commercialize. Additionally, we will enter into two license agreements with Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off pursuant to which we will license to Greatbatch rights in, subject to specified restrictions, certain intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform. For additional information regarding the separation and distribution agreement with Greatbatch and other transaction agreements, see “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us”.

 

Market for Nuvectra Common Stock

 

There is currently no public trading market for shares of Nuvectra common stock. Nuvectra’s common stock has been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NVTR.” We also expect that a “when-issued” trading market for Nuvectra common stock will begin on or shortly before the record date and continue up to the spin-off date, as more fully described below under “– Trading Between the Record Date and Spin-Off Date.” We expect that “regular-way” trading of Nuvectra common stock will begin on the spin-off date. The initial trading price for the Nuvectra common stock will be established by the public trading markets. We cannot predict what the trading prices for Nuvectra common stock will be before or after the spin-off date. The trading price of Nuvectra common stock is likely to fluctuate significantly, particularly until an orderly market develops, and this trading price is likely to be influenced by many different factors, including many of which are beyond our control.

 

Trading Between the Record Date and Spin-Off Date

 

Beginning on or around the record date and continuing up to the spin-off date, Greatbatch anticipates that there will be two markets in Greatbatch common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. Greatbatch common stock that trades on the “regular-way” market will trade with an entitlement to Nuvectra common stock distributed pursuant to the spin-off. Greatbatch common stock that trades on the “ex-distribution” market, if established, will trade without an entitlement to Nuvectra common stock distributed pursuant to the spin-off. Therefore, if you decide to sell your Greatbatch common stock in the “regular-way” market prior to the spin-off date, you will be selling your right to receive Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off. If you own shares of Greatbatch common stock at the close of business on the record date and decide to sell those shares on the “ex-distribution” market, if established, prior to the spin-off date, you will receive the shares of Nuvectra common stock that you are entitled to receive pursuant to your ownership as of the record date of Greatbatch common stock.

 

Furthermore, beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing up to and including the spin-off date, we expect that there will be a “when-issued” market in Nuvectra common stock. The term “when-issued” means that shares can be traded conditionally prior to the time shares are actually available or issued. The “when-issued” trading market will be a market for shares of Nuvectra common stock that will be distributed to Greatbatch stockholders on the spin-off date. If you own Greatbatch common stock at the close of business on the record date, you will be entitled to Nuvectra common stock distributed pursuant to the spin-off. You may trade this entitlement to shares of Nuvectra common stock, without the shares of Greatbatch common stock you own, on the “when-issued” market. On the spin-off date, when-issued trading in Nuvectra common stock will end and “regular-way” trading will begin.

 

 
46

 

 

 

“Ex-distribution” and “when-issued” trades generally are settled four business days after the spin-off date. If, for whatever reason, the spin-off does not occur, “when-issued” and “ex-distribution” trades will be cancelled and, therefore, will not be settled.

 

 

Spin-Off Conditions and Termination

 

The spin-off will be effective on the spin-off date, March 14, 2016, provided that, among other things, the following conditions will have been satisfied:

 

 

the receipt of an opinion from Greatbatch’s third party tax advisor, in form and substance acceptable to Greatbatch, substantially to the effect that the spin-off, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, should qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code;

 

 

the receipt of an opinion from an independent valuation firm to the Greatbatch board of directors confirming the solvency of Nuvectra following the spin-off, which shall be in form and substance acceptable to Greatbatch;

 

 

the SEC declaring effective Nuvectra’s registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement forms a part, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement shall be in effect and, to the knowledge of either Greatbatch or Nuvectra, no proceedings for such purpose shall be threatened by the SEC;

 

 

the distribution of this information statement to Greatbatch’s stockholders;

 

 

no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decree, or ruling issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority, and no statute, rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or enacted by any governmental authority will be in effect preventing, or materially limiting the benefits of, the spin-off, and no other event outside Greatbatch’s control will have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the completion of the spin-off;

 

 

the shares of Nuvectra common stock to be distributed shall have been accepted for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to official notice of distribution;

 

 

the actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable federal and state securities and blue sky laws and comparable laws under any foreign jurisdiction in connection with the spin-off have been taken and, if applicable, have become effective;

 

 

Greatbatch shall have established a record date and shall have delivered not less than 10 days’ advance notice thereof to the New York Stock Exchange;

 

 

the separation and distribution agreement with Greatbatch and each of the other transaction agreements shall have been executed and delivered by each of the parties thereto and no party to the separation and distribution agreement or any other transaction agreement will have materially breached its obligations under the separation and distribution agreement or any other transaction agreement;

 

 

the separation and distribution agreement with Greatbatch and each of the other transaction agreements shall not have been terminated and will not violate, conflict with or result in any breach (with or without the passage of time) of any statute, code or other law of any governmental authority;

 

 

all material consents, waivers, approvals, filings, including notices and reports, required to be received before the spin-off from or provided to any third party or governmental authority will have been received or provided and shall be in full force and effect;

 

 

the secured parties under Greatbatch’s Credit Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2015, by and among Greatbatch Ltd, Greatbatch, Inc., the financial institutions identified therein as lenders, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as administrative agent, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Keybanc Capital Markets, Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Fifth Third Bank, and Citibank NA, as co-documentation agents shall have released the liens and stock pledges encumbering the Nuvectra common stock;

 

 
47

 

 

 

 

completion of each of the Internal Transactions (as defined in the separation and distribution agreement), which shall include, among other transactions, Greatbatch having made the cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to us and the statutory conversion of QiG Group, a Delaware limited liability company, to Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and

 

 

no other event or development will have occurred that, in the judgment of Greatbatch’s board of directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, would result in the spin-off having a material adverse effect on Greatbatch or its stockholders.

 

The fulfillment of the foregoing conditions will not create any obligation on Greatbatch’s part to effect the spin-off and Greatbatch’s board of directors has reserved the right to amend, modify, abandon or terminate the spin-off at any time prior to the spin-off date. Greatbatch’s board of directors may, in its sole discretion, also waive any of these conditions, in whole or in part.

 

Greatbatch will have the sole and absolute discretion to determine or change the terms of, and whether to proceed with, the spin-off and, to the extent it determines to so proceed, to determine the record date and the spin-off date and the distribution ratio. Greatbatch does not intend to notify its stockholders of any modifications to the terms of the spin-off that, in the judgment of Greatbatch’s board of directors, are not material. To the extent that the Greatbatch board of directors determines that any modification materially changes the terms of the spin-off, Greatbatch will notify Greatbatch stockholders in a manner reasonably calculated to inform them about the modification as may be required by law, including by providing a supplement to this information statement.

 

Accounting Treatment

 

The spin-off will be accounted for by Greatbatch on a historical cost basis, and no gain or loss will be recorded.

 

Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement

 

This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to stockholders of Greatbatch who will receive shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of Nuvectra’s or Greatbatch’s shares of common stock or other securities. The information contained in this information statement is believed by Nuvectra to be accurate as of the date on the cover. Changes may occur after that date, and neither we nor Greatbatch will update the information except in the normal course of our and Greatbatch’s respective public disclosure practices or to the extent required pursuant to federal securities laws.

 

 
48

 

 

 

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the spin-off. This summary is based on the Code, related U.S. Treasury regulations, and interpretations of the Code and the U.S. Treasury regulations by the courts and the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, in effect as of the date of this information statement, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary does not discuss all the tax considerations that may be relevant to Greatbatch stockholders in light of their particular circumstances. Except as indicated below, this summary also does not address the consequences to Greatbatch stockholders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

 

non-U.S. persons;

 

 

insurance companies;

 

 

dealers or brokers in securities or currencies;

 

 

tax-exempt organizations;

 

 

financial institutions;

 

 

mutual funds;

 

 

pass-through entities and investors in such entities;

 

 

holders who hold their shares of Greatbatch common stock as a hedge or as part of a hedging, straddle, wash sale, conversion, synthetic security, integrated investment or other risk-reduction transaction;

 

 

holders who are subject to alternative minimum tax; or

 

 

holders who acquired their shares of Greatbatch common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation.

 

In addition, this summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to those Greatbatch stockholders who do not hold their Greatbatch common stock as a capital asset. Finally, this summary does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences or the tax on certain net investment income imposed under Section 1411 of the Code.

 

GREATBATCH STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TO THEM.

 

The spin-off is conditioned on Greatbatch’s receipt of an opinion from its third party tax advisor to the effect that the spin-off should qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code.

 

Assuming the spin-off so qualifies as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code:

 

 

the spin-off should not result in any income, gain or loss to Greatbatch or to us, other than to the extent required by Section 357(c) of the Code (as described below) or with respect to any intercompany items or excess loss accounts required to be taken into account under U.S. Treasury regulations relating to consolidated returns;

 

 

except as noted below, no gain or loss should be recognized by (and no amount should be included in the taxable income of) Greatbatch stockholders on their receipt of shares of Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off;

 

 

the holding period of shares of Nuvectra common stock received by each Greatbatch stockholder should include the holding period at the time of the spin-off for the Greatbatch common stock on which the distribution is made;

 

 
49

 

 

 

 

the tax basis of the Greatbatch common stock held by each Greatbatch stockholder immediately before the spin-off should be allocated between that Greatbatch common stock and the Nuvectra common stock received (including any fractional shares of Nuvectra common stock for which cash is received) in proportion to the relative fair market value of each on the spin-off date; and

 

 

a Greatbatch stockholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of Nuvectra common stock should recognize gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount of cash received and the stockholder’s basis in the fractional share of Nuvectra common stock to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled. That gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the stockholder’s holding period for its shares of Greatbatch common stock exceeds one year at the time of the spin-off.

 

Section 357(c) of the Code requires Greatbatch to recognize gain to the extent that liabilities of Greatbatch treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as assumed by Nuvectra in connection with the spin-off exceed the adjusted tax basis of the assets treated for such purposes as contributed to us by Greatbatch. It is currently expected that no gain under Section 357(c) of the Code will be recognized by Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off.

 

Notwithstanding the discussion above, non-U.S. stockholders could be subject to tax on the spin-off if such holders owned more than 5% of the common stock of Greatbatch at any time during the five-year period ending on the spin-off date. As used herein, the term “non-U.S. stockholder” means a beneficial owner of Greatbatch’s stock that is not for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

 

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

 

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof;

 

 

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

 

a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust, and (ii) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or if the trust has validly made an election to be treated as a United States person under applicable Treasury regulations.

 

U.S. Treasury regulations also generally provide that if a Greatbatch stockholder holds different blocks of Greatbatch common stock (generally shares of Greatbatch common stock purchased or acquired on different dates or at different prices), the aggregate basis for each block of Greatbatch common stock purchased or acquired on the same date and at the same price will be allocated, to the greatest extent possible, between the shares of Nuvectra common stock received in the spin-off in respect of such block of Greatbatch common stock and such block of Greatbatch common stock, in proportion to their respective fair market values, and the holding period of the shares of Nuvectra common stock received in the spin-off in respect of such block of Greatbatch common stock will include the holding period of such block of Greatbatch common stock. If a Greatbatch stockholder is not able to identify which particular shares of Nuvectra common stock are received in the spin-off with respect to a particular block of Greatbatch common stock, for purposes of applying the rules described above, the stockholder may designate which shares of our common stock are received in the spin-off in respect of a particular block of Greatbatch common stock, provided that such designation is consistent with the terms of the spin-off. Holders of Greatbatch common stock are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to their particular circumstances.

 

Greatbatch has made it a condition to the spin-off that it receive an opinion from its third party tax advisor to the effect that the spin-off should qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code. The opinion will be based on, among other things, certain assumptions and representations made by Greatbatch and Nuvectra, which if incorrect or inaccurate in any material respect would jeopardize the conclusions reached by the third party tax advisor in its opinion. The opinion will not be binding on the IRS or the courts and will be subject to other qualifications and limitations.

 

 
50

 

 

 

Notwithstanding receipt by Greatbatch of an opinion from its third party tax advisor, the IRS could assert that the spin-off does not satisfy the requirements of Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code. If the IRS were successful in making any such assertion, we and Greatbatch and the initial public stockholders of Nuvectra common stock could be subject to significant tax liability. In general, with respect to the spin-off, our initial public stockholders generally would be treated as receiving a taxable distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Nuvectra common stock received in the distribution. That distribution of shares of Nuvectra common stock would be a dividend to the extent of Greatbatch’s current earnings and profits as of the end of the year in which the spin-off occurs, and any accumulated earnings and profits. For each such stockholder, any amount that exceeded Greatbatch’s earnings and profits would be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such stockholder’s tax basis in its shares of Greatbatch common stock with any remaining amount generally being taxed as a capital gain.

 

In connection with the spin-off, we and Greatbatch will enter into a tax matters agreement pursuant to which we will agree to be responsible for certain liabilities and obligations following the spin-off. Under the terms of the tax matters agreement, we generally will be responsible for all taxes attributable to our business, whether accruing before, on or after the date of the spin-off and any taxes arising from the spin-off that are imposed on us, Greatbatch or its other subsidiaries to the extent such taxes result from certain actions or failures to act by us that occur after the effective date of the tax matters agreement. Current tax law generally creates a presumption that the spin-off would be taxable to Greatbatch, but not to its stockholders, if we or our stockholders were to engage in a transaction that would result in a 50% or greater change by vote or by value in our stock ownership during the two-year period beginning on the spin-off date, unless it is established that the spin-off and the transaction are not part of a plan or series of related transactions to effect such a change in ownership. If the spin-off were taxable to Greatbatch due to such a 50% or greater change in our stock ownership, Greatbatch would recognize a gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of Nuvectra common stock on the spin-off date over Greatbatch’s tax basis therein and we could be required to indemnify Greatbatch for the tax on such gain and related losses. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Tax Matters Agreement.”

 

Under U.S. Treasury regulations, each Greatbatch stockholder who, immediately before the spin-off, owns at least 5% of the total outstanding common stock of Greatbatch must attach to such stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax return for the year in which the spin-off occurs a statement setting forth certain information relating to the spin-off. In addition, all stockholders are required to retain permanent records relating to the amount, basis and fair market value of our shares of Nuvectra common stock that they receive and to make those records available to the IRS upon its request.

 

THE FOREGOING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF UNDER CURRENT LAW AND IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. THE FOREGOING DOES NOT PURPORT TO ADDRESS ALL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OR TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THE TAX LAWS OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS OR THAT MAY APPLY TO PARTICULAR CATEGORIES OF STOCKHOLDERS. EACH GREATBATCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.

 

 
51

 

 

 

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GREATBATCH AFTER THE SPIN-OFF

 

Historical Relationship with Greatbatch

 

We are currently an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch. As a result of our relationship with Greatbatch, in the ordinary course of our business, Greatbatch has provided services for us related to the following general corporate support functions: executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement and facilities. Our combined financial statements include an allocation of corporate expenses from Greatbatch for provision of these services. Our management considers the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that we would have incurred as an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs we will incur in the future after the completion of the spin-off.

 

Greatbatch’s Distribution of Our Stock

 

Greatbatch is our indirect parent company. We were initially formed in November 2008 as a Delaware limited liability company under the name SDI Group, LLC, which was subsequently changed to QiG Group, LLC. Immediately prior to completion of the spin-off, QiG Group will convert into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and all of the assets, operations and liabilities of QiG Group will become assets, operations and liabilities of Nuvectra. Our sole member is Greatbatch Ltd., which itself is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch, Inc. Our initial Board of Directors will be appointed by Greatbatch Ltd. Immediately prior to the spin-off and after the completion of our conversion to a Delaware corporation, Greatbatch Ltd. will transfer all of its shares of our common stock to Greatbatch, Inc. In the spin-off, Greatbatch, Inc. is distributing 100% of our common stock to its stockholders in a transaction that is intended to be tax-free to us and Greatbatch’s stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes (other than with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional shares). The spin-off is subject to a number of conditions, which are more fully described under “The Spin-Off – Spin-Off Conditions and Termination.”

 

Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us

 

Following the spin-off, Nuvectra and Greatbatch will operate separately, each as an independent publicly-traded company. In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into several agreements with Greatbatch to effect the spin-off and provide a framework for our relationship going forward after the spin-off. The following is a summary of the terms of the material agreements that we have entered into or intend to enter into with Greatbatch prior to the spin-off. These agreements have not been finalized and changes to these agreements, some of which may be material, may be made prior to completion of the spin-off. Furthermore, the descriptions of these agreements are not complete and are qualified by reference to the terms of the agreements, the forms of which will be filed as exhibits to our registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement is a part. We encourage you to read the full text of those agreements.

 

Separation and Distribution Agreement

 

The separation and distribution agreement to be entered into between Greatbatch and us will govern the separation of our businesses from Greatbatch, the subsequent distribution of our shares of common stock to Greatbatch stockholders and other matters related to Greatbatch’s relationship with us.

 

 
52

 

 

 

The Separation . To effect the separation, Nuvectra and Greatbatch will execute transactions that will cause us to succeed to the assets of our business, to the extent not already owned or held by Nuvectra, as those assets are described in this information statement. We will also succeed to, and have agreed to perform and fulfill, to the extent we are not already liable therefor, the liabilities associated with our business. In particular, the separation and distribution agreement will generally provide that, upon completion of the spin-off, we will directly or indirectly hold:

 

 

all of the assets previously owned by Greatbatch or any of its subsidiaries which are reflected on our most recent unaudited condensed combined pro forma balance sheet set forth in this information statement, or subsequently acquired or created assets that would have been reflected on a later-dated balance sheet; and

 

 

all of the assets that are expressly contributed or transferred to us pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement or our other agreements with Greatbatch described below;

 

and we will be subject to:

 

 

all outstanding liabilities reflected on our most recent unaudited condensed combined pro forma balance sheet set forth in this information statement, or subsequently-incurred or accrued liabilities that would have been reflected on a later-dated balance sheet;

 

 

liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of, or resulting from our business on or prior to the spin-off date, or any assets owned by us or our subsidiaries as of or after the spin-off; and

 

 

liabilities we have assumed under the separation and distribution agreement or other transaction agreements.

 

The separation and distribution agreement will provide that capital stock, assets or liabilities that cannot legally be transferred or assumed prior to the spin-off will be transferred or assumed as soon as practicable following receipt of all necessary consents of third parties and regulatory approvals. In any such case, the separation and distribution agreement will provide that the party retaining such capital stock, assets or liabilities will hold the capital stock or assets in trust for the use and benefit of, or retain the liabilities for the account of, the party entitled to the capital stock, assets or liabilities (at the expense of that party), until the transfer or assumption can be completed. The party retaining the capital stock, assets or liabilities will also take any action reasonably requested by the other party in order to place the other party in the same position as would have existed if the transfer or assumption had been completed. We do not anticipate that these provisions will be relied on for any material items.

 

Except as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement, no party will make any representation or warranty as to the companies, capital stock, assets or liabilities transferred or assumed as a part of the spin-off and any assets that may be transferred will be transferred on an “as is, where is” basis. As a result, we and Greatbatch will each agree to bear the economic and legal risks that any conveyances of capital stock or assets are insufficient to vest good and marketable title to such capital stock or assets, as the case may be, in the party who should have title under the separation and distribution agreement. The separation and distribution agreement will also provide that the spin-off is subject to the conditions (or waiver, in whole or in part, by Greatbatch’s board of directors in its sole discretion) described under “The Spin-Off – Spin-Off Conditions and Termination”.

 

Greatbatch’s Capital Contribution to Nuvectra . The separation and distribution agreement will provide that, prior to the completion of the spin-off, Greatbatch will make a cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to us. We will use these funds for the commercialization of Algovita, advancement of our neurostimulation technology platform and otherwise for general corporate purposes, including funding our operations. This cash capital contribution, together with our cash on hand and borrowings under the New Credit Facility, the availability of which will be subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, is in an amount that we estimate will, based on our current plans and expectations, meet our cash needs for approximately two years after the completion of the spin-off. After such time, we expect that we will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding.

 

 
53

 

 

 

Insurance. Following the spin-off, we will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining at our own cost our own insurance coverage. Additionally, with respect to certain claims arising prior to the spin-off, we may seek coverage under certain specified Greatbatch third-party insurance policies to the extent that coverage may be available thereunder.

 

Access to Information . Subject to applicable confidentiality provisions and other restrictions, we and Greatbatch will each give each other any information in our possession that can be retrieved without unreasonable disruption to the business and that the requesting party reasonably needs (1) to comply with requirements imposed on the requesting party by a governmental authority, (2) for use in any judicial, regulatory or other proceeding or investigation, in satisfying audit requirements, or in connection with any accounting, insurance claim, regulatory, litigation or other similar requirement, (3) so the requesting party can comply with its obligations under the separation and distribution agreement or other transaction agreement or (4) for any other significant business need as mutually determined in good faith by the parties.

 

Indemnification and Release . In general, under the separation and distribution agreement, we will agree to indemnify Greatbatch and its affiliates, shareholders, directors, officers, agents or employees against liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

 

our failure to pay, perform or otherwise discharge any of our liabilities or any of our agreements;

 

 

the operation of our business, whether before or after the spin-off;

 

 

any of our assets or our liabilities (including assets and liabilities transferred to us in connection with the spin-off), whether before or after the spin-off;

 

 

any breach by Nuvectra of any provision of the separation and distribution agreement or any other transaction agreement, subject to any limitation of liability provision set forth therein; and

 

 

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or material omission or alleged material omission in this information statement, other than certain information relating to Greatbatch.

 

In general, under the separation and distribution agreement, Greatbatch will agree to indemnify us and our affiliates, shareholders, directors, officers, agents or employees against liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

 

the failure of Greatbatch to pay, perform or otherwise discharge any liability of Greatbatch;

 

 

the operation of Greatbatch’s business (other than our business), whether before or after the spin-off;

 

 

any of Greatbatch’s assets or Greatbatch’s liabilities, whether before or after the spin-off;

 

 

any breach by Greatbatch of any provision of the separation and distribution agreement or any other transaction agreement, subject to any limitation of liability provision set forth therein; and

 

 

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or material omission or alleged material omission in this information statement, only for certain information relating to Greatbatch.

 

Under the separation and distribution agreement, we will generally release Greatbatch and its affiliates, agents, successors and assigns, and Greatbatch will generally release us and our affiliates, agents, successors and assigns, from any liabilities between us or our subsidiaries on the one hand, and Greatbatch or its subsidiaries on the other hand, existing or arising from acts or events occurring on or before the spin-off, including acts or events occurring in connection with the spin-off. The general release does not apply to certain obligations, including obligations arising under the separation and distribution agreement or any other transaction agreement.

 

Any indemnity payment will be net of insurance proceeds and net of taxes. With respect to any indemnity claim for which it is reasonably likely that Nuvectra has a right of recovery under an insurance plan maintained by Greatbatch, then prior to asserting such indemnity claim, Nuvectra must seek recovery from insurance.

 

 
54

 

 

 

Termination . The separation and distribution agreement will provide that it may be terminated at any time before the spin-off by Greatbatch in its sole discretion. In the event of termination, neither party shall have any liability of any kind to the other party.

 

Tax Matters Agreement

 

Prior to the spin-off, we and Greatbatch will enter into a tax matters agreement that will govern our respective rights, responsibilities, and obligations with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings, and certain other matters regarding taxes. References in this summary description of the tax matters agreement to the terms “tax” or “taxes” mean taxes as well as any interest, penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts in respect of such taxes.

 

As set forth in the separation and distribution agreement, we generally will be liable for and indemnify Greatbatch against all taxes attributable to our business and will be allocated all tax benefits attributable to such business. Greatbatch generally will be liable for and indemnify us against all taxes attributable to its other businesses and will be allocated all tax benefits attributable to such businesses.

 

Greatbatch generally will be responsible for preparing and filing all tax returns that contain both (i) taxes or tax benefits allocable to Greatbatch and (ii) taxes or tax benefits allocable to us, or the Joint Returns. Greatbatch generally will be responsible for preparing and filing all tax returns that include only taxes or tax benefits allocable to Greatbatch, and we generally will be responsible for preparing and filing all tax returns that include only taxes or tax benefits allocable to us. However, we and Greatbatch will not be permitted to take a position on any such tax return that is inconsistent with our or Greatbatch’s past practice, as applicable, or that would adversely affect the other party without such other party’s prior written consent.

 

The party responsible for preparing and filing a tax return generally will also have the authority to control all tax proceedings, including tax audits, involving any taxes or adjustment to taxes reported on such tax return. In regard to any Joint Returns prepared by Greatbatch, generally, we will be entitled to control any tax proceedings (or portion thereof) to the extent that we are liable for the taxes or adjustments at issue and provided we acknowledge in writing our obligation to indemnify Greatbatch for the taxes or adjustments at issue. However, in regard to any tax proceedings where the taxes or adjustments at issue relate to whether the spin-off qualifies under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code as a tax-free transaction, we and Greatbatch will jointly control and defend the tax proceedings, provided we acknowledge in writing our obligation to indemnify Greatbatch for the tax at issue. The tax matters agreement further provides for cooperation between us and Greatbatch with respect to tax matters, including the exchange of information and the retention of records that may affect our respective tax liabilities.

 

The tax matters agreement will require that we and Greatbatch shall not take or fail to take any action after the effective date of the tax matters agreement that (i) prior to the second anniversary of the tax matters agreement, would reasonably be likely to be inconsistent with or cause to be untrue any covenant, representation or material statement in any tax opinion obtained by Greatbatch or (ii) would preclude the spin-off from qualifying under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code as a tax-free transaction for us, Greatbatch and Greatbatch’s stockholders.

 

In addition, to preserve the tax-free treatment to Greatbatch of the spin-off, for two years following the spin-off, we will generally be restricted, except in specified circumstances, from:

 

 

causing or permitting to occur any transaction or series of transactions, subject to certain exceptions provided under the U.S. federal income tax rules, in connection with which one or more persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire an interest in our capital stock that, when combined with any other acquisition of an interest in our capital stock that occurs after the spin-off, comprises 30% or more of the value or the total combined voting power of all interests that are treated as outstanding equity of Nuvectra for U.S. federal income tax purposes immediately after such transaction or, in the case of a series of related transactions, immediately after any transaction in such series;

 

 
55

 

   

 

transferring, selling or otherwise disposing of 35% or more of our gross assets if such transfer, sale or other disposition would violate the IRS’ rules and regulations;

 

 

liquidating our business; or

 

 

ceasing to maintain our active business.

 

Moreover, Greatbatch generally will be liable for and indemnify us for any taxes arising from the spin-off or certain related transactions that are imposed on us, Greatbatch or its other subsidiaries. However, we would be liable for and indemnify Greatbatch for any such taxes to the extent such taxes result from certain actions or failures to act as described in the prior two paragraphs by us that occur after the effective date of the tax matters agreement. Our obligations under the tax matters agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap. If we are required to pay any liabilities under the circumstances set forth in the tax matters agreement or pursuant to applicable tax law, the amounts may be significant.

 

Transition Services Agreement

 

As a result of our relationship with Greatbatch, Greatbatch currently provides several general corporate support functions for us. In connection with the completion of the spin-off, we and Greatbatch will enter into a transition services agreement under which Greatbatch will provide or make available to us various general corporate administrative services following the spin-off. Generally, these services will be provided for two years following the date of the spin-off. We have the ability to terminate the provision of any service being provided by Greatbatch prior to the scheduled termination date upon at least thirty days’ prior written notice. The services Greatbatch intends to provide us will include:

 

 

human resources services;

 

 

information technology services;

 

 

legal support services;

 

 

tax services;

 

 

accounting services;

 

 

treasury services; and

 

 

other support services specified in the transition services agreement.

 

We will pay Greatbatch fees in consideration for providing these services. The agreed upon charge for such services is generally intended to allow Greatbatch to recover its direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred in providing these services. Any incremental third party costs incurred by Greatbatch directly related to providing any of these services will directly reimbursed by us.

 

The personnel performing services for us under the transition services agreement will be employees and/or independent contractors of Greatbatch and will not be under our direction or control.

 

The transition services agreement will also contain customary indemnification and confidentiality provisions. If Greatbatch breaches its obligations to us under the transition services agreement, we may be unable to recover the full amount of damages we may incur as damages payable by Greatbatch under the transition services agreement are capped at a maximum of $750,000 in the aggregate.

 

 
56

 

 

Employee Matters Agreement

 

Prior to the spin-off, we and Greatbatch will enter into an employee matters agreement, which will generally provide that we and Greatbatch will each have responsibility for our own employees. The agreement will also contain provisions concerning benefit protection for both Greatbatch and Nuvectra employees, treatment of holders of Greatbatch stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and cooperation between us and Greatbatch in the sharing of employee information and maintenance of confidentiality. With respect to former employees, the employee matters agreement will provide that, unless otherwise specified, Greatbatch will be responsible for liabilities associated with former employees who worked for a business that continues to be owned by Greatbatch, and we will be responsible for liabilities associated with former employees who worked for a business that is now owned by Nuvectra.

 

Treatment of Retirement, Health and Welfare Plans . In general, our employees currently participate in various retirement, health and welfare, and other employee benefit plans through Greatbatch. Pursuant to the employee matters agreement, effective as of the spin-off date, we and Greatbatch will each retain responsibility for our respective current employees and compensation plans. Following the spin-off, we anticipate that our employees will participate in retirement, health and welfare plans that we will establish and maintain, which may contain benefits that are different than those provided by Greatbatch. In general, Nuvectra will credit each employee with his or her service with Greatbatch prior to the spin-off for all purposes under the Nuvectra benefit plans, so long as such crediting does not result in a duplication of benefits. Defined contribution accounts of Nuvectra’s employees (including loans) in the Greatbatch 401(k) plan will be transferred from the applicable Greatbatch defined contribution 401(k) plan to the corresponding Nuvectra defined contribution 401(k) plan.

 

Treatment of Equity-Based Awards . As described in greater detail in the paragraphs below, the employee matters agreement will provide for the conversion of all outstanding awards granted under Greatbatch’s equity compensation plans (whether held by Greatbatch or Nuvectra employees or other participants) into adjusted awards based on both shares of Greatbatch common stock and Nuvectra common stock. For purposes of award vesting, continued employment or service with Greatbatch or Nuvectra, as applicable, will be treated as continued employment or service for both Greatbatch and Nuvectra awards.

 

With the exception of holders of performance-based restricted stock units that will become employees of Nuvectra, holders of Greatbatch restricted stock or restricted stock units will retain those awards and also will receive restricted stock or restricted stock units of Nuvectra, in an amount that reflects the spin-off to Greatbatch stockholders, which is calculated by applying the distribution ratio to the Greatbatch restricted stock or restricted stock units as though they were unrestricted Greatbatch shares. Holders of performance-based restricted stock units that will become employees of Nuvectra will have their Greatbatch performance-based restricted stock units converted into time-based restricted stock units of Greatbatch and of Nuvectra. The number of time-based restricted stock units of Greatbatch to be received will be determined based upon achievement under the applicable performance metric for the performance-based restricted stock units for the period through the spin-off date. The number of Nuvectra time-based restricted stock units to be received will then be determined by applying the distribution ratio to the Greatbatch restricted stock units as though they were unrestricted Greatbatch shares. In each case, the Greatbatch and Nuvectra awards together are intended to preserve the value of the original Greatbatch restricted stock or restricted stock units as measured immediately before and immediately after the spin-off. The original Greatbatch restricted stock and restricted stock units and the newly received Nuvectra restricted stock and restricted stock units will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions as applied to the original Greatbatch restricted stock and restricted stock units immediately before the spin-off. The performance metric used to determine vesting of performance-based restricted stock units of Greatbatch and Nuvectra that continue to be held by Greatbatch employees after the spin-off will continue to be total shareholder return of Greatbatch common stock versus the peer group for Greatbatch over a three-year performance period, but the calculation of total shareholder return will assume reinvestment in Greatbatch common stock of an amount of cash that is equal to the value of the Nuvectra common stock received in the spin-off.

 

Each Greatbatch stock option will be converted into an adjusted Greatbatch stock option and a Nuvectra stock option. Together the adjusted Greatbatch stock option and the Nuvectra stock option are intended to preserve the intrinsic value of the original Greatbatch stock option as measured immediately before and immediately after the spin-off. The adjusted Greatbatch stock option is expected to cover the same number of shares as the original Greatbatch stock option, but the exercise price will be adjusted to reflect the spin-off. The Nuvectra stock option will allow the holder to purchase a number of shares of Nuvectra common stock based upon the distribution ratio.

 

 
57

 

 

The adjusted Greatbatch stock options and the Nuvectra stock options will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions, post-termination exercise rules, and other restrictions that applied to the original Greatbatch stock option immediately before the spin-off.

 

License Agreements

 

Prior to the completion of the spin-off, we will enter into two license agreements with Greatbatch. Under the terms of the unrestricted license agreement, we will grant Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import certain intellectual property (which includes patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights) underlying our neurostimulation technology platform for any application. Under the terms of the restricted license agreement, we will grant Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import certain other intellectual property (which includes patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights) underlying our neurostimulation technology platform only for applications outside of the neurostimulation fields of use. Under the terms of each of these license agreements, Greatbatch is required to pay us a nominal royalty fee of $100 per year and is permitted to sublicense its rights thereunder to third parties in its sole discretion. Further, pursuant to the terms of each of these license agreements, Greatbatch has agreed that it will not challenge the validity of, or take any material and documented step to support any proceeding that is intended to invalidate or otherwise limit the scope of, any of the intellectual property licensed under such agreement. Under each of these license agreements, all rights with respect to any improvements that incorporate the licensed intellectual property that were conceived of or developed solely by Greatbatch during the term of such license will be the sole and exclusive property of Greatbatch. In addition, under the terms of each of the license agreements, we will be required to indemnify Greatbatch, subject to a per occurrence and aggregate limitation of liability provision, against damages and other costs, other than any incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages (including lost profits) or any damages arising from Greatbatch’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, from any third party claims arising out of or relating to (i) our breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under such license agreement or (ii) any claim for patent or other intellectual property infringement resulting from Greatbatch’s use of such licensed intellectual property, except for certain claims that are based solely upon the combination of the licensed intellectual property with other products or equipment that do not incorporate the licensed intellectual property, customization of a product incorporating the licensed intellectual property by Greatbatch or any other third party or modification of a product incorporating the licensed intellectual property by Greatbatch that is not authorized by us. Each of these license agreements may be terminated by either party in the event of a material breach of such agreement by the other party (subject to customary cure periods) or the other party’s bankruptcy or insolvency.

 

Subject to the terms of these license agreements, Greatbatch may, at some point in the future, decide to compete with us by using some or all of the licensed intellectual property to develop complete medical devices or components for application within a permitted field of use, and, under the terms of these license agreements, Greatbatch would not be prohibited from engaging in these activities. In addition, Greatbatch is not restricted from serving as a supplier of components or complete medical devices to our competitors. We do not believe that Greatbatch’s potential ability to compete with us on component or complete medical device sales in the future or to serve as a supplier to our competitors will have a material adverse impact on our business or results of operations.

 

In connection with the spin-off, NeuroNexus will also enter into a license agreement with Greatbatch under which NeuroNexus will grant to Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import NeuroNexus’ patents, patent applications and other intellectual property outside of the neurostimulation fields of use. The NeuroNexus license agreement provides Greatbatch with the right to sublicense its rights thereunder to third parties upon receipt of written approval from NeuroNexus, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld. All rights to any improvements incorporating the licensed intellectual property conceived of or made solely by Greatbatch during the term of the license agreement will be the sole and exclusive property of Greatbatch. This license agreement may be terminated by NeuroNexus in the event of a material breach of the license agreement by Greatbatch (subject to customary cure periods), bankruptcy or insolvency of Greatbatch or Greatbatch taking, directly or indirectly, any material and documented steps with the effect of invalidating any of the licensed NeuroNexus intellectual property.

 

 
58

 

 

Supply Agreement

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into a supply agreement with Greatbatch pursuant to which Greatbatch will manufacture and supply, and we will purchase, fully assembled Algovita systems and most of the products, parts and components necessary for the production and assembly of Algovita exclusively from Greatbatch. In addition, during the term of the supply agreement, to the extent that we desire to have a product or component manufactured that incorporates any of the intellectual property that we are licensing to Greatbatch and such product or component will be used in the SCS field of use, we will purchase such product or component exclusively from Greatbatch. Furthermore, to the extent that the product or component will be used in the SCS field of use, but does not incorporate any of the intellectual property that we are licensing to Greatbatch, we must provide Greatbatch with a right of first refusal to match the terms of any third party supplier’s manufacturing proposal before entering into any definitive supply agreement with that third party with respect to such product or component.

 

The initial term of the supply agreement will run from its date of execution until the fifth anniversary of the date of FDA approval permitting sales of Algovita in the United States. The supply agreement will thereafter renew automatically for successive one year terms, unless we or Greatbatch provide notice of non-renewal at least three months prior to the end of such term. During the 180-day period prior to the expiration of the term and continuing until the date that is six months following the expiration of the term, if we intend to seek to purchase from a third party our requirements for any products, parts or components previously purchased under the supply agreement with Greatbatch, we must give Greatbatch notice of that fact prior to taking any steps towards engaging a third party, and thereafter negotiate exclusively and in good faith with Greatbatch for a period of ninety days with respect to that purchase. If these negotiations do not result in a definitive agreement, we must thereafter provide Greatbatch with a right of first refusal to match the terms of any third party supplier’s proposal before entering into any definitive supply agreement with that third party.

 

Our supply agreement with Greatbatch will contain general terms and provisions, including with respect to (i) part and component specifications, forecast planning and lead time requirements, (ii) delivery, payment and inspection requirements, (iii) warranty and indemnity provisions and (iv) quality requirements. Any intellectual property developed from the collaboration between us and Greatbatch under the supply agreement will be owned jointly with Greatbatch and will be subject to a joint determination by us and Greatbatch as whether to prosecute a patent with respect to such intellectual property. We believe that our supply agreement with Greatbatch will be substantially similar to prevailing industry contracts of this type, specifically as it relates to pricing, liabilities and payment terms.

 

Product Component Framework Agreement

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will also enter into a product component framework agreement providing Greatbatch with the exclusive right to supply us with products, parts and components necessary for production of future SNS or DBS neurostimulation devices that we may seek to commercialize. With respect to each of our future SNS and DBS neurostimulation devices, the term during which we will be required to purchase products, parts and components exclusively from Greatbatch will run from the date of substantial completion of the development of a device until the fifth anniversary of the date of FDA approval permitting commercial sales of such device in the United States or, with respect to any product that is never to be sold in the United States, the fifth anniversary of the regulatory approval necessary to permit commercial sale of such product outside of the United States. Upon substantial completion of the development of any SNS and DBS neurostimulation device, we will negotiate exclusively and in good faith with Greatbatch for a period of 120 days regarding entry into a definitive manufacturing and supply agreement with respect to such device, which manufacturing and supply agreement will contain terms, including with respect to profit margins, warranty periods and indemnification obligations, that are substantially similar to the terms of our supply agreement with Greatbatch. If we and Greatbatch are unable to execute a manufacturing and supply agreement during the 120 day negotiation period, we will be free to negotiate a manufacturing and supply agreement with respect to such device with a third party, but will be required to provide Greatbatch with a right of first refusal to match the terms of such third party supplier’s proposal before entering into any definitive supply agreement with such third party.

 

Lease Agreement

 

In connection with the completion of the spin-off, we will enter into a sublease agreement with Greatbatch Ltd. for 11,600 square feet of office space located in Plano, Texas, which we will use as our corporate headquarters. During the term of the sublease, we will pay Greatbatch Ltd. annual rent of $200,000 per annum. This sublease agreement will expire two years after the spin-off date.

 

 
59

 

 

 

LISTING AND TRADING OF OUR COMMON STOCK

 

Market for Our Common Stock

 

There is currently no public trading market for shares of Nuvectra common stock. Nuvectra’s common stock has been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NVTR.” We cannot predict the trading prices for Nuvectra common stock before or after the spin-off date. The trading price of Nuvectra common stock is likely to fluctuate significantly, particularly until an orderly market develops, and is likely to be influenced by many different factors, including many of which are beyond our control. In addition, the combined trading prices of shares of Nuvectra common stock and Greatbatch common stock held by stockholders after the spin-off may be less than, equal to or greater than the trading price of the Greatbatch common stock prior to the spin-off.

 

Transferability of Our Shares of Common Stock

 

Our shares of common stock that will be distributed to Greatbatch’s stockholders in the spin-off will be freely transferable, unless the holder is considered an “affiliate” of ours under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Persons who can be considered our affiliates after the spin-off generally include individuals or entities that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with, us, and may include some or all of our executive officers and directors. As of February 22, 2016 after giving effect to the spin-off, we estimate that our directors and executive officers will beneficially own approximately 42,257 shares of our common stock. See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.” Our affiliates may sell our shares of common stock received in the spin-off only:

 

 

under a registration statement that the SEC has declared effective under the Securities Act; or

 

 

under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such as the exemption afforded by Rule 144.

 

We plan to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register shares of Nuvectra common stock to be authorized for issuance under our equity incentive plan. The shares covered by the S-8 registration statement will be shares of our common stock underlying outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other equity awards to be issued under our equity incentive plan. This registration statement will become effective immediately upon filing. Shares of our common stock issued pursuant to equity awards after the effective date of our registration statement on Form S-8, other than shares of our common stock issued to affiliates, generally will be freely tradable without further registration under the Securities Act.

 

 
60

 

 

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

Following the spin-off, we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on Nuvectra common stock. The declaration and amount of any future dividends, however, will be determined by our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, earnings, corporate strategy and capital requirements after the spin-off, and any other factors that our Board of Directors believes are relevant. The New Credit Facility, if entered into, is expected to contain covenants that will restrict our ability to pay dividends.

 

 
61

 

 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization and cash and cash equivalents as of January 1, 2016 on (i) an actual basis and (ii) a pro forma basis to give effect to the following adjustments related to the spin-off:

 

 

the cash capital contribution by Greatbatch of $75.0 million to us; and

 

 

the distribution of our shares of common stock in the spin-off and resulting elimination of Greatbatch’s net investment in Nuvectra.

 

See “Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Statement” for a further description of these adjustments. Actual amounts as of January 1, 2016 have been derived from our audited historical combined balance sheet, which is included elsewhere in this information statement. You should read this table together with “Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Statement,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our combined financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

   

At January 1, 2016

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Actual

   

Pro Forma

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents (1)

  $ 202     $ 75,202  

Indebtedness

  $     $  

Equity (2):

               

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 10,259,611 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis

  $     $ 10  

Additional paid-in capital

          112,830  

Greatbatch’s net investment

    162,934        

Accumulated loss

    (125,094 )      

Total equity

    37,840       112,840  

Total Capitalization

  $ 37,840     $ 112,840  

 


(1) Immediately prior to the completion of the spin-off, Greatbatch will make a cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to us. This cash capital contribution, together with our cash on hand and borrowings under the New Credit Facility, the availability of which will be subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, is in an amount that we estimate will, based on our current plans and expectations, meet our cash needs for approximately two years after the completion of the spin-off. After such time, we expect that we will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding.
   

(2)

Assumes 10,259,611shares of Nuvectra common stock outstanding, based upon 30,778,835 shares of Greatbatch common stock that we expect to be outstanding on the record date of March 7, 2016 and an expected distribution ratio of one share of Nuvectra common stock received for every three shares of common stock of Greatbatch held at the close of business on the record date.

 

 
62

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENT

 

The following unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement consists of the unaudited combined pro forma balance sheet as of January 1, 2016. The unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement reported below should be read in conjunction with the information under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our combined financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this information statement. For purposes of preparing our unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement, our condensed combined balance sheet has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are (i) directly attributable to the spin-off transactions and (ii) factually supportable.

 

The unaudited condensed combined pro forma balance sheet as of January 1, 2016 has been derived from our combined balance sheet, which is included elsewhere in this information statement, and prepared as if the spin-off had occurred on January 1, 2016.

 

The unaudited condensed combined pro forma balance sheet as of January 1, 2016 has been adjusted to give effect to the following:

 

 

the cash capital contribution by Greatbatch of $75.0 million to us; and

 

 

the distribution of our shares of common stock in the spin-off and resulting elimination of Greatbatch’s net investment in Nuvectra.

 

This unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement does not purport to represent what our financial condition would have been had these pro forma adjustments described above occurred on the date indicated. In addition, the unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement is provided for illustrative and informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of our financial condition as an independent publicly-traded company. The pro forma adjustments described above are factually supported based upon available information and assumptions that management believes are reasonable, but actual results may differ from these pro forma adjustments.

 

The combined statements of operations of Nuvectra include allocations of expenses from Greatbatch. We believe the allocation of general corporate overhead expenses from Greatbatch to Nuvectra was made on a reasonable basis. The indirect costs allocated to Nuvectra include costs related to the following support functions provided for us by Greatbatch: executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement and facilities. Following the spin-off, Greatbatch will continue to provide services related to certain of these functions for us on a transitional basis for a fee pursuant to the transition services agreement described in “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Transition Services Agreement.” These historical allocations may not be indicative of our future cost structure; however, no pro forma adjustments have been made because any potential changes associated with our being an independent publicly-traded company are estimates that are not factually supportable.

 

We also expect to incur additional incremental costs on a going forward basis in connection with operating as an independent publicly-traded company. We may also incur additional costs resulting from our spin-off from Greatbatch after the spin-off has been completed. These incremental costs are not included as pro forma adjustments as the total amount to be incurred by us is not estimable at this time.

 

Our pro forma basic and diluted loss per share for the year ended January 1, 2016 was $(2.38). The number of shares of Nuvectra common stock used to compute pro forma basic loss per share for the year ended January 1, 2016 is 10,259,611, the number of shares expected to be outstanding immediately following the completion of the spin-off. We have not adjusted the number of shares expected to be outstanding immediately following the spin-off to reflect the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares as the impact is not estimable at this time. Pro forma diluted shares outstanding were not adjusted for the potential dilution of shares related to equity-compensation awards expected to be granted to our employees, as the impact of those shares would be antidilutive.

 

 
63

 

 

 

NUVECTRA

UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED PRO FORMA

BALANCE SHEET

(in thousands except share and per share data)


 

   

At January 1, 2016

 
   

Actual

   

Pro Forma
Adjustments

     

Pro Forma

 

ASSETS

                         

Current assets:

                         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 202     $ 75,000  

(a)

  $ 75,202  

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

    417               417  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    145               145  

Total current assets

    764       75,000         75,764  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    4,469               4,469  

Amortizing intangible assets, net

    1,983               1,983  

Goodwill

    38,182               38,182  

Total assets

  $ 45,398     $ 75,000       $ 120,398  
                           

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

                         

Current liabilities:

                         

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

  $ 542             $ 542  

Amount due to non-controlling interests

    6,818               6,818  

Accrued bonuses

    198               198  

Total current liabilities

    7,558               7,558  

Long-term liabilities

                   

Total liabilities

    7,558               7,558  
                           

Equity:

                         

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 10,259,611 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis

          10  

(b)

    10  

Additional paid-in capital

          112,830  

(a)(b)

    112,830  

Greatbatch’s net investment

    162,934       (162,934 )

(b)

     

Accumulated loss

    (125,094 )     125,094          

Total equity

    37,840       75,000         112,840  

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 45,398     $ 75,000       $ 120,398  

 

See the accompanying notes to Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Statement

 

 
64

 

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Statement

 

(a)

Cash Capital Contribution

 

Represents the cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to us to be made by Greatbatch immediately prior to completion of the spin-off. This cash capital contribution, together with our cash on hand and borrowings under the New Credit Facility, the availability of which will be subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, is in an amount that we estimate will, based on our current plans and expectations, meet our cash needs for approximately two years after the completion of the spin-off. After such time, we expect that we will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding.

 

(b)

Distribution Adjustments

 

Reflects the reclassification of Greatbatch’s net investment in Nuvectra as additional paid-in capital with a required balancing entry to reflect the par value of our common stock being distributed in the spin-off.

 

 
65

 

 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis describes the factors that had a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows during the year ended January 1, 2016 as compared to the year ended January 2, 2015. You should read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with our combined financial statements and the notes to those combined financial statements and the unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement and the notes to the unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statement included elsewhere in this information statement. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, contains forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

 

Introduction

 

Our results of operations after completion of the spin-off may be different than our results of operations prior to completion of the spin-off. These differences may result from, among other things, the impact of operating as an independent publicly-traded company, and the impact of, and transactions contemplated by, the separation and distribution agreement and various other transaction agreements between us and Greatbatch summarized under “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off.”

 

This MD&A is intended to assist you in understanding the recent pre-spin-off performance of our business, our financial condition and our future prospects. The following will be discussed and analyzed:

 

 

Spin-Off From Greatbatch

 

 

Business Overview

 

 

Strategic and Financial Overview

 

 

Cost Savings and Consolidation Efforts

 

 

Discussion of Financial Results

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

 

 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

 

Inflation

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

 

Legal Matters

 

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Financial Risk

 

Spin-Off From Greatbatch

 

On July 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced that it intended to spin-off Nuvectra and its neuromodulation medical device business from the remainder of its business through a tax-free distribution of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Nuvectra to the stockholders of Greatbatch on a pro rata basis. The entity being spun-off is composed of Nuvectra and its subsidiaries, Algostim and PelviStim, and Greatbatch’s NeuroNexus subsidiary, the shares of which are being transferred to us by Greatbatch in connection with the spin-off. Immediately prior to completion of the spin-off, QiG Group will convert from a limited liability company into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation. Following the completion of the spin-off, Greatbatch’s stockholders will own 100% of the outstanding common stock of both Greatbatch and Nuvectra.

 

 
66

 

 

The spin-off will not require a vote by Greatbatch stockholders. The following discussion and analysis is based upon our combined operating results and financial condition. For additional information regarding our spin-off from Greatbatch, see “The Spin-Off.”

 

Business Overview

 

We are a neuromodulation medical device company focused on the development and commercialization of our neurostimulation technology platform for treatment of various disorders through stimulation of tissues associated with the nervous system. We operate as a single reportable segment. Algovita is the first application of our neurostimulation technology platform and is indicated for the treatment of chronic pain of the trunk and limbs. We are in the process of developing additional applications for our neurostimulation technology platform including applications for the SNS and DBS markets. We have entered into a development agreement with Aleva to develop our platform into a complete medical device for use in the DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.

 

We submitted a premarket approval application for Algovita to the FDA in December 2013. On November 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced receipt of premarket approval for Algovita. We expect to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016. Algovita obtained CE mark approval on June 17, 2014 through our notified body, TÜV SÜD America, and has been commercially available to patients in Germany and several other European countries since November 2014. Algovita is being commercialized through our Algostim subsidiary that is 100% owned by us as of January 1, 2016.

 

One of our other subsidiaries, PelviStim, is focused on the commercialization of our neurostimulation technology platform for SNS, and was also 100% owned by us as of January 1, 2016.

 

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2015, we owned 89% of Algostim and PelviStim. Under the operating agreements governing Algostim and PelviStim, we funded 100% of the expenses incurred by Algostim or PelviStim, as applicable, and no distributions were to be made to non-controlling interest holders of Algostim or PelviStim, as applicable, until we were reimbursed for these expenses. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we purchased the outstanding non-controlling interests of Algostim and PelviStim for $16.7 million of which $9.9 million was paid in 2015 and $6.8 million was accrued at January 1, 2016. Included in this amount was $6.9 million paid to Drees Holding LLC, which is a limited liability company of which Scott F. Drees, our Chief Executive Officer, is the principal owner and the sole managing director. Mr. Drees received his interests in Algostim and PelviStim in connection with entering into a long-term consulting agreement with us and prior to being appointed as our Chief Executive Officer in July 2015. Mr. Drees’ consulting agreement was terminated in connection with his agreeing to serve as our Chief Executive Officer. The purchase of the outstanding non-controlling interests was funded by a cash contribution from Greatbatch.

 

Our results also include the operations of our subsidiary NeuroNexus, which was originally acquired by Greatbatch in February 2012, the shares of which are being transferred to Nuvectra in connection with the spin-off. NeuroNexus offers high-value neural interface technology and devices across a wide range of functions including neuromonitoring and recording, electrical and optical stimulation, and targeted drug delivery applications that complement our existing neurostimulation technology platform. We intend to incorporate NeuroNexus’ technologies into our neurostimulation technology platform.

 

Our revenues include sales of neural interface technology, components and systems to the neuroscience and clinical markets and a limited release of Algovita in Europe. We expect that our future revenues will come primarily from sales of neurostimulation medical device products, including Algovita, particularly after it is launched commercially in the United States, technology licensing and royalty fees and development and engineering service fees.

 

 
67

 

 

 

Our expenses include an allocation of general corporate overhead expenses from Greatbatch relating to the following support functions provided for us by Greatbatch: executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement and facilities. These expenses have been charged to us on the basis of direct usage, when identifiable, with the remainder allocated primarily on a pro rata basis of estimated hours incurred, headcount, square footage, or other measures. We consider the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred if we were an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs we will incur in the future after completion of the spin-off. Following the spin-off, Greatbatch will continue to provide services related to certain of these functions for us on a transitional basis for a fee pursuant to the transition services agreement described in “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Transition Services Agreement.” At this time, we are unable to determine what our expenses would have been on a standalone basis if we had operated as an unaffiliated entity for each period in which a statement of operations is presented.

 

Strategic and Financial Overview

 

We are a neuromodulation medical device company formed in 2008 to design and develop our neurostimulation technology platform for use in multiple different indications. Since our inception, the majority of our resources have been spent designing and developing Algovita. SCS was chosen as the first sector of the neurostimulation market to pursue as we believe that it is a high growth and established market, there is an established regulatory and reimbursement pathway, and we believe that there are significant unmet needs in the SCS market. We believe Algovita has significant competitive advantages over existing SCS systems since it is based on our differentiated neurostimulation technology platform that is user friendly and offers a broad set of capabilities.

 

We have a history of significant net losses and we expect to continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. We expect that future revenue growth will come largely from sales of Algovita in the United States market beginning in the first half of 2016.

 

Since submitting our premarket approval application for Algovita, we have accelerated the process of leveraging our neurostimulation technology platform for other sectors of the neurostimulation market such as DBS, SNS and other emerging indications.

 

We have entered into a development agreement with Aleva to develop our neurostimulation technology platform into a complete medical device for use in the DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, Aleva will pay us $6 million in the aggregate, which is to be paid in five installments with the final installment due during the third quarter of 2017. In connection with this development partnership with Aleva, we expect, in the future, to enter into an exclusive license agreement with Aleva whereby we will license certain of our intellectual property rights to Aleva for use in the field of use consisting of DBS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor in exchange for a royalty payment. In addition, in connection with the completion of the spin-off, Greatbatch will assign to us, based upon its equity ownership interest in Aleva, the right to receive, contingent upon the occurrence of a sale, asset transfer or other liquidity event with respect to Aleva, (i) a technology access success fee of up to CHF 7 million, with the actual amount to be received computed based upon the proceeds received by Aleva or its shareholders in the liquidity event and (ii) the right to receive a payment, upon the occurrence of the liquidity event, in an amount equal to the difference between the liquidity event proceeds to be received by Greatbatch based upon its equity ownership interest in Aleva and 19.9%, 15.5% or 10.0%, as may be applicable at such time based upon Greatbatch’s funding of future equity investments in Aleva, of the total amount of the proceeds received by Aleva or its shareholders upon the occurrence of the liquidity event.

 

We also intend to pursue other strategic partnerships to fund clinical and development costs of new products, expand our product distribution channels, improve our access to physicians and opinion leaders, supplement our product commercialization efforts, obtain assistance in performing clinical studies and post market studies, add specialized clinical or regulatory expertise or acquire or obtain access to complementary intellectual property.

 

 
68

 

 

 

The main factors driving the $3.0 million, or 14%, increase in our net loss from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015 were as follows:

 

 

Increase in SG&A salary and employee benefit costs as we begin to build our worldwide sales organization and hire various executive management and corporate support personnel in anticipation of and preparation for becoming an independent publicly-traded company;

 

 

Partially offset by: lower performance-based compensation expense of $1.0 million, which is accrued based upon the performance of Greatbatch; and

 

 

Lower expense due to cost savings from the shutdown of our Cleveland, Ohio facility.

 

Cost Savings and Consolidation Efforts

 

In 2014 and 2015, we recorded charges in Other Operating Expenses, Net related to the shutdown of our Cleveland, Ohio facility. This initiative was undertaken to better align our resources and improve our operational efficiencies and was completed in the fourth quarter of 2015. Total restructuring charges incurred in connection with this initiative were $1.1 million. See note 5 “Other Operating Expenses, Net” of the notes to our combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for additional information.

 

Discussion of Financial Results

 

We utilize a fifty-two, fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Friday nearest December 31. Fiscal years 2015 and 2014 ended on January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, respectively, and each contained fifty-two weeks.

 

   

Year Ended

   

2015 vs. 2014

 

Dollars in thousands

 

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

   

$
Change

   

%
Change

 

Sales

                               

Neural interface components and systems

  $ 3,920     $ 3,466     $ 454       13 %

Algovita SCS system

    1,318       230       1,088       100 %

Total sales

    5,238       3,696       1,542       42 %

Cost of sales

    3,371       1,769       1,602       91 %

Gross profit

    1,867       1,927       (60 )     -3 %

Gross profit as a % of sales

    35.6 %     52.1 %                

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”)

    10,541       6,704       3,837       57 %

SG&A as a % of total operating expenses

    40.1 %     28.7 %                
                                 

Research, development, and engineering costs, net (“RD&E”)

    15,430       16,572       (1,142 )     -7 %

RD&E as a % of total operating expenses

    58.7 %     70.9 %                

Other operating expenses, net

    312       95       217       NA  

Loss before provision for income taxes

    (24,416 )     (21,444 )     2,912       -12 %

Provision for income taxes

                      NA  

Effective tax rate

    0.0 %     0.0 %                

Net loss

  $ (24,416 )   $ (21,444 )   $ (2,972 )     -14 %

 

 

Year Ended January 1, 2016 Compared With Year Ended January 2, 2015

 

Sales

 

Neural Interface Components and Systems. Neural interface components and systems consist of sales of neural interface technology, components, and systems to the neuroscience and clinical markets. The primary factor behind the 13% increase in sales from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015 was market growth as well as the introduction of the NeuroNexus SmartBox™ portable control and data streaming system, which was launched in the first quarter of 2014. SmartBox sales totaled $195 thousand for fiscal year 2014 compared to $448 thousand for fiscal year 2015. We do not believe that price fluctuations significantly impacted sales from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015.

 

 
69

 

 

 

Algovita SCS System . The increase in sales from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015 was due to the limited release of Algovita in Europe, which began during the fourth quarter of 2014. In November 2015, Greatbatch announced receipt of premarket approval for Algovita. We expect to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016. We expect to continue to build our worldwide sales organization for Algovita consisting of direct sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States and a network of distributors and independent sales agents outside of the United States to support future growth.

 

We have entered into a development agreement with Aleva to develop our neurostimulation technology platform into a complete medical device for use in the DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, Aleva will pay us $6 million in the aggregate, which is to be paid in five installments with the final installment due during the third quarter of 2017.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales consists of the costs of raw materials used in the manufacture of products, labor costs, amortization of technology intangibles, and plant and equipment depreciation and overhead. The primary driver behind the 91% increase in cost of sales from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015 was the increased revenue as discussed above. Cost of sales will continue to increase as our sales continue to grow.

 

From fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015, our gross profit decreased $60 thousand, or 3%, and our gross profit as a percentage of sales, or Gross Margin, decreased to 35.6% in fiscal year 2015 from 52.1% in fiscal year 2014. These decreases were primarily due to the addition of Algovita sales in fiscal year 2015, which had a negative Gross Margin. The Algovita units sold during fiscal year 2015 had negative gross profit of $163 thousand as the cost of purchasing these units from Greatbatch was above their selling price given the low volume of production. The price we pay to Greatbatch for each Algovita system is governed by purchase orders with Greatbatch. Our entry into a supply agreement with Greatbatch in connection with the completion of the spin-off is not expected to materially impact the price we pay for Algovita or any of its components as compared to the price we paid for Algovita and its components prior to the spin-off given the current low volumes. We believe that our supply agreement with Greatbatch will be substantially similar to prevailing industry contracts of this type. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Supply Agreement” included elsewhere in this information statement for additional information regarding this supply agreement. However, going forward, our Gross Margin is expected to improve as sales volume increases. These Gross Margin improvements are not expected until after Algovita is launched in the United States.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

SG&A expenses consist primarily of personnel costs, including salary and employee benefits for our sales and marketing personnel and a corporate allocation from Greatbatch for personnel that support our general operations, such as information technology, executive management, financial accounting and human resources personnel. SG&A expenses increased $3.8 million, or 57%, from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015. This increase was primarily the result of increased salary and employee benefits as we begin to build our worldwide sales organization and hire executive management and corporate support personnel in anticipation of, and preparation for, becoming an independent publicly-traded company. This increase was partially offset by lower performance-based compensation, which is accrued based upon the performance of Greatbatch.

 

Going forward, we expect SG&A expenses to ramp up significantly as we build our worldwide sales organization consisting of direct sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States and a network of distributors and independent sales agents outside of the United States. We expect that this will require recruiting appropriate direct sales representatives and independent sales agents, establishing a commercial infrastructure in the United States, and training our direct sales representatives and independent sales agents, and will require a significant investment by us. Thereafter, we expect that our sales representatives and independent sales agents will require lead time in the field to grow their network of accounts and produce sales results. We believe that successfully recruiting and training a sufficient number of productive sales representatives and independent sales agents is important in achieving our future growth objectives.

 

 
70

 

 

After the completion of the spin-off, our SG&A expenses will no longer include an allocation of corporate expenses from Greatbatch, but instead will reflect fees paid to Greatbatch to provide certain corporate support functions on a transitional basis under the transition services agreement as described in “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Transition Services Agreement.” These corporate allocations included charges for executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement, and facilities that totaled $1.1 million and $1.0 million of SG&A expenses for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. These expenses have been charged to us on a pro rata basis based upon estimated hours incurred, headcount, square footage, or other measures. We consider the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred if we operated as an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs we will incur in the future after completion of the spin-off. At this time, we are unable to determine what our expenses would have been on a standalone basis if we had operated as an unaffiliated entity for each period in which a statement of operations is presented.

 

Research, Development and Engineering Costs, Net

 

RD&E costs primarily include salary and employee benefits for our specialists in software engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and graphical user interface design. Many of these specialists have considerable experience in neurostimulation-related products. Additionally, RD&E includes design verification testing (“DVT”) expenses, which include salary and employee benefits for our engineers who test the design and materials used in our medical devices. Partially offsetting RD&E costs were cost reimbursements from government grants that were awarded to NeuroNexus. RD&E costs were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Research, development and engineering costs

  $ 15,630     $ 17,237  

Less: cost reimbursements

    (200 )     (665 )

Total research, development and engineering costs, net

  $ 15,430     $ 16,572  

 

RD&E costs for fiscal year 2015 decreased $1.1 million, or 7%, from fiscal year 2014. This decrease was due to lower costs incurred for the development of Algovita, which was completed in 2014. These cost reductions were mainly achieved through the shutdown of our Cleveland, Ohio facility, which began during the second half of 2014. This decrease was also attributable to lower performance-based compensation, which is accrued based upon the performance of Greatbatch.

 

Partially offsetting these decreased costs was lower cost reimbursements due to the expiration of government grants in the second half of 2014 that were originally awarded to NeuroNexus, and which Greatbatch was not eligible to renew. Additionally, DVT costs increased $1.2 million, or 73%, from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015 as a result of the costs incurred for testing PelviStim. Going forward, we will incur DVT costs for other medical devices using our neurostimulation technology platform, but we do not expect DVT costs to rise to the level incurred during fiscal year 2013 of $5.8 million as we expect to leverage our existing neurostimulation technology platform for these devices or share these costs with strategic partners, such as Aleva.

 

We expect to invest in product development and clinical studies to improve and further develop our existing technologies and to expand the features offered in Algovita. We also intend to pursue strategic partnerships to fund clinical and development costs, in part or in full, of new products, expand our product distribution channels, i mprove our access to physicians and opinion leaders, supplement our product commercialization efforts, obtain assistance in performing clinical studies, add specialized clinical or regulatory expertise or acquire or obtain access to complementary intellectual property.

 

 
71

 

 

Other Operating Expenses, Net

 

Other operating expenses, net were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Cleveland facility shutdown

  $ 271     $ 860  

NeuroNexus integration income

          (840 )

Other expenses

    41       75  
    $ 312     $ 95  

 

For additional information, see note 5 “Other Operating Expenses, Net” of the notes to our combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

For purposes of the combined financial statements, our income tax expense and deferred tax balances have been prepared as if we filed income tax returns on a stand-alone basis separate from Greatbatch. As a stand-alone entity, our deferred taxes and effective tax rate may differ significantly from those in the historical periods.

 

During fiscal years 2014 and 2015, we recorded a valuation allowance for the amount of the deferred tax asset that was generated from our net losses and federal research and development tax credit earned to the extent they exceeded any deferred tax liability as it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset generated from those activities will not be realized. Accordingly, our provision for income taxes for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 was $0. Historically, the net operating losses and federal research and development tax credits generated by Nuvectra have been utilized by Greatbatch, which files a consolidated federal income tax return. Thus, the deferred tax assets reflected in our combined financial statements will not be available to Nuvectra upon completion of the spin-off. See note 6 “Income Taxes” of the notes to our combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for disclosures related to our income taxes.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Greatbatch uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. We are currently a party to Greatbatch’s cash pooling arrangements with several financial institutions to maximize the availability of cash for general operating and investing purposes. Under these cash pooling arrangements, cash is provided by Greatbatch to meet our financial obligations, which results in an increase in Greatbatch’s net investment in us as reflected in our combined balance sheets. This financing and cash pooling arrangement with Greatbatch will end in connection with the completion of the spin-off.

 

Greatbatch’s outstanding indebtedness owed to third parties and the related interest expense have not been allocated to us for any of the periods presented in our combined financial statements as we were not the legal obligor of the debt obligation and Greatbatch’s outstanding borrowings were not directly attributable to our operations.

 

We have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since our inception and we expect to continue to incur additional net losses for the foreseeable future. We had negative cash flow from operations of $23.4 million and $19.8 million for the years ended January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, respectively, and an accumulated loss of $125.1 million as of January 1, 2016.

 

 
72

 

 

 

In February 2016, we entered into a non-binding term sheet for the New Credit Facility, pursuant to which we will have access to borrow, subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, up to $40 million in term loan financing in up to three draws and $5 million under a revolving line of credit. We expect to enter into the definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility on or near the spin-off date. See “— New Credit Facility” below for additional information regarding the New Credit Facility. As this term sheet is non-binding, there is no guarantee that the New Credit Facility will be available to us at the close of the spin-off.

 

Immediately prior to the completion of the spin-off, Greatbatch will make a cash capital contribution of $75.0 million to us, which we will use for the development and commercialization of Algovita and otherwise for general corporate purposes. This cash capital contribution, together with our cash on hand and borrowings under the New Credit Facility, the availability of which will be subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, is in an amount that we estimate will, based on our current plans and expectations, meet our cash needs for approximately two years after the completion of the spin-off. After such time, we expect that we will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding. However, pursuant to the terms of the tax matters agreement with Greatbatch, for a period of two years following the date of the spin-off, we will be prohibited from (i) causing or permitting to occur any transaction or series of transactions, subject to certain exceptions provided under the U.S. federal income tax rules, in connection with which one or more persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire an interest in our capital stock that, when combined with any other acquisition of an interest in our capital stock that occurs after the spin-off, comprises 30% or more of the value or the total combined voting power of all interests that are treated as outstanding equity of Nuvectra for U.S. federal income tax purposes immediately after such transaction or, in the case of a series of related transactions, immediately after any transaction in such series; (ii) transferring, selling or otherwise disposing of 35% or more of our gross assets if such transfer, sale or other disposition would violate the IRS’ rules and regulations; (iii) liquidating our business or (iv) ceasing to maintain our active business. If we take any of these actions and such actions result in tax-related costs for Greatbatch, then we would generally be required to indemnify Greatbatch for such costs. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Tax Matters Agreement” for additional information regarding our tax matters agreement with Greatbatch. If we are unable to raise or are prohibited under the terms of the tax matters agreement with Greatbatch from raising additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, reduce, or terminate some or all of our development plans.

 

Currently, we expect our research and development expenses for fiscal year 2016 to be approximately $15 million to $20 million. These expenditures are primarily to continue our research and development program to enhance Algovita and develop our neurostimulation technology platform for uses in indications outside of SCS. We expect to finance our expenditures using the cash on-hand from the Greatbatch capital contribution or from internally generated funds. We may increase, decrease or re-allocate our anticipated expenditures during any period based on industry conditions, the availability of capital or other factors. We believe that nearly all of our anticipated research and development expenditures are discretionary.

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $23.4 million for fiscal year 2015 compared to $19.8 million for fiscal year 2014. The primary component driving the change in cash used in operating activities was the increase in our net loss from operations (adjusted to exclude non-cash charges) and the payment of our fiscal year 2014 accrued bonuses during fiscal year 2015.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.5 million for fiscal year 2015 compared to $1.3 million for fiscal year 2014. Cash used in investing activities related to the purchases of property, plant and equipment, or PP&E. During fiscal year 2015, Greatbatch contributed a building and certain fixed assets located in Blaine, Minnesota to us for use in our operations, which had a net book value of $1.8 million as these assets were now being fully utilized by Nuvectra. Previously, these assets were shared by various Greatbatch entities and costs were allocated to each entity by Greatbatch. Additionally, during fiscal year 2015, we transferred certain machinery and equipment with a net book value of $2.0 million, which previously had been used for DVT, to Greatbatch to utilize in the production of Algovita. For purposes of fiscal year 2015 combined cash flow statement, these transfers were treated as non-cash transactions.

 

 
73

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $23.7 million for fiscal year 2015 compared to $20.3 million for fiscal year 2014. For fiscal year 2014, cash provided by financing activities was composed entirely of the investment provided by Greatbatch in order to fund our operations and working capital expenditures. For fiscal year 2015, cash provided by financing activities was composed of the investment provided by Greatbatch partially offset by the repurchase of non-controlling interests in Algostim and PelviStim, which was funded by a cash contribution from Greatbatch.

 

New Credit Facility  

 

In February 2016, we entered into a non-binding term sheet for the New Credit Facility, consisting of a $40 million term loan and a $5 million revolving line of credit. Subject to the lenders’ completion of their due diligence procedures and the satisfaction of other conditions, we expect to enter into the definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility on or near the spin-off date. The closing of the New Credit Facility is conditioned upon, among other things, the completion of the spin-off; however, the spin-off is not conditioned on the availability of the New Credit Facility.

 

Under the terms of the New Credit Facility, the term loan will be available for funding, subject to compliance with specified conditions and covenants, in three tranches with (i) the initial tranche of $15.0 million funded at the closing of the New Credit Facility, (ii) the second tranche of $12.5 million available for draw for sixty days after achieving trailing six-month revenues of greater than $13.5 million at any point between December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2017, and (iii) the third tranche of $12.5 million available for draw for sixty days after achieving trailing six-month revenues of greater than $20 million at any point between June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017. The term loan is expected to bear interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 4.15%, subject to an interest rate floor of 7.65%. The New Credit Facility will provide for interest-only payments on outstanding term loan borrowings for 18 months after the first borrowing, if the second tranche of the term loan is not drawn, or 24 months after the first borrowing, if the second tranche of the term loan is drawn, followed by 36 months, if the second tranche of the term loan is not drawn, or 30 months, if the second tranche of the term loan is drawn, of principal payments in equal amounts on outstanding term loan borrowings plus accrued interest payments.

 

In addition, under the terms of the New Credit Facility, we will have access to a $5 million revolving line of credit, subject to an advance rate equal to 80% of eligible accounts receivable. This revolving line of credit is expected to have a maturity date that is two years from the date of execution of the definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility. The revolving line of credit is expected to bear interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 3.45%, subject to an interest rate floor of 6.95%. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit is due monthly. Additionally, our outstanding accounts receivable is expected to be processed through a cash collection account and lockbox at one of the lenders for the New Credit Facility, all amounts collected will be applied to reduce the outstanding principal amount of the revolving line of credit on a daily basis.

 

Under the terms for the New Credit Facility, we will pay a commitment fee in an amount equal to 0.50% of the aggregate principal amount of the term loan and the revolving line of credit. In addition, we will pay a final payment fee in an amount equal to 7.75% of the funded amount of the term loan, which final payment fee is due at the time of the final principal payment for the New Credit Facility or upon early termination of the New Credit Facility. To the extent that we satisfy the conditions and covenants to allow for drawing on the second or third tranches of the term loan, but do not draw upon such tranche prior to the availability expiration date, we will pay a non-use fee of 2.00% of the unfunded amount of such tranche. Finally, upon a draw of a tranche of the term loan, we expect to issue warrants to the lenders to purchase a number of shares of our common stock with a notional value equal to 4.5% of the funded amount of such tranche, with all warrants issued at such time of a tranche funding having an exercise price equal to the lower of the average closing price of our common stock for the ten previous days of trading or the closing price of our common stock on the day prior to such tranche funding. Each warrant is expected to be exercisable for ten years from the date of issuance.

 

In connection with arranging the New Credit Facility, we will pay Piper Jaffray an arrangement fee in an amount equal to 2.50% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Credit Facility.

 

 
74

 

 

 

The definitive documentation for the New Credit Facility is expected to include affirmative and negative covenants, including an affirmative covenant regarding minimum revenue requirements, prohibitions on the payment of cash dividends on our capital stock and restrictions on mergers, sales of assets, investments, incurrence of liens, incurrence of indebtedness and transactions with affiliates. The definitive documentation is also expected to include a prepayment fee for the prepayment of the outstanding term loan balance prior to the maturity date in an amount equal to 3.00% of the prepaid term loan balance for a prepayment made during the first year after closing, 2.00% of the prepaid term loan balance for a prepayment made during the second year after closing and 1.00% of the prepaid term loan balance for a prepayment made thereafter. Our obligations under the New Credit Facility will be secured by substantially all of our assets, except for our intellectual property, which is expected to be subject to a negative pledge covenant.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

 

Our discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations are based upon our combined financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. Preparation of our combined financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. The methods, estimates, and judgments we use in applying our accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our combined financial statements and MD&A. Management considers an accounting estimate to be critical if (1) it requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made; and (2) changes in the estimate or different estimates that could have been selected could have a material impact on our combined financial statements. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described below. We also have other accounting policies that we consider key accounting policies, such as our accounting policies regarding revenue recognition; however, these accounting policies do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates, because they do not generally require us to make estimates or judgments that are difficult or subjective at the time made and that could materially impact our combined financial statements.

 

Combined results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of Nuvectra

 

We have historically operated as part of Greatbatch and not as a separate stand-alone entity. Our combined financial statements have been prepared on a “combined” basis from the consolidated financial statements of Greatbatch to represent our financial position and performance as if we existed on a stand-alone basis during each of the fiscal years presented in the combined financial statements; and as if Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standard Codification, or ASC, Topic 810, “Consolidation,” had been applied throughout. Our combined financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, by aggregating financial information from the components of Nuvectra described in note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to our combined financial statements, included elsewhere in this information statement. The accompanying combined financial statements only include assets and liabilities that management has determined are specifically identifiable with us and allocations of direct costs and indirect costs attributable to our operations. Indirect costs relate to certain support functions that are provided on a centralized basis within Greatbatch. The support functions provided to us by Greatbatch include executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement, and facilities.

 

Corporate overhead allocations from Greatbatch for the year ended January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, amounted to $2.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively. These expenses have been charged to us on a pro rata basis based upon estimated hours incurred, headcount, square footage, or other measures. Management considers the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred if we were an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs we will incur in the future. At this time, we are unable to determine what our expenses would have been on a standalone basis if we had operated as an unaffiliated entity for each period in which a statement of operations is presented.

 

 
75

 

 

 

Valuation of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets

 

When we acquire a company, we allocate the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets we acquire and liabilities we assume based on their fair value at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. In addition to goodwill, some of our historical intangible assets were considered non-amortizing intangible assets as they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are required to be assessed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if certain indicators are present. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are assessed for impairment if certain indicators are present.

 

Greatbatch’s goodwill has resulted from multiple historical acquisitions. These acquisitions were integrated into Greatbatch including its QiG Group reporting unit. A portion of the assets acquired by Greatbatch giving rise to this goodwill (i.e., work force intangibles) will be allocated to us in connection with the spin-off. Accordingly, $38.2 million of Greatbatch’s historical Goodwill was allocated to us based upon the relative fair value method as of December 2013. This date was chosen as this was the date QiG Group became a reportable segment for Greatbatch after its corporate realignment. The following discussion of assumptions and approach used describes the methodology we used for both our annual impairment tests and the initial relative fair value allocation.

 

Assumptions/Approach Used . We base the fair value of identifiable intangible assets on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management. The fair values of intangible assets are determined using one of three valuation approaches: market, income or cost. The selection of a particular method depends on the reliability of available data and the nature of the asset. The market approach values the asset based on available market pricing for comparable assets. The income approach values the asset based on the present value of risk adjusted cash flows projected to be generated by that asset. The projected cash flows for each asset considers multiple factors from the perspective of a marketplace participant, including current revenue from existing customers, attrition trends, reasonable contract renewal assumptions, royalty rates and expected profit margins giving consideration to historical and expected margins. The cost approach values the asset by determining the current cost of replacing that asset with another of equivalent economic utility. The cost to replace the asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation or obsolescence, with specific consideration given to economic obsolescence if indicated.

 

We perform an annual review on the last day of each fiscal year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the recorded goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. We assess goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value to determine if there is potential impairment. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first perform an assessment of qualitative factors, referred to as the “step-zero” approach, to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not greater than its carrying amount. If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, we determine it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, the required two-step quantitative impairment test can be bypassed. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment or if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not less than its carrying value, we must perform the two-step quantitative impairment test, and calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If, based upon the two-step impairment test, it is determined that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Fair value for the reporting unit is determined based on the income, cost and market approaches. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment by using the income approach. Definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if any conditions exist or a change in circumstances has occurred that would indicate impairment or a change in their remaining useful life.

 

We do not believe that the goodwill allocated to us is at risk of failing step one of future annual impairment tests unless operating conditions significantly deteriorate, given the results of our 2015 step zero qualitative analysis, as well as the significant amount that our estimated fair value for these assets was in excess of their respective book values as of January 3, 2014, the date of our last step one impairment test. Examples of a significant deterioration in operating conditions for us could include the following: regulatory non-approval of new medical device systems, lack of market acceptance, discontinuation of significant development projects, technology obsolescence or failure of technology, among others.

 

 
76

 

 

Effect of Variation of Key Assumptions Used . The use of alternative valuation assumptions, including estimated cash flows and discount rates, and alternative estimated useful life assumptions could result in significant changes to our intangible asset fair value estimates. These changes in fair value estimates could impact the amount and timing of future intangible asset amortization expense and/or result in impairment losses.

 

As part of our 2015 step zero qualitative analysis, we made certain assumptions by evaluating factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, cost factors, competitive environment, parent company share price fluctuations, results of the last impairment test, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting unit. We also made assumptions involving the projections of future revenues and expenses that impacted the results of our step-zero impairment analysis. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could create future impairment losses to our goodwill.

 

For the last step one impairment test for Nuvectra, which was performed as of January 3, 2014, and the initial relative fair value allocation, the fair value for our Nuvectra reporting unit was determined through the use of the income, cost and market approaches. The projected cash flows used to determine the fair value of the Nuvectra reporting unit were based upon internal revenue and expense projections, discount rates and probability of success factors based upon the stage of completion of the medical device projects within Nuvectra. At the time our impairment test was performed in January 2014, our revenue projections were expected to increase as market share was garnered by Algovita and other medical devices. At the time our impairment test was performed in January 2014, as most of our products were then currently in the clinical and development stage, projected market share penetration rates were assumed to grow from low single digits in the early years up to maximum market share penetration rates that ranged between 6% and 15%. Our discounted cash flow analysis included a discount rate of 20% and probability of success factors that ranged from 75% to 90%. The fair value calculation for Nuvectra was corroborated with market data such as recent acquisitions for comparable companies, analyst reports and discussions with potential strategic partners of Nuvectra.

 

For our indefinite-lived intangible assets, we make estimates of future revenues and discount rates. Significant changes in these estimates could create future impairments of these assets. Estimation of the useful lives of indefinite- and definite-lived intangible assets is based upon the estimated cash flows of the respective intangible asset and requires significant management judgment. Events could occur that would materially affect our estimates of the useful lives. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could change the amount of future amortization expense or could create future impairments of these intangible assets. The way we allocate resources and evaluate our businesses determines the reporting unit level which goodwill is tested for impairment. Significant changes to our reporting unit could create future impairments of goodwill.

 

As of January 1, 2016, we have $40.2 million of intangible assets recorded on our combined balance sheet representing 88% of our total assets. This includes $2.0 million of amortizing intangible assets and $38.2 million of goodwill.

 

Tangible long-lived assets

 

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. The cost of property, plant and equipment is charged to depreciation expense over the estimated life of the operating assets primarily using straight-line rates. Tangible long-lived assets are subject to impairment assessment if certain indicators are present.

 

 
77

 

 

Assumptions/Approach Used . We assess the impairment of tangible long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. Factors that we consider in deciding when to perform an impairment review include, but are not limited to: a significant decrease in the market price of the asset (asset group); a significant change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset (asset group) is being used or in its physical condition; a significant change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of a long-lived asset (asset group), including an action or assessment by a regulator; an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the construction; a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset (asset group); or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset (asset group) will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Recoverability potential is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset (asset group) to the related total future undiscounted cash flows. The projected cash flows for each asset (asset group) considers multiple factors, including current revenue from existing customers, proceeds from the sale of the asset (asset group), reasonable contract renewal assumptions, and expected profit margins giving consideration to expected margins. If an asset’s (assets group’s) carrying value is not recoverable through related undiscounted cash flows, the asset (asset group) is considered to be impaired. Impairment is measured by comparing the asset’s (asset group’s) carrying amount to its fair value. When it is determined that useful lives of assets are shorter than originally estimated, and there are sufficient cash flows to support the carrying value of the assets, we accelerate the rate of depreciation in order to fully depreciate the assets over their shorter useful lives.

 

Effect of Variation of Key Assumptions Used . Estimation of the cash flows and useful lives of tangible assets that are long-lived requires significant management judgment. Events could occur that would materially affect our estimates and assumptions. Unforeseen changes in operations or technology could substantially alter the assumptions regarding the ability to realize the return of our investment in long-lived tangible assets or the useful lives, particularly with respect to the likelihood of research and development success. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could change the amount of future depreciation expense or could create future impairments of these long-lived tangible assets (asset groups).

 

As of January 1, 2016, we have $4.5 million of tangible long-lived assets recorded on our combined balance sheet representing 10% of our total assets.

 

Provision for income taxes

 

For purposes of our combined financial statements, our income tax expense and deferred tax balances have been prepared as if we filed income tax returns on a stand-alone basis separate from Greatbatch. As a stand-alone entity, our deferred taxes and effective tax rate may differ significantly from those in the historical periods. Our combined financial statements have been prepared using the asset and liability approach in accounting for income taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes for the expected future tax consequences of net operating losses, credits, and temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.

 

Assumptions/Approach Used . In recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of temporary differences based upon the timing of expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our provision for income taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. Alternatively, we may make estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease our valuation allowances.

 

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions when we believe that certain tax positions do not meet the more likely than not threshold. As of January 1, 2016, we maintained no reserve related to unrecognized tax benefits. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit or the lapse of statutes of limitations. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to the reserves that are considered appropriate.

 

 
78

 

 

Effect of Variation of Key Assumptions Used . Changes could occur that would materially affect our estimates and assumptions regarding deferred taxes. Changes in current tax laws and tax rates could affect the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, thereby changing the income tax provision. Also, significant declines in taxable income could materially impact the realizable value of deferred tax assets. At January 1, 2016, we had $50.4 million of gross deferred tax assets on our Combined Balance Sheet and a valuation allowance of $49.6 million has been established for certain deferred tax assets as it is more likely than not that they will not be realized. Historically, the net operating losses and federal research and development tax credits generated by Nuvectra have been utilized by Greatbatch, which files a consolidated federal income tax return. Thus, the deferred tax assets reflected in our combined financial statements will not be available to us upon completion of the spin-off.

 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In the normal course of business, we evaluate all new accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, the SEC, the Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on our combined financial statements. See note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to our combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for additional information about these recently issued accounting standards and their potential impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

The JOBS Act permits an “emerging growth company” such as us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. However, we are choosing to “opt out” of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

 

Inflation

 

We do not believe that inflation and changes in prices have had a significant impact on our operating results or the geographic areas in which we operate for any of the periods presented in our combined financial statements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities that would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

 

Legal Matters

 

We are a party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. While management does not expect that the ultimate resolution of any of these pending actions will have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. As such, there can be no assurance that any pending legal action, which management currently believes to be immaterial, does not become material in the future.

 

 
79

 

 

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Financial Risk

 

Greatbatch uses a centralized approach to manage substantially all of its cash and to finance its operations. As a result, debt and cash maintained at Greatbatch are not included in our combined financial statements. Accordingly, our current financial risk exposures are insignificant. We are not currently exposed to any interest rate risk, as historically separate cash accounts were not significant and we have no outstanding indebtedness. Given that we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, we do not believe that we have any significant concentrations of credit risk. Going forward upon the completion of the spin-off, we will be exposed to limited market risk related to fluctuations in market prices and, if we enter into the New Credit Facility, we will be subject to interest rate risk as both the term loan and the revolving line of credit under the New Credit Facility are each expected to bear interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a fixed spread, subject to an interest rate floor. We have not and do not intend to enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. In addition, we have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risk exposure.

 

We do not have any material foreign currency exchange rate risk as our revenues and operating expenses are predominately denominated in U.S. dollars.

 

We will enter into a long-term supply agreement with Greatbatch for the manufacture and supply of Algovita and its components. For most products, parts and components of Algovita, Greatbatch is our single or sole source supplier, and therefore we are dependent on Greatbatch to manufacture Algovita and its components. An inability to obtain a sufficient quantity of Algovita or any of its components could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

As discussed in note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to our combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement, the accompanying combined financial statements have been prepared from separate records maintained by us and may not necessarily be indicative of the conditions that would have existed or our results of operations if we had been operated as an unaffiliated company. Portions of certain expenses represent allocations made from Greatbatch applicable to us as a whole. These expenses have been charged to us on a pro rata basis based upon estimated hours incurred, headcount, square footage, or other measures. Management considers the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred if we were an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs we will incur in the future. At this time, we are unable to determine what our expenses would have been on a standalone basis if we had operated as an unaffiliated entity for each period in which a statement of operations is presented.

 

 
80

 

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Nuvectra is a neuromodulation medical device company initially focused on the development and commercialization of our neurostimulation technology platform for treatment of various disorders through stimulation of tissues associated with the nervous system. Our neurostimulation technology platform has the capability to provide treatment to patients in several established neurostimulation markets such as SCS, SNS or DBS, and other emerging neurostimulation markets. Algovita is the first application of our neurostimulation technology platform and is indicated for the treatment of chronic pain of the trunk and limbs. We are in the process of developing additional applications for our neurostimulation technology platform. Algovita brings to market a user friendly, robust and flexible design with a broad set of product capabilities and advanced technology. We believe Algovita is well positioned to compete in and help grow the existing SCS market, currently estimated to be approximately $1.6 billion globally. In addition, we believe our neurostimulation technology platform is well positioned to compete in the SCS, SNS and DBS portions of the worldwide neurostimulation market, which we estimate to be approximately $2.6 billion in size. We are currently working to develop our platform into complete medical device systems for use in the SNS markets. We have entered into a development agreement with Aleva to develop our platform into a complete medical device for use in the DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. To date, we have not conducted any clinical trials with respect to the use of our neurostimulation technology platform for applications in the SNS or DBS markets. In addition, we have not yet obtained, or begun the process of obtaining, the necessary regulatory approvals needed for the sale of our neurostimulation technology platform for applications in the SNS or DBS markets.

 

On November 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced receipt of premarket approval for Algovita from the FDA. We expect to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016. Outside of the United States, Algovita obtained CE mark approval in June 2014 and is indicated for the treatment of chronic intractable pain of the trunk or limbs. Algovita is reimbursable under existing SCS codes in the United States, the European Union and Australia, and has been commercially available to patients in Germany and several other European countries since November 2014.

 

We believe Algovita has significant competitive advantages over other SCS systems. Algovita uses our differentiated neurostimulation technology platform that is user friendly and offers a broad set of capabilities. We believe Algovita’s robust product design will help minimize early therapy failures. In addition, our neurostimulation technology platform is designed to be upgradeable, thereby enabling next generation treatment offerings. To drive future growth, we will expand our sales and marketing organization to promote awareness and demonstrate the value of Algovita among surgeons, referring physicians and patients.

 

We will own the patents and patent applications that embody the intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform.

 

We believe pursuing use of our neurostimulation technology platform for additional indications presents a compelling opportunity to leverage our existing technology and drive future growth. We expect to invest in product development and clinical studies to improve and further develop our existing technologies, to expand the features offered in Algovita and to enter other established markets, such as SNS and DBS. We also intend to pursue strategic partnerships to fund clinical and development costs, in part or in full, of new products, expand our product distribution channels, improve our access to physicians and opinion leaders, supplement our product commercialization efforts, obtain assistance in performing clinical studies, add specialized clinical or regulatory expertise or acquire or obtain access to complementary intellectual property. We believe our development agreement with Aleva is an example of this type of strategic partnership.

 

Our NeuroNexus subsidiary is the neuroscience and clinical research portion of our business. NeuroNexus works closely with researchers to develop and refine new tools that aid and advance neuroscience research. NeuroNexus  designs, manufactures and sells neural interface systems, to include high quality, high density microelectrode arrays, custom designed probes, electrode instrumentation and accessories. In addition, the NeuroNexus team has years of neuroscience research experience to help facilitate successful research projects and provide insight to minimize known challenges.

 

 
81

 

 

Nuvectra was initially organized as a limited liability company in Delaware on November 14, 2008, under the name SDI Group, LLC, which was subsequently changed to QiG Group, LLC. Immediately prior to completion of the spin-off, QIG Group, LLC will convert into Nuvectra Corporation, a Delaware corporation. We have a history of significant net operating losses and we expect to continue to incur net operating losses for the foreseeable future.

 

Market Overview

 

We intend to compete generally in the broad neuromodulation market, but are initially focused on the neurostimulation market. The neurostimulation market is comprised of multiple individual markets each focused on the treatment of various indications through delivery of stimulation to a targeted site of the body such as SCS, SNS and DBS. We estimate the SCS, SNS, and DBS market size at $2.6 billion in 2014, growing at an estimated 7.5% compound annual growth rate through 2018. We will compete in the spinal cord stimulation market with Algovita. We intend to compete in the SNS and DBS markets with products based on our neurostimulation technology platform that are currently in development. In addition, we intend to compete in the DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor with a product that we will develop with Aleva that uses our neurostimulation technology platform. There are additional and emerging neurostimulation markets that we may compete in with future products.

 

Spinal Cord Stimulation

 

SCS therapy has been used to treat chronic pain for over 40 years, and is indicated as a treatment option for chronic pain patients who have not achieved relief through conventional medical management. SCS therapy operates by delivering electrical signals to the spinal cord through thin wires called leads, which are placed near the spinal cord and are energized by a small battery-powered IPG implanted under the skin. Electrodes located at the end of the leads deliver electrical signals to the spinal cord. These electrical signals “override” the pain signals being sent to the brain resulting in relief for the patient.

 

Approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide and 100 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can lead to reduced quality of life, increased incidence of depression and sleep deprivation. In the United States, chronic pain results in an estimated incremental cost of health care of approximately $300 billion per year.

 

According to market research and our internal estimates, in 2014, the size of the worldwide SCS market was estimated at approximately $1.6 billion, with approximately 72% of that market located in the United States. We believe the smaller market opportunity outside the United States is primarily the result of restrictions on procedure reimbursement. The worldwide size of the SCS market is projected to grow to an estimated $2.0 billion by 2018, a 6% compound annual growth rate, supported by additional penetration of the therapy in established markets, a growing base of physician implanters and increasing acceptance of SCS therapy as an effective and viable treatment option in emerging markets.

 

Based on our estimate of approximately 50,000 SCS systems having been implanted in the United States in 2014, and our estimate that there are approximately one million potential patients in the United States, we believe SCS therapies have penetrated less than 10% of the United States market. We believe the following factors have limited market adoption of SCS therapies in the United States:

 

 

Challenges in sustaining long-term pain therapy . SCS therapy has historically had challenges maintaining long-term effectiveness due to the limitations of existing systems and the nature of chronic pain. Historically, SCS systems have been prone to early therapy failures as a result of device malfunction, lead and extension breakage and an inability to adjust the system to respond to changes in patient needs, such as the need to deliver additional power to cover new pain locations. For example, in the published literature, SCS systems have been found to have an aggregate 22% failure rate resulting from a 13% failure rate for lead migration, where leads move out of position after being implanted, and a 9% failure rate for lead breakage, where leads break after being implanted. SCS systems are also challenged by the dynamic nature of chronic pain, which can increase in intensity or spread to other areas in the body.

 

 
82

 

 

 

Existing SCS devices are complicated and not user friendly . Most existing SCS systems on the market are a continuation of legacy designs. These systems, whether pre-operatively, intra-operatively or during long-term pain management, are generally difficult to use. Market research confirms that physicians and patients both want devices that are easier to use. Patients not only want effective pain relief and ease of use, but also want discreet and comfortable systems.

 

 

Lack of market awareness of successful SCS therapies . We believe the SCS market is under-penetrated and the patient population is under-served. We believe this results from a lack of awareness by patients and physicians of SCS therapies and their potential benefits. We believe referring physicians are generally unaware of recent advances in efficacy of SCS therapies and, in many cases, are unwilling to refer patients to physicians that specialize in chronic pain and the use of SCS therapies.

 

Sacral Nerve Stimulation

 

SNS is a well-established treatment option for refractory symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary frequency and/or urgency, with or without urge incontinence, and chronic fecal incontinence. Approved by the FDA in 1997 for initial indications of urinary frequency/urgency and urge incontinence, the American Urologic Association, or the AUA, includes the therapy in its treatment guidelines as a “third line” option along to be considered after failure of first (behavioral) and second (drug) line options. According to the International Continence Society, there are over 400 million people worldwide who suffer from symptoms of urinary and fecal incontinence. Unlike other third line therapies, SNS is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of idiopathic non-obstructive urinary retention and fecal incontinence.

 

SNS involves sending mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerve, typically sacral spinal nerve S3, through a lead connected to an IPG, similar to the therapy provided by a pacemaker. The impulses modulate the reflexes between the pelvic floor, urethral sphincter, bladder and bowel. SNS helps the brain and nerves to communicate so that the bladder and related muscles can function properly. An advantage of SNS as compared to other potential therapies is that it is tested and evaluated by the patient and physician prior to long-term therapeutic use. This evaluation period gives patients and physicians an opportunity to determine whether adequate symptom relief is achievable, often in as few as three to seven days. Implantation of the SNS device is a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis under sedation or general anesthesia.

 

According to market research and our internal estimates, the worldwide SNS market in 2014 was estimated to be $520 million and is expected to grow to $750 million by 2018, a 9.5% compound annual growth rate. SNS is the second most commonly performed neurostimulation therapy behind SCS with over 175,000 SNS devices implanted for overactive bladder since 1994. Currently, there is only one FDA-approved implantable SNS device available on the market in the United States.

 

Deep Brain Stimulation

 

DBS uses mild electrical pulses from leads connected to an IPG to stimulate specific targets in the brain. These pulses either inhibit or stimulate nerve signals, thereby offering relief for certain neurological conditions, which include movement and psychiatric disorders. Currently, the FDA has approved DBS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. An estimated one million people in the United States and between seven to ten million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson’s disease and ten million people in the United States suffer from essential tremor. The FDA has also approved DBS for treatment of dystonia and obsessive-compulsive disorders under a humanitarian device exemption. DBS is also currently being investigated as a therapy for other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, treatment-resistant major depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 
83

 

 

According to market research and our internal estimates, the worldwide DBS market in 2014 was estimated to be $540 million and is expected to grow to $790 million by 2018, a 10% compound annual growth rate. DBS is the third most commonly performed neurostimulation therapy behind SCS and SNS with over 125,000 DBS devices implanted for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia since 1995. We expect that the DBS worldwide market will likely continue to experience double-digit growth due to an increasingly aging population and an increase in neurodegenerative disorders.

 

We believe our multi-current neurostimulation technology platform may provide distinct advantages in providing DBS therapies where specific electrical field control and nerve selectivity can be very important. Our neurostimulation technology platform, in combination with new concepts in DBS lead design, may provide new benefits in DBS therapy delivery. We have entered into a development agreement with Aleva to develop our neurostimulation technology platform into a complete medical device for use in the DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.

 

Additional and Emerging Indications

 

There are other established and emerging neurostimulation indications that may be a source of potential opportunity for Nuvectra and our neurostimulation technology platform. We believe we may be able to leverage our neurostimulation technology platform to capitalize on opportunities in indications such as Vagal Nerve Stimulation, or VNS, and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, or PNS. VNS is approved for the treatment of epilepsy, depression and eating disorders. Research is ongoing for the use of VNS in the treatment of heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. PNS is approved outside the United States for treatment of chronic pain. PNS is also an emerging approach to treat chronic headaches and post-amputation “phantom limb” pain.

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe a number of competitive advantages distinguish us from our competitors:

 

 

Differentiated neurostimulation technology platform. Our neurostimulation technology platform incorporates technological advances that we believe will provide us with competitive advantages in the marketplace and provide meaningful benefits to both physicians and patients as compared to existing alternatives. The IPG component of our platform is capable of delivering a broad spectrum of outputs and pulse delivery ranges through its 26 independent current sources. This allows precise control over the stimulation field and improves targeting of the therapy. The IPG features a powerful chipset that enables new waveforms, stimulation outputs and embedded features that can be activated in the future. The IPG uses the Medical Implant Communication Service, or MICS, to send and receive data from external sources through a secure communication protocol system. Our diverse lead portfolio provides additional capabilities for tailoring therapy to a wider spectrum of patients.

 

 

Broad range of Algovita capabilities . Algovita is based on our differentiated neurostimulation technology platform and features a broad range of technical capabilities, including 26 independent current sources, algorithmic programming, broad pulse delivery ranges and a powerful chip set for targeted SCS therapy delivery. We believe these capabilities provide Algovita with greater flexibility in tailoring the therapy to a wider spectrum of SCS patients than the flexibility provided by the current generation of SCS systems that are presently available on the market.

 

 

Algovita’s robust design helps minimize therapy failures and enables greater control and precision in providing therapy . We believe Algovita’s robust design, including its leads and advanced programming features, will help to minimize early SCS therapy failures and enable greater precision and control in targeting pain sites than the current generation of SCS systems that are presently available on the market. In addition, our advanced leads feature coil-in-coil technology, allowing for elasticity and greater flexibility than the leads of SCS systems that are presently available, which we believe results in our advanced leads having a reduced likelihood of migration, breakage or kinking. Our 12 electrode lead provides the longest span of coverage available on the market and was designed to address loss of pain relief if the stimulation target changes. Additionally, our algorithmic driven clinician programming system allows for rapid localization of pain targets and use of many different stimulation programs. The stimulation field can also be further refined using direct patient inputs gathered through our patient feedback tool.

 

 
84

 

 

 

Algovita’s upgradeable technology enables next generation offerings . Algovita’s proprietary chip set and hardware is capable of being configured for use in next generation treatment offerings. This includes the ability to deliver significantly higher frequencies than most other SCS systems presently available on the market, as well as pulse train stimulation, including burst type stimulation, and customized waveforms. We believe these additional capabilities provide a strong base platform and system for potential new SCS and other treatment options that can be provided via a software or firmware upgrade.

 

 

Experienced management and engineering team with a track record of successful performance . Our management team has a strong track record of successful performance and execution in the neuromodulation field. Collectively, our management team has over 100 years of experience in the neuromodulation and chronic pain industry. In addition, we have an experienced engineering team with significant expertise in designing and developing medical devices for the neurostimulation market. We believe physicians and customers value working with a team like ours comprised of highly skilled professionals who have in-depth knowledge of the industry, strong engineering and development capabilities and an understanding of the needs of both patients and physicians.

 

Our Growth Strategies

 

To pursue our objectives and capitalize on our competitive strengths, we intend to implement the following growth strategies:

 

 

Expand our sales and marketing organization to drive adoption of Algovita . We will continue to build our worldwide sales organization consisting of direct sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States and a network of distributors and independent sales agents outside of the United States. Our direct sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States will target physician specialists involved with SCS treatment decisions, including interventional pain specialists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons, located at strategic hospitals and outpatient surgery centers across the United States. Our marketing team will offer education programs designed to create awareness and demand among other stakeholders involved in SCS treatment decisions, including third-party payors, hospital administrators and patients and their families. Internationally, we will continue to expand our network of distributors and independent sales agents in target markets that we believe support SCS therapy and have strong reimbursement coverage.

 

 

Demonstrate the value of Algovita’s capabilities among surgeons, referring physicians and patients . Algovita was specifically designed to address the limitations of currently available SCS technologies, which we believe has slowed adoption of SCS therapies. We will dedicate significant resources to demonstrate the value of Algovita’s broad capabilities, focusing on its ability to provide flexible treatment options for chronic pain patients. We will leverage our growing sales force to promote awareness of Algovita by training and educating physicians, exhibiting at tradeshows and conducting focused advertising.

 

 

Invest in clinical and product development to drive product innovation . We intend to invest in clinical and product development in order to expand the capabilities of our neurostimulation technology platform. We expect this investment will result in further product innovations and expanded labeling and new indications for Algovita. These innovations are expected to include next generation IPG capabilities, additional lead offerings, MRI compatibility and advancements in algorithmic programming. We also expect this investment to expand our product opportunities for our neurostimulation technology platform into other established neurostimulation markets, such as SNS, DBS, and other emerging therapies.

 

 
85

 

 

 

Pursue strategic partnerships . We intend to pursue strategic partnerships to accelerate our expansion into other established neurostimulation markets. These strategic partnerships may partially or fully fund clinical and development costs for new products, expand our product distribution channels, improve our access to physicians and opinion leaders, supplement our product commercialization efforts, provide a partner that will perform or assist in performing clinical studies for new products, help us to add specialized clinical or regulatory expertise or provide access to or enable us to acquire complementary intellectual property. We believe our development agreement with Aleva is an example of this type of strategic development

 

 

Leverage infrastructure and achieve operating efficiencies . We intend to leverage our existing infrastructure to achieve operating efficiencies as we grow sales volume. In addition, we will enter into a long-term supply agreement with Greatbatch to benefit from its world class manufacturing capabilities. We will work with Greatbatch to decrease our manufacturing costs and increase product quality.

 

Our Neurostimulation Technology Platform

 

Our neurostimulation technology platform was developed to provide the most innovative capabilities currently available on the market and to provide physicians and patients with improved solutions and tailored treatment options. Our platform is fundamental to the design of Algovita and provides the foundation for the development of future products. The key elements of our platform include:

 

 

Innovative core technology . Our neurostimulation technology platform consists of core technology developed using our advanced engineering and design capabilities in IPGs, independent current sources, algorithmic programming, chipsets and leads. We will own the patents and patent applications that embody the intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform.

 

 

Durable and flexible leads. Our leads feature coil-in-coil technology designed to improve lead durability and flexibility, thereby reducing migration, breakage and kinking. In addition, the coil-in-coil design enhances steerability as compared to the straight wire lead designs used by many existing neurostimulation systems.

 

 

Advanced programmability . The algorithmic driven technologies in our platform are designed to allow physicians to program Algovita and other products incorporating our platform for rapid and sequential delivery of multiple stimulation programs. These products are capable of capturing feedback from patients, and thereby providing physicians and patients with the flexibility to select from a number of different stimulation programs and optimize treatment.

 

 

Multiple independent current sources . Our neurostimulation technology platform is capable of delivering multiple independent current sources that optimize current delivery and improve field control allowing for finer resolution and precision of therapy.

 

 

Unique safety features. Our neurostimulation technology platform was designed with unique safety features. The IPG has a deep discharge recovery battery, bi-directional recharge and impedance checks to improve patient safety. The patient remote control indicates the battery status of the IPG, is paired to a single IPG, has quick “stim-off” functionality that permits immediate cessation of treatment and incorporates a patient feedback tool that was designed for ease of use to encourage greater patient input thus improving safety.

 

 

Future offering capabilities. Our neurostimulation technology platform incorporates a proprietary chipset and hardware that is capable of being configured for use in next generation treatment offerings for Algovita and in other future neurostimulation products and systems. It is capable of delivering significantly higher frequencies than most other SCS systems presently available on the market, as well as pulse train stimulation and customized waveforms that may advance how stimulation is delivered.

 

 
86

 

 

 

The Algovita System

 

Algovita delivers SCS therapy for the treatment of chronic pain. Algovita is based on our neurostimulation technology platform and contains what we believe are the most innovative capabilities currently available on the market. Algovita improves on existing SCS designs and utilizes new technologies to improve user experience, system robustness and overall treatment outcomes. Algovita was designed to permit physicians to implant the leads and the IPG efficiently and patients to operate the device easily. To this end, Algovita has straightforward controls and an interactive display that includes a stimulation diagram for quick visual confirmation of stimulation coverage.

 

Algovita has obtained a CE mark, and is currently available for sale in Germany and several other European countries. On November 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced receipt of premarket approval for Algovita from the FDA. We expect to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016.

 

Algovita consists of the following components:

 

 

Implantable Pulse Generator: The IPG contains a rechargeable battery and electronics that deliver electrical pulses to the leads. The Algovita IPG has 26 output channels available in two different header configurations and can be connected to one, two or three leads. It is a programmable device and can deliver customized programs for each patient. The IPG is rechargeable and is surgically implanted under the skin, usually above the buttocks or in the abdomen.

 

Leads: The leads are thin, insulated wires that conduct electrical pulses to the spinal cord from the IPG. Algovita has both percutaneous and paddle leads that are inserted into the epidural space with a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

 

Patient Programmer: The patient programmer, called the Algovita Pocket Programmer, is a rechargeable, key fob-sized device that works like a remote control and allows patients to adjust their stimulation, change programs and monitor their stimulator battery charge levels.

 

Clinician Programmer: The clinician programmer contains proprietary software that allows customized programming of the IPG. It can non-invasively transmit a signal to the IPG, sending programming information and downloading diagnostic information. The Algovita programmer offers various 3D attributes, including virtual environment, pain mapping, stimulation mapping and stimulation overlap scores, which facilitate ease of use for clinicians.

 

 
87

 

 

 

Charger: The charger is a mobile device used to charge the IPG externally and to monitor the IPG battery charge levels. The patient can remain active while charging the IPG. Charging requirements depend on the patient’s power requirements.

 

Trial Stimulator: The trial stimulator contains electronics that deliver electrical pulses to the lead. It is a device that is worn externally during the evaluation period, which typically lasts several days.

 

Surgical Accessories: Algovita also contains accessories for implantation. These surgical accessories include components such as epidural needles, stylets, and lead anchors to assist the physician in the surgical procedure.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

United States

 

We currently have a limited sales organization in the United States. In anticipation of the commercial launch of Algovita, we expect to significantly expand our sales force in the United States. We plan to use direct sales representatives and independent sales agents in the United States. Our sales organization will target physician specialists involved in SCS treatment decisions, including neurosurgeons, interventional pain specialists and orthopedic spine surgeons, who are located at strategic hospitals and outpatient surgery centers across the United States. In addition, our marketing team will seek to increase awareness and grow demand for Algovita and SCS therapy in general by devoting significant resources to physician and staff training on the use and benefits of Algovita and educating and providing ongoing support to physicians, patients, third-party payors and hospital administrators on the use of Algovita.

 

International

 

In Europe, we currently have a limited number of distributors through which we sell Algovita. As we continue to build our international sales organization, we expect that the sale organization will consist of a network of distributors and independent sales agent. We began our sales in Germany during 2014 and, to date, have expanded our sales efforts into Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria. We expect to expand our Algovita sales efforts into other European countries with health care systems that offer favorable reimbursement rates for SCS therapies, particularly rechargeable SCS systems, and where we believe we can successfully partner with independent sales agents or distributors that meet our qualifications.

 

We expect sales and marketing of other neurostimulation medical device offerings that leverage our neurostimulation technology platform will be conducted either through our sales organization or through partnerships with third parties in specific neurostimulation fields of use. In connection with our development partnership with Aleva, we expect, upon completion of a complete medical device for use in the DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, that Aleva will have primary responsibility for the sales and marketing of such DBS complete medical device using our licensed technology.

 

Third-Party Coverage and Reimbursement

 

For Algovita, the primary purchasers are expected to be hospitals and outpatient surgery centers in the United States. These purchasers typically bill various third-party payors, such as Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance plans for the healthcare services associated with the SCS procedures. Government agencies and private payors then determine whether to provide coverage for specific procedures. We believe that SCS procedures using Algovita are adequately described by existing governmental and insurance reimbursement codes for the implantation of spinal cord stimulators and related leads performed in various sites of care. Medicare reimbursement rates for the same or similar procedures vary due to geographic location, nature of facility in which the procedure is performed, such as hospital outpatient department or outpatient surgery centers, and other factors. Although private payors’ coverage policies and reimbursement rates vary, Medicare is increasingly used as a model for how private payors and other governmental payors develop their coverage and reimbursement policies for healthcare items and services, including SCS procedures.

 

 
88

 

 

 

Outside the United States, reimbursement levels vary significantly by country, and by region within some countries. Reimbursement is obtained from a variety of sources, including government-sponsored and private health insurance plans, and combinations of both. In Germany, where Algovita has been commercially available to patients since November 2014, reimbursement for SCS by Germany’s established G-DRG system, which is a government-mandated pricing system pursuant to which German hospitals are paid for services provided to patents, is substantial enough that it makes economic sense to operate within Germany. Some countries will require us to gather additional clinical data before granting broader coverage and reimbursement for Algovita. We intend to complete the requisite clinical studies and obtain coverage and reimbursement approval in those other countries where it also makes economic sense to do so.

 

SNS and DBS have established reimbursement pathways similar to those for SCS procedures. We will review and assess the reimbursement environment as part of our process of developing additional neurostimulation indications.

 

Research and Development

 

Our research and development team has significant experience in the design and development of medical devices, particularly in neurostimulation. The team includes specialists in software engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, graphical user interface design, clinical and regulatory expertise, as well as our NeuroNexus group. NeuroNexus specializes in neural research, micro-neural interfaces and thin-film technology. NeuroNexus offers high-value neural interface technology and devices across a wide range of functions including neuromonitoring and recording, electrical and optical stimulation, and targeted drug delivery applications. By partnering with entrepreneurs and healthcare providers, we will evaluate concepts for potential new therapies through early stage feasibility work that we expect will be completed by leveraging our NeuroNexus group. We expect that these advances will be translated into features and products that drive future growth for Algovita as well as other future indications that utilize the neurostimulation technology platform.

 

The primary objective of our research and development program is to enhance Algovita for use in SCS and our neurostimulation technology platform for uses in indications outside of SCS. We expect that enhancements to Algovita will include next generation IPGs and leads, expanded stimulation delivery methods and MRI compatibility.

 

We have entered into a development agreement with Aleva. Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, we will be the exclusive developer for Aleva of a complete medical device for use in DBS market for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, which is expected to incorporate a portion of our neurostimulation technology platform. Under the terms of the development agreement, Aleva will pay us $6 million in the aggregate, which is to be paid over the course of five installments with the final installment due during the third quarter of 2017, to provide development and engineering services. Any joint intellectual property developed by Aleva and us during the term of the development agreement will be jointly owned. The development agreement provides that we will have exclusive use of this joint intellectual property outside of the field of use consisting of DBS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor and Aleva will have exclusive use of this joint intellectual property inside of the field of use consisting of DBS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Finally, to the extent that Aleva desires to develop a second generation complete medical device for use in the DBS market, the development agreement provides that we will be appointed as the exclusive developer for that subsequent project. In addition to our development partnership with Aleva, as part of our research and development efforts, we also intend to pursue other strategic partnerships with third parties to, among other things, fund clinical and development costs, in part or in full, for new product offerings.

 

 
89

 

 

 

Competition

 

The neuromodulation medical device industry is intensely competitive, subject to rapid change and highly sensitive to the introduction of new products and other market activities of industry participants. We will compete initially in the SCS market for chronic pain. In the SCS market, the main competitors are Medtronic, Boston Scientific, St. Jude Medical and Nevro Corp. In addition, SCS therapy also competes against other potential therapies, including spinal surgeries, in particular spinal reoperation. All of the major medical device competitors in the SCS market have obtained United States and European Union regulatory approvals for their SCS systems and are expected to launch new products or release additional clinical evidence supporting their product therapies within the next few years. These major competitors are publicly-traded companies or divisions of publicly-traded companies, all of whom have significantly greater market share and resources than we have. In addition, these competitors also have more established operations, longer commercial histories and more extensive relationships with physicians than we have. Some of these competitors also have wider product offerings within neuromodulation and other medical device product categories. This may provide these competitors with greater negotiating power with customers and suppliers and with more opportunities to interact with the stakeholders involved in purchasing decisions.

 

We believe the primary competitive factors in the neurostimulation market are:

 

 

Technological innovation, product enhancements and speed of innovation

 

 

Sales force experience and access

 

 

Ease of use

 

 

Product support and service

 

 

Effective marketing and education

 

 

Pricing and reimbursement rates

 

 

Product reliability, safety and durability

 

 

Clinical research leadership

 

 

Company brand recognition

 

Intellectual Property

 

Protection of our intellectual property is important to our business. We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright and other intellectual property laws, non-disclosure agreements and other measures to protect our proprietary rights. We will own 105 U.S. patents, 75 pending U.S. patent applications, 48 foreign patents and 44 foreign pending patent applications. Within our patent portfolio, we will own the patents and patent applications that embody the intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform.

 

The term of each of our individual patents depends on the legal term for patents in the countries in which they are granted. In most countries, including the United States, the patent term is generally 20 years from the earliest claimed filing date of a non-provisional patent application in the applicable country. The majority of our patents will expire between 2027 and 2034.

 

We also license 23 U.S. patents, 15 pending U.S. patents, 11 foreign patents and 33 foreign pending patent applications covering the intra-spinal stimulation and SNS and DBS fields of use, which we believe are of primary use in these fields of use. However, this field of use restriction may have the effect of limiting our ability to develop new treatment indications for our neurostimulation technology platform to the extent that we incorporate this licensed intellectual property, and would require us to negotiate changes to the terms of these licenses, which may be costly, in order to pursue other indications. These licenses terminate upon our uncured material breach, including, as applicable, a failure to pay royalties due thereunder.

 

 
90

 

 

 

We cannot assure you that patents will be issued from any of our pending applications or the patent applications that we license, or that, if patents are issued, they will be of sufficient scope or strength to provide meaningful protection for our technologies. Notwithstanding the scope of the patent protection available to us, a competitor could develop treatment methods or devices that are not covered by patents we own or license. Furthermore, numerous U.S. and foreign issued patents and patent applications owned by third parties exist in the fields in which we are developing products. Because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be applications unknown to us, which applications may later result in issued patents that our existing or future products or proprietary technologies may be alleged to infringe.

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into two license agreements with Greatbatch pursuant to which we will license to Greatbatch rights in, subject to specified restrictions, certain intellectual property underlying our neurostimulation technology platform. Under the terms of the unrestricted license agreement, we will grant Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import certain intellectual property (which includes patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights) underlying our neurostimulation technology platform for applications within the neurostimulation fields of use. Under the terms of the restricted license agreement, we will grant Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import certain other intellectual property (which includes patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights) underlying our neurostimulation technology platform for applications outside of the neurostimulation fields of use. Each of these license agreements may be terminated by either party in the event of a material breach of such agreement by the other party (subject to customary cure periods) or the other party’s bankruptcy or insolvency. In addition, NeuroNexus will also enter into a license agreement with Greatbatch under which NeuroNexus will grant to Greatbatch a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, make, have made, offer to sell, sell, distribute and import NeuroNexus’ patents, pending patents and other intellectual property outside of the neurostimulation fields of use. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – License Agreements” for additional information regarding our and NeuroNexus’ license agreements with Greatbatch.

 

We own 16 U.S. trademark registrations, five pending U.S. trademark registrations, 18 foreign trademark registrations and six pending foreign trademark registrations.

 

In connection with our strategy to pursue partnerships to fund clinical and development costs of new products, we will likely enter into license agreements, development agreements and related agreements that provide for the sharing of our intellectual property rights with third parties. These agreements may result in our having co-ownership with our partner of the intellectual property rights arising from the partnership. In connection with our development partnership with Aleva, we expect, in the future, to enter into an exclusive license agreement with Aleva whereby we will license certain of our patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights to Aleva for use in the field of use consisting of DBS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor in exchange for a royalty payment.

 

There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the medical device industry. In the future, we may need to engage in litigation to enforce patents issued or licensed to us, to protect our trade secrets or know-how, to defend against claims of infringement of the rights of others or to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation could be costly and could divert our attention from other functions and responsibilities. Adverse determinations in litigation could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, could require us to seek licenses from third parties and could potentially prevent us from selling Algovita or other medical devices using our neurostimulation technology platform, which would severely harm our business.

 

We also rely upon trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological innovation, and may rely upon other licensing opportunities in the future, to develop and maintain our competitive position. We seek to protect our proprietary rights through a variety of methods, including confidentiality agreements and proprietary information agreements with suppliers, employees, consultants and others who may have access to proprietary information, under which they are bound to assign to us inventions made during the term of their employment or service, as applicable.

 

 
91

 

 

 

Manufacturing and Supply

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into a long-term supply agreement with Greatbatch for the manufacture and supply of Algovita and most of its products, parts and components. For most products, parts and components of Algovita, Greatbatch is our single or sole source supplier. In addition, we will also enter into a product component framework agreement providing Greatbatch with the exclusive right to supply us with products, parts and components necessary for production of future SNS or DBS neurostimulation devices that we may seek to commercialize. See “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Supply Agreement” for a detailed description of our long-term supply agreement with Greatbatch and “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us – Product Component Framework Agreement” for a description of our product component framework agreement. In the event that our relationship with Greatbatch terminates in the future, we may have difficulty in maintaining sufficient production of Algovita or its products, parts or components at the standards we require. However, we believe our existing supply and manufacturing relationship with Greatbatch will be adequate to meet our current and anticipated manufacturing needs. We do not currently plan to manufacture or assemble Algovita or other neurostimulation medical devices ourselves.

 

We believe the manufacturing operations of our suppliers, including Greatbatch, are in compliance with FDA regulations. Manufacturing facilities that produce medical devices or their component parts intended for distribution worldwide are subject to regulation and periodic unannounced inspection by the FDA and other domestic and international regulatory agencies. In the United States, companies are required to manufacture medical device products that are for sale in compliance with the FDA’s Quality System Regulation, which covers the methods used in, and the facilities used for, the design, testing, control, manufacturing, labeling, quality assurance, packaging, storage and shipping of Algovita or other medical devices. In international markets, we are required to obtain and maintain various quality assurance and quality management certifications. Greatbatch has obtained Quality Management System ISO13485 certification for manufacturing of SCS systems and accessories. We have obtained the following certifications: Quality Management System ISO13485 and Full Quality Assurance Certification for the design and development of SCS systems and accessories and a Design Examination certificate for IPGs and accessories. We are required to demonstrate continuing compliance with applicable regulatory requirements to maintain these certifications and will continue to be periodically inspected by international regulatory authorities for certification purposes.

 

Regulation of our Business

 

Our products, including Algovita, and our operations generally, are subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the FDA pursuant to its authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or Food and Drug Act, other federal and state authorities in the United States and comparable foreign regulatory authorities. To ensure that medical products distributed domestically and internationally are safe and effective for their intended use, the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities have imposed regulations that govern, among other things, the following activities:

 

 

product design, development and testing;

 

 

product manufacturing, labeling and storage;

 

 

premarket clearance, approval or comparable foreign actions;

 

 

pre-clinical testing in animals and in the laboratory;

 

 

clinical investigations in humans;

 

 

advertising and promotion;

 

 

record keeping and document retention procedures;

 

 

product marketing, sales, distribution and recalls; and

 

 

post-market surveillance reporting, including reporting of death, serious injuries, device malfunctions or other adverse events.

 

 
92

 

 

FDA Clearance and Approval of Medical Devices

 

The FDA regulates medical devices in the United States and the export of medical devices manufactured in the United States to help ensure that these medical devices are safe and effective for their intended uses. Any violation of these laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Under the Food and Drug Act, medical devices are classified as Class I, Class II or Class III depending on the degree of risk associated the device and the extent of control needed to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

 

Devices deemed to pose the lowest risk are placed in Class I and are subject to only general controls, such as establishment registration and device listing, labeling, medical device reporting, and prohibitions against adulteration and misbranding.

 

Moderate risk devices are placed into Class II, and generally require 510(k) pathway clearance before they may be commercially marketed in the United States. When 510(k) pathway clearance is required, the manufacturer must submit a premarket notification submission to the FDA demonstrating that the device is “substantially equivalent” to a legally marketed device, which may also require submission of clinical data. In the future, we may develop new products that are classified as Class II devices and require 510(k) pathway clearance.

 

Devices deemed by the FDA to pose the greatest risk, such as life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, or devices deemed not “substantially equivalent” to a legally marked device are classified in Class III. The safety and effectiveness of Class III devices cannot be assured solely by general controls. Submission and FDA approval of a premarket approval application is required before marketing of a Class III device can begin. The premarket approval application process is considerably more demanding than the 510(k) premarket notification process.

 

Premarket approval applications must be supported by, among other things, valid scientific evidence, which typically requires extensive data, including technical, preclinical, clinical and manufacturing data, to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the device. A premarket approval application must also include, among other things, a complete description of the device and its components, a detailed description of the methods, facilities and controls used to manufacture the device, and proposed labeling. In addition, the FDA will conduct a pre-approval inspection of the applicant and/or its third-party manufacturers’ facility or facilities to ensure compliance with the FDA’s Quality System Regulations, which requires medical device companies to follow design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures.

 

If the FDA evaluations of both the premarket approval application and the manufacturing facilities are favorable, the FDA will either issue an approval letter or an approvable letter, which usually contains a number of conditions that must be met in order to secure final approval of the premarket approval application.

 

Algovita is a Class III device. On November 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced receipt of premarket approval for Algovita from the FDA. We expect to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016.

 

Continuing FDA Regulation

 

After a device is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements continue to apply. These include:

 

 

compliance with the FDA’s Quality System Regulations, which requires medical device companies to follow elaborate design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during the manufacturing process;

 

 
93

 

 

 

 

labeling regulations;

 

 

the FDA’s general prohibition against promoting products for unapproved or “off-label” uses;

 

 

approval of product modifications that could significantly affect safety or effectiveness or that would constitute a major change in the intended use of Algovita or any other medical device using our neurostimulation technology platform;

 

 

medical device reporting regulations, which require that medical device companies comply with FDA requirements to report if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or has malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur;

 

 

post-approval restrictions or conditions, including post-approval study commitments;

 

 

post-market surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device;

 

 

the FDA’s recall authority, whereby it can ask, or under certain conditions order, medical device companies to recall from the market a product that is in violation of governing laws and regulations;

 

 

regulations pertaining to voluntary recalls; and

 

 

notices of corrections or removals.

 

Medical device companies are also required to register and list their devices with the FDA, based on which the FDA will conduct inspections to ensure continued compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

 

The FDA has broad post-market and regulatory and enforcement powers. Failure to comply with the applicable U.S. medical device regulatory requirements could result in:

 

 

warning letters, untitled letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties;

 

 

customer notifications or repair, replacement, refund, recall, administrative detention or seizure of Algovita systems or any other medical device using our neurostimulation technology platform;

 

 

operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production;

 

 

refusing or delaying requests for 510(k) clearance or approval of premarket approval applications for new or modified products;

 

 

withdrawing 510(k) pathway clearances or premarket approval applications that have already been granted;

 

 

refusal to grant export approval for products; or

 

 

criminal prosecution.

 

Other Healthcare Regulations

 

We are also subject to healthcare fraud and abuse regulation in the jurisdictions in which we will conduct business. These laws include, without limitation, applicable anti-kickback, false claims, healthcare reform, patient privacy and security laws, and physician payment transparency regulations.

 

Anti-Kickback Statute

 

The U.S. federal Anti-Kickback Statute is a criminal statute that prohibits persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, paying, or receiving “remuneration”, directly or indirectly to induce or reward the purchasing, leasing, ordering or arranging for or recommending the purchase, lease or order of any health care items or services for which payment may be made under federal healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits many arrangements and practices that are lawful in businesses outside of the healthcare industry. The Anti-Kickback Statute is broadly drafted and establishes penalties for parties on both sides of the prohibited transaction. Conviction for a single violation under the Anti-Kickback Statute may result in a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for up to five years and mandatory exclusion from participation in federal health care programs. The government may also assess civil money penalties with considerable potential damages. There are a number of statutory exceptions as well as regulatory safe harbors protecting certain common activities from prosecution or other regulatory sanctions, however, the exceptions and safe harbors are drawn narrowly, and arrangements that do not fit squarely within an exception or safe harbor may be subject to scrutiny.

 

 
94

 

 

Federal False Claims Act

 

The U.S. federal False Claims Act imposes civil liability on persons or entities who knowingly present or cause to be presented a false or fraudulent claim or knowingly use false statements to obtain payment from or approval by the federal government. Under the False Claims Act, a claim may be submitted directly to the federal government or to a recipient of federal funds, such as a federal contractor, where the funds are to be spent on the federal government’s behalf. In addition, private individuals have the ability to bring actions under the civil False Claims Act in the name of the government, known as qui tam actions, alleging false and fraudulent claims presented to or paid by the government or recipient of federal funds (or other violations of the statutes) and to share in any amounts paid by the entity to the government in fines or settlement. Medical device companies can be held liable under these laws if they are deemed to “cause” the submission of false or fraudulent claims by, for example, providing inaccurate billing or coding information to customers or promoting an “off-label” use of a product. Penalties for a federal civil False Claims Act violation include three times the actual damages sustained by the government, plus mandatory civil penalties of between $5,500 and $11,000 for each separate false claim. In addition, penalties imposed under related statutes for submitting false or fraudulent claims include the potential for exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs and criminal liability.

 

Many states also have statutes or regulations similar to the U.S. federal Anti-Kickback and False Claims Act, which apply to items and services reimbursed under Medicaid and other state programs, or, in several states, apply regardless of the payor.

 

Healthcare Reform

 

In March 2010, the ACA was signed into law which has the potential to substantially change healthcare financing and delivery by both governmental and private insurers, and significantly impact the medical device industry. The ACA impacted existing government healthcare programs and resulted in the development of new programs. The ACA’s provisions include a deductible 2.3% excise tax on any entity that manufactures or imports medical devices offered for sale in the United States, with certain limited exceptions. On December 18, 2015, this excise tax was suspended starting on January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017. Absent future legislative action, this excise tax will be automatically reinstated beginning on January 1, 2018.

 

The full impact of the ACA, as well as other laws and reform measures that may be proposed and adopted in the future, remains uncertain, but may continue the downward pressure on medical device pricing, especially under the Medicare program, and may also increase our regulatory burden and operating costs.

 

U.S. Privacy and Security Laws

 

We may be subject to data privacy and security laws and regulations of both the U.S. federal government and the individual states in which we operate. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology and Clinical Health Act, or HITECH, and their respective implementing regulations impose obligations on entities covered thereby relating to the privacy, security and transmission of protected health information. These covered entities include health plans, health care clearing houses, and certain health care providers. The HITECH amendment increased the civil and criminal  penalties that may be imposed against those covered entities, and gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions to enforce the federal HIPAA laws. The amount of a civil monetary penalty increases with level of culpability, and can range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with a maximum penalty of $1,500,000.

 

 
95

 

 

In addition, comparable state laws also govern the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances. Many of these individual state laws differ from state to state in significant ways and may not have the same effect. In addition, certain of these state laws are more stringent than HIPAA and in such circumstances the more stringent state law must be followed.

 

These laws and the associated enforcement processes change often, and we cannot predict what effect, if any, these changes may have on our business. In addition, there has been a trend in recent years, both in the United States and internationally, toward more stringent regulation and enforcement of requirements applicable to medical device manufacturers and requirements regarding protection and confidentiality of personal data.

 

Physician Payment Transparency Laws

 

In recent years, federal and state regulation of payments made to physicians and other healthcare providers and entities has increased. The ACA imposes new reporting requirements on some manufacturers, including some medical device manufacturers, for payments and other transfers of value provided to physicians or teaching hospitals. In addition, the ACA also requires reporting by physicians and their immediate family members of ownership or other investment interests in some medical device manufacturers.

 

Failure to submit the required information timely, accurately, or completely may result in civil monetary penalties of up to an aggregate of $150,000 per year and up to an additional aggregate of $1 million per year for “knowing failure to report.”

 

Some states also require medical device companies to comply with the industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and/or the compliance guidelines promulgated by the U.S. federal government, which impose restrictions on device manufacturer marketing practices and/or require the tracking and reporting of gifts, compensation and other remuneration to healthcare providers and entities.

 

Regulations in the EU

 

Our international sales are subject to regulatory requirements in the countries in which Algovita is sold. The regulatory review process varies from country to country and may in some cases require the submission of clinical data.

 

In the European Economic Area, or EEA (which is comprised of the 28 Member States of the EU plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland), we must comply with the requirements of the EU Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive, or AIMDD, and appropriately affix the CE mark on Algovita to attest to such compliance. In achieving such compliance, Algovita had to comply with the “Essential Requirements” described in Annex I of the AIMDD. In addition, to affix the CE mark on Algovita, we had to undergo a conformity assessment procedure, the requirements of which vary based upon the type of medical device and its classification. Except for low risk medical devices, a conformity assessment procedure also requires a third party assessment by a Notified Body, which is an organization designated by a competent authority of an EEA country to conduct conformity assessments. The Notified Body audits and examines the technical file and the quality system for the manufacture, design and final inspection of the medical device. The Notified Body issues a CE Certificate of Conformity following successful completion of a conformity assessment procedure and confirmation of conformity with the Essential Requirements. Receipt of this CE Certificate entitles the medical device company to affix the CE mark to its medical device after preparing and signing an EC Declaration of Conformity. The assessment of the conformity for Algovita has been certified by our Notified Body, TÜV SÜD America.

 

 
96

 

 

 

As a general rule, demonstration of conformity of medical devices and their manufacturers with the Essential Requirements must be based, among other things, on the evaluation of clinical data supporting the safety and performance of the products during normal conditions of use. Specifically, a medical device company must demonstrate that its device achieves its intended performance during normal conditions of use and that the known and foreseeable risks, and that any adverse events, are minimized and acceptable when weighed against the benefits of its intended performance, and that any claims made about the performance and safety of the device (e.g., product labeling and instructions for use) are supported by suitable evidence. With respect to active implantable medical devices or Class III devices, the medical device company must conduct clinical studies to obtain the required clinical data, unless reliance on existing clinical data from equivalent devices can be justified.

 

Algovita is subject to continued surveillance by its Notified Body, and we are required to report any serious adverse incidents related to Algovita to the appropriate authorities. We must also comply with additional requirements of individual countries in which Algovita is marketed and the requirements of certain EU Directives.

 

In September 2012, the European Commission published proposals for the revision of the EU regulatory framework for medical devices, which would replace the Medical Devices Directive and the AIMDD with a new regulation (the Medical Devices Regulation). If adopted, the Medical Devices Regulation is expected to enter into force in late 2015 or 2016 and become applicable three years thereafter. In its current form it would, among other things, also impose additional reporting requirements on manufacturers of high risk medical devices, impose an obligation on medical device companies to appoint a “qualified person” responsible for regulatory compliance, and provide for stricter clinical evidence requirements.

 

EU Data Protection Directive

 

We are subject to laws and regulations in non-U.S. countries covering data privacy and the protection of health-related and other personal information. EU member states and other jurisdictions have adopted data protection laws and regulations, which impose significant compliance obligations. For example, the EU Data Protection Directive imposes strict obligations and restrictions on the ability to collect, analyze and transfer personal data, including health data from clinical trials and adverse event reporting. Failing to comply with these laws could lead to government enforcement actions and significant penalties against us.

 

Anti-Bribery Laws

 

The federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1997 and other similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions, including the UK Bribery Act of 2010, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from providing money or anything of value to officials of foreign governments, foreign political parties, or international organizations with the intent to obtain or retain business or seek a business advantage. Recently, there has been a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement activity by U.S. regulators, with more frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the Department of Justice and the SEC. Violations of United States or foreign laws or regulations could result in the imposition of substantial fines, interruptions of business, loss of supplier, vendor or other third-party relationships, termination of necessary licenses and permits, and other legal or equitable sanctions. Other internal or government investigations or legal or regulatory proceedings, including lawsuits brought by private litigants, may also follow as a consequence.

 

Facilities

 

Our corporate headquarters is located in Plano, Texas, and we have research and development facilities located in Blaine, Minnesota, Denver, Colorado, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. These facilities, with the exception of our Blaine facility which is owned by Nuvectra, are leased and consist of approximately 60,670 square feet of office and laboratory space. The lease for our Plano, Texas headquarters, which is with Greatbatch, expires two years after the spin-off date. The leases for our Denver, Colorado and Ann Arbor, Michigan facilities expire in April 2016 and September 2020, respectively. After the expiration of the lease for our Denver, Colorado facility, we  will move to a new facility located in Broomfield, Colorado. The lease for our Broomfield, Colorado facility will expire 78 months after we take possession of this new leased facility. We are currently evaluating the adequacy and suitability of these facilities in connection with our becoming an independent publicly-traded company.

 

Employees

 

As of January 1, 2016, we had 89 employees. We believe the success of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. We are committed to developing our employees and providing them with opportunities to contribute to our growth and success. Our employees are not subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that we have good relations with our employees.

 

 
97

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Our Executive Officers

 

The following table and biographies sets forth information, as of February 22, 2016, concerning those persons that we expect will be our executive officers following the spin-off.

 

     

Name  

Age  

Position  

Scott F. Drees

58

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Walter Z. Berger

60

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Scott F. Drees will serve as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Nuvectra. Prior to joining Nuvectra on a full time basis, Mr. Drees served as a consultant to Nuvectra and our subsidiaries Algostim and PelviStim since August 2009. In addition, from January 2008 to July 2015, Mr. Drees also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Neuromodulation Ventures, LLC, which focused on incubating new neuromodulation companies. Previously in his thirty-four year career in the medical device industry, Mr. Drees served in various executive positions, including, founding division President and, later, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, at Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc., or ANS, a neuromodulation company that was acquired by St. Jude Medical, Inc., or St. Jude Medical, in 2005, and also various other positions at St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific Corporation and Johnson & Johnson’s Codman Neuro division. Mr. Drees currently serves as a director of Neuros Medical, Inc., a privately-held neuromodulation company and was a founding board member of the National Pain Foundation. Mr. Drees earned a B.S. from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Mr. Drees has been selected to serve as a director on our Board of Directors due to his in-depth knowledge of our business, extensive experience in the neuromodulation industry and role as our President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Walter Z. Berger will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nuvectra. Prior to joining Nuvectra, Mr. Berger served as Chief Financial Officer of AppDynamics Inc., a venture-backed next generation application intelligence company from October 2013 until March 2015. Prior to that, from 2012 until 2013, Mr. Berger was the Chief Financial Officer of private equity owned SoftLayer, a cloud computing company, which was acquired by IBM. From 2008 until 2012, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ). Mr. Berger has also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for each of CBS Radio, Inc. and for Emmis Communications Corporation (NASDAQ). From 1985 to 1999, Mr. Berger held a number of financial and operating management roles in the manufacturing, services and energy fields. Mr. Berger began his career at Arthur Andersen in 1977. Mr. Berger is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.A. in business administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

 

Our Directors

 

Following the spin-off and Nuvectra’s conversion to a Delaware corporation, the business and affairs of Nuvectra will be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors, which is expected to consist of eight directors.

 

Following the spin-off, our Board of Directors will be divided into three classes. The directors designated as Class I directors will have terms expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the spin-off, which we expect to hold in 2017. The directors designated as Class II directors will have terms expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders, which we expect to hold in 2018, and the directors designated as Class III directors will have terms expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders, which we expect to hold in 2019. Nuvectra expects that Class I will be comprised of three directors consisting of Mr. Johnson, Mr. Tremmel and Dr. Parks; Class II will be comprised of three directors consisting of Mr. Hawari, Mr. Zelibor and Mr. Bihl; and Class III will be comprised of two directors consisting of Dr. Miller and Mr. Drees. Commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the spin-off, directors for each class will be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the year in which the term for that class expires and thereafter will serve for a term of three years. For more information, see “Description of Nuvectra Capital Stock – Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and of Delaware Law.”

 

 
98

 

 

 

The following table and biographies sets forth information, as of February 22, 2016, concerning those persons that we expect will be our directors following the spin-off.

 

Name  

 

Age

 

Title

Dr. Joseph A. Miller, Jr.

 

74

 

Chairman of the Board

Scott F. Drees

 

58

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Anthony P. Bihl III

 

59

 

Director

Kenneth G. Hawari

 

57

 

Director

David D. Johnson

 

60

 

Director

Dr. Fred B. Parks, PhD

 

68

 

Director

Jon T. Tremmel

 

69

 

Director

Thomas E. Zelibor

 

61

 

Director

 

Dr. Joseph A. Miller, Jr. will serve as Chairman of the Board of Nuvectra. He currently serves as a director for Greatbatch and will step down from Greatbatch’s board of directors shortly before the completion of the spin-off. Dr. Miller also currently serves as a director of Lightwave Logic, Inc., or Lightwave Logic, and previously served as a director of Dow Corning Corporation. Dr. Miller retired in April 2012 as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Corning Incorporated, a position in which he had served since 2001. Before joining Corning in 2001, he served as Senior Vice President of E.I. DuPont de Nemours from 1999 to 2001 and held various executive positions with that company prior to that time. Dr. Miller has significant research and development knowledge and experience gained through his positions at Corning and E.I. DuPont. We believe that Dr. Miller is well qualified to serve on Nuvectra’s Board of Directors due to his extensive knowledge and experience gained as a corporate executive and director of Greatbatch and other public companies, which gives him valuable insight into a number of issues important to us.

 

Anthony P. Bihl III will serve as a director of Nuvectra. He currently serves as a director for Greatbatch and will step down from Greatbatch’s board of directors shortly before the completion of the spin-off. Mr. Bihl has been Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Managers of Bioventus, LLC, a company that develops, manufactures and sells products that promote active orthopaedic healing, since December 2013. From June 2011 through June 2012, he was Group President American Medical Systems, or AMS, a subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals, or Endo. Mr. Bihl was President & Chief Executive Officer and a director of AMS from April 2008 until Endo acquired AMS in June 2011. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Medical Solutions’ Diagnostics Division from January to November 2007, and as President of the Diagnostics Division of Bayer HealthCare from 2004 through 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Bihl served in a number of operations and finance roles at Bayer HealthCare and over a 20-year career at E.I. DuPont. He is a director and chairman of the board of Spectral Medical, Inc., a Canadian company that develops products for the diagnosis and treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock, and also serves as chair of its human resources and compensation committee. Mr. Bihl is a former director of SeraCare Life Sciences Inc. We believe that Mr. Bihl is well qualified to serve on Nuvectra’s Board of Directors due to his 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, in operations, finance and general management roles.

 

Kenneth G. Hawari will serve as a director of Nuvectra. Since 2007, Mr. Hawari has worked as an attorney and business consultant in private practice. From February 2002 until December 2006, Mr. Hawari was Executive Vice President – Corporate Development and General Counsel for ANS. Prior to joining ANS, Mr. Hawari was an attorney at Hughes & Luce LLP (which subsequently became part of K&L Gates LLP) from 1984 until 2002. Mr. Hawari currently serves as the chairman of the board for the North Texas Enterprise Center for Technology, Inc., which is a not-for-profit organization that assists and incubates medical and other technology based companies. Mr. Hawari earned his B.A. and a J.D. each from the University of Texas at Austin. We believe that Mr. Hawari is well qualified to serve on Nuvectra’s Board of Directors due to his experience as a former corporate executive in the medical device industry and his understanding of the legal issues that impact the medical device industry generally given his experience as a general counsel and in private practice.

 

 
99

 

 

 

David D. Johnson will serve as a director of Nuvectra. From May 2005 until his retirement on February 1, 2016, Mr. Johnson served as the Executive Vice President, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer of Molex, LLC (previously Molex Incorporated), which is a manufacturer of electronic connectors and components. Mr. Johnson currently serves as a director, chairman of the audit committee, and member of the compensation committee of MTS Systems Corporation, which is a global supplier of test systems and industrial position sensors. Mr. Johnson earned his B.A. in economics from Stanford University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive status). We believe Mr. Johnson is well qualified to serve on Nuvectra’s Board of Directors given his financial expertise obtained through his service as a chief financial officer for public companies, particularly with respect to accounting, investor relations and securities law issues, and his experience gained from serving on other boards of directors and audit committees.

 

Dr. Fred B. Parks, PhD, will serve as a director of Nuvectra. Dr. Parks has been the Chief Executive Officer of Enovate Medical since July 2015. Prior to joining Enovate Medical, Dr. Parks served as Chief Executive Officer of NDS Surgical Imaging, LLC from August 2011 to 2013 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Urologix, Inc. from May 2003 to February 2008. Prior to joining Urologix, Dr. Parks served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Marconi Medical Systems, which is currently part of Philips Medical Systems. Dr. Parks currently serves as a director of Analogic Corporation and Enovate Medical. Previously, Dr. Parks has served as a director of NDS Surgical Imaging, Urologix, EG&G, Inc. (now PerkinElmer), St. Jude Medical and Steady State Imaging. Mr. Parks received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla, his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and his Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. We believe Dr. Parks is well qualified to serve on Nuvectra’s Board of Directors given his substantial experience as a senior executive and as a board member for a number of medical device companies.

 

Jon T. Tremmel will serve as a director of Nuvectra. Until his retirement in 2007, Mr. Tremmel held several senior leadership positions with Medtronic plc, or Medtronic, including President of the Neurological Division from March 2003 to April 2007, President of the Physio-Control Division from May 2001 to March 2003 and President of the Tachyarrhythmia Management Division and President of the Interventional Vascular Division from 1992 to 2001. From 1978 until 1992, he served in various positions of increasing responsibility at Medtronic. Mr. Tremmel currently serves as a director EnteroMedics Inc., which is a publicly-traded medical device company, and Flowonix Medical, Inc., which is a privately-held medical device company. He previously served as a director of Nevro Corp., Cyberonics Inc. and ACell, Inc. Mr. Tremmel earned his B.S. in business and engineering from University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in engineering from Boston University and an M.B.A. from University of Minnesota. We believe that Mr. Tremmel is well qualified to serve on Nuvectra’s Board of Directors due to his leadership experience in the medical device industry and his experience from serving on the board of directors on several medical device and medtech companies.

 

Thomas E. Zelibor will serve as a director of Nuvectra. Since May 2012, Mr. Zelibor has been the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Lightwave Logic, a publicly traded company focused on utilizing thin film polymers for electro-optic devices employed in the telecom and datacom markets. Prior to being appointed as Chief Executive Officer, he served as a director for Lightwave Logic from July 2008 to April 2012. From April 2011 to April 2012, Mr. Zelibor was a private management consultant and from July 2008 to April 2011 was President and Chief Executive Officer of Flatirons Solutions Corp., a professional services and system engineering company. Mr. Zelibor also held the position of Dean, College of Operational and Strategic Leadership at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island where he was responsible for senior leadership development, character development, and ethics for Professional Military Education. Prior to joining the private sector, Mr. Zelibor achieved the rank of Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy and served in numerous senior positions, including Commander, Carrier Group Three, Navy CIO and Director of Global Operations, United States Strategic Command. Mr. Zelibor earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy and has been a participant in the Senior Leader in Residence Program and a visiting scholar for the Zell Center for Risk Research at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. We believe that Mr. Zelibor is well qualified to serve on Nuvectra’s Board of Directors due to his operational experience as the chief executive officer of a publicly-traded technology company and his senior leadership experience gained from running large, complex operations for the United States military.

 

See “Our Executive Officers” above for biographical information regarding Mr. Drees, who will serve as our President, Chief Executive Officer and as a director.

 

 
100

 

 

Director Independence

 

Our Board of Directors is expected to formally determine the independence of its directors as defined by the NASDAQ Listing Rules in connection with the spin-off. We expect that our Board of Directors following the spin-off will be consist of eight directors, of which all but Mr. Drees will be considered independent as defined by the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Our Board of Directors is expected to annually determine the independence of the directors based on a review by the directors and the Governance and Nominating Committee.

 

Committees of our Board of Directors

 

Pursuant to our by-laws, our Board of Directors will be permitted to establish committees from time to time as it deems appropriate. Effective upon the completion of the spin-off, our Board of Directors is expected to have the following standing committees: Audit Committee, Compensation and Organization Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee.

 

Our Board of Directors will adopt written charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation and Organization Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee. These charters will be available on our website following the spin-off.

 

Audit Committee

 

Following the completion of the spin-off, the Audit Committee will be comprised solely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Listing Rules and the Exchange Act, and are financially literate, as required by the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Mr. Johnson is expected to serve as the chairperson of the Audit Committee with Mr. Hawari and Mr. Bihl serving as additional members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Johnson is expected to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the applicable SEC rules and regulations.

 

We expect that the core responsibilities of the Audit Committee will include:

 

 

Reviewing our annual and quarterly financial statements;

 

 

Overseeing management’s maintenance of the reliability and integrity of our accounting policies and financial reporting and our disclosure practices;

 

 

Determining and approving the engagement and remuneration of the independent auditors;

 

 

Reviewing our independent auditors’ qualifications, performance and independence;

 

 

Overseeing the performance of the internal audit and the corporate compliance functions;

 

 

Overseeing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including our code of conduct and related person transaction policy;

 

 

Overseeing our overall framework for internal controls over financial reporting and other internal controls and processes; and

 

 

Overseeing and discussing with management regarding our overall framework for risk management.

 

 
101

 

 

 

Compensation and Organization Committee

 

Following the completion of the spin-off, the Compensation and Organization Committee will be comprised solely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Mr. Bihl is expected to serve as the chair of the Compensation and Organization Committee with Dr. Parks and Mr. Zelibor serving as additional members of the Compensation and Organization Committee.

 

We expect that the core responsibilities of the Compensation and Organization Committee will include:

 

 

Establishing and administering our policies governing annual compensation and long-term compensation, including equity awards, such that the policies are designed to align compensation with our overall business strategy and performance;

 

 

Evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s overall performance in light of relevant individual and corporate goals and, after such evaluation, setting the future objectives and compensation level of our Chief Executive Officer;

 

 

Determining, in consultation with our Chief Executive Officer, compensation levels and performance targets for the senior management team;

 

 

Overseeing:

 

 

our philosophy and policies with respect to executive and director compensation, fringe benefits and other compensation matters;

 

 

leadership development for senior management and future senior management candidates;

 

 

a periodic review of our long-term and emergency succession planning for our Chief Executive Officer and other key officer positions, in conjunction with our Board of Directors; and

 

 

Annually reviewing our compensation policies and practices for the purpose of mitigating risks arising from these policies and practices.

 

Governance and Nominating Committee

 

Following the completion of the spin-off, the Governance and Nominating Committee will be comprised solely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Mr. Hawari is expected to serve as the chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee with Mr. Tremmel and Mr. Zelibor serving as additional members of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

 

We expect that the core responsibilities of the Governance and Nominating Committee will include:

 

 

Overseeing the screening and recruitment of prospective Board of Director members and making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding specific director nominees, as well as overseeing the process for nominations to the Board of Directors;

 

 

Overseeing corporate governance matters, including developing and recommending to the Board of Directors changes to our corporate governance policies;

 

 

Reviewing director independence standards and making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the determination of director independence;

 

 

Monitoring and recommending improvements to the Board of Directors’ practices, performance and procedures, including with respect to committee structure and committee membership; and

 

 

Reviewing stockholder proposals and considering how to respond to them.

 

 
102

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Overview

 

The following discussion relates to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Scott F. Drees, and our Chief Financial Officer, Walter Z. Berger, (Messrs. Drees and Berger are collectively referred to herein as our Named Executive Officers). Mr. Drees and Mr. Berger were each hired for their respective executive officer positions with Nuvectra during 2015. However, prior to being hired as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Drees provided certain business and technology consulting services to Nuvectra. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions – Consulting Agreement” for additional information regarding this consulting arrangement.

 

Nuvectra Executive Compensation

 

Following the spin-off, we expect that compensation for Nuvectra’s Named Executive Officers will consist of a base salary, an annual cash incentive opportunity and equity incentive compensation.

 

In setting the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, we expect that our Compensation and Organization Committee will consider market median levels for all compensation elements in order to align with typical practices among publicly-traded medical device companies of a similar size, balanced with a consideration of executives’ responsibilities and individual experience. In addition, we expect that equity-based incentive awards that are awarded to the Named Executive Officers will be determined by our Compensation and Organization Committee in consideration of both the total equity pool reserved for initial and future equity awards to employees, as well as the percentage of total shares outstanding that is typically awarded to Named Executive Officers upon the initial public offering of publicly-traded medical device companies of a similar size.

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Summary Compensation Table  

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our Named Executive Officers for the year ended
January 1, 2016.

 

Name and Principal Position  

Salary
($)

 

Bonus
($)
 

 

All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
 

 

Total ($)  

Scott F. Drees (1)  
Chief Executive Officer

169,231

 

101,538

 

1,292

 

272,062

Walter Z. Berger (2)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

145,385

 

72,692

 

1,131

 

219,208

 

(1)

Mr. Drees began serving as our Chief Executive Officer on July 27, 2015.

(2)

Mr. Berger began serving as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on July 29, 2015.

(3)

Amounts under the “All Other Compensation” column consist of matching contributions made by Greatbatch under the Greatbatch 401(k) plan.

 

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table  

 

Base Salaries  

 

Messrs. Drees and Berger each received base salaries in fiscal year 2015 to compensate them for services rendered to Nuvectra. The base salary payable to each Named Executive Officer was intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. Mr. Drees’ annual base salary was $400,000 for fiscal year 2015. Mr. Berger’s annual base salary was $350,000 for fiscal year 2015. The amounts set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above reflect the pro-rated portions of the base salaries earned by Messrs. Drees and Berger during fiscal year 2015 based upon their respective employment start dates. Following the completion of the spin-off, our Named Executive Officers will earn  annualized base salaries that are commensurate with their positions as Named Executive Officers of an independent publicly traded company and which are expected to provide a steady source of income sufficient to permit these officers to focus their time and attention on their work duties and responsibilities.

 

 
103

 

 

Cash Incentive Awards  

 

Pursuant to the terms of their respective employment offer letters, Messrs. Drees and Berger were each eligible to receive an annual cash incentive award for fiscal year 2015. The target cash incentive award percentage for Mr. Drees was 60% of his annualized base salary for the year with the opportunity to receive up to 120% of his annualized base salary at the maximum payout level if specified achievement thresholds were met. The minimum cash incentive award amount for Mr. Drees was 60% of his annualized base salary, pro-rated based upon his employment start date. The target cash incentive award percentage for Mr. Berger was 50% of his annualized base salary for the year with the opportunity to receive up to 95% of his annualized base salary at the maximum payout level if specified achievement thresholds were met. The minimum cash incentive award amount for Mr. Berger was 50% of his annualized base salary, pro-rated based upon his employment start date. The amount of the cash incentive award actually awarded to each Named Executive Officer for fiscal year 2015 is set forth above in the Summary Compensation Table under the column entitled “Bonus.” Following the completion of the spin-off, we expect that our Named Executive Officers will be eligible to participate in any cash bonus plan that may be established by our Board of Directors. If a cash bonus plan is established, eligibility to receive annual cash incentive awards is expected to incentivize our Named Executive Officers to strive to attain company-wide and/or individual performance goals that further our interests and the interests of our stockholders.

 

Retirement Plans  

 

During fiscal year 2015, Messrs. Drees and Berger were each eligible to participate in Greatbatch’s 401(k) retirement savings plan. Under the terms of Greatbatch’s 401(k) plan, Messrs. Drees and Berger could elect to contribute pre-tax amounts, up to a statutorily prescribed limit, to the 401(k) plan, which was subject to a discretionary match by Greatbatch.

 

Other Benefits  

 

Our Named Executive Officers also participated in Greatbatch’s benefit plans, including medical, dental and vision insurance, wellness incentives and paid time off. Messrs. Drees’ and Berger’s participation in these plans was on the same terms as other associates of Greatbatch.

 

Nuvectra Employment Arrangements

 

Scott F. Drees

 

We have entered into an employment offer letter with Mr. Drees that sets forth his initial base salary, short-term target bonus opportunity, a one-time equity award and provides that Mr. Drees’ employment is “at will” and may be terminated by either party at any time.

 

The base salary for Mr. Drees is $400,000. For 2016 and thereafter, Mr. Drees is eligible to participate in any cash bonus plan that may be established by our Board of Directors.

 

After the completion of the spin-off, Mr. Drees will receive a one-time equity award from Nuvectra that will relate to a number of shares of Nuvectra common stock equal to at least two percent of the number of shares of Nuvectra common stock outstanding immediately following the completion of the spin-off. Subject to confirmation by our Board of Directors, this equity award is expected to be allocated with 25% of the total equity award granted as non-qualified stock options and 75% of the total equity award granted as restricted stock units. Both the non-qualified stock options and the restricted stock units will vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period and the vesting dates for each will coincide with the anniversary date of the grant date. It is currently intended that this one-time equity award grant will be in lieu of Mr. Drees’ participation in any equity incentive plan established by Nuvectra for the three-year period following the completion of the spin-off. The exact terms and conditions of this one-time equity award for Mr. Drees are subject to review and confirmation by our Board of Directors.

 

 
104

 

 

Mr. Drees’ employment offer letter provides that for a period of one year, beginning on his employment start date, if his employment is terminated by Greatbatch prior to the completion of the spin-off for reasons other than cause, he will receive a lump sum severance payment of one year’s base salary plus his current target bonus and an additional lump sum in an amount equal to the amount Greatbatch would have contributed to health, vision and dental coverage premiums during the one year period after termination, provided that he signs a general release of employment-based claims. For purposes of this provision in the employment offer letter, “cause” means (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duties, (ii) dishonesty to Greatbatch or (iii) the commission of a felony that results in a conviction in a court of law. After the completion of the spin-off, the employment offer letter provides that Mr. Drees will be eligible to participate in any severance program that may be established by our Board of Directors.

 

Walter Z. Berger

 

We have entered into an employment offer letter with Mr. Berger that sets forth his initial base salary, short-term target bonus opportunity, a one-time equity award and provides that Mr. Berger’s employment is “at will” and may be terminated by either party at any time.

 

The base salary for Mr. Berger is $350,000. Until the completion of the spin-off, Mr. Berger is eligible to receive an annual cash incentive award under the Greatbatch annual incentive award plan. After the completion of the spin-off, Mr. Berger is eligible to participate in any cash bonus plan that may be established by our Board of Directors.

 

After the completion of the spin-off, Mr. Berger will receive a one-time equity award from Nuvectra that will relate to a number of shares of Nuvectra common stock equal to at least one percent of the number of shares of Nuvectra common stock outstanding immediately following the completion of the spin-off. Subject to confirmation by our Board of Directors, this equity award is expected to be allocated with 25% of the total equity award granted as non-qualified stock options and 75% of the total equity award granted as restricted stock units. Both the non-qualified stock options and the restricted stock units will vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period and the vesting dates for each will coincide with the anniversary date of the grant date. It is currently intended that this one-time equity award grant will be in lieu of Mr. Berger’s participation in any equity incentive plan established by Nuvectra for the three-year period following the completion of the spin-off. The exact terms and conditions of this one-time equity award for Mr. Berger are subject to review and confirmation by our Board of Directors.

 

Mr. Berger’s employment offer letter provides that prior to August 1, 2016, if his employment is terminated by Greatbatch prior to the completion of the spin-off for reasons other than cause, he will receive (i) a lump sum severance payment in an amount equal to the sum of (A) one year’s base salary, (B) the equivalent of one year’s bonus at the target bonus percentage and (C) an amount equal to the pro-rated bonus for fiscal year 2016 that had been earned as of the date of termination, (ii) an additional lump sum in an amount equal to the amount Greatbatch would have contributed to health, vision and dental coverage premiums during the one year period after termination and (iii) if his employment is terminated as a result of a sale of Nuvectra prior to the completion of the spin-off, a special bonus in the amount of $350,000, provided that he signs a general release of employment-based claims. For purposes of this provision in the employment offer letter, “cause” means (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duties, (ii) dishonesty to Greatbatch or (iii) the commission of a felony that results in a conviction in a court of law. After the completion of the spin-off, the employment offer letter provides that Mr. Berger will be eligible to participate in any severance program that may be established by our Board of Directors.

 

 
105

 

 

 

Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Prior to the spin-off, the board of managers of QiG Group will adopt and Greatbatch Ltd., as sole member of QiG Group, will approve, the Nuvectra Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Equity Plan, under which we may grant equity incentive awards to eligible persons in order to attract, motivate and retain the talent for which we compete. The material terms of the Equity Plan are summarized below. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Plan, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part.

 

Eligibility and Administration

 

Employees, non-employee consultants or service providers and non-employee directors of Nuvectra are eligible to receive incentive awards under the Equity Plan. In addition, any person who received an incentive award that was originally granted under a Greatbatch equity incentive award plan, which is adjusted into an incentive award covering Nuvectra common stock in accordance with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement, each, a Spin-off Award, is eligible to participate in the Equity Plan. Following the completion of the spin-off, the Equity Plan will be administered by our Compensation and Organization Committee. The Compensation and Organization Committee will have the authority to make all determinations and interpretations under, prescribe all forms for use with, and adopt rules for the administration of the Equity Plan, subject to the express terms and conditions set forth in the Equity Plan. The Compensation and Organization Committee will also set out the terms and conditions of all incentive awards under the Equity Plan, including any vesting and vesting acceleration conditions.

 

Limitation on Awards and Shares Available

 

The aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to incentive awards under the Equity Plan is the sum of (i) [1,250,000] shares, or the Share Limit, and (ii) the number of shares subject to all of the Spin-off Awards outstanding immediately following the completion of the spin-off, subject to adjustment only to reflect stock splits or other similar type events. These shares may be authorized but unissued shares, issued shares held in Nuvectra’s treasury or shares acquired for purposes of the Equity Plan. The Share Limit will increase on an annual basis on the first day of each fiscal year, for a period of nine years after the effective date of the Equity Plan, in an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the total number of shares of Nuvectra stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year, or the Annual Share Limit Increase. The Compensation and Organization Committee may act prior to the first day of each fiscal year to provide that there will be no increase of the Share Limit for that fiscal year or that the increase of the Share Limit for such year will be a smaller number of shares than would otherwise occur.

 

Other than with respect to the Spin-off Awards, for purposes of calculating the Share Limit, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock issued under the Equity Plan at any time shall only equal the number of shares of our common stock actually issued upon exercise or settlement of an outstanding award.

 

Other than with respect to Spin-off Awards, shares underlying incentive awards that are forfeited, expire, cancelled or lapse become available for future grants. Shares that are (i) used to pay the exercise price of a stock option, (ii) delivered or withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations, (iii) covered by a stock-settled stock appreciation right, or SAR, that are not issued upon settlement of such SAR or (iv) not issued because cash is issued in lieu of shares will, in each case, not be available for future grants. When a stock settled SAR is exercised, the shares subject to a SAR grant agreement will be counted against the shares available for award as one share for every share subject thereto, regardless of the number of shares used to settle the stock appreciation right upon exercise.

 

Shares issued under the Equity Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of an entity acquired in any form of business combination with Nuvectra will not be counted towards the Share Limit.

 

 
106

 

 

 

Excluding any Spin-off Awards, the maximum number of shares that may be awarded under the Equity Plan in any single fiscal year to any non-employee director, taken together with any cash fees paid to such non-employee director during the fiscal year, may not exceed $500,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such awards based on the grant date fair value of such awards for financial reporting purposes). Excluding any Spin-off Awards, the maximum number of shares that may be awarded under the Equity Plan as incentive stock options is [1,250,000] shares, which number of shares available to be awarded under the Plan as incentive stock options will automatically increase on January 1st of each year by the lesser of (i) [412,000] or (ii) the number of shares added to the Share Limit under the Annual Share Limit Increase. Excluding any Spin-off Awards, the aggregate number of shares subject to (i) options or SARs awarded under the Equity Plan to any employee during any fiscal year shall not exceed 312,500 shares and (ii) any incentive awards, other than options or SARs, awarded under the Equity Plan to any employee during any fiscal year shall not exceed 312,500 shares.

 

Awards

 

The Equity Plan provides for the grant of stock options, including incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or RSUs, SARs, and stock bonuses. All incentive awards under the Equity Plan will be set forth in award agreements, which will detail all terms and conditions of the incentive awards, including any applicable vesting and payment terms and post-termination exercise limitations. A brief description of each award type follows:

 

(1) Non-qualified and incentive stock option – the right to purchase a certain number of shares of stock, at a certain exercise price, in the future.

 

(2) Restricted stock – share award conditioned upon continued employment, the passage of time or the achievement of performance objectives.

 

(3) RSUs – a contractual right to receive a share of stock in the future.

 

(4) SAR – the right to receive the net of the market price of a share of stock and the exercise price of the right, in stock, in the future.

 

(5) Stock bonus – a bonus payable in shares of stock.

 

Incentive awards granted under the Equity Plan may qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code and thus preserve federal income tax deductions for Nuvectra with respect to annual compensation required to be taken into account under Section 162(m) of the Code that is in excess of $1 million and paid to one of our most highly compensated executive officers. To qualify, the equity awards must be granted under the Equity Plan by a committee consisting of two or more “outside directors” (as defined under Section 162(m) of the Code) and must satisfy the Equity Plan’s limit on the total number of shares that may be awarded to any one participant during any calendar year. In addition, for equity awards to qualify, the grant, issuance, vesting or retention of the award must be contingent upon satisfying one or more of the performance criteria, as established and certified by a committee consisting solely of two or more outside directors.

 

For purposes of the Equity Plan, one or more of the following performance criteria will be used in setting performance goals applicable to performance-based compensation, and may be used in setting performance goals applicable to other performance awards: (i) net earnings or net income (either before or after one or more of the following: interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash equity-based compensation expenses), (ii) economic value-added (as determined by the Compensation and Organization Committee), (iii) sales or revenue, (iv) net earnings or net income (either before or after taxes), (v) operating earnings or income, (vi) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow), (vii) gross profit or gross profit growth, (viii) cash flow return on capital, (ix) return on investment, (x) return on stockholders’ equity, (xi) return on assets or net assets, (xii) return on capital, (xiii) stockholder returns, (xiv) return on sales, (xv) gross or net profit margin, (xvi) productivity, (xvii) expenses or expense targets, (xviii) margins, (xix) improvement of capital structure, (xx) operating efficiency, (xxi) cost reduction or savings, (xxii) budget and expense management, (xxiii) customer satisfaction, (xxiv) working capital, (xxv) basic or diluted earnings or loss per share (before or after taxes), (xxvi) price per share of Nuvectra’s stock (including, but not limited to growth measures or total stockholder return), (xxvii) completion of acquisitions or business expansion, (xxviii) regulatory achievements or compliance (including, without limitation, regulatory body approval for commercialization of a product), (xxix) implementation or completion of critical products, (xxx) enterprise value, (xxxi) attainment of objective employee metrics, (xxxii) market share, any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or as compared to results of a market index, group of other companies or a combination thereof.

 

 
107

 

 

Award Terms

 

Options and SARs will have a term no longer than ten years. All incentive awards made under the Equity Plan may be subject to vesting and other contingencies as determined by the Compensation and Organization Committee and will be evidenced by award agreements which set forth the terms and conditions of each award. The Compensation and Organization Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate or extend the period for the exercise or vesting of any awards.

 

In the event that a change in control (as defined in the Equity Plan) occurs, each outstanding incentive award held by a participant will become fully vested (and, as applicable, exercisable).

 

Vesting

 

Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Equity Plan, any Restricted Stock or RSU (other than any Spin-off Awards) that vests solely on the basis of the passage of time will not fully vest more quickly than over the three-year period beginning on date of grant and any Restricted Stock or RSU that is a performance-based awards (other than any Spin-off Awards) will not vest prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant. Unless the applicable award agreement provides otherwise, no option or SAR (other than any Spin-off Award) shall be exercisable prior to the first anniversary of grant.

 

Upon consummation of an event constituting a change of control (as defined in the Equity Plan), all incentive awards granted under the Equity Plan will become immediately vested.

 

Foreign Participants, Claw-Back Provisions, Transferability, and Participant Payments

 

The Compensation and Organization Committee may modify award terms and/or adjust other terms and conditions of awards in order to facilitate grants of incentive awards to participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United States. All awards will be subject to deduction or clawback as may be required pursuant to applicable law, the listing standards of the stock exchange on which our shares are listed or any clawback policy adopted by us. Incentive awards granted under the Equity Plan generally are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. With regard to tax withholding, exercise price and purchase price obligations arising in connection with awards under the Equity Plan, the Compensation and Organization Committee may, in its sole discretion, accept cash or check, shares of our common stock that meet specified conditions, or such other consideration as it deems suitable.

 

Equity Plan Amendment and Termination

 

Our Board of Directors may at any time, suspend or terminate the Equity Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever; provided, however, that stockholder approval shall be required if and to the extent required by Exchange Act Rule 16b-3 or by any comparable or successor exemption under that the Board believes it is appropriate for the Equity Plan to qualify, or if and to the extent the Board determines that such approval is appropriate for purposes of satisfying Sections 162(m), 422 or 409A of the Code or any applicable rule or listing standard of any stock exchange, automated quotation system or similar organization. The Equity Plan terminates on the tenth anniversary of its initial effective date.

 

 
108

 

 

 

Retirement Benefits

 

In addition to the Equity Plan described immediately above, we expect to establish and maintain a defined contribution 401(k) plan that permits contributions by employees through salary deductions pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code, and provides for a matching contribution from Nuvectra to eligible employees who contribute through such plan. Our Named Executive Officers also are expected to be eligible to participate in this plan.

 

Nuvectra is not expected to maintain a deferred compensation plan for its executives following the spin-off.

 

Director Compensation

 

Following the spin-off, director compensation will be determined by our Board of Directors with the assistance of the committee responsible for executive compensation, which we expect to be the Compensation and Organization Committee. After consulting with its independent compensation consultants, Greatbatch’s board of directors approved an initial director compensation scheme for non-employee directors of Nuvectra. Initially, we expect to pay non-employee directors an annual cash retainer of $40,000, with the non-executive Chairman of the Board receiving a supplemental annual cash retainer of $50,000. We will provide all newly elected non-employee directors an initial equity grant in the form of option to purchase shares of Nuvectra common stock with a value of $150,000. These stock options will vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period. Each fiscal year, we also expect to grant ongoing equity compensation to non-employee directors in the form of options to purchase Nuvectra shares of common stock and restricted stock units of Nuvectra, with an aggregate value of $90,000. This annual grant of equity compensation is expected to be split such that half of the value is granted in the form of options to purchase shares of Nuvectra common stock and half is granted as restricted stock units of Nuvectra. These stock options and restricted stock units will each have a one year vesting period.

 

The committee chairs will receive the following additional cash retainers: Audit Committee chair — $20,000; Compensation and Organization Committee chair — $15,000 and Governance and Nominating Committee chair — $10,000. Committee members, other than the chairs of each committee, will receive the following additional cash retainers: Audit Committee member — $10,000; Compensation and Organization Committee member — $7,500 and Governance and Nominating Committee member — $5,000.

 

We also expect that we will pay the premiums on directors’ and officers’ liability and travel accident insurance policies insuring our directors, and expect to reimburse directors for their expenses incurred in connection with attending Board of Directors or committee meetings, but will not provide board or committee meeting fees.

 

 
109

 

 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Immediately prior to the spin-off, all of our outstanding shares of common stock will be owned beneficially and of record by Greatbatch. The following table sets forth the pro forma anticipated beneficial ownership of our common stock immediately following the spin-off date by (i) each beneficial owner of more than five percent of Greatbatch’s common stock, (ii) each of our directors, director nominees and Named Executive Officers, and (iii) all directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group, based upon information available to us concerning ownership of Greatbatch common stock on February 22, 2016 (and assuming a distribution ratio of one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock). Immediately after the spin-off, we expect to have approximately 10,259,611 shares of Nuvectra common stock issued and outstanding, based on the distribution ratio described above and approximately 30,778,835 shares of Greatbatch common stock that we expect to be outstanding on March 7, 2016, the record date.

 

Unless indicated below, the mailing address of each of the Nuvectra directors and Named Executive Officers is c/o Nuvectra Corporation, 5830 Granite Parkway, Suite 1100, Plano, Texas, 75024. As used in this information statement, “beneficial ownership” means that a person has, or may have within 60 days, the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of a security and/or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose or direct the disposition of a security).

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  

Shares Projected to be
Beneficially Owned   

 

Percent of
Class (1)  
 

Scott F. Drees

 —

 

 —

Walter Z. Berger

 

 —

Dr. Joseph A. Miller, Jr. (2)

 27,329

 

*

Anthony P. Bihl III (3)

 14,927

 

 *

Kenneth G. Hawari

 

David D. Johnson

 

Dr. Fred B. Parks, PhD

 

Jon T. Tremmel

 

Thomas E. Zelibor

 

Accellent Holdings LLC (4)

 982,236

 

9.6%

9 West 57th Street

 

 

 

New York, NY 10019

 

 

 

BlackRock, Inc. (5)

 790,390

 

 7.7%

55 East 52nd Street

 

 

 

New York, NY 10022

 

 

 

The Vanguard Group, Inc. (6)

 718,921

 

 7.0%

100 Vanguard Boulevard

 

 

 

Malvern, PA 19355

 

 

 

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (7)

 680,894

 

 6.6%

Building One

 

 

 

6300 Bee Cave Road

 

 

 

Austin, TX 78746

 

 

 

All directors, director nominees and executive

officers as a group (nine persons)

 42,257

 

 *


(1)

An asterisk indicates that the percentage of common stock projected to be beneficially owned by the named individual following the spin-off is less than 1% of total outstanding common stock.

 

(2)

Includes 18,788 shares of Nuvectra common stock that are underlying Nuvectra stock options that are exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after February 22, 2016. We estimate the number of Nuvectra stock options by applying the distribution ratio to the number of Greatbatch stock options held by Mr. Miller as of February 22, 2016 because we expect that holders of Greatbatch stock options will receive a number of Nuvectra stock options based on the distribution ratio under the terms of the employee matters agreement to be entered into between us and Greatbatch. The employee matters agreement provides for adjustments in certain cases to preserve the intrinsic value of the Greatbatch stock options, and these adjustments may change the exact number of Nuvectra stock options that Mr. Miller receives on the spin-off date.

 

(3)

Includes 11,019 shares of Nuvectra common stock that are underlying Nuvectra stock options that are exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after February 22, 2016. We estimate the number of Nuvectra stock options by applying the distribution ratio to the number of Greatbatch stock options held by Mr. Bihl as of February 22, 2016 because we expect that holders of Greatbatch stock options will receive a number of Nuvectra stock options based on the distribution ratio under the terms of the employee matters agreement to be entered into between us and Greatbatch. The employee matters agreement provides for adjustments in certain cases to preserve the intrinsic value of the Greatbatch stock options, and these adjustments may change the exact number of Nuvectra stock options that Mr. Bihl receives on the spin-off date.

 

 
110

 

 

(4)

The beneficial ownership information presented for Accellent Holdings LLC is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by Accellent Holdings LLC with the SEC on October 29, 2015. According to the filing, Accellent Holdings LLC had sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to 2,946,709 shares of Greatbatch common stock. In addition, according to the filing, each of KKR Millennium Fund L.P. (as the managing member of Accellent Holdings LLC), KKR Associates Millennium L.P. (as the general partner of KKR Millennium Fund L.P.), KKR Millennium GP LLC (as the general partner of KKR Associates Millennium L.P.), KKR Fund Holdings L.P. (as the designated member of KKR Millennium GP LLC), KKR Fund Holdings GP Limited (as a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings L.P.), KKR Group Holdings L.P. (as a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and the sole shareholder of KKR Fund Holdings GP Limited), KKR Group Limited (as the sole general partner of KKR Group Holdings L.P.), KKR & Co. L.P. (as the sole shareholder of KKR Group Limited), KKR Management LLC (as the sole general partner of KKR & Co. L.P.), and Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts may also be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares of Greatbatch common stock held by Accellent Holdings LLC. The principal business address of each of the entities and persons identified in this paragraph, except Mr. Roberts, is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 9 West 57th Street, Suite 4200, New York, NY, 10019. The principal business address for Mr. Roberts is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 2800 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

 

(5)

The beneficial ownership information presented for BlackRock, Inc. is derived from the Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on January 26, 2016. According to the filing, BlackRock, Inc. had sole voting power with respect to 2,312,614 shares of Greatbatch common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 2,371,172 shares of Greatbatch common stock, and did not have shared voting or dispositive power as to any shares of Greatbatch common stock.

 

(6)

The beneficial ownership information presented for The Vanguard Group, Inc. is derived from the Schedule 13G/A filed by The Vanguard Group, Inc. with the SEC on February 10, 2016. According to the filing, The Vanguard Group, Inc. had sole voting power with respect to 32,443 shares of Greatbatch common stock, shared voting power with respect to 2,200 shares of Greatbatch common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 2,123,721 shares of Greatbatch common stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 33,043 shares of Greatbatch common stock, for a total of 2,156,764 shares of Greatbatch common stock.

 

(7)

The beneficial ownership information presented for Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is derived from the Schedule 13G/A filed by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP with the SEC on February 9, 2016. According to the filing, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP had sole voting power with respect to 1,966,630 shares of Greatbatch common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 2,042,683 shares of Greatbatch common stock, and did not have shared voting or dispositive power as to any shares of Greatbatch common stock.

 

 
111

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF Nuvectra CAPITAL STOCK

 

The following is a summary of the material terms of our capital stock that will be contained in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws. The summaries and descriptions below do not purport to be complete statements of the relevant provisions of our certificate of incorporation or of our by-laws to be in effect as of the spin-off date and this summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to these documents. You should read the certificate of incorporation and by-laws, together with the applicable provisions of the DGCL, for additional information on our capital stock as of the spin-off date. The certificate of incorporation and by-laws that will be in effect as of the spin-off date are included as exhibits to our registration statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part.

 

General

 

Our authorized capital stock will consist of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Based on approximately 30,778,835 shares of Greatbatch common stock that we expect to be outstanding on the record date, approximately 10,259,611 shares of Nuvectra common stock will be outstanding immediately following the spin-off, and there will be approximately 170 holders of record of Nuvectra common stock. Immediately following the spin-off, no shares of preferred stock will be outstanding and our Board of Directors has no present plans to issue any shares of our preferred stock.

 

Common Stock

 

The holders of Nuvectra common stock will be entitled to one vote per share of common stock held on all matters voted on by our stockholders, including the election of directors, and, subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding series of preferred stock as provided in any resolution adopted by our Board of Directors, the holders of Nuvectra common stock will possess all voting power. There will be no cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the voting shares are able to elect all of the directors. Except with respect to the election of directors, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, voting together as a single class. The election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast in respect of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, meaning that the nominees with the greatest number of votes received, even if less than a majority, will be elected.

 

Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding series of preferred stock, if any, the holders of Nuvectra common stock will be entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. For more information, see “Dividend Policy.” In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding series of preferred stock, if any, the holders of Nuvectra common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all assets available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities.

 

The holders of Nuvectra common stock will have no preemptive, conversion or other subscription rights, and there will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of Nuvectra common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of shares of any outstanding series of preferred stock, if any, that may be issued from time to time in the future.

 

Immediately following the spin-off, all of the outstanding shares of Nuvectra common stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

 
112

 

 

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our certificate of incorporation will authorize our Board of Directors, without the approval of our stockholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of one or more series of preferred stock, any or all of which may be greater than those of the Nuvectra common stock. The issuance of our preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. In addition, the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Nuvectra or other corporate action. Immediately following the spin-off, no shares of preferred stock will be outstanding, and our Board of Directors has no present plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and of Delaware Law

 

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will contain certain provisions that could make the following transactions more difficult: acquisition of us by means of a tender offer; acquisition of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise; or removal of our incumbent officers and directors. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in our best interests, including transactions that might result in a premium over the market price for our shares of common stock.

 

These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our Board of Directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

 

For more complete information regarding these provisions, you should read our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, which are included as exhibits to our registration statement on Form 10, of which this information statement is a part.

 

Classified Board of Directors

 

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will provide that our Board of Directors, subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock, will be divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as possible. Class I will initially be elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2017, Class II will initially be elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2018, and Class III will initially be elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2019. Thereafter the directors in each class will serve for a three-year term, with each director to hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. This structure of electing directors may discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us because the staggered terms, together with the removal and vacancy provisions that will be contained in our certificate of incorporation discussed below, would make it more difficult for a potential acquiror to gain control of our Board of Directors.

 

Number of Directors; Filling Vacancies; Removal of Directors

 

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will provide that, subject to the rights of holders of any series of outstanding preferred stock, if any, the number of directors on our Board of Directors will be fixed exclusively  by the Board of Directors. Additionally, subject to the rights of holders of any series of outstanding preferred stock, if any, only our Board of Directors will be able to fill any vacancies, however occurring, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the size of the Board of Directors.

 

 
113

 

 

Subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock, our certificate of incorporation will provide that a director may only be removed from office for cause by the affirmative vote of holders of record of outstanding shares representing at least 66  2 ⁄3% of the voting power of all shares of capital stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

No Cumulative Voting

 

Delaware law provides that stockholders are denied the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless a company’s certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation will not provide for cumulative voting. Because our stockholders will not have cumulative voting rights, our stockholders holding a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding will be able to elect all of our directors.

 

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Special Meetings

 

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that, subject to the rights of holders of any series of outstanding preferred stock, if any, any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such stockholders and may not be effected by any consent in writing of such stockholders. In addition, our certificate of incorporation will provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called at any time, but only by our Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, by the Chairman of our Board of Directors or by our Chief Executive Officer. These provisions may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting of stockholders unless a special meeting of stockholders is called by our Board of Directors, the Chairman of our Board of Directors or our Chief Executive Officer.

 

Advance Notice of Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

 

Our by-laws will establish advance notice procedures for stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before an annual meeting of the stockholders. The business to be conducted at an annual meeting will be limited to business brought before the meeting by, or at the direction of, our Board of Directors or by a stockholder who has given timely written notice to our Corporate Secretary of that stockholder’s intention to bring such business before such meeting.

 

Our by-laws will establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election to our Board of Directors. In order for any matter to be “properly brought” before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information. Our by-laws will allow the presiding officer at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed. These provisions may also defer, delay or discourage a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquiror’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company. Nothing in the bylaws will be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in our proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

 

Undesignated Preferred Stock

 

Our certificate of incorporation will authorize our Board of Directors, without the approval of our stockholders, to issue and fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of one or more series of preferred stock, which may be greater than those of our common stock.

 

 
114

 

 

 

The issuance of shares of our preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase shares of preferred stock, could be used to discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal or have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of our company. In addition, under some circumstances, the issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of Nuvectra common stockholders.

 

Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws

 

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that the affirmative vote of holders of record representing at least 66  2 ⁄3% of the voting power of all shares of capital stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, is required to amend, alter, change, repeal or adopt any provision of our by-laws and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation. Our certificate of incorporation will also provide that our Board of Directors may amend our by-laws.

 

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute

 

We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits persons deemed “interested stockholders” from engaging in a “business combination” with a publicly-held Delaware corporation for three years following the date these persons become interested stockholders unless the business combination is, or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder was, approved in a prescribed manner or another prescribed exception applies. Generally, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. The existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our Board of Directors, such as discouraging takeover attempts that might result in a premium over the market price of our common stock.

 

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Our Directors and Officers

 

For a discussion of liability and indemnification, see “Indemnification and Limitations of Liability of Directors and Officers.”

 

Exclusive Forum

 

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Nuvectra; any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of Nuvectra to Nuvectra or Nuvectra’s stockholders; any action arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation or our by-laws; or any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

 

Listing

 

Nuvectra’s common stock has been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NVTR”.

 

Transfer Agent

 

After the spin-off, Computershare will serve as the transfer agent and registrar for Nuvectra’s common stock. The transfer agent and registrar’s address is P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170.

 

 
115

 

 

 

INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

As permitted by Section 102 of the DGCL, we will adopt provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors for a breach of their fiduciary duty of care as a director. The duty of care generally requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Consequently, a director will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for:

 

 

any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;

 

 

any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

 

any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or payment of dividends; or

 

 

any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

These limitations of liability will not apply to liabilities under the federal or state securities laws and do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will require us to indemnify and hold harmless each person who is, or was a director or officer of Nuvectra, and each person who, at our request, serves or served as a director or officer at another corporation or other enterprise (including with respect to employee benefit plans), as the case may be, to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will also provide that we must indemnify and advance reasonable expenses to its directors and officers incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, subject to its receipt of an undertaking from the indemnified party as may be required under the DGCL. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will also provide that we may, to the extent authorized from time to time by our Board of Directors, indemnify and hold harmless each person who is, or was, an employee or agent of Nuvectra or, at our request, serves or served as an employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise. The rights provided in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws are not exclusive.

 

We also intend to enter into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and certain of our officers, which may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. Subject to certain exceptions, these indemnification agreements generally will require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors and those certain officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as director or officer, as the case may be. These indemnification agreements also generally will require us to advance expenses as they are incurred by the directors or those certain officers as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. In addition, we intend to obtain a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in certain specified circumstances.

 

 
116

 

 

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

 

Policies and Procedures for Review, Approval or Ratification of Related Person Transactions

 

Our Board of Directors is expected to adopt a written policy regarding the review, approval or ratification of transactions involving or between Nuvectra and any related persons, or in which a related person will have a direct or indirect material interest, and involves an amount in that exceeds $120,000. These transactions, which are commonly referred to as related person transactions, are required to be disclosed under the SEC’s rules. A related person is defined to include our directors, executive officers, a director nominee, a five percent stockholder or any immediate family member or entity of the foregoing persons. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us by an employee or director are not covered by this policy.

 

This policy is also expected to provide that each director, director nominee and executive officer is required to promptly provide written notification of any material interest that he or she (or his or her immediate family member) has or will have in a transaction with Nuvectra. Based on a review of the transaction, a determination will be made whether the transaction constitutes a related person transaction under the SEC’s rules. As appropriate, our Audit Committee will then review the terms and substance of the transaction, using the method described below, to determine whether to ratify or approve the related person transaction. If the transaction involves a related person who is a director or an immediate family member of a director, such director may not participate in the deliberations or vote regarding such approval. The procedures are expected to provide that the Audit Committee may, in its sole discretion, refer consideration of these transactions to our full Board of Directors.

 

This policy is expected to provide that if a transaction has been identified as a related person transaction (including any transaction that was not a related person transaction when originally consummated or any transaction that was not initially identified as a related person transaction prior to consummation), our executive officers must present information regarding the related person transaction to our Audit Committee (or, if Audit Committee approval would be inappropriate, to another independent body of our Board of Directors) for review, consideration and approval or ratification. The presentation must include a description of, among other things, the material facts, the interests, direct and indirect, of the related persons, the benefits to us of the transaction and whether the transaction is on terms that are comparable to the terms available to or from, as the case may be, an unrelated third party or to or from employees generally. In considering related person transactions, our Audit Committee (or other independent body of our Board of Directors) will take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, the risks, costs and benefits to us, the terms of the transaction, the availability of other sources for comparable services or products and, if applicable the impact on a director’s independence in the event that the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an entity with which a director is affiliated.

 

Agreements with Greatbatch

 

In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into various agreements with Greatbatch to define our ongoing relationship with Greatbatch after the spin-off. These agreements will define responsibility for obligations arising before and after the spin-off date, including, among others, obligations relating to our employees, certain transition services and taxes. The terms of each of these agreements have been, or will be, negotiated with Greatbatch while Nuvectra is still an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Greatbatch and thus, the transactions contemplated by these agreements will constitute related person transactions. For more information about these arrangements, see “Our Relationship with Greatbatch After the Spin-Off – Agreements Between Greatbatch and Us.”

 

 
117

 

 

Consulting Agreement with Scott F. Drees

 

In August 2009, we entered into a master consulting agreement with Decaf Consulting, Inc., or Decaf Consulting, which is a corporation owned by Scott F. Drees, who will serve as our President, Chief Executive Officer and a director on our Board of Directors. Pursuant to this consulting arrangement, Decaf Consulting provided certain business and technology consulting and leadership services for Nuvectra and our subsidiaries Algostim and PelviStim. Under the master consulting agreement, we paid consulting fees to Decaf Consulting in the amount of $300,000 per year in each of fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2013 and $150,000 during fiscal year 2015. This master consulting agreement has been terminated in connection with Mr. Drees agreeing to serve as our President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Purchase of Membership Interests of Algostim and PelviStim from Scott F. Drees

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, we purchased five membership units of PelviStim (which represented an approximate 5% ownership interest of PelviStim) for $1.6 million and five membership units of Algostim (which represented an approximate 5% ownership interest of Algostim) for $5.2 million from Drees Holding LLC. Scott F. Drees is the sole managing director and the principal owner of Drees Holding LLC. Upon completion of the purchase, neither Drees Holding LLC nor Mr. Drees owns any memberships unit of either PelviStim or Algostim. This purchase was funded by a cash contribution from Greatbatch.

 

 
118

 

 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form 10, of which this information statement constitutes a part, with respect to Nuvectra common stock being received by Greatbatch stockholders in the spin-off. This information statement does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us, our business and Nuvectra common stock being received by Greatbatch stockholders in the spin-off, please refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. While we have provided a summary of the material terms of certain agreements and other documents, this summary does not describe all of the details of the agreements and other documents. Statements made in this information statement relating to any agreement or other document are not necessarily complete, and if the agreement or other document is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should refer to such exhibit for a copy of the actual agreement or document.

 

You may review a copy of this registration statement, including its exhibits, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 as well as on the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Information contained on any website referenced in this information statement is not incorporated by reference in this information statement.

 

As a result of this spin-off, we will become subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These periodic reports, proxy statements and other information will be available for review and copying at the SEC’s Public Reference Room referenced above and the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

 

We intend to furnish Nuvectra stockholders with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and audited and reported on, with an opinion expressed, by an independent registered public accounting firm.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this information statement or to which we have referred you. Neither we nor Greatbatch has authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different or to make any representation not contained in this information statement. This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to Greatbatch stockholders who will receive Nuvectra common stock in the spin-off. It is not, and it is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any securities of Greatbatch or Nuvectra. We and Greatbatch believe that the information presented herein is accurate as of the date hereof. Changes will occur after the date of this information statement, and neither we nor Greatbatch will update the information except to the extent required in the normal course of our or Greatbatch’s respective public disclosure practices or to the extent required pursuant to federal securities laws.

 

 
119

 

 

 

INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

   

 

Page  

Audited Combined Financial Statements for the Years Ended January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-2

Audited Combined Financial Statements

F-3

Audited Combined Balance Sheets

F-3

Audited Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

F-4

Audited Combined Cash Flow Statements

F-5

Audited Combined Statements of Parent Company Equity

F-6

Notes to Audited Combined Financial Statements

F-7

 

 
F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Greatbatch, Inc.

Frisco, Texas

 

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Nuvectra (the “Company”), an entity under common control and oversight of Greatbatch, Inc. (“Greatbatch”), as of January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, and the related combined statements of operations and comprehensive loss, cash flows, and parent company equity for each of the two years in the period ended January 1, 2016. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended January 1, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, the accompanying combined financial statements have been prepared from the separate records maintained by the Company and may not necessarily be indicative of the conditions that would have existed or the results of operations if the Company had been operated as an unaffiliated company. Portions of certain expenses represent allocations made from Greatbatch applicable to the Company as a whole.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Williamsville, New York

February 18, 2016

 

 
F-2

 

 

 

NUVECTRA

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)


 

   

At

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 202     $ 418  

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

    417       651  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    145       335  

Total current assets

    764       1,404  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    4,469       4,680  

Amortizing intangible assets, net

    1,983       2,272  

Goodwill

    38,182       38,182  

Total assets

  $ 45,398     $ 46,538  

LIABILITIES AND PARENT COMPANY EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

  $ 542     $ 807  

Amount due to non-controlling interests

    6,818        

Accrued bonuses

    198       1,243  

Total current liabilities

    7,558       2,050  

Other long-term liabilities

           

Total liabilities

    7,558       2,050  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

               

Parent company equity:

               

Greatbatch’s net investment

    162,934       145,166  

Accumulated loss

    (125,094 )     (100,678 )

Total parent company equity

    37,840       44,488  

Total liabilities and parent company equity

  $ 45,398     $ 46,538  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

 

 
F-3

 

 

 

NUVECTRA

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(in thousands)


 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Sales

  $ 5,238     $ 3,696  

Cost of sales (including related party purchases of $1.5 million in 2015 and $0.2 million in 2014)

    3,371       1,769  

Gross profit

    1,867       1,927  

Operating expenses:

               

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    10,541       6,704  

Research, development and engineering costs, net

    15,430       16,572  

Other operating expenses, net

    312       95  

Total operating expenses

    26,283       23,371  

Loss before provision for income taxes

    (24,416 )     (21,444 )

Provision for income taxes

           

Net loss

  $ (24,416 )   $ (21,444 )

Comprehensive loss

  $ (24,416 )   $ (21,444 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

 

 
F-4

 

 

 

NUVECTRA

COMBINED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

(in thousands)


 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net loss

  $ (24,416 )   $ (21,444 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

               

Depreciation and amortization

    587       1,061  

Stock-based compensation allocated from Greatbatch

    1,050       545  

Other non-cash losses (gains)

    235       (840 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Trade accounts receivable

    234       181  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    190       61  

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

    (265 )     485  

Accrued bonuses

    (1,045 )     141  

Net cash used in operating activities

    (23,430 )     (19,810 )

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

    (529 )     (1,272 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (529 )     (1,272 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Purchase of non-controlling interests

    (9,875 )      

Net funding provided by Greatbatch

    33,618       20,327  

Net cash provided by financing activities

    23,743       20,327  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (216 )     (755 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    418       1,173  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 202     $ 418  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

 

 
F-5

 

 

 

NUVECTRA

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY EQUITY

(in thousands)


 

 

   

Greatbatch’s
Net
Investment

   

Accumulated
Loss

   

Total
Parent Company
Equity

 

Balance, January 3, 2014

  $ 124,294     $ (79,234 )   $ 45,060  

Net loss

          (21,444 )     (21,444 )

Parent allocation – stock-based compensation

    545             545  

Net funding provided by Greatbatch

    20,327             20,327  

Balance, January 2, 2015

    145,166       (100,678 )     44,488  

Net loss

          (24,416 )     (24,416 )

Parent allocation – stock-based compensation

    1,050             1,050  

Purchase of non-controlling interests

    (16,693 )           (16,693 )

Net funding provided by Greatbatch

    33,411             33,411  

Balance, January 1, 2016

  $ 162,934     $ (125,094 )   $ 37,840  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

 

 
F-6

 

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Background QiG Group, LLC (“QiG”), is a medical device company formed in 2008 to develop and commercialize a neurostimulation technology platform for treatment of various disorders by stimulating tissues associated with the nervous system. QiG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Greatbatch, Inc. (“Greatbatch” or “Parent”). On July 30, 2015, Greatbatch announced that it intended to spin-off QiG and its neuromodulation medical device business from the remainder of its business through a tax-free distribution of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of QiG to the stockholders of Greatbatch on a pro rata basis (the “Spin-off”). Immediately prior to completion of the Spin-off, QiG will be converted into a corporation and will change its name to Nuvectra Corporation (the “Company” or “Nuvectra”). Upon completion of the Spin-off, the Company will be an independent publicly-traded company and Greatbatch will not own any shares of Nuvectra common stock. Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, the information included in these Combined Financial Statements assumes the completion of the Spin-off and the transactions occurring in connection with the Spin-off.

 

Basis of Presentation – Nuvectra has historically operated as part of Greatbatch and not as a separate stand-alone entity. These Combined Financial Statements of Nuvectra have been prepared on a “combined” basis from the consolidated financial statements of Greatbatch to represent the financial position and performance of Nuvectra as if it had existed on a stand-alone basis in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The entity being spun-off is composed of Nuvectra and its subsidiaries: (i) Algostim, LLC (“Algostim”), (ii) PelviStim LLC (“PelviStim”), and (iii) NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc. (“NeuroNexus”), the shares of which are being transferred to the Company by Greatbatch in connection with the Spin-off.

 

These Combined Financial Statements include the assets and liabilities that have historically been held at Greatbatch but which were specifically identifiable or attributable to the Company or were transferred to the Company in connection with the Spin-off. All intercompany transactions and accounts within the Company have been eliminated. All transactions between the Company and Greatbatch are considered to be effectively settled in the Combined Financial Statements at the time the transaction is recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the Combined Cash Flow Statements as a financing activity and in the Combined Balance Sheets as Greatbatch’s Net Investment.

 

These Combined Financial Statements include an allocation of expenses related to certain Greatbatch corporate functions, including executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement, and facilities. These expenses have been charged to the Company on the basis of direct usage, when identifiable, with the remainder allocated primarily on a pro rata basis of estimated hours incurred, headcount, square footage, or other measures. The Company’s management considers the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred if the Company was an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs the Company will incur in the future after completion of the Spin-off. Following the Spin-off, Greatbatch will continue to provide many of these services on a transitional basis for a fee. See Note 10 “Related Party Transactions” for additional information. At this time, the Company is unable to determine what its expenses would have been on a standalone basis if the company had operated as an unaffiliated entity for each period in which a statement of operations is presented.

 

Greatbatch maintains a number of employee benefit and stock-based compensation programs at a corporate level. Nuvectra’s employees historically participated in those programs, and as such, the Company was charged a portion of the expenses associated with these programs. However, the Combined Balance Sheets do not include any equity related to the stock-based compensation programs. Any benefit plan liabilities that are the Company’s direct obligation, such as certain performance-based bonus plans, are reflected in the Combined Balance Sheets, as well as within the Company’s operating expenses. See Note 4 “Employee Benefit Plans” for further description of these plans.

 

 
F-7

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Greatbatch’s Net Investment in these Combined Financial Statements represents the excess of total assets over total liabilities. Greatbatch’s Net Investment is primarily impacted by contributions from Greatbatch and net funding of Nuvectra’s expenses provided by Greatbatch. The Company has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and expects to incur additional net losses for the foreseeable future. The Company had negative cash flow from operations of $23.4 million and $19.8 million for the years ended January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, respectively, and an accumulated loss of $125.1 million as of January 1, 2016. Immediately prior to completion of the Spin-off, Greatbatch will make a cash capital contribution to Nuvectra of $75 million, which is expected to help fund the Company’s operations for approximately two years. After such time, the Company expects that it will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding.

 

Beginning in fiscal year 2015, the Company changed its presentation of design verification testing costs (“DVT”), which are now included in Research, Development and Engineering Costs, Net in the Combined Statements of Operations as these amounts were no longer material for separate presentation. DVT costs amounted to $2.7 million for fiscal year 2015 and $1.6 million for fiscal year 2014. Prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation.

 

Nature of Operations – Nuvectra is a medical device company focused on the development and commercialization of a neurostimulation technology platform for treatment of various disorders through stimulation of tissues associated with the nervous system. The Company operates as a single reportable segment. The Algovita spinal cord stimulation (“SCS”) system (“Algovita”) is the first application of the Company’s neurostimulation technology platform and is indicated for the treatment of chronic pain of the trunk and limbs. The Company is also in the process of developing additional applications for its neurostimulation technology platform for other emerging indications such as sacral nerve stimulation (“SNS”), and deep brain stimulation (“DBS”), among others.

 

The Company submitted a premarket approval application (“PMA”) for Algovita to the United States Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) in December 2013. In November 2015, the Company received PMA approval for Algovita and expects to launch Algovita commercially in the United States during the first half of 2016. Algovita obtained Conformité Européene (“CE”) mark approval in June 2014 through its notified body, TÜV SÜD America, and has been commercially available to patients in Germany and several other European countries since the fourth quarter of 2014. Algovita is being commercialized through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Algostim.

 

The Company’s wholly-owned PelviStim subsidiary is focused on the commercialization of Nuvectra’s neurostimulation technology platform for SNS.

 

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2015, Algostim and PelviStim were 89% owned by the Company. Non-controlling interests in Algostim and PelviStim were owned by key opinion leaders and clinicians in the field of SCS and SNS. Under the operating agreement governing Algostim and PelviStim, the Company funded 100% of the expenses incurred. No distributions were to be made to non-controlling interest holders until the Company was reimbursed for these expenses. Thereafter, any potential future distributions were to be made pro rata based upon ownership percentages. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company purchased the outstanding non-controlling interests of Algostim and PelviStim for $16.7 million. Of this amount, $9.9 million was funded by a capital contribution from Greatbatch and $6.8 million remained payable as of January 1, 2016. For purposes of the Combined Cash Flow Statement for the year ended January 1, 2016, this liability was treated as a non-cash financing transaction. This liability was paid in January 2016 and was funded by a capital contribution from Greatbatch.

 

 
F-8

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The purchase of outstanding non-controlling interests included $6.9 million paid to Drees Holding LLC, which is a limited liability company of which Scott F. Drees, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Nuvectra, is the principal owner and the sole managing director. Mr. Drees received his interests in Algostim and PelviStim in connection with entering into a long-term consulting agreement with Nuvectra and prior to being appointed as its CEO in July 2015. Mr. Drees’ consulting agreement was terminated in connection with his agreeing to serve in the role of Nuvectra CEO.

 

The Company’s results also include the operations of NeuroNexus, which was originally acquired by Greatbatch in February 2012 and the shares of which will be transferred to Nuvectra in connection with the Spin-off. NeuroNexus offers high-value neural interface technology and devices across a wide range of functions including neuromonitoring and recording, electrical and optical stimulation, and targeted drug delivery applications that complement the Company’s existing neurostimulation technology platform. The Company intends to incorporate NeuroNexus’ technologies into its neurostimulation technology platform.

 

The Company is dependent on Greatbatch to manufacture Algovita and its components. An inability to obtain a sufficient quantity of Algovita or its components could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. See Note 10 “Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the Company’s relationship with Greatbatch.

 

Fiscal Year End – The Company utilizes a fifty-two, fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Friday nearest December 31. Fiscal years 2015 and 2014 ended on January 1, 2016, and January 2, 2015, respectively. Fiscal years 2015 and 2014 each contained fifty-two weeks.

 

Fair Value Measurements – Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e . the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

 

Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 1 valuations do not entail a significant degree of judgment.

 

Level 2 – Valuation is determined from quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical instruments in markets that are not active or by model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable in the market.

 

Level 3 – Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are significant to the overall fair value measurement. The degree of judgment in determining fair value is greatest for Level 3 valuations.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, the type of asset/liability, whether the asset/liability is established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the valuation. To the extent that a valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

 
F-9

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, assumptions are required to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities, and accrued bonuses approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. Note 8 “Fair Value Measurements” contains additional information on assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Combined Financial Statements.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and Cash Equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid, short-term investments with maturities at the time of purchase of three-months or less.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of Trade Accounts Receivable owed to the Company by its customers. All Algovita SCS system sales for fiscal years 2015 and 2014 were to one European distributor. The Company performs on-going credit evaluations of its customers. The Company maintains cash deposits with major banks, which from time to time may exceed insured limits. The Company performs on-going credit evaluations of its banks. See Note 9 “Business Segment, Geographic and Concentration Risk Information” for additional information.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to its customers in the form of trade accounts receivable. Credit is extended based on evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and collateral is not required. The Company maintains an allowance for those customer receivables that it does not expect to collect. The Company accrues its estimated losses from uncollectable accounts receivable to the allowance based upon recent historical experience, the length of time the receivable has been outstanding and other specific information as it becomes available. Provisions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are charged to current operating expenses. Actual losses are charged against this allowance when incurred. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.06 million at the end of fiscal year 2015 and fiscal year 2014.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (“PP&E”) – PP&E is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: buildings and building improvements 7-40 years; machinery and equipment 3-8 years; office equipment 3-10 years; and leasehold improvements over the remaining lives of the improvements or the lease term, if less. The cost of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred; renewals and betterments are capitalized. Upon retirement or sale of an asset, its cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization is removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recorded in operating income or expense.

 

The Company is a party to various operating lease agreements for buildings, machinery, and equipment. Lease expense includes the effect of escalation clauses which are accounted for ratably over the lease term. Note 2 “Property, Plant and Equipment, Net” contains additional information on the Company’s PP&E.

 

Business Combinations – The Company records its business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company allocates the purchase price of each acquisition to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based upon detailed valuations that use various assumptions made by management. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. All direct acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

 

In circumstances where an acquisition involves a contingent consideration arrangement, the Company recognizes a liability equal to the fair value of the contingent payments it expects to make as of the acquisition date. The Company re-measures this liability each reporting period and records changes in the fair value through Other Operating Expenses, Net. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability can result from changes in discount periods and rates, as well as changes in the timing, amount of, or the likelihood of achieving the applicable contingent consideration. See Note 8 “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on the Company’s contingent consideration.

 

 
F-10

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Amortizing Intangible Assets, Net – Amortizing Intangible Assets, Net consists primarily of purchased technology and patents, and customer lists. The Company amortizes its definite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives utilizing an accelerated method of amortization, which approximates the projected cash flows used to fair value those intangible assets at the time of acquisition. The amortization period for the Company’s amortizing intangible assets are as follows: purchased technology and patents 6 years; and customer lists 7 years. See Note 3 “Intangible Assets” for additional information on the Company’s amortizing intangible assets.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – The Company assesses the impairment of definite-lived long-lived assets or asset groups when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that are considered in deciding when to perform an impairment review include: a significant decrease in the market price of the asset or asset group; a significant change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition; a significant change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of a long-lived asset or asset group, including an action or assessment by a regulator; an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction; a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group; or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The term more likely than not refers to a level of likelihood that is more than 50 percent.

 

Potential recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to its related total future undiscounted cash flows. If the carrying value is not recoverable, the asset or asset group is considered to be impaired. Impairment is measured by comparing the asset or asset group’s carrying amount to its fair value. When it is determined that useful lives of assets are shorter than originally estimated, and no impairment is present, the rate of depreciation is accelerated in order to fully depreciate the assets over their new shorter useful lives.

 

Goodwill is not amortized but is periodically tested for impairment. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment on the last day of each fiscal year, or more frequently if certain events occur as described above. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment through the comparison of the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit to its carrying value. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company may first perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not greater than its carrying amount. This qualitative assessment is referred to as a “step zero approach. If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, the Company determines it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of its reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, the required two-step impairment test can be bypassed. If the Company does not perform a step zero assessment or if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not less than its carrying value, the Company must perform a two-step impairment test, and calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If, based upon the two-step impairment test, it is determined that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Under the two-step approach, the fair value for the Company’s reporting unit is determined based on discounted cash flows and market multiples.

 

 
F-11

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment for 2015 by performing a step zero qualitative analysis. As part of this analysis, the Company evaluated factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, cost factors, the status of the development of its medical device initiatives, the status of regulatory approvals, the competitive environment, results of the last impairment test, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of its reporting unit. After completing the analysis, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that its reporting unit’s fair value was greater than the reporting unit’s carrying value and the two-step impairment test was not necessary.

 

Income Taxes – For purposes of the Combined Financial Statements, the Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax balances have been prepared as if Nuvectra filed income tax returns on a stand-alone basis separate from Greatbatch. As a stand-alone entity, the Company’s deferred taxes and effective tax rate may differ significantly from those in the historical periods.

 

The Combined Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared using the asset and liability approach in accounting for income taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes for the expected future tax consequences of net operating losses, credits, and temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.

 

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a more likely than not recognition threshold. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. These tax positions are evaluated on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes interest expense related to uncertain tax positions as Provision for Income Taxes. Penalties, if incurred, are recognized as a component of Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. These tax positions are evaluated on a quarterly basis. See Note 6 “Income Taxes” for additional information.

 

Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. This occurs when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, the buyer is obligated to pay us (i.e., not contingent on a future event), the risk of loss is transferred, there is no obligation of future performance, collectability is reasonably assured and the amount of future returns can reasonably be estimated.

 

Research, Development and Engineering Costs, Net (“RD&E”) – RD&E costs are expensed as incurred. The primary costs are salary and employee benefits for personnel, material costs used in development projects and subcontracting costs. Any reimbursements received from government grants is recorded as a reimbursement of the research, development and engineering costs incurred.

 

Stock-Based Compensation The Company’s employees have historically participated in the stock-based compensation programs of Greatbatch, and as such, the Company was charged a portion of the expenses associated with these programs. However, the Combined Balance Sheets do not include any equity related to the stock-based compensation programs. The compensation costs related to stock-based awards granted to employees is based upon their estimated fair value on the grant date. Compensation cost for service-based awards is recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period. Compensation cost for nonmarket-based performance awards is reassessed each period and recognized based upon the probability that the performance targets will be achieved. Compensation cost for market-based performance awards is expensed ratably over the applicable vesting period and is recognized each period whether the performance metrics are achieved or not.

 

 
F-12

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted. For service-based and nonmarket-based performance restricted stock unit awards, the fair market value of the award is determined based upon the closing value of Greatbatch’s stock price on the grant date. For market-based performance restricted stock unit awards, the fair market value of the award is determined utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model, which projects the value of Greatbatch’s stock under numerous scenarios and determines the value of the award based upon the present value of those projected outcomes.

 

The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Pre-vesting forfeiture estimates were estimated based upon historical data and are revised if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The total expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those awards that ultimately vest, excluding market and nonmarket performance award considerations. Note 4 “Employee Benefit Plans” contains additional information on stock-based compensation.

 

Insurance – The Company has historically participated in Greatbatch’s various insurance programs, to insure for property and casualty risks, product liability, employee health care, workers’ compensation and other casualty losses. Many of the potential losses are covered by Greatbatch under conventional insurance programs with third-party carriers with high deductible limits. In other areas, Greatbatch is self-insured with stop-loss coverage. The Company was charged a portion of the expenses associated with these programs. See Note 10 “Related Party Transactions” for additional information.

 

Comprehensive Loss – The Company’s comprehensive loss as reported in the Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss is comprised of the Company’s Net Loss.

 

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 financial statements and reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In the normal course of business, management evaluates all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”), or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact these accounting pronouncements may have on the Company’s Combined Financial Statements. Based upon this review, except as noted below, management does not expect any of the recently issued accounting pronouncements, which have not already been adopted, to have a material impact on the Company’s Combined Financial Statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This ASU requires entities that present a classified balance sheet to classify all deferred income taxes as noncurrent assets or noncurrent liabilities. Current GAAP requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified balance sheet. This ASU is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. Earlier application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company elected to early adopt this ASU, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s Combined Financial Statements as it currently does not have any deferred tax assets or liabilities recorded on its Combined Balance Sheets. See Note 6 “Income Taxes” for additional information.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” to provide guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU No. 2014-15 requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect its pending adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on its Combined Financial Statements.

 

 
F-13

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The core principle behind ASU No. 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for delivering goods and services. This model involves a five-step process that includes identifying the contract with the customer, identifying the performance obligations in the contract, determining the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognizing revenue when the entity satisfies the performance obligations. This ASU allows two methods of adoption; a full retrospective approach where historical financial information is presented in accordance with the new standard, and a modified retrospective approach where this ASU is applied to the most current period presented in the financial statements. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No 2015-14 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date,” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with earlier application permitted as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the financial impact of adopting these ASUs and the methods of adoption; however, given the scope of the new standard, the Company is currently unable to provide a reasonable estimate regarding the financial impact or which method of adoption will be elected.

 

2.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

PP&E is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

   

At

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Machinery and equipment

  $ 1,700     $ 4,957  

Buildings and building improvements

    1,563       2  

Information technology hardware and software

    265       285  

Furniture and fixtures

    143       113  

Land and land improvements

    390        

Construction work in process

    1,572       1,173  
      5,633       6,530  

Accumulated depreciation

    (1,164 )     (1,850 )

Total

  $ 4,469     $ 4,680  

 

During 2015, Greatbatch contributed a building and certain fixed assets located in Blaine, MN to the Company for use in its operations, which had a net book value of $1.8 million as these assets were now being fully utilized by Nuvectra. Previously, these assets were shared by various Greatbatch entities and costs were allocated to each entity by Greatbatch. Additionally, during 2015, the Company transferred certain machinery and equipment with a net book value of $2.0 million, which previously had been used for design verification testing, to Greatbatch to utilize in the production of Algovita. For purposes of the Combined Cash Flow Statement for the year ended January 1, 2016, these transfers were treated as non-cash transactions.

 

 
F-14

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Depreciation and rent expense for PP&E were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Depreciation expense

  $ 298     $ 816  

Rent expense

    385       506  

 

Minimum future estimated annual operating lease expenses as of January 1, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):

 

2016

  $ 356  

2017

    549  

2018

    558  

2019

    570  

2020

    549  

Thereafter

    816  

Total estimated operating lease expense

  $ 3,398  

 

In connection with the completion of the Spin-off, the Company will enter into a sublease agreement with Greatbatch for 11,600 square feet of office space located in Plano, Texas, which will be used for Nuvectra’s corporate headquarters. During the term of the sublease, the Company will pay Greatbatch rent of approximately $200 thousand per year. This sublease agreement will expire two years from the date of the Spin-off and is not included the above table of future lease expenses.

 

3.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Amortizing intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

   

Gross
Carrying
Amount

   

Accumulated
Amortization

   

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

At January 1, 2016

                       

Technology and patents

  $ 1,058     $ (388 )   $ 670  

Customer lists

    1,869       (556 )     1,313  

Total amortizing intangible assets

  $ 2,927     $ (944 )   $ 1,983  

At January 2, 2015

                       

Technology and patents

  $ 1,058     $ (255 )   $ 803  

Customer lists

    1,869       (400 )     1,469  

Total amortizing intangible assets

  $ 2,927     $ (655 )   $ 2,272  

 

Aggregate intangible asset amortization expense is classified as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Cost of sales

  $ 133     $ 104  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    156       141  

Total intangible asset amortization expense

  $ 289     $ 245  

 

 
F-15

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense based on the current carrying value is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Estimated
Amortization
Expense

 

2016

  $ 269  

2017

    286  

2018

    298  

2019

    293  

2020

    209  

Thereafter

    628  

Total estimated amortization expense

  $ 1,983  

 

Greatbatch’s goodwill has resulted from multiple historical acquisitions. These acquisitions were integrated into Greatbatch including its QiG reporting unit. A portion of the assets acquired by Greatbatch giving rise to this goodwill (i.e. work force intangibles) were allocated to Nuvectra in the Spin-off. Accordingly, $38.2 million of Greatbatch’s historical Goodwill was allocated to Nuvectra based upon the relative fair value method as of December 2013. This date was chosen as this was the date QiG became a reportable segment for Greatbatch after its corporate realignment. As of January 1, 2016, no accumulated impairment loss has been recognized for goodwill. Goodwill as of January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015 was $38.2 million, respectively.

 

4.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Defined Contribution Plans – Greatbatch sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan for its employees, which the Company’s employees have historically participated in. The plan provides for the deferral of employee compensation under Section 401(k) and a discretionary match. In fiscal years 2015 and 2014 this match was 35% per dollar of participant deferral, up to 6% of the total compensation for each participant. The 401(k) compensation expense recognized in these Combined Financial Statements includes all of the compensation expenses directly attributable to Nuvectra employees. Direct costs related to this defined contribution plan allocated to the Company were $156 thousand in fiscal year 2015 and $145 thousand in fiscal year 2014.

 

Under the terms of Greatbatch’s Growth Bonus Plan (“G2B Plan”) there is an annual discretionary defined contribution cash bonus historically awarded to employees of the Company based upon Greatbatch company-wide performance measures and individual associate performance measures that are set by Greatbatch executive management at the beginning of the year. Additionally, for 2015, the Company accrued G2B Plan payments for certain executive officers and key employees in accordance with their employment agreements, which guaranteed a minimum level of payout. Up to 4% of each employee’s eligible G2B Plan bonus is contributed by Greatbatch to the participant’s 401(k) plan in the form of shares of Greatbatch stock. The G2B Plan compensation expense recognized in these Combined Financial Statements includes all of the compensation expenses directly attributable to Nuvectra employees. Direct compensation costs recognized related to the G2B Plan were $0.2 million in fiscal year 2015 and $1.2 million in fiscal year 2014.

 

Employees of the Company have not historically participated in Greatbatch’s defined benefit plans.

 

Stock-Based Compensation – The Company’s employees have historically participated in the stock-based compensation programs of Greatbatch, which includes time-based stock options, and time- and performance-based restricted stock units, and typically vest over a three year period. The stock-based payment compensation expense recognized in these Combined Financial Statements includes all of the compensation expenses directly attributable to Nuvectra employees. Equity awards made by Greatbatch are settled through the issuance of shares of Greatbatch common stock. However, the Combined Balance Sheets do not include any Nuvectra equity issuances related to the stock-based compensation programs.

 

 
F-16

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The components and classification of direct stock-based compensation expense allocated by Greatbatch were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Stock options

  $ 265     $ 124  

Restricted stock units

    785       421  

Total stock-based compensation expense

  $ 1,050     $ 545  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $ 727     $ 373  

Research, development and engineering costs, net

    323       172  

Total stock-based compensation expense

  $ 1,050     $ 545  

 

Algovita Bonus Plan – Historically certain employees of Nuvectra had been eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus plan. Payments under this bonus plan were based upon the ultimate commercialization value, as defined in the bonus plan, of Algovita. During fiscal year 2015, the Company expensed $2.3 million and paid $2.4 million to participants under this plan and none was accrued at January 1, 2016. During fiscal year 2014, $0.8 million was expensed and paid to participants under this plan and $0.05 million was accrued at January 2, 2015. The Company has no future liability under the Algovita Bonus Plan.

 

Employee Health Plans – Greatbatch sponsors various health plans (medical, dental) for its employees, which the Company’s employees have historically participated in. The operating expenses recognized in these Combined Financial Statements includes expenses allocated by Greatbatch for Nuvectra employees based upon an average cost per employee utilized throughout Greatbatch. Costs allocated to Nuvectra related to these employee health plans were $0.5 million in 2015 and 2014.

 

5.

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES, NET

 

Other Operating Expenses, Net is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Cleveland facility shutdown

  $ 271     $ 860  

NeuroNexus integration income

          (840 )

Other expenses

    41       75  
    $ 312     $ 95  

 

Cleveland Facility Shutdown – In fiscal year 2014, the Company initiated a plan to transfer the design engineering responsibilities previously performed at its Cleveland, OH facility to the Company’s facility in Blaine, MN. This initiative was completed during 2015.

 

 
F-17

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Total restructuring charges incurred in connection with this initiative were $1.1 million. Expenses related to this initiative included the following:

 

 

Severance and retention: $0.4 million;

 

 

Asset write-offs: $0.3 million;

 

 

Other: $0.4 million

 

Other costs primarily consist of costs to relocate certain equipment and personnel and the related travel expenditures. All expenses are cash expenditures, except asset write-offs.

 

The change in accrued liabilities during fiscal year 2015 related to the closure of the Cleveland, OH facility is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Severance and
Retention

   

Asset
Write-offs

   

Other

   

Total

 

At January 2, 2015

  $ 375     $     $ 200     $ 575  

Restructuring charges (income)

    (114 )     235       150       271  

Write-offs

          (235 )           (235 )

Cash payments

    (261 )           (350 )     (611 )

At January 1, 2016

  $     $     $     $  

 

NeuroNexus Integration Income – During fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded income related to the change in fair value of the contingent consideration recorded in connection with the acquisition of NeuroNexus. See Note 8 “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on the Company’s contingent consideration, which resulted in a gain of $0.8 million in fiscal year 2014.

 

Other Expenses : During 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded charges in connection with various asset disposals.

 

6.

INCOME TAXES

 

QiG was initially organized as a limited liability company (“LLC”) and immediately prior to completion of the Spin-off, will be converted into a Delaware corporation and change its name to Nuvectra Corporation.

 

For federal income tax purposes, QiG, as a LLC with only one member (a “single member LLC”), has historically been disregarded as an entity separate from its owner. From a federal income tax perspective, there is no substantive difference between a single-member LLC, which is treated as a disregarded entity, and a division that is included in the consolidated tax return. However, for limited liability companies that are preparing “combined” financial statements to be included in a registration statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and subject to compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1B, information regarding income taxes must be provided in the “combined” financial statements regardless of whether the limited liability company was historically a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes.

 

In connection with the Spin-off, certain assets and activities owned by Greatbatch, but related to the Company’s business and operations, including shares of stock of NeuroNexus, a Michigan Corporation, were transferred to Nuvectra. NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc. is a taxable corporation and is subject to federal, state, and local taxes based on income.

 

 
F-18

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For purposes of the Combined Financial Statements, the Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax balances have been prepared as if Nuvectra filed income tax returns on a stand-alone basis and separate from Greatbatch. Going forward, as an independent publicly-traded company after the completion of the  Spin-off, the Company’s deferred taxes and effective tax rate may differ significantly from those in the historical periods as a consequence of the removal of the net operating losses and federal research and development tax credits fully utilized by Greatbatch. The provision for income taxes associated with the Company was comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Current tax expense

  $     $  

Deferred tax benefit

    (10,997 )     (7,933 )

Change in valuation allowance

    10,997       7,933  

Total provision for income taxes

  $     $  

 

The provision for income taxes differs from the United States statutory rate due to the following:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Statutory rate

    35.0 %     35.0 %

Change in valuation allowance

    -35.0 %     -35.0 %

Effective tax rate

     —        

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

At

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

  $ 45,908     $ 36,451  

Research & development tax credits

    3,190       2,700  

Property, plant & equipment

    518        

Other

    801       724  

Gross deferred tax assets

    50,417       39,875  

Less valuation allowance

    (49,632 )     (38,635 )

Net deferred tax assets

    785       1,240  

Property, plant & equipment

          (340 )

Intangible assets

    (785 )     (900 )

Gross deferred tax liabilities

    (785 )     (1,240 )

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

  $     $  

 

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities reflect temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities, including net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, for financial and tax reporting. A valuation allowance is established for any deferred income tax asset for which realization is uncertain.

 

As of January 1, 2016, calculated on a stand-alone basis, the Company had approximately $128 million in federal NOL carryforwards that could be used to offset taxable income in future periods and reduce its income taxes payable in those future periods. Many of these NOL carryforwards will expire if they are not used within certain periods. The Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income and recent financial operations, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of a net deferred income tax asset. Judgment is used in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence. In arriving at these judgments, the weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence is commensurate with the extent to which such evidence can be objectively verified. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, the Company considered the past three years of combined operating results.

 

 
F-19

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Based on an assessment of the available positive and negative evidence, including the historical combined operating results, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. As such, the Company has provided a full valuation allowance on the net deferred income tax assets as of January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015.

 

For purposes of the Combined Financial Statements, the Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax balances have been prepared as if Nuvectra filed income tax returns on a stand-alone basis separate from Greatbatch. Historically, the net operating losses and federal research and development tax credits generated by Nuvectra have been fully utilized by Greatbatch, which files a consolidated federal income tax return. Thus, the deferred tax assets reflected in these Combined Financial Statements will not be available to Nuvectra upon completion of the Spin-off.

 

The Company will file annual income tax returns in the United States and various state and local jurisdictions. As of January 1, 2016, the Company maintained no reserve related to unrecognized tax benefits.

 

7.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Litigation – The Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. While the Company does not expect that the ultimate resolution of any of these pending actions will have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. As such, there can be no assurance that any pending legal action, which the Company currently believes to be immaterial, does not become material in the future.

 

Purchase Commitments – Contractual obligations for purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. The Company’s purchase orders are normally based on its current manufacturing needs and are fulfilled by its vendors within short time horizons. As of January 1, 2016, the total contractual obligation related to such expenditures is approximately $6.7 million and will primarily be financed by Greatbatch or cash on hand after the Spin-off.

 

Operating Leases – The Company is a party to various operating lease agreements. See Note 2 “Property, Plant and Equipment, Net” for information on the Company’s future lease obligations, which primarily relates to building leases.

 

8.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis  

 

Fair value measurement standards apply to certain financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (each reporting period). For the Company, these financial assets and liabilities include its accrued contingent consideration. The Company does not have any nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

Accrued Contingent Consideration – In circumstances where an acquisition involves a contingent consideration arrangement, the Company recognizes a liability equal to the fair value of the contingent payments it expects to make as of the acquisition date. The Company re-measures this liability each reporting period and records changes in the fair value through Other Operating Expenses, Net. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability can result from changes in discount periods and rates, as well as changes in the timing, amount of, or the likelihood of achieving the applicable milestones.

 

 
F-20

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The fair value of accrued contingent consideration recorded by the Company represented the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration that the Company expected to pay to the former shareholders of NeuroNexus based upon the achievement of certain financial and development-based milestones. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was estimated by discounting to present value, the probability weighted contingent payments expected to be made utilizing a risk adjusted discount rate. During 2014, the financial and performance milestones were determined to have a fair value of zero. As a result, during fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded income related to the change in fair value of its contingent consideration of $0.8 million. The Company’s accrued contingent consideration was categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis  

 

Fair value standards also apply to certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. A summary of the valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis is as follows:

 

Long-lived Assets – The Company reviews the carrying amount of its long-lived assets to be held and used for potential impairment whenever certain indicators are present as described in Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

 

Goodwill – Goodwill recorded is not amortized but is periodically tested for impairment. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment on the last day of each fiscal year, or more frequently if certain events occur as described in Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” During fiscal years 2015 and 2014, no impairment charges were recorded related to the Company’s Goodwill.

 

9.

BUSINESS SEGMENT, GEOGRAPHIC AND CONCENTRATION RISK INFORMATION

 

The Company operates as one reportable segment. Nuvectra is a medical device company focused on the development and commercialization of its neurostimulation technology platform for treatment of various disorders by stimulating tissues associated with the nervous system. Nuvectra’s revenue includes sales of neural interface technology, components and systems to the neuroscience and clinical markets and a limited release of Algovita in Europe. Future revenues of Nuvectra is expected to come primarily from sales of Algovita, particularly after it is launched commercially in the United States, technology licensing fees, development service fees and royalty fees. All Algovita SCS system sales for fiscal years 2015 and 2014 were to one European distributor. Product line sales for the Company were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Neural interface components and systems

  $ 3,920     $ 3,466  

Algovita SCS system

    1,318       230  

Total sales

  $ 5,238     $ 3,696  

 

 
F-21

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

An analysis and reconciliation of the Company’s geographic information to the respective information in the Combined Financial Statements follows. Sales by geographic area are presented by allocating sales from external customers based on where the products are shipped to (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Sales by geographic area:

               

United States

  $ 2,054     $ 1,800  

Non-Domestic locations:

               

Germany

    1,668       489  

Rest of world

    1,516       1,407  

Total sales

  $ 5,238     $ 3,696  

 

All of the Company’s long-lived tangible assets are located in the United States. The Company is dependent on Greatbatch to manufacture Algovita and its components. An inability to obtain a sufficient quantity of Algovita or its components could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. See Note 10 “Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the Company’s relationship with Greatbatch.

 

10.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Corporate Overhead Allocations from Greatbatch – As discussed in Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” the Company has historically operated as part of Greatbatch and as a result shared many overhead functions and services performed by various Greatbatch corporate departments. Costs of these departments were allocated across the Greatbatch entities that benefited from those services during the periods presented herein. The indirect costs allocated included executive oversight, finance, legal, human resources, tax, information technology, product development, corporate procurement, and facilities. These expenses have been charged to the Company on a pro rata basis based upon estimated hours incurred, headcount, square footage, or other measures. The Company considers the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred if the Company was an independent publicly-traded company or of the costs the Company will incur in the future after completion of the Spin-off. At this time, the Company is unable to determine what its expenses would have been on a standalone basis if the company had operated as an unaffiliated entity for each period in which a statement of operations is presented.

 

Corporate overhead allocations from Greatbatch were classified as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

January 1,
2016

   

January 2,
2015

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $ 1,064     $ 985  

Research, development and engineering costs, net

    1,780       2,026  
    $ 2,844     $ 3,011  

 

 
F-22

 

 

NUVECTRA

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In connection with the Spin-off, the Company will enter into, or amend various agreements to effect the Spin-off of Nuvectra from Greatbatch and provide a framework for the Company’s relationship with Greatbatch going forward after the Spin-off. The Company and Greatbatch are entering into a separation and distribution agreement, a tax matters agreement, a transition services agreement and an employee matters agreement, which will provide for the allocation between Nuvectra and Greatbatch of assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including PP&E, employee benefits, and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to the Company’s business for the period prior to, at and after the Spin-off. Additionally, the Company is a party to agreements with Greatbatch that will be amended in connection with the Spin-off, including a supply agreement and a license agreement. Immediately prior to the completion of the Spin-off, Greatbatch will make a cash capital contribution to Nuvectra of $75.0 million. This cash capital contribution, together with the Company’s cash on hand, is an amount that the Company estimates will, based on its current plans and expectations, meet its cash needs for approximately two years after the completion of the Spin-off. After such time, the Company expects that it will be able to access the equity or debt capital markets for additional funding.

 

Employee Benefit Plans – The Company’s employees have historically participated in various Greatbatch defined contribution and stock-based compensation plans. Compensation expense allocated to Nuvectra for these plans from Greatbatch were based upon the costs directly attributable to Nuvectra employees. See Note 4 “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information.

 

Centralized Cash Management – Greatbatch uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. The Company has historically been a party to Greatbatch’s cash pooling arrangements with several financial institutions to maximize the availability of cash for general operating and investing purposes. Under these cash pooling arrangements, cash is provided regularly to meet the financial obligations of the Company, which results in an increase in Greatbatch’s Net Investment in the Combined Balance Sheets.

 

Insurance – The Company has historically participated in Greatbatch’s various insurance programs, to insure for property and casualty risks, product liability, employee health care, workers’ compensation and other casualty losses. Many of the potential losses are covered under conventional insurance programs with third-party carriers with high deductible limits. In other areas, Greatbatch is self-insured with stop-loss coverage. The Company is charged a fee from Greatbatch for these insurance programs based upon square footage, headcount or a direct charge for those policies directly attributable to Nuvectra. Total insurance charges allocated by Greatbatch were $100 thousand in 2015 and 2014.

 

Debt – Greatbatch’s third-party debt and the related interest expense have not been allocated to the Company for any of the periods presented as the Company was not the legal obligor of the debt obligation and Greatbatch’s outstanding borrowings were not directly attributable to the Company’s operations.

 

Supply Agreement – The Company has a supply agreement with Greatbatch pursuant to which Greatbatch manufactures Algovita and its components. Total charges incurred under this supply agreement are included in cost of sales and totaled $1.5 million in fiscal year 2015 and $0.2 million in fiscal year 2014.

 

Purchase of Non-controlling Interests – During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company purchased the outstanding non-controlling interests of Algostim and PelviStim for $16.7 million of which $9.9 million was paid in 2015 and $6.8 million was accrued at January 1, 2016 and paid in January 2016. Included in the purchased amount was $6.9 million paid to Drees Holding LLC, which is a limited liability company of which Scott F. Drees, CEO of Nuvectra, is the principal owner and the sole managing director. Mr. Drees received his interests in Algostim and PelviStim in connection with entering into a long-term consulting agreement with Nuvectra and prior to being appointed as its CEO in July 2015. Mr. Drees’ consulting agreement was terminated in connection with his agreeing to serve in the role of Nuvectra CEO. The buyout of the non-controlling interests was funded by a cash contribution from Greatbatch.

 

11.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through February 18, 2016, the date the Combined Financial Statements were available to be issued.

 

 

F-23

Exhibit 99.2

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Company Contacts:

Nuvectra Corporation

Walter Berger, Chief Financial Officer

(972) 668-4106

wberger@nuvectramed.com

 

Jennifer Armstrong, Media Relations

(214) 618-4823

jarmstrong@nuvectramed.com

Investor Contacts:

The Ruth Group

Nick Laudico

(646) 536-7030

nlaudico@theruthgroup.com

 

Zack Zubow

(646) 536-7020

zkubow@theruthgroup.com

                                                    

NUVECTRA CORPORATION BEGINS TRADING ON NASDAQ

 

Spin-off from Greatbatch creates new stand-alone neurostimulation company

 

 

Plano, Texas, March 14, 2016 – Nuvectra Corporation (NASDAQ: NVTR), formerly QIG Group, LLC, announced today the completion of its spin-off from Greatbatch, Inc. (NYSE: GB) into an independent, publicly-traded neurostimulation medical device company. Nuvectra shares commenced “regular way” trading today on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol “NVTR”.

 

The spinoff was accomplished by the distribution of all shares of Nuvectra’s common stock to Greatbatch’s stockholders on the basis of one share of Nuvectra common stock for every three shares of Greatbatch common stock held on March 7, 2016, the record date of the distribution.

 

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company,” said Scott F. Drees, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvectra. “I would like to thank all of our employees for their hard work and dedication that prepared us to become an independent public company. With the spin behind us, we will focus our efforts on the U.S. launch of our proprietary Algovita® Spinal Cord Stimulation system. Algovita is a powerful, versatile, patient-centric system designed to provide broad and flexible pain control, while fitting into a patient’s everyday lifestyle.”

 

The Algovita system has been available in Europe since late 2014 and received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in November 2015. In addition, Nuvectra will continue development of its innovative proprietary technology platform for additional indications, including sacral nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation.

 

Nuvectra’s Board of Directors is chaired by Joseph Miller, PhD, former Director and Chair of the Technology, Strategy and Investment Committee for Greatbatch, Inc. Dr. Miller retired in April 2012 as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Corning Inc., a position in which he had served since 2001.

 

“The Nuvectra board is excited to support the creation of a new public company in the neurostimulation space, which represents a large and growing market opportunity,” said Dr. Miller. “Being a stand-alone company will allow Nuvectra to better focus on the needs of its clinician and patient customers.”

 

The new company is headquartered in Plano, Texas with additional locations in Denver, Minneapolis and Ann Arbor. For more information about Nuvectra, its management team and board of directors, and the Algovita Spinal Cord Stimulation system, visit www.nuvectramed.com.

 

 

 
 

 

   

About Nuvectra Corporation
Nuvectra™ is a neurostimulation company committed to helping physicians improve the lives of people with chronic neurological conditions. The Algovita® Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System is our first commercial offering and is CE marked and FDA approved for the treatment of chronic pain of the trunk and/or limbs. Our innovative technology platform also has capabilities under development to support other neurological indications such as sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). In addition, our NeuroNexus subsidiary designs, manufactures and markets leading-edge neural-interface technologies for the neuroscience clinical research market. Visit the Nuvectra website at www.nuvectramed.com.

   

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including statements we make regarding the outlook for Nuvectra as an independent publicly-traded company. Forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions, and therefore they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and may be outside of our control. Our actual performance may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include: (i) the timing of the commercial launch of Algovita in the United States; (ii) our ability to successfully commercialize Algovita and develop and commercialize enhancements to Algovita; (iii) the outcome of our development plans for our neurostimulation technology platform, including our ability to identify additional indications or conditions for which we may develop neurostimulation medical devices or therapies and seek regulatory approval thereof; (iv) our ability to identify business development and growth opportunities and to successfully execute on our strategy, including our ability to seek and develop strategic partnerships with third parties to, among other things, fund clinical and development costs for new product offerings; (v) the performance by our development partners, including Aleva Neurotherapeutics, S.A., of their obligations under their agreements with us; (vi) the scope of protection for our intellectual property rights covering Algovita and other products using our neurostimulation technology platform, along with any product enhancements; (vii) our ability to successfully build an effective commercial infrastructure and sales force in the United States; (viii) our compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements regarding implantable medical devices and interactions with healthcare professionals; and (ix) any product recalls or the receipt of any warning letters from any governmental or regulatory agency. Please see the sections entitled “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" and “Risk Factors” in Nuvectra’s Registration Statement on Form 10 for a description of these and other risks and uncertainties. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.