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:

December 17, 2017

 

Algodon Wines and Luxury Development Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   0-55209   52-2158952
State of
Incorporation
  Commission
File Number
  IRS Employer
Identification No.

 

135 Fifth Ave., 10th Floor

New York, NY 10010

Address of principal executive offices

 

212-739-7650

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 obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

[  ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
   
[  ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
   
[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act
   
[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

 

Emerging growth company [  ]

 

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

 

 

 

     

 

 

Item 3.03. Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders

 

Please see the description in Item 5.03 below.

 

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

 

On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors of Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. (the “Company”) reappointed Scott Mathis to continue to serve in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Maria Echevarria to continue to serve in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

 

In connection with the reappointment of the CEO and CFO, on December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors granted options to the CEO to acquire 300,000 shares of common stock of the Company and to the CFO to acquire 50,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $1.10 per share. One year from the date of grant, 25% of the options vest, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter. The options expire on December 17, 2022.

 

In connection with services provided by two members of the Board of Directors, on December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors granted options to acquire 50,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $1.10 per share to two of the members of the Board of Directors. One year from the date of grant, 25% of the options vest, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter. The options expire on December 17, 2022.

 

Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in a Fiscal Year.

 

On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company which changed the quorum requirement from “the holders of not less than a majority of the shares entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum,” to now read, “the holders of not less than 33% of the shares entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum.”

 

In addition, the Board of Directors changed the stockholder vote required to authorize any corporate action other than the election of directors from a “majority in voting power of the shares entitled to vote on the subject matter” to now require “a majority in voting power of the shares entitled to vote on a subject matter and present at the meeting, whether in person or by proxy.” A copy of the amendments to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2.

 

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

 

On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved technical and administrative amendments to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy. A copy of the amended Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy of the Company is attached hereto as Exhibit 14.1.

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

 

On September 28, 2017, the stockholders of the Company approved a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock in a range from one-for-two (1:2) up to one-for-six (1:6), or anywhere between, if required for the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange. On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock of one-for-five shares (1:5), if required, effective upon the listing of the Company’s common stock on a national exchange.

 

     

 

 

On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Company’s Audit Committee Charter, effective upon the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange to change, among other items, the number of independent directors from at least two to at least three.

 

On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors adopted the Compensation Committee Charter effective upon the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange.

 

On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved adjustments to the purchase price or exercise price and to the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits
   
3.2 Amendments to the Amended and Restated Bylaws as adopted December 17, 2017.
   
14.1 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy of the Company, as amended on December 17, 2017.
   

 

     

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 20th day of December 2017.

 

  Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Scott L. Mathis
    Scott L. Mathis, President & CEO

 

     

 

 

 

BYLAWS

OF

ALGODON WINES & LUXURY DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

AS AMENDED

 

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

 

The registered office of Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, in the State of Delaware will be as provided for in the corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”). The corporation will have offices at such other places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

ARTICLE II

STOCKHOLDERS

 

A. Annual Meetings . The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting will be held on the date and at the time and place, if any, fixed, from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

B. Special Meetings . Special meetings of stockholders may be called by those persons authorized to do so in the Certificate of Incorporation. In the case of a special meeting requested by stockholders, the Board of Directors shall, within 30 days of the corporation’s receipt of a duly submitted request for such meeting, set a place, time and date for the meeting, which date shall be not later than 90 days from the date such request is received.

 

C. Notice of Meeting . Written notice stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, will be given not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, either personally or by mail, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, overnight courier, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice will be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the stock records of the corporation. Notice given by electronic transmission pursuant to this Section shall be deemed given: (1) if by facsimile transmission, when directed to a facsimile telecommunication number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (2) if by electronic mail, when directed to the electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (3) if by 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 (4) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. An affidavit of the secretary or assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the corporation that the notice has been given by personal delivery, by mail, or by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

 

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D. Waiver . Attendance of a stockholder of the corporation, either in person or by proxy, at any meeting, whether annual or special, will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a stockholder 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. A written or electronic transmission of waiver of notice of any such meeting signed by a stockholder or stockholders entitled to such notice, whether before, at or after the time for notice or the time of the meeting, will be equivalent to notice. If such waiver is given by electronic transmission, the electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purposes of, any meeting need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

 

E. Record Date for Meetings . In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than 60 or fewer than ten days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof 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.

 

F. Notice of Business to Be Transacted at Meetings of Stockholders . No business may be transacted at any meeting of stockholders, including the nomination or election of persons to the Board of Directors, other than business that is either (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) with respect to an annual meeting or a special meeting, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by any stockholder of the corporation (1) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2(F) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting and (2) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2(F). In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before a meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the secretary of the corporation. The notice procedures set forth in this Section 2(F) shall not be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to, and in compliance with the requirements of, Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).

 

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G. Notices to the Company .

 

(1) To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation not less than ninety days nor more than one hundred twenty days prior to the date of the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that public disclosure of the date of the meeting is first made less than 100 days prior to the date of the meeting, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public disclosure of the date of the meeting was made.

 

(2) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary regarding any business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting; (a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (b) the name and record address of such stockholder; (c) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder; (d) all other ownership interests of such stockholder, including derivatives, hedged positions, synthetic and temporary ownership techniques, swaps, securities, loans, timed purchases and other economic and voting interests; (e) a description of all other arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business and (f) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such business before the meeting.

 

(3) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary regarding nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors must set forth (a) as to each proposed nominee; (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the nominee, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by the nominee and (iv) any other information relating to the nominee that would be 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 pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (i) the name and record address of such stockholder, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (iii) all other ownership interests of such stockholder, including derivatives, hedged positions, synthetic and temporary ownership techniques, swaps, securities, loans, timed purchases and other economic and voting interests, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice and (vi) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be 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 pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected. Each proposed nominee will be required to complete a questionnaire, in a form to be provided by the corporation, to be submitted with the stockholder’s notice. The corporation may also require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information 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 or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

 

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(4) No business shall be conducted at any meeting of stockholders, and no person nominated by a stockholder shall be eligible for election as a director, unless proper notice was given with respect to the proposed action in compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2(F). Determinations of the chairman of the meeting as to whether those procedures were complied with in a particular case shall be final and binding.

 

H. Quorum and Adjournment . Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the holders of not less one-third of the shares entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present at any meeting, the chairman of the meeting, or the stockholders, although less than a quorum, may adjourn the meeting to another time and place. When a meeting is adjourned to another time and place, if any, unless otherwise provided by these Bylaws, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the date, time and place, if any, thereof by which the stockholders and proxyholders 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 stockholders may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of such meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days or, if after an adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting. ( as amended on December 17, 2017 )

 

I. Procedure . The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the stockholders may be determined by the chairman of the meeting. The chairman of any meeting of the stockholders shall be the chairman of the Board of Directors or, in his or her absence, the most senior officer of the corporation present at the meeting. The secretary of the corporation shall act as secretary of all meetings of the stockholders, but, in the absence of the secretary, the presiding officer of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

 

J. Vote Required . Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation:

 

(1) Directors shall be elected by a plurality in voting power of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors; and

 

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(2) Whenever any corporate action other than the election of directors is to be taken, it shall be authorized by a majority in voting power of the shares entitled to vote on the subject matter present at the meeting, whether in person or by proxy . ( as amended on December 17, 2017 )

 

K. Manner of Voting; Proxies .

 

(1) At each meeting of stockholders, each stockholder having the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy. Each stockholder shall be entitled to vote each share of stock having voting power and registered in such stockholder’s name on the books of the corporation on the record date fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

(2) Each person entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after one year from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only so long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. Proxies shall be filed with the secretary of the corporation prior to the meeting being called to order. Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy, the following shall constitute valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority:

 

a. A stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy. Execution may be accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee, or agent signing such writing or causing such person’s signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature; and

 

b. A stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of electronic mail, or other means of electronic transmission to the person or persons who will be the holder of the proxy or to an agent of the proxyholder(s) duly authorized by such proxyholder(s) to receive such transmission; provided, however, that any such electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic mail or other electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that any electronic mail or other electronic transmission is valid, the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination, shall specify the information upon which they relied.

 

Any copy, facsimile telecommunication, or other reliable reproduction of a writing or electronic transmission authorizing a person or persons to act as proxy for a stockholder may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or electronic transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or electronic transmission could be used; provided, however, that such copy, facsimile telecommunication, or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or electronic transmission.

 

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L. Conduct of the Meeting . At each meeting of stockholders, the presiding officer of the meeting shall fix and announce the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting and shall determine the order of business and all other matters of procedure. The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules, regulations, and procedures for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with any such rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors, the presiding officer of the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and to adjourn the meeting and to establish rules, regulations, and procedures, which need not be in writing, for the conduct of the meeting and to maintain order and safety. Without limiting the foregoing, he or she may:

 

(1) Restrict attendance at any time to bona fide stockholders of record and their proxies and other persons in attendance at the invitation of the presiding officer or Board of Directors;

 

(2) Place restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof;

 

(3) Restrict dissemination of solicitation materials and use of audio or visual recording devices at the meeting;

 

(4) Adjourn the meeting without a vote of the stockholders, whether or not there is a quorum present;

 

(5) Make rules governing speeches and debate, including time limits and access to microphones; and

 

(6) The presiding officer of the meeting shall act in his or her absolute discretion and his or her rulings shall not be subject to appeal.

 

M. Inspectors of Election . The corporation may, and shall if required by law, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election, who may be employees of the corporation, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and to make a written report thereof. The corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. In the event that no inspector so appointed or designated is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspector or inspectors so appointed or designated shall (1) ascertain the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation outstanding and the voting power of each such share; (2) determine the shares of capital stock of the corporation represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots; (3) count all votes and ballots; (4) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and (5) certify their determination of the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation represented at the meeting and such inspectors’ count of all votes and ballots. Such certification and report shall specify such other information as may be required by law. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of stockholders of the corporation, the inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law. No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election.

 

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N. Consent of Stockholders . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting without prior notice and without a vote if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.

 

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

 

A. Number . Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the number of directors will be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.

 

B. Powers . The Board of Directors shall exercise all of the powers of the corporation except such as are, by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, conferred upon or reserved to the stockholders of any class or classes or series thereof.

 

C. Resignations . Any director may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or the secretary; provided, however, that if such notice is given by electronic transmission, such electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the director. Such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein. Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

D. Regular Meetings . The Board of Directors shall meet on the same days as the annual meeting of the stockholders, provided a quorum is present, and no notice of such meeting will be necessary in order to legally constitute the meeting. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors will be held at such times and places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

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E. Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time, at any place and for any purpose by the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, or by a majority of the Board of Directors.

 

F. Notice of Meetings . Notice of every meeting of the Board of Directors will be given to each director at his usual place of business or at such other address as will have been furnished by him for such purpose. Such notice will be properly and timely given if it is (1) deposited in the United States mail not later than the third calendar day preceding the date of the meeting or (2) personally delivered, telegraphed, sent by facsimile or electronic transmission or communicated by telephone at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting. Such notice need not include a statement of the business to be transacted at, or the purpose of, any such meeting.

 

G. Waiver of Notice . Attendance of a director at a meeting of the Board of Directors will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director 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. A written waiver of notice signed by a director or directors entitled to such notice, whether before, at, or after the time for notice or the time of the meeting, will be equivalent to the giving of such notice.

 

H. Required Vote; Adjournment . Except as may be otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be deemed the act of the Board of Directors. Less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting of the Board of Directors from time to time without notice.

 

I. Procedure . The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the Board of Directors may be determined by the chairman of the Board of Directors or, in his or her absence, the most senior officer of the corporation present at the meeting. The secretary of the corporation shall act as secretary of all meetings of the Board of Directors, but, in the absence of the secretary, the presiding officer of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

 

J. Participation in Meetings by Telephone . Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation will constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

K. Action Without a Meeting . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if written consent thereto is signed by all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board or committee. Any such consent may be in counterparts and will be effective on the date of the last signature thereon unless otherwise provided therein.

 

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L. Fees and Compensation of Directors . Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, by resolution or resolutions, may fix the compensation of directors. The directors may be reimbursed for their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as a director. Nothing contained in these Bylaws shall preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefore. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

 

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

 

A. Designation of Committees . The Board of Directors may establish one or more committees for the performance of delegated or designated functions to the extent permitted by law, each committee to consist of one or more directors of the corporation. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified member.

 

B. Committee Powers and Authority . Except to the extent otherwise required by law, the Board of Directors may provide, by resolution or by amendment to these Bylaws, that a committee may exercise all the power and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation to the extent the Board of Directors deems it reasonable and appropriate to do so.

 

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

 

A Number . The officers of the corporation will be appointed or elected by the Board of Directors. The officers will be a chairman, a chief executive officer, a president, such number, if any, of executive vice presidents as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, such number, if any, of vice presidents as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, a secretary, such number, if any, of assistant secretaries as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and a treasurer. Any person may hold two or more offices at the same time.

 

B. Additional Officers . The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers as it may deem appropriate.

 

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C. Term of Office; Resignation . All officers, agents and employees of the corporation will hold their respective offices or positions at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors with or without cause. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the chief executive officer, the president, or to the secretary, and acceptance of such resignation will not be necessary to make it effective unless the notice so provides. Any vacancy occurring in any office will be filled by the Board of Directors.

 

D. Duties . The officers of the corporation will perform the duties and exercise the powers as may be assigned to them from time to time by the Board of Directors or the president and chief executive officer.

 

E. Salaries . Subject to any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule to which the corporation may be subject, the salaries of all officers of the corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time, and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director of the corporation.

 

ARTICLE VI

CAPITAL STOCK

 

A. Certificates . The shares of capital stock of the corporation may be represented by certificates or may be uncertificated. To the extent required by law, every holder of capital stock of the corporation represented by certificates, and upon request, every holder of uncertificated shares, shall be entitled to a certificate representing such shares. Certificates for shares of stock of the corporation shall be issued under the seal of the corporation, or a facsimile thereof, and shall be numbered and shall be entered in the books of the corporation as they are issued. Each certificate shall bear a serial number, shall exhibit the holder’s name and the number of shares evidenced thereby, and shall be signed by the chairman of the Board or a vice chairman, if any, or the president, if any, or any vice president, and by the secretary. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. If any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, the certificate may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if such person or entity were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.

 

B. Registered Stockholders . The corporation will be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock of the corporation as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, will not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it has actual or other notice thereof, except as provided by law.

 

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C. Transfer of Certificates . Shares of stock shall be transferrable on the books of the corporation pursuant to applicable law and such rules and regulations as the Board of Directors shall from time to time prescribe. Whenever any transfers of shares shall be made for collateral security and not absolutely and written notice thereof shall be given to the secretary or to such transfer agent or transfer clerk, such fact shall be stated in the entry of the transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transfer of a share may only be registered in the corporation’s securities register upon:

 

(1) Presentation and surrender of the certificate representing such share with an endorsement, which complies with the Act, made on the certificate or delivered with the certificate, duly executed by an appropriate person as provided by the Act, together with reasonable assurance that the endorsement is genuine and effective, upon payment of all applicable taxes and in any reasonable fees prescribed by the Board; or

 

(2) In the case of shares electronically issued without a certificate, upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of the shares, a duly authorized attorney of the registered owner of the shares or an individual presenting proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to the transfer of the shares.

 

D. Cancellation of Certificates . All certificates surrendered to the corporation will be canceled and, except in the case of lost, stolen or destroyed certificates, no new certificates will be issued until the former certificate or certificates for the same number of shares of the same class of stock have been surrendered and canceled.

 

E. Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates . The Board of Directors or chief executive officer may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact in a form acceptable to the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer by the person claiming the certificate or certificates to be lost, stolen or destroyed. In its discretion, and as a condition precedent to the issuance of any such new certificate or certificates, the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer may require that the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or such person’s legal representative, give the corporation and its transfer agent or agents, registrar or registrars a bond in such form and amount as the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the corporation and its transfer agent or agents, registrar or registrars on account of the alleged loss, theft, or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

ARTICLE VII

FISCAL YEAR

 

The corporation’s fiscal year will be as established by the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

 

Subject to the laws of the State of Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may amend these Bylaws or enact such other Bylaws as in their judgment may be advisable relating to the business of the corporation, the conduct of its affairs, and its rights or powers or the rights or powers of its stockholders, directors, officers, or employees.

 

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ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

 

A. Books and Records .

 

(1) Any books or records maintained by the corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device or method; provided, however, that the books and records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time. The corporation shall so convert any books or records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect such records pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or the provisions of Delaware law.

 

(2) It shall be the duty of the secretary or other officer of the corporation who shall have charge of the stock ledger to prepare, or have prepared, and make, at least ten days before every meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the stockholder’s name. Nothing contained in this subsection (b) shall require the corporation 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 days prior to the meeting during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. At the meeting, 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. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence of the identity of the stockholders entitled to examine such list.

 

(3) Except to the extent otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall determine from time to time whether and, if allowed, when and under what conditions and regulations the stock ledger, books, records, and accounts of the corporation, or any of them, shall be open to inspection by the stockholders and the stockholders’ rights, if any, in respect thereof. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence of the identity of the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger and the books, records, or accounts of the corporation.

 

B. Voting Shares in Other Business Entities . Any officer of the corporation designated by the Board of Directors may vote any and all shares of stock or other equity interest held by the corporation in any other corporation or other business entity, and may exercise on behalf of the corporation any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock or other equity interest.

 

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C. Record Date for Distributions and Other Actions . In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution, or allotment of any rights, or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of capital stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, except as may otherwise be provided in these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may fix a record date. Such record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing such record date is adopted, and shall not be more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

D. Electronic Transmission . For purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, including but not limited to electronic mail, 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.

 

E. Certificate of Incorporation . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any provision contained in these Bylaws is inconsistent with or conflicts with a provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, such provision of these Bylaws shall be superseded by the inconsistent provision in the Certificate of Incorporation to the extent necessary to give effect to such provision in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

F. Delaware as Forum . Unless the corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the corporation; (2) 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; (3) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General corporation Law; or (4) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a state or federal court located within the state of Delaware, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this bylaw.

 

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Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc.

 

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY

 

Adopted by the Board of Directors on December 17, 2017

 

Introduction

 

Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. (“AWLD”) is committed to the highest standards of legal and ethical business conduct. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy (the “Code”) summarizes the legal, ethical and regulatory standards that AWLD must follow and is a reminder to our directors, officers and employees of the seriousness of that commitment. Compliance with this Code and high standards of business conduct is mandatory for every director, officer and employee of AWLD and its subsidiaries. This Code is intended to comply with the requirements of SEC Regulation S-K, Item 406 as well as SEC Rule 10A-3(b)(3) and NASDAQ Listing Rule 5610.

 

Our business is becoming increasingly complex in terms of the geographies in which we function and the laws with which we must comply. To help our directors, officers and employees understand what is expected of them and to carry out their responsibilities, we have created this Code. Our Compliance Officer will have the primary responsibility of overseeing adherence to the Code. Maria I. Echevarria has been appointed as our Compliance Officer; her telephone number is: 212-739-7668, and his e-mail address is: mechevarria@algodongroup.com. You should address any questions to our Compliance Officer and also, if appropriate, notify the chair of the audit committee at 212-739-7700.

 

This Code is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to all of our policies or to all your responsibilities under law or regulation. It provides general parameters to help you resolve the ethical and legal issues you encounter in conducting our business. Think of this Code as a guideline, or a minimum requirement, that must always be followed. If you have any questions about anything in the Code or appropriate actions in light of the Code, you may contact AWLD’s Compliance Officer.

 

This Code should be read in conjunction with our other corporate policies, including our Insider Trading Policy and Related Party Transactions Policy. If you have questions about this Code, other AWLD policies, or how to comply with the law in a certain situation, it is important that you immediately bring your questions to the Compliance Officer or any of AWLD’s executive officers. If you are in or observe a situation that you believe may violate or lead to a violation of this Code, you should refer to Section D of this Code for guidance on how to report questionable behavior.

 

Anyone who violates the standards of this Code will be subject to disciplinary action. Such action may include immediate termination of employment.

 

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Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy

 

 

For the purpose of this Code the term “AWLD” should be interpreted to apply to Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), InvestProperty Group, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company), Algodon Global Properties, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company), DPEC Capital, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), and any and all other related or affiliated entities. The terms “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms refer to AWLD and the terms “you” and “your” refer to the directors, officers and employees of AWLD.

 

A. Compliance with All Laws, Rules and Regulations

 

AWLD requires that all its directors, officers and employees strictly adhere to all applicable local, state and federal laws. If you have questions about what laws we are subject to, or about how to comply with certain laws, it is important that you alert an officer of AWLD to your question. We rely on you not only to act ethically, but also to assist your fellow employees and management in following the law.

 

When appropriate, AWLD will provide information and training to promote compliance with laws, rules and regulations, including insider-trading laws.

 

B. Ethical Conduct, Conflicts of Interest and Related Party Transactions

 

AWLD’s employees, officers and directors are expected to make or participate in business decisions and actions based on the best interests of AWLD as a whole, and not based on personal relationships or personal gain. As we define it, a “conflict of interest” exists when a person’s private interest interferes in any way with the interest of AWLD, or even when a private interest creates an appearance of impropriety. A conflict situation can arise when you have interests that make it difficult for you to perform your work objectively, or when a director, officer or employee receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position with AWLD.

 

It is almost always a conflict of interest for an AWLD employee to work simultaneously for a competitor, customer or supplier.

 

It is also almost always a conflict of interest for a full-time AWLD employee to have a second job elsewhere, whether or not with a competitor, customer or supplier unless you have notified the president of AWLD of the second job, and the president approves.

 

You should avoid any relationship that would cause a conflict of interest with your duties and responsibilities at AWLD. All directors, officers and employees are expected to disclose to management any situations that may involve inappropriate or improper conflicts of interests affecting them personally or affecting other employees or those with whom we conduct business.

 

Members of AWLD’s Board of Directors have a special responsibility to our company and to our stockholders. To avoid conflicts of interest, directors are required to disclose to their fellow directors any personal interest they may have in a transaction being considered by the Board of Directors and, when appropriate, to recuse themselves from any decision involving a conflict of interest. Unless and until such responsibility is delegated to a committee of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors as a whole is charged with reviewing and approving all related party transactions and potential conflict of interest situations. Waivers of a conflict of interest or this Code involving executive officers and directors require approval by the Board of Directors. Any such waiver will be disclosed to our stockholders within four business days, along with the reasons for the waiver, through the filing of a Form 8-K.

 

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Any discovery of a potential or existing conflict of interest should be immediately disclosed to management in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section D of this Code.

 

C. Our Commitment to Full, Fair, Accurate, Timely and Plain English Disclosure

 

As a public company, it is critical that AWLD’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) be complete, timely and accurate in all material respects. At AWLD, all our employees, officers and directors are charged with the responsibility of providing management with accurate and complete information to assure we are complying with our public disclosure requirements and our commitment to our stockholders.

 

Commensurate with these special duties, all executive officers, directors and other employees each agree that he or she will:

 

  1.  Act honestly and ethically in the performance of their duties at AWLD, avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest in personal and professional relationships.
     
  2. Provide information that is accurate, complete, objective, relevant, timely and understandable to ensure full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents filed with or submitted to the SEC or used in other public communications by AWLD.
     
  3. Comply with applicable rules and regulations of federal, state, provincial, local and overseas governments, as well as those of other appropriate private and public regulatory agencies that affect the conduct of AWLD’s business and AWLD’s financial reporting.
     
  4. Act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without misrepresenting material facts or allowing one’s independent judgment to be subordinated.
     
  5. Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of one’s work, except when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to disclose such information. Further, confidential information acquired in the course of performing one’s duties for AWLD will not be used for personal advantage.
     
  6. Share knowledge and maintain skills relevant to carrying out the member’s duties within AWLD.
     
  7. Proactively promote and set an example of ethical behavior as a responsible partner among peers and colleagues in the work environment and community.

 

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Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy

 

 

  8. Achieve responsible use of and control over all assets and resources of AWLD to which they are entrusted.
     
  9. Promptly bring to the attention of our Compliance Officer any information concerning (a) any conduct believed to be a violation of law or business ethics, or this Code, including any transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict, (b) significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect AWLD’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or (c) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in AWLD’s financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls.

 

D. AWLD’s Enforcement Mechanisms and Open Door Policy on Reporting Violations

 

Our employees are encouraged to talk to senior management about observed illegal or unethical behavior and to ask questions when in doubt as to how to comply with this Code, our policies, and the law. Any person who has complaints or concerns about AWLD’s accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, who becomes aware of questionable accounting or auditing matters, or who becomes aware of any violation by any person of law or AWLD policies, is strongly encouraged to report such matters to the Compliance Officer.

 

To protect persons reporting questionable behavior, it is the policy of AWLD not to allow retaliation for reports of misconduct by others made in good faith by our employees. Further, employees, officers and directors, are expected to cooperate and be forthcoming with information during an internal or regulatory investigation of misconduct. Any employee may submit a good faith concern regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters without fear of dismissal or retaliation of any kind.

 

In order to facilitate a complete investigation, employees should be prepared to provide as many details as possible, including a description of the questionable practice or behavior, the names of any persons involved, the names of possible witnesses, dates, times, places and any other available details. AWLD encourages all employees with complaints or concerns to come forward with information and prohibits retaliation against employees raising concerns. Nonetheless, if an employee feels more comfortable doing so, reports may be made confidentially and/or anonymously to the Compliance Officer or to the Board of Directors.

 

At AWLD, we all work as a team to ensure prompt and consistent action against violations of this Code or applicable laws. To establish clear and objective standards for compliance and a fair process by which to determine violations, this procedure should be followed:

 

  1. Gather Facts . In the event some behavior or action raises a question as to your own or someone else’s compliance with this Code, the first step is to collect all available facts, as time permits.
     
  2. Clarify the Circumstances at Issue . In most situations, there is shared responsibility. It may help to get others involved to discuss a perceived problem.

 

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  3. Discuss the Problem with Management . This is your most basic responsibility. If you have a concern, discuss it with our Compliance Officer.
     
  4. You May Report Violations in Confidence Without Fear of Retaliation . If the situation requires that your identity be kept secret, your anonymity will be protected to the extent permitted by law.
     
  5.   Ask First, Then Act . If you are unsure of what to do in any situation, seek guidance before you act.

 

Given the broad scope of this Code, violations may occur in differing degrees. In most cases, management is charged with enforcement of this Code. In other cases, a committee of the Board of Directors may be involved. To ensure consistency, management will take the following steps when it receives information that there has been a violation of this Code and/or the law:

 

Reports Related to Financial Practices : Complaints, questions or concerns related to our financial practices should be addressed to our Compliance Officer.

 

Questions Related to General Business Practices : If after reviewing a complaint or question, management reasonably believes a material violation of this Code may have occurred, management will either begin an internal investigation, or where appropriate, engage the services of an independent, outside professional to conduct an investigation. If the results of an investigation indicate that a violation of the Code and/or the law has occurred, management will take appropriate disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment, will take into account the seriousness of the violation, whether the conduct was willful or inadvertent, applicable laws related to employee rights, and general industry standards.

 

E. CONFIDENTIALITY AND CORPORATE ASSETS

 

Our directors, officers and employees are entrusted with our confidential information and with the confidential information of our business partners. This information may include: (1) technical or other information about current and future projects or endeavors; (2) business or marketing plans or projections; (3) earnings and other internal financial data; (4) personnel information; (5) lists of current, past and potential business partners; and (6) other non-public information that, if disclosed, might be of use to our competitors, or harmful to our business partners. This information is our property, or the property of our business partners, and in many cases was developed at great expense. Unless authorized by written approval or required by applicable law, our directors, officers and employees shall not:

 

  1. Discuss confidential information with or in the presence of any unauthorized persons, including family members and friends.
     
  2. Use confidential information for illegitimate business purposes or for personal gain.

 

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  3. Disclose confidential information to unauthorized third parties.
     
  4. Use AWLD property or resources for any personal benefit or the personal benefit of anyone else. AWLD’s property includes, without limitation, AWLD’s internet, email and voicemail services, which should be used only for business related activities, and which may be monitored by AWLD at any time without notice.

 

F. HEDGING OF AWLD’S SECURITIES

 

Section 955 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act added Section 14(j) to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which requires each issuer (including AWLD) to disclose whether any employee or member of the Board of Directors, or any designee of any employee or board member, is permitted to purchase hedges on AWLD’s securities—that is, financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset against any decrease in the market price for AWLD’s securities. The AWLD Board of Directors has concluded that it is inappropriate for employees or members of the Board of Directors, or any designee of such persons, to purchase hedges.

 

Acknowledgement . Each employee, officer, and director of AWLD must acknowledge that he or she has received a copy of this Code of Ethics and has reviewed this Code of Ethics. This acknowledgement will be maintained in your employee files.

 

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Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy