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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): May 15, 2023

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

British Columbia, Canada   001-41688   N/A

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275

Charlotte, NC

 

 

28210

(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (704) 471-6784

 

N/A

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Ticker symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Voting Shares, without par value   SGE   NYSE American

 

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

 

Emerging growth company

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01 Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement

 

Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an Underwriting Agreement dated as of May 15, 2023 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), with ThinkEquity LLC, as representative (the “Representative”) of the underwriters named therein (collectively, the “Underwriters”), in connection with its initial public offering (“IPO”). The Company previously filed the form of Underwriting Agreement as an exhibit to its Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-264165) (the “Registration Statement”). On May 15, 2023, the Company announced the pricing of its IPO of 1,000,000 shares of Class A Common Voting Shares, without par value (the “Common Shares”) for a price of $4.00 per share, less certain underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company also granted the Underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 150,000 additional Common Shares of the Company on the same terms and conditions for the purpose of covering any over-allotments in connection with the IPO.

 

The IPO closed on May 18, 2023 and was made pursuant to the Registration Statement, which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 15, 2023. A final prospectus describing the terms of its IPO was filed with the SEC on May 16, 2023 and is available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.

 

On May 18, 2023, the Company issued to the Representative or its designees, warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 50,000 Common Shares (5% of the Common Shares sold in the IPO). These warrants are exercisable at $5.00 per share, which represents 125% of the public offering price per share in the IPO. The warrants are exercisable at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing on November 13, 2023, 180-days from the effective date of the Registration Statement, and expiring on May 15, 2028, five years following the effective date of the Registration Statement. A copy of the form of the warrant is attached as Exhibit 4.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

The net proceeds to the Company from its IPO are approximately $1.4 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from its IPO for general corporate purposes, which may include (i) working capital, (ii) capital expenditures, including those related to bringing the Company’s facility in Joliette, Quebec, Canada (the “Joliette Plant”) into compliance with certain codes and environmental permits, and a potential expansion of the Joliette Plant, (iii) operational purposes and (iv) potential acquisitions in complementary businesses.

 

On May 18, 2023, the Company (including its subsidiaries) entered into various agreements that govern the separation of the entertainment business from FG Group Holdings Inc. (“FG Group Holdings”) and its contribution to the Company (the “Separation”). These agreements took effect immediately prior to the closing of the IPO and provide for, among other things, the contribution: (i) from Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. (“Strong/MDI”), a company incorporated under the laws of Quebec, Canada, to Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia (“Strong Entertainment Subco”) of assets comprising Strong/MDI’s operating business, except the Joliette Plant and the installment 20-year loan collateralized by the Joliette Plant, pursuant to the Master Asset Purchase Agreement; (ii) from FG Group Holdings to Strong Technical Services, Inc. (“STS”) of a limited number of contracts and intellectual property used in the entertainment business, pursuant to an asset transfer agreement between FG Group Holdings and STS; and (iii) of 100% of the outstanding Common Shares of Strong Entertainment Subco and 100% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of STS through certain share transfer agreements between FG Group Holdings and Strong/MDI and Strong/MDI and the Company. In addition to the above contributions, Strong/MDI has committed under the Master Asset Purchase Agreement, to lease the Joliette Plant to Strong Entertainment Subco under a long term lease agreement (fifteen (15) year lease, with the option of Strong Entertainment Subco to renew for five (5) consecutive periods of five years each, with a right of first refusal to purchase the Joliette Plant in the event that Strong/MDI wishes to sell the property to a third-party in the future).

 

 

 

 

These agreements, forms of which were previously filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, include:

 

a master asset purchase agreement, dated May 18, 2023, by and between Strong/MDI and Strong Entertainment Subco, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
a confirmatory of ownership assignment of intellectual property, dated May 18, 2023, by and between Strong/MDI and Strong Entertainment Subco, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
an asset transfer agreement, dated May 18, 2023, between FG Group Holdings and STS, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
a patent assignment, dated May 18, 2023, between FG Group Holdings and STS, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.4 hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
a management services agreement, dated May 18, 2023, by and among the Company and FG Group Holdings, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.5 hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and
a lease agreement, dated May 18, 2023, by and between Strong/MDI and Strong Entertainment Subco, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.6 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

As a result of the transactions noted above, the Company leases the Joliette Plant under a long-term lease, and acquired all of the assets and liabilities related to the screen manufacturing business held by Strong/MDI and/or FG Group Holdings and all of the shares of STS. In exchange, the Company has issued to Strong/MDI additional 5,999,999 Common Shares and 100 Class B Limited Voting shares (“Class B Shares”).

 

The Company also issued 143,823 Common Shares to its directors and officers to settle the restricted stock units immediately vested upon completion of the IPO. As of May 18, 2023, the Company has 7,143,823 Common Shares and 100 Class B Shares outstanding. As a result, FG Group Holdings continues to control a majority of the voting power of the Company’s Common Shares eligible to vote in the election of the Company’s directors. In addition, FG Group Holdings indirectly owns all of the Company’s issued and outstanding Class B Shares which provide the holders thereof certain board appointment rights.

 

In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into the following agreements, forms of which were previously filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement:

 

an underwriting agreement, dated May 15, 2023, by and among the Company, FG Group Holdings, Strong/MDI and ThinkEquity LLC, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
an employment agreement, dated May 18, 2023, by and between STS and Mark D. Roberson, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.7 hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
an employment agreement, dated May 18, 2023, by and between STS and Todd R. Major, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.8 hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
an employment agreement, dated May 18, 2023, by and between STS and Ray F. Boegner, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.9 hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and
indemnity agreements, dated May 17, 2023, by and between the Company and each of the Company’s directors and officers, a form of which is attached as Exhibit 10.10 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Form 8-K”) contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements related to the use of proceeds from the IPO, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

 

The foregoing does not purport to be a complete description of each of the agreements described in this Form 8-K, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of each of such document, which are filed as Exhibits 1.1, 4.1, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, and 10.10, respectively, to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events

 

On May 15, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the pricing of the IPO. A copy of this press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. On May 18, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the closing of the IPO. A copy of this press release is attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description
1.1   Underwriting Agreement dated May 15, 2023, by and among Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., FG Group Holdings Inc., Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. and ThinkEquity LLC.
4.1   Form of Representative’s Warrants (included in Exhibit 1.1).
10.1†   Master Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 18, 2023, between Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. and Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc.
10.2†   Confirmatory of Ownership Assignment of Intellectual Property dated May 18, 2023, between Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. and Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc.
10.3†   Asset Transfer Agreement dated May 18, 2023 between FG Group Holdings Inc. and Strong Technical Services, Inc.
10.4†   Patent Assignment dated May 18, 2023 between FG Group Holdings Inc. and Strong Technical Services, Inc.
10.5†   Management Services Agreement dated May 18, 2023, by and between FG Group Holdings Inc. and Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.
10.6   Lease Agreement dated May 18, 2023 by and between Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. and Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc.
10.7+   Employment Agreement dated May 18, 2023, by and between Strong Technical Services, Inc. and Mark D. Roberson.
10.8+   Employment Agreement dated May 18, 2023, by and between Strong Technical Services, Inc. and Todd R. Major.
10.9+   Employment Agreement dated May 18, 2023, by and between Strong Technical Services, Inc. and Ray F. Boegner.
10.10   Form of Indemnity Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2023, by and between Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. and each of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.’s directors and officers.
99.1   Press Release dated May 15, 2023.
99.2   Press Release dated May 18, 2023.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL).

 

+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

† Exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

  STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
   
Date: May 19, 2023 By: /s/ Todd R. Major
  Name: Todd R. Major           
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 1.1

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

between

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

and

 

THINKEQUITY LLC

 

as Representative of the Several Underwriters

 

 
 

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

New York, New York
May 15, 2023

 

ThinkEquity LLC
As Representative of the several Underwriters named on Schedule 1 attached hereto
17 State Street,41st Fl

New York, NY 10004

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned, Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., a company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (collectively with its subsidiaries and affiliates, including, without limitation, all entities disclosed or described in the Registration Statement (as hereinafter defined) as being subsidiaries or affiliates of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., the “Company”), hereby confirms its agreement (this “Agreement”) with ThinkEquity LLC (hereinafter referred to as “you” (including its correlatives) or the “Representative”) and with the other underwriters named on Schedule 1 hereto for which the Representative is acting as representative (the Representative and such other underwriters being collectively called the “Underwriters” or, individually, an “Underwriter”) as set forth below.

 

The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. (“Strong/MDI” or “Parent”), a company incorporated under the laws of Quebec, Canada. Strong/MDI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FG Group Holdings Inc., a Nevada corporation (“FG Group Holdings” or “Manager”). Prior to the date hereof, the Company entered into agreements to (i) acquire all of the assets comprising FG Group Holdings’ entertainment business, except the real estate and manufacturing plant in Joliette, Quebec, Canada (the “Joliette Plant”, which the Company will lease on a long-term basis), and (ii) assume some of the liabilities relating thereto. In furtherance of the transactions described in the Prospectus (as defined below), the Company has entered into or will enter into, as the case may be, inter alia, the following agreements: (i) a master asset purchase agreement between the Company, and Strong/MDI (the “Master Asset Purchase Agreement”); (ii) the asset transfer agreement, between FG Group Holdings and the Company (the “FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement”), and (iii) a management services agreement between the Company and FG Group Holdings (the “Management Services Agreement”). The Master Asset Purchase Agreement, the FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement, and the Management Services Agreement are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Transaction Documents” and singly as a “Transaction Document.”

 

1. Purchase and Sale of Shares.

 

1.1 Firm Shares.

 

1.1.1. Nature and Purchase of Firm Shares.

 

(i) On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters, an aggregate of 1,000,000 Class A Common Voting Shares (the “Firm Shares”), no par value in the authorized share structure of the Company (the “Common Shares”).

 

 
 

 

(ii) The Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase from the Company the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule 1 attached hereto and made a part hereof at a purchase price of $3.72 per Firm Share (93% of the per Firm Share offering price to the public). The Firm Shares are to be offered initially to the public at the offering price of $4.00, which is also set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus (as defined in Section 2.1.1 hereof).

 

1.1.2. Firm Shares Payment and Delivery.

 

(i) Delivery and payment for the Firm Shares shall be made at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the second (2nd) Business Day following the date hereof (or the third (3rd) Business Day following the date hereof if the Registration Statement is declared effective after 4:01 p.m., Eastern time) or at such earlier time as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company, at the offices of Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 (“Representative Counsel”), or at such other place (or remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company. The hour and date of delivery and payment for the Firm Shares is called the “Closing Date.”

 

(ii) Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made on the Closing Date by wire transfer in U.S. dollars (same day) funds, payable to the order of the Company upon delivery of the certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Firm Shares (or through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”)) for the account of the Underwriters. The Firm Shares shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least two (2) full Business Days prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Firm Shares except upon tender of payment by the Representative for all of the Firm Shares. The term “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York, New York.

 

1.2 Over-allotment Option.

 

1.2.1. Option Shares. For the purposes of covering any over-allotments in connection with the distribution and sale of the Firm Shares, the Company hereby grants to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 150,000 additional Common Shares, representing fifteen percent (15%) of the Firm Shares sold in the offering, from the Company (the “Over-allotment Option”). Such 150,000 additional Common Shares, the net proceeds of which will be deposited with the Company’s account, are hereinafter referred to as “Option Shares.” The purchase price to be paid per Option Share shall be equal to the price per Firm Share set forth in Section 1.1.1 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Option Shares are hereinafter referred to together as the “Public Securities.” The offering and sale of the Public Securities is hereinafter referred to as the “Offering.”

 

1.2.2. Exercise of Option. The Over-allotment Option granted pursuant to Section 1.2.1 hereof may be exercised by the Representative as to all (at any time) or any part (from time to time) of the Option Shares within forty-five (45) days after the Closing Date. The Underwriters shall not be under any obligation to purchase any Option Shares prior to the exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option granted hereby may be exercised by the giving of oral notice to the Company from the Representative, which must be confirmed in writing by overnight mail or facsimile or other electronic transmission setting forth the number of Option Shares to be purchased and the date and time for delivery of and payment for the Option Shares (the “Option Closing Date”), which shall not be later than one (1) full Business Day after the date of the notice or such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative, at the offices of Representative Counsel or at such other place (including remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative. If such delivery and payment for the Option Shares does not occur on the Closing Date, the Option Closing Date will be as set forth in the notice. Upon exercise of the Over-allotment Option with respect to all or any portion of the Option Shares, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (i) the Company shall become obligated to sell to the Underwriters the number of Option Shares specified in such notice and (ii) each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, shall purchase that portion of the total number of Option Shares then being purchased as set forth in Schedule 1 opposite the name of such Underwriter.

 

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1.2.3. Payment and Delivery. Payment for the Option Shares shall be made on the Option Closing Date by wire transfer in U.S. dollars (same day) funds, payable to the order of the Company upon delivery to you of certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Option Shares (or through the facilities of DTC) for the account of the Underwriters. The Option Shares shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least one (1) full Business Day prior to the Option Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Option Shares except upon tender of payment by the Representative for applicable Option Shares. The Option Closing Date may be simultaneous with, but not earlier than, the Closing Date; and in the event that such time and date are simultaneous with the Closing Date, the term “Closing Date” shall refer to the time and date of delivery of the Firm Shares and Option Shares.

 

1.3 Representative’s Warrants.

 

1.3.1. Purchase Warrants. The Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Representative (and/or its designees) on the Closing Date a warrant (“Representative’s Warrant”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 50,000 Common Shares, representing 5% of the Firm Shares, for an aggregate purchase price of $100.00. In the event that the Representative exercises the Over-allotment Option, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the Representative (and/or its designees) on each Option Closing Date a Representative’s Warrant for the purchase of an aggregate number of shares of Common Shares equal to five percent (5%) of the Option Shares sold on such Option Closing Date. Each Representative’s Warrant will be issued in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, commencing on a date which is one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 2.1.1 below) and expiring on the five (5) year anniversary of the Effective Date at an initial exercise price per Common Share of $5.00, which is equal to one hundred twenty five percent (125%) of the Firm Share public offering price. The Representative’s Warrant and the Common Shares issuable upon exercise thereof are hereinafter referred to together as the “Representative’s Securities.” The Representative understands and agrees that there are significant restrictions pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110 against transferring the Representative’s Warrant and the underlying Common Shares during the one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date and by its acceptance thereof shall agree that it will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate the Representative’s Warrant, or any portion thereof, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of such securities for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date to anyone other than (i) an Underwriter or a selected dealer in connection with the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of the Representative or of any such Underwriter or selected dealer; and only if any such transferee agrees to the foregoing lock-up restrictions.

 

1.3.2. Delivery. Delivery of the Representative’s Warrant shall be made on the Closing Date and shall be issued in the name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request.

 

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2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company, FG Group Holdings and Strong/MDI (collectively, the “Company Group”) each, severally and not jointly, represent and warrant to the Underwriters as of the Applicable Time (as defined below), as of the Closing Date and as of the Option Closing Date, if any, as follows:

 

2.1 Filing of Registration Statement.

 

2.1.1. Pursuant to the Securities Act. The Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement, and an amendment or amendments thereto, on Form S-1 (File No. 333-264165), including any related prospectus or prospectuses, for the registration of the Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement and amendment or amendments have been prepared by the Company in all material respects in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act (the “Securities Act Regulations”) and contains and will contain all material statements that are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Except as the context may otherwise require, such registration statement, as amended, on file with the Commission at the time the registration statement became effective (including the Preliminary Prospectus included in the registration statement, financial statements, schedules, exhibits and all other documents filed as a part thereof or incorporated therein and all information deemed to be a part thereof as of the Effective Date pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A of the Securities Act Regulations (the “Rule 430A Information”)), is referred to herein as the “Registration Statement.” If the Company files any registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act Regulations, then after such filing, the term “Registration Statement” shall include such registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b). The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission on the date hereof.

 

Each prospectus used prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and each prospectus that omitted the Rule 430A Information that was used after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is herein called a “Preliminary Prospectus.” The Preliminary Prospectus, subject to completion, dated May 11, 2023, that was included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the Applicable Time is hereinafter called the “Pricing Prospectus.” The final prospectus in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in the Offering is hereinafter called the “Prospectus.” Any reference to the “most recent Preliminary Prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the latest Preliminary Prospectus included in the Registration Statement.

 

Applicable Time” means 5:15 p.m., Eastern time, on the date of this Agreement.

 

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 of the Securities Act Regulations (“Rule 433”), including without limitation any “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations) relating to the Public Securities that is (i) required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (ii) a “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission, or (iii) exempt from filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Public Securities or of the Offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g).

 

Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors (other than a “bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Rule 433 (the “Bona Fide Electronic Road Show”)), as evidenced by its being specified in Schedule 2-B hereto.

 

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Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus.

 

Pricing Disclosure Package” means any Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus issued at or prior to the Applicable Time, the Pricing Prospectus and the information included on Schedule 2-A hereto, all considered together.

 

For the purposes of this Agreement “Knowledge” means, when referring to the ‘knowledge’ of the Company, or any similar phrase or qualification based on knowledge, the actual knowledge of Company’s officers and/or employees, and the knowledge that each such person would have obtained after making due and appropriate inquiry with respect to the particular matter in question.

 

2.1.2. Pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company has filed with the Commission a Form 8-A (File Number 001-41688) providing for the registration pursuant to Section 12(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of the Common Shares. The registration of the Common Shares and related Form 8-A have become effective under the Exchange Act on or prior to the date hereof. The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act, nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission is contemplating terminating such registration.

 

2.2 Stock Exchange Listing. The Common Shares have been approved for listing on the NYSE American LLC (the “Exchange”), subject to official notice of issuance, and the Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, delisting the Common Shares from the Exchange, nor has the Company received any notification that the Exchange is contemplating terminating such listing except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.3 No Stop Orders, etc. Neither the Commission nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any state regulatory authority has issued any order preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or has instituted or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened to institute, any proceedings with respect to such an order. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information.

 

2.4 Disclosures in Registration Statement.

 

2.4.1. Compliance with Securities Act and 10b-5 Representation.

 

(i) Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective, complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Each Preliminary Prospectus, including the prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment or supplement thereto, and the Prospectus, at the time each was filed with the Commission, complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Each Preliminary Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this Offering and the Prospectus was or will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

(ii) Neither the Registration Statement nor any amendment thereto, at its effective time, as of the Applicable Time, at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date (if any), contained, contains or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements made or statements omitted in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriters’ Information (as defined below).

 

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(iii) The Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time, at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date (if any), did not, does not and will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and any Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus hereto does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, and each such Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, as supplemented by and taken together with the Pricing Prospectus as of the Applicable Time, did not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements made or statements omitted in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to the Underwriters by the Representative expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto. The parties acknowledge and agree that such information provided by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists solely of the following disclosure contained in the “Underwriting” section of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus: (i) the first sentence in the first paragraph and the table in the second paragraph under the caption “Underwriting”; (ii) the second sentence of the subsection entitled “Discounts, Commissions and Reimbursement” related to concessions; (iii) the first three paragraphs under the subsection entitled “Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids”; and (iv) the subsections entitled “Passive Market Making”, “Electronic Distribution”, “Selling Restrictions” and “Offering Restrictions Outside The United States” (the “Underwriters’ Information”).

 

(iv) Neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto (including any prospectus wrapper), as of its issue date, at the time of any filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to the Underwriters’ Information.

 

2.4.2. Disclosure of Agreements. The agreements and documents described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained therein and there are no agreements or other documents required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or to be filed with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement, that have not been so described or filed. Each agreement or other instrument (however characterized or described) to which the Company is a party or by which it is or may be bound or affected and (i) that is referred to in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or (ii) is material to the Company’s business, has been duly authorized and validly executed by the Company, is in full force and effect in all material respects and when executed and delivered, will constitute, or constituted, as the case may be, the valid and binding agreements of the Company, as applicable, enforceable against the Company, as applicable and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with their respective terms, except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (y) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws, and (z) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought. None of such agreements or instruments has been assigned by the Company, and neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any other party is in default thereunder and, to the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default thereunder. To the Company’s knowledge, performance by the Company of the material provisions of such agreements or instruments will not result in a violation of any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any governmental agency or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its assets or businesses (each, a “Governmental Entity”), including, without limitation, those relating to environmental laws and regulations.

 

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2.4.3. Prior Securities Transactions. No securities of the Company have been sold by the Company or by or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, any person or persons controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Preliminary Prospectus.

 

2.4.4. Regulations. The disclosures in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus concerning the effects of federal, state, local and all foreign regulation on the Offering and the Company’s business as currently contemplated are correct in all material respects and no other such regulations are required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus which are not so disclosed, except as which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change (as defined below).

 

2.4.5. No Other Distribution of Offering Materials. The Company has not, directly or indirectly, distributed and will not distribute any offering material in connection with the Offering other than any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus and other materials, if any, permitted under the Securities Act and consistent with Section 3.2 below.

 

2.5 Changes After Dates in Registration Statement.

 

2.5.1. No Material Adverse Change. Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except as otherwise specifically stated therein: (i) there has been no material adverse change in the financial position or results of operations of the Company, nor any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would result in a material adverse change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, business plan or, assets of the Company (a “Material Adverse Change”); (ii) there has been no Manager Adverse Change or Parent Adverse Change (each as defined herein); (iii) there have been no material transactions entered into by the Company, other than as contemplated pursuant to this Agreement; and (iv) no officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) or director of the Company has resigned from any position with the Company.

 

2.5.2. Recent Securities Transactions, etc. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and except as may otherwise be indicated or contemplated herein or disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not: (i) issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for borrowed money; or (ii) declared or paid any dividend or made any other distribution on or in respect to its capital stock.

 

2.6 Independent Accountants. To the knowledge of the Company and FG Group Holdings, Haskell & White LLP (the “Auditor”), whose report is filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Auditor has not, during the periods covered by the financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services, as such term is used in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act.

 

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2.7 Financial Statements, etc. The financial statements, including the notes thereto and supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, fairly present in all material aspects, the financial position and the results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods to which they apply; and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), consistently applied throughout the periods involved (provided that unaudited interim financial statements are subject to year-end audit adjustments that are not expected to be material in the aggregate and do not contain all footnotes required by GAAP); and the supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly in all material aspects, the information required to be stated therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus under the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations. The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted financial information and the related notes, if any, included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus have been properly compiled and prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and present fairly in all material aspects, the information shown therein, and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission), if any, comply with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable. Each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus discloses all material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), and other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons that may have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (a) neither the Company nor any of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including each entity disclosed or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus as being a subsidiary of the Company (each, a “Subsidiary” and, collectively, the “Subsidiaries”), has incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions other than in the ordinary course of business, (b) the Company has not declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to its capital stock, (c) there has not been any change in the capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, other than in the course of business, any grants under any stock compensation plan, and (d) there has not been any Material Adverse Change in the Company’s long-term or short-term debt.

 

2.8 Authorized Capital; Options, etc. The Company had, at the date or dates indicated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the duly authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth therein. Based on the assumptions stated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company will have on the Closing Date the adjusted stock capitalization set forth therein. Except as set forth in, or contemplated by, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, on the Effective Date, as of the Applicable Time and on the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, there will be no stock options, warrants, or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any authorized, but unissued Common Shares or any security convertible or exercisable into Common Shares, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell Common Shares or any such options, warrants, rights or convertible securities.

 

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2.9 Valid Issuance of Securities, etc.

 

2.9.1. Outstanding Securities. All issued and outstanding securities of the Company issued prior to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof have no rights of rescission or similar rights with respect thereto or put rights, and are not subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; and none of such securities were issued in violation of the preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or rights of participation of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company. The authorized Common Shares conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The offers and sales of the outstanding Common Shares were at all relevant times either registered under the Securities Act and the applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws or, based in part on the representations and warranties of the purchasers of such securities, exempt from such registration requirements.

 

2.9.2. Securities Sold Pursuant to this Agreement. The Public Securities and Representative’s Securities have been duly authorized for issuance and sale and, when issued and paid for pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Representative’s Warrant for the Representative’s Securities, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof are not and will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company; and all corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities has been duly and validly taken. The Public Securities and Representative’s Securities conform in all material respects to all statements with respect thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.10 Registration Rights of Third Parties. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no holders of any securities of the Company or any rights exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into securities of the Company have the right to require the Company to register any such securities of the Company under the Securities Act or to include any such securities in a registration statement to be filed by the Company.

 

2.11 Validity and Binding Effect of Agreements. This Agreement, each Transaction Document and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by the Company, and, when executed and delivered, will constitute, the valid and binding agreements of each member of the Company Group, enforceable against each member of the Company Group in accordance with their respective terms, except: (i) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally; (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws; and (iii) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

 

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2.12 No Conflicts, etc. The execution, delivery and performance by each member of the Company Group, as applicable of this Agreement, each Transaction Document, the Representative’s Warrant and all ancillary documents, the consummation by the Company of the transactions herein and therein contemplated and the compliance by each member of the Company Group, as applicable with the terms hereof and thereof do not and will not, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both: (i) result in a breach of, or conflict with any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation, modification, termination or imposition of any lien, charge, mortgage, pledge, security interest, claim, equity, trust or other encumbrance, preferential arrangement, defect or restriction of any kind whatsoever upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, lease, loan agreement or any other agreement or instrument, franchise, license or permit to which the Company is a party or as to which any property of the Company is a party; (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the Company’s Articles, the Manager’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Parent’s Articles (collectively, as the same may be amended or restated from time to time, the “Charter”) or the by-laws of the Manager (as the same may be amended or restated from time to time, the “Bylaws”); or (iii) violate any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any Governmental Entity as of the date hereof, except in the cases of clauses (i) and (iii) above, for such breaches or conflicts which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.13 No Defaults; Violations. No default exists in the due performance and observance of any term, covenant or condition of any license, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, loan or credit agreement, or any other agreement or instrument evidencing an obligation for borrowed money, or any other agreement or instrument to which any member of the Company Group is a party or by which the Company may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company is subject, except for any of the foregoing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Each member of the Company Group is not in violation of any term or provision of its Charter or Bylaws, or in violation of any franchise, license, permit, applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment or decree of any Governmental Entity.

 

2.14 Corporate Power; Licenses; Consents.

 

2.14.1. Conduct of Business. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, each member of the Company Group has all requisite corporate power and authority, and has all necessary authorizations, approvals, orders, licenses, certificates and permits of and from all governmental regulatory officials and bodies that it needs as of the date hereof to conduct its business purpose as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except for any of the foregoing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.14.2. Transactions Contemplated Herein. Each member of the Company Group has all corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof, and all consents, authorizations, approvals and orders required in connection therewith have been obtained. No consent, authorization or order of, and no filing with, any court, government agency or other body is required for the valid issuance, sale and delivery of the Public Securities and the consummation of the transactions and agreements contemplated by this Agreement and the Representative’s Warrant and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except with respect to applicable federal, state and foreign securities laws, the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

2.15 D&O Questionnaires. To the Company’s knowledge, all information contained in the questionnaires (the “Questionnaires”) completed by each of the Company’s directors, officers and principal shareholders immediately prior to the Offering (the “Insiders”) as supplemented by all information concerning the Company’s directors, officers and principal shareholders as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as well as in the Lock-Up Agreement (as defined in Section 2.24 below), provided to the Underwriters, is true and correct in all material respects and the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the information disclosed in the Questionnaires to become materially inaccurate and incorrect.

 

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2.16 Litigation; Governmental Proceedings. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry, arbitration, investigation, litigation or governmental proceeding pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against, or involving the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any executive officer or director, which has not been disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or in connection with the Company’s listing application for the listing of the Public Securities on the Exchange, and which is required to be disclosed. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry, arbitration, investigation, litigation or governmental proceeding pending or, to each member of the Company Group’s knowledge, threatened against, or involving any member of the Company Group or, to the Company Group’s knowledge, any executive officer or director which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, which has not been disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or in connection with the Company’s listing application for the listing of the Public Securities on the Exchange, and which is required to be disclosed.

 

2.17 Good Standing.

 

2.17.1. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a company under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and is in good standing with respect to the filing of annual reports with theBritish Columbia Register of Companies as of the date hereof, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, singularly or in the aggregate, would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.17.2. Manager has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation and is in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada as of the date hereof, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify, singularly or in the aggregate, would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change in the financial position or results of operations of Manager, nor any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would result in a material adverse change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, business plan or assets of Manager (a “Manager Adverse Change”).

 

2.17.3. Parent has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation and is in good standing under the laws of Quebéc, Canada as of the date hereof, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, singularly or in the aggregate, would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change in the financial position or results of operations of Parent, nor any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would result in a material adverse change in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, business plan or assets of Parent (a “Parent Adverse Change”).

 

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2.18 Insurance. The Company carries or is entitled to the benefits of insurance, with reputable insurers, in such amounts and covering such risks which the Company believes is adequate, including, but not limited to, directors and officers insurance coverage at least equal to $5,000,000 all such insurance is in full force and effect. As of the date hereof, the Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able (i) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.19 Transactions Affecting Disclosure to FINRA.

 

2.19.1. Finder’s Fees. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no claims, payments, arrangements, agreements or understandings relating to the payment of a finder’s, consulting or origination fee by any member of the Company Group or any Insider with respect to the sale of the Public Securities hereunder or any other arrangements, agreements or understandings of the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its shareholders that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as determined by FINRA.

 

2.19.2. Payments Within Twelve (12) Months. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or otherwise) to: (i) any person, as a finder’s fee, consulting fee or otherwise, in consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing to the Company persons who raised or provided capital to the Company; (ii) any FINRA member; or (iii) any person or entity that has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member, within the twelve (12) months prior to the date hereof, other than the payment to the Underwriters as provided hereunder in connection with the Offering.

 

2.19.3. Use of Proceeds. None of the net proceeds of the Offering will be paid by the Company to any participating FINRA member or its affiliates, except as specifically authorized herein.

 

2.19.4. FINRA Affiliation. To the Company’s knowledge, there is no (i) officer or director of the Company, (ii) beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of any class of the Company’s securities or (iii) beneficial owner of the Company’s unregistered equity securities which were acquired during the one hundred eighty (180) day period immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement that is an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the Offering (as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA). Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of any Underwriter and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Public Securities to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of any Underwriter.

 

2.19.5. Information. All information provided by the Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, all the information provided by the Insiders in their FINRA questionnaires to Representative Counsel specifically for use by Representative Counsel in connection with its Public Offering System filings (and related disclosure) with FINRA is true, correct and complete in all material respects.

 

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2.20 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. To the knowledge of each member of the Company Group, each member of the Company Group has taken reasonable steps to ensure that its accounting controls and procedures are sufficient to cause the Company to comply in all material respects with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “FCPA”), or any provisions of the Corruption of Foreign Officials Act (Canada), if applicable. None of the Company, any member of the Company Group and its Subsidiaries or, to each member of the Company Group’s knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of a member of the Company Group and its Subsidiaries or any other person acting on behalf of a member of Company Group and its Subsidiaries, has, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any unlawful money, gift or similar benefit (other than legal price concessions to customers in the ordinary course of business) to any customer, supplier, employee or agent of a customer or supplier, or official or employee of any governmental agency or instrumentality of any government (domestic or foreign) or any political party or candidate for office (domestic or foreign) or other person who was, is, or may be in a position to help or hinder the business of the Company or a member of the Company Group (or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed transaction) that (i) might subject any member of the Company Group to any damage or penalty in any civil, criminal or governmental litigation or proceeding, (ii) if not given in the past, might have had a Material Adverse Change, (iii) if not continued in the future, might adversely affect the assets, business, operations or prospects of any member of the Company Group, (iv) violated or is in violation of any provision of the FCPA or any applicable non-U.S. anti-bribery statute or regulation, (v) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment, or (vi) received notice of any investigation, proceeding or inquiry by any Governmental Entity regarding any of the matters in clauses (i)-(v) above; and any member of the Company Group and, to the knowledge of any member of the Company Group, the Company Group’s affiliates have conducted their respective businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

 

2.21 Compliance with OFAC. None of the members of the Company Group and its Subsidiaries or, to the members of the Company Group’s knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of any member of the Company Group and its Subsidiaries or any other person acting on behalf of a member of the Company Group and its Subsidiaries, is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”), and any member of the Company Group will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Offering hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

2.22 Money Laundering Laws. The operations of any member of the Company Group and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), as amended, and the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”); and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity involving any member of the Company Group with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

2.23 Officers’ Certificate. Any certificate signed by any duly authorized officer of the Company, FG Group Holdings or Strong/MDI and delivered to you or to Representative Counsel shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, FG Group Holdings or Strong/MDI, as applicable, to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.

 

2.24 Lock-Up Agreements. Schedule 3 hereto contains a complete and accurate list of the Company’s officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act), directors and each owner of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares (or securities convertible or exercisable into Common Shares) who will be subject to the Lock-Up Agreement (as defined below) (collectively, the “Lock-Up Parties”). The Company has caused each of the Lock-Up Parties to deliver to the Representative an executed Lock-Up Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Lock-Up Agreement”), prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

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2.25 Subsidiaries. All direct and indirect Subsidiaries of the Company are duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the place of organization or incorporation, and each Subsidiary is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the assets, business or operations of the Company taken as a whole. The Company’s ownership and control of each Subsidiary is as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.26 Related Party Transactions.

 

2.26.1. Business Relationships. There are no business relationships or related party transactions involving the Company (within the scope of Item 404 of Regulation S-K) or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus that have not been described as required.

 

2.26.2. No Unconsolidated Entities. There are no transactions, arrangements or other relationships between and/or among the Company, any of its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for its capital resources required to be described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.26.3. No Loans or Advances to Affiliates. There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees or indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of (i) any of the officers or directors of the Company, (ii) any other affiliates of the Company or (iii) any of their respective family members, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, which are, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus.

 

2.27 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Company is comprised of the persons set forth under the heading of the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus captioned “Management.” The qualifications of the persons serving as board members and the overall composition of the board comply with the Exchange Act, the Exchange Act Regulations, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) applicable to the Company and the listing rules of the Exchange. At least one member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined under Regulation S-K and the listing rules of the Exchange. In addition, at least a majority of the persons serving on the Board of Directors qualify as “independent,” as defined under the listing rules of the Exchange.

 

2.28 Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance.

 

2.28.1. Disclosure Controls. The Company has developed and currently maintains disclosure controls and procedures that will comply with Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act Regulations applicable to it, and, except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, such controls and procedures are effective as of the date hereof to ensure that all material information concerning the Company will be made known on a timely basis to the individuals responsible for the preparation of the Company’s Exchange Act filings and other public disclosure documents.

 

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2.28.2. Compliance. The Company is, or at the Applicable Time and on the Closing Date will be, in material compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act applicable to it, and has implemented or will implement such programs and taken reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s future compliance (not later than the relevant statutory and regulatory deadlines therefor) with all of the material provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (it being understood that this subsection shall not require the Company to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as of an earlier date than it would otherwise be required to so comply under applicable law).

 

2.29 Accounting Controls. The Company is in the process of establishing systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined under Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act Regulations) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and have been designed by, or under the supervision of, their respective principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, including, but not limited to, internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) in its internal controls. The Company’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company have not been advised of: (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses (each as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are known to the Company’s management and that have adversely affected or are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud known to the Company’s management, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

2.30 No Investment Company Status. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the Offering and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, will not be, required to register as an “investment company,” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

2.31 No Labor Disputes. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, no labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent.

 

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2.32 Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries owns or possesses or has valid rights to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets and similar rights necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently carried on and as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (“Intellectual Property Rights”). To the knowledge of the Company, no action or use by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries necessary for the conduct of its business as currently carried on and as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will involve or give rise to any infringement of, or license or similar fees for, any Intellectual Property Rights of others. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice alleging any such infringement, fee or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change (A) to the knowledge of the Company, there is no infringement, misappropriation or violation by third parties of any of the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company; (B) there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the rights of the Company in or to any such Intellectual Property Rights, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim, that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.34, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (C) the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, the Intellectual Property Rights licensed to the Company have not been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property Rights, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.34, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (D) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates any Intellectual Property Rights or other proprietary rights of others, the Company has not received any written notice of such claim and the Company is unaware of any other facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.34, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and (E) to the Company’s knowledge, no employee of the Company is in or has ever been in, violation in any material respect of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure agreement, invention assignment agreement, non-competition agreement, non-solicitation agreement, nondisclosure agreement or any restrictive covenant to or with a former employer where the basis of such violation relates to such employee’s employment with the Company, or actions undertaken by the employee while employed with the Company and could reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change. To the Company’s knowledge, all material technical information developed by and belonging to the Company which has not been patented or disclosed in a patent application has been kept confidential. The Company is not a party to or bound by any options, licenses or agreements with respect to the Intellectual Property Rights of any other person or entity that are required to be set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and are not described therein. The Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus contain in all material respects the same description of the matters set forth in the preceding sentence. None of the technology employed by the Company has been obtained or is being used by the Company in violation of any material contractual obligation binding on the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its officers, directors or employees, or otherwise in material violation of the rights of any persons.

 

2.33 Taxes. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has filed all returns (as hereinafter defined) required to be filed with taxing authorities prior to the date hereof or has duly obtained extensions of time for the filing thereof, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has paid all taxes (as hereinafter defined) shown as due on such returns that were filed and has paid all taxes imposed on or assessed against the Company or such respective Subsidiary, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. The provisions for taxes payable, if any, shown on the financial statements filed with or as part of the Registration Statement are sufficient for all material accrued and unpaid taxes, whether or not disputed, and for all periods to and including the dates of such consolidated financial statements. Except as disclosed in writing to the Underwriters or as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, (i) no issues have been raised (and are currently pending) by any taxing authority in connection with any of the returns or taxes asserted as due from the Company or its Subsidiaries, and (ii) no waivers of statutes of limitation with respect to the returns or collection of taxes have been given by or requested from the Company or its Subsidiaries. The term “taxes” means all federal, state, local, foreign and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or charges of any kind whatever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto. The term “returns” means all returns, declarations, reports, statements and other documents required to be filed in respect to taxes.

 

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2.34 ERISA Compliance. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, the Company and any “employee benefit plan” (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (collectively, “ERISA”)) established or maintained by the Company or its “ERISA Affiliates” (as defined below) are in compliance in all respects with ERISA. “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company, any member of any group of organizations described in Sections 414(b),(c),(m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “Code”) of which the Company is a member. No “reportable event” (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates. No “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates, if such “employee benefit plan” were terminated, would have any “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” (as defined under ERISA). Neither the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any material liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “employee benefit plan” or (ii) Sections 412, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code. Each “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and, to the knowledge of the Company, nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would reasonably be expected to cause the loss of such qualification.

 

2.35 Compliance with Laws. The Company: (A) is and at all times has been in compliance with all statutes, rules, or regulations applicable to the ownership, testing, development, manufacture, packaging, processing, use, distribution, marketing, labeling, promotion, sale, offer for sale, storage, import, export or disposal of any product manufactured or distributed by the Company (“Applicable Laws”), except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change; (B) has not received any warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or notice from any other governmental authority alleging or asserting noncompliance with any Applicable Laws or any licenses, certificates, approvals, clearances, authorizations, permits and supplements or amendments thereto required by any such Applicable Laws (“Authorizations”), except as to noncompliance that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change; (C) possesses all material Authorizations and such Authorizations are valid and in full force and effect and are not in material violation of any term of any such Authorizations; (D) has not received written notice of any material claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any governmental authority or third party alleging that any product operation or activity is in violation of any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and has no knowledge that any such governmental authority or third party is considering any such material claim, litigation, arbitration, action, suit, investigation or proceeding; (E) has not received written notice that any governmental authority has taken, is taking or intends to take material action to limit, suspend, modify or revoke any Authorizations and has no knowledge that any such governmental authority is considering such material action; (F) has filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and that all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were complete and correct in all material respects on the date filed (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission); and (G) has not, either voluntarily or involuntarily, initiated, conducted, or issued or caused to be initiated, conducted or issued, any recall, market withdrawal or replacement, safety alert, post-sale warning, “dear doctor” letter, or other notice or action relating to the alleged lack of safety or efficacy of any product or any alleged product defect or violation and, to the Company’s knowledge, no third party has initiated, conducted or intends to initiate any such notice or action as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

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2.36 Ineligible Issuer. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of the Securities Act Regulations) of the Public Securities and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405, without taking account of any determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an ineligible issuer.

 

2.37 Real Property. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and its Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to, or have valid rights to lease or otherwise use, all items of real or personal property which are material to the business of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests, claims and defects that do not, singly or in the aggregate, materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, and under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries holds properties described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, are in full force and effect, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of any material claim of any sort that has been asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company or any Subsidiary under any of the leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning the rights of the Company or such Subsidiary to the continued possession of the leased or subleased premises under any such lease or sublease.

 

2.38 Contracts Affecting Capital. There are no transactions, arrangements or other relationships between and/or among the Company, any of its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations) and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for its capital resources required to be described or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus which have not been described or incorporated by reference as required.

 

2.39 Loans to Directors or Officers. There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees or indebtedness by the Company or its Subsidiaries to or for the benefit of any of the officers or directors of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective family members, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.40 Smaller Reporting Company. As of the time of filing of the Registration Statement, the Company was a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act Regulations.

 

2.41 Industry Data. The statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate or represent the Company’s good faith estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources.

 

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2.42 Emerging Growth Company. From the time of the initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly in or through any Person authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the Waters Communication) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”). “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act.

 

2.43 Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not (i) alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communications, other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the written consent of the Representative and with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and (ii) authorized anyone other than the Representative to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company confirms that the Representative has been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Schedule 2-C hereto. “Written Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

2.44 Electronic Road Show. The Company has made available a Bona Fide Electronic Road Show in compliance with Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) of the Securities Act Regulations such that no filing of any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433(h) of the Securities Act Regulations) is required in connection with the Offering.

 

2.45 Margin Securities. The Company owns no “margin securities” as that term is defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), and none of the proceeds of Offering will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the Common Shares to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meanings of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

2.46 Environmental Laws. To the Company’s knowledge, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all foreign, federal, state, local and foreign legally-binding rules, laws and regulations relating to the use, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or waste and protection of health and safety (to the extent relating to exposure to hazardous or toxic substances) or the environment which are applicable to their businesses (“Environmental Laws”), except the failure to comply would not, singularly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, or as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. There has been no storage, generation, transportation, handling, treatment, disposal, discharge, emission, or other release of any kind of toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances by, due to, or caused by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or, to any member of the Company Group’s knowledge, any other entity for whose acts or omissions the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may otherwise be liable) upon any of the property now or, to any member of the Company Group’s knowledge, previously owned or leased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or upon any other property, in violation of any Environmental Law or which would, under any Environmental Law, give rise to any liability, except for any violation or liability which would not reasonably be expected to result, singularly or in the aggregate with all such violations and liabilities, in a Material Adverse Change; and there has been no disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind onto such property or into the environment surrounding such property of any toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances with respect to which any member of the Company Group has knowledge, except for any such disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind which would not be expected to result, singularly or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change. In the ordinary course of business, the members of the Company Group, and the Company and its Subsidiaries, conduct periodic reviews of the effect of Environmental Laws on their business and assets, in the course of which they identify and evaluate any associated costs and liabilities (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws or governmental permits issued thereunder, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties). On the basis of such reviews, the members of the Company Group and the Company and its Subsidiaries have reasonably concluded that such associated costs and liabilities would not reasonably be expected to result, singularly or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change.

 

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2.47 Forward-Looking Statements. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in either the Registration Statement, Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

 

3. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

 

3.1 Amendments to Registration Statement. The Company shall deliver to the Representative, prior to filing, any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus proposed to be filed after the Effective Date and not file any such amendment or supplement to which the Representative shall reasonably object in writing.

 

3.2 Federal Securities Laws.

 

3.2.1. Compliance. The Company, subject to Section 3.2.2, shall comply with the requirements of Rule 430A of the Securities Act Regulations, and will notify the Representative promptly, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall become effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus shall have been filed; (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission; (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information; (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the Securities Act concerning the Registration Statement and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act in connection with the Offering of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities. The Company shall effect all filings required under Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations, in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)), and shall take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file such prospectus. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order, prevention or suspension and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

 

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3.2.2. Continued Compliance. The Company shall comply with the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations, the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Regulations so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Public Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172 of the Securities Act Regulations (“Rule 172”), would be) required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Public Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or for the Company, to (i) amend the Registration Statement in order that the Registration Statement will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order that the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser or (iii) amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, in order to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations, the Company will promptly (A) give the Representative notice of such event; (B) prepare any amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus comply with such requirements and, a reasonable amount of time prior to any proposed filing or use, furnish the Representative with copies of any such amendment or supplement and (C) file with the Commission any such amendment or supplement; provided that the Company shall not file or use any such amendment or supplement to which the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object. The Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request. The Company has given the Representative notice of any filings made pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Exchange Act Regulations within 48 hours prior to the Applicable Time. The Company shall give the Representative notice of its intention to make any such filing from the Applicable Time until the later of the Closing Date and the exercise in full or expiration of the Over-allotment Option specified in Section 1.2 hereof and will furnish the Representative with copies of the related document(s) a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing, as the case may be, and will not file or use any such document to which the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object.

 

3.2.3. Exchange Act Registration. For a period of two (2) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to maintain the registration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act. The Company shall not deregister the Common Shares under the Exchange Act without the prior written consent of the Representative, provided that such provision shall not unreasonably prevent a sale, merger or similar transaction involving the Company.

 

3.2.4. Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representative, it shall not make any offer relating to the Public Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” or a portion thereof, required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433; provided that the Representative shall be deemed to have consented to each Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus hereto and any “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i) that has been reviewed by the Representative. The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each such free writing prospectus consented to, or deemed consented to, by the Underwriters as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and that it has complied and will comply with the applicable requirements of Rule 433 with respect thereto, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping. If at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.

 

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3.2.5. Testing-the-Waters Communications. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company shall promptly notify the Representative and shall promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.

 

3.3 Delivery to the Underwriters of Registration Statements. The Company has delivered or made available or shall deliver or make available to the Representative and counsel for the Representative, without charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith) and signed copies of all consents and certificates of experts, and will also deliver to the Underwriters, without charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters. The copies of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

3.4 Delivery to the Underwriters of Prospectuses. The Company has delivered or made available or will deliver or make available to each Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each Preliminary Prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the Securities Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the Securities Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

3.5 Effectiveness and Events Requiring Notice to the Representative. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain effective with a current prospectus for at least nine (9) months after the Applicable Time, and shall notify the Representative immediately and confirm the notice in writing: (i) of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto; (ii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iii) of the issuance by any state securities commission of any proceedings for the suspension of the qualification of the Public Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iv) of the mailing and delivery to the Commission for filing of any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus; (v) of the receipt of any comments or request for any additional information from the Commission; and (vi) of the happening of any event during the period described in this Section 3.5 that, in the judgment of the Company, makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus untrue or that requires the making of any changes in (a) the Registration Statement in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (b) in the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Commission or any state securities commission shall enter a stop order or suspend such qualification at any time, the Company shall make every reasonable effort to obtain promptly the lifting of such order.

 

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3.6 Review of Financial Statements. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company, at its expense, shall cause its regularly engaged independent registered public accounting firm to review (but not audit) the Company’s financial statements for each of the three fiscal quarters immediately preceding the announcement of any quarterly financial information.

 

3.7 Listing. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the listing of the Common Shares (including the Public Securities) on the Exchange for at least four (4) years from the date of this Agreement, provided that such provision shall not prevent a sale, merger or similar transaction involving the Company.

 

3.8 Financial Public Relations Firm. As of the Effective Date, the Company shall have retained a financial public relations firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative, which firm shall be experienced in assisting issuers in initial public offerings of securities and in their relations with their security holders, and shall retain such firm or another firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, for a period of not less than two (2) years after the Effective Date.

 

3.9 Reports to the Representative.

 

3.9.1. Periodic Reports, etc. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall furnish or make available to the Representative copies of such financial statements and other periodic and special reports as the Company from time to time furnishes generally to holders of any class of its securities and also promptly furnish to the Representative: (i) a copy of each periodic report the Company shall be required to file with the Commission under the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Regulations; (ii) a copy of every press release and every news item and article with respect to the Company or its affairs which was released by the Company; (iii) a copy of each Form 8-K prepared and filed by the Company; (iv) five copies of each registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act; (v) a copy of each report or other communication furnished to shareholders; and (vi) such additional documents and information with respect to the Company and the affairs of any future subsidiaries of the Company as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request; provided the Representative shall sign, if requested by the Company, a Regulation FD compliant confidentiality agreement which is reasonably acceptable to the Representative and Representative Counsel in connection with the Representative’s receipt of such information. Documents filed with the Commission pursuant to its EDGAR system or posted on the Company’s investor relations website and press releases through customary channels shall be deemed to have been delivered to the Representative pursuant to this Section 3.9.1.

 

3.9.2. Transfer Agent; Transfer Sheets. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall retain a transfer agent and registrar acceptable to the Representative (the “Transfer Agent”) and shall furnish to the Representative at the Company’s sole cost and expense such transfer sheets of the Company’s securities as the Representative may reasonably request, including the daily and monthly consolidated transfer sheets of the Transfer Agent and DTC. Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. is acceptable to the Representative to act as Transfer Agent for the Common Shares.

 

3.9.3. Trading Reports. For a period of six months after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall provide to the Representative, at the Company’s expense, such reports published by Exchange relating to price trading of the Public Securities, as the Representative shall reasonably request.

 

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3.10 Payment of Expenses

 

3.10.1. General Expenses Related to the Offering. The Company hereby agrees to pay on each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, to the extent not paid at the Closing Date, all expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, including, but not limited to: (a) all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the Common Shares to be sold in the Offering (including the Option Shares) with the Commission; (b) all Public Filing System filing fees associated with the review of the Offering by FINRA; (c) all fees and expenses relating to the listing of such Public Securities on the Exchange and such other stock exchanges as the Company and the Representative together determine, including any fees charged by the DTC for new securities; (d) all reasonable documented fees, expenses and disbursements relating to background checks of the Company’s officers and directors in an amount not to exceed $7,000 in the aggregate; (e) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration or qualification of the Public Securities under the “blue sky” securities laws of such states, if applicable, and other jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably designate; (f) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of the Public Securities under the securities laws of such foreign jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably designate; (g) the costs of all mailing and printing of the underwriting documents (including, without limitation, this Agreement, any blue sky surveys and, if appropriate, any Agreement among Underwriters, Selected Dealers’ Agreement, Underwriters’ Questionnaire and Power of Attorney), Registration Statements, Prospectuses and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final Prospectuses as the Representative may reasonably deem necessary; (h) the costs and expenses of a public relations firm; (i) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering certificates representing the Public Securities; (j) fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent for the Common Shares; (k) stock transfer and/or stamp taxes, if any, payable upon the transfer of securities from the Company to the Underwriters; (l) to the extent approved by the Company in writing, the costs associated with post-Closing advertising the Offering in the national editions of the Wall Street Journal and New York Times; (m) the costs associated with one set of bound volumes of the public offering materials as well as commemorative mementos and lucite tombstones, each of which the Company or its designee shall provide within a reasonable time after the Closing Date in such quantities as the Representative may reasonably request, in an amount not to exceed $3,000 in aggregate; (n) the fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants; (o) the fees and expenses of the Company’s legal counsel and other agents and representatives; (p) fees and expenses of the Representative’s legal counsel not to exceed $125,000; (q) the $29,500 cost associated with the Representative’s use of Ipreo’s book-building, prospectus tracking and compliance software for the Offering; (r) up to $10,000 for data services and communications expenses; (s) up to $10,000 of the Representative’s actual accountable “road show”; and (t) up to $30,000 of the Representative’s market making and trading, and clearing firm settlement expenses for the Offering. For the sake of clarity, the aggregate reimbursement for the foregoing expenses shall not exceed $214,500. The Representative may deduct from the net proceeds of the Offering payable to the Company on the Closing Date, or the Option Closing Date, if any, the expenses set forth herein (less any amounts previously advanced against such actual reimbursable expense) to be paid by the Company to the Underwriters.

 

3.10.2. Non-accountable Expenses. The Company further agrees that, in addition to the expenses payable pursuant to Section 3.10.1, on the Closing Date it shall pay to the Representative, by deduction from the net proceeds of the Offering contemplated herein, a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Firm Shares (excluding the Option Shares), less the Advance (as such term is defined in Section 8.3 hereof), provided, however, that in the event that the Offering is terminated, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters pursuant to Section 8.3 hereof.

 

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3.11 Application of Net Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the Offering received by it in a manner consistent with the application thereof described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

3.12 Delivery of Earnings Statements to Security Holders. The Company shall make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than the first day of the fifteenth (15th) full calendar month following the date of this Agreement, an earnings statement (which need not be certified by independent registered public accounting firm unless required by the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations, but which shall satisfy the provisions of Rule 158(a) under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act) covering a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months beginning after the date of this Agreement.

 

3.13 Stabilization. Neither the Company nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees, directors or shareholders (without the consent of the Representative) has taken or shall take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that has constituted or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under Regulation M of the Exchange Act, or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Public Securities.

 

3.14 Internal Controls. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

3.15 Accountants. As of the date of this Agreement, the Company shall retain an independent registered public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative, and the Company shall continue to retain a nationally recognized independent registered public accounting firm for a period ending on the earlier of (i) three (3) years after the date of this Agreement and (ii) the effective date of the Company’s deregistration of the Common Shares under the Exchange Act and the suspension of the Company’s reporting obligations under Section 15(d) thereunder. The Representative acknowledges that the Auditor is acceptable to the Representative.

 

3.16 FINRA. The Company shall advise the Representative (who shall make an appropriate filing with FINRA) if prior to the Closing Date it is or becomes aware that (i) any officer or director of the Company, (ii) any beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of any class of the Company’s securities or (iii) any beneficial owner of the Company’s unregistered equity securities which were acquired during the one hundred eighty (180) days immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement is or becomes an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the Offering (as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA).

 

3.17 No Fiduciary Duties. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters’ responsibility to the Company is solely contractual in nature and that none of the Underwriters or their affiliates or any selling agent shall be deemed to be acting in a fiduciary capacity, or otherwise owes any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the Offering and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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3.18 Company Lock-Up Agreements.

 

3.18.1. Restriction on Sales of Capital Stock. The Company, on behalf of itself and any successor entity, agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, it will not, for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of this Agreement (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Shares of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares of the Company; (ii) file or cause to be filed any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any Common Shares of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares of the Company; (iii) complete any offering of debt securities of the Company, other than entering into a line of credit with a traditional bank; or (iv) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of capital stock of the Company, whether any such transaction described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above is to be settled by delivery of shares of capital stock of the Company or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

 

The restrictions contained in this Section 3.18.1 shall not apply to (i) the Common Shares to be sold hereunder, (ii) the issuance by the Company of Common Shares upon the exercise of a stock option or warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof, which is disclosed in the Registration Statement, Disclosure Package and Prospectus, provided that such options, warrants, and securities have not been amended since the date of this Agreement to increase the number of such securities or to decrease the exercise price, exchange price or conversion price of such securities or to extend the term of such securities, (iii) the issuance by the Company of stock options or Common Shares of the Company or other awards under any equity compensation plan of the Company, or (iv) the issuance of securities pursuant to a bona fide merger, consolidation, acquisition of securities, businesses, property or other assets, joint venture, collaboration, licensing or strategic alliances or other similar transactions, not primarily for the purposes of raising capital, providing that the aggregate number of shares of securities shall not exceed 5% of the total number of Public Securities issued and outstanding immediately following the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, provided that in each of (ii) and (iii) above, the underlying shares shall be restricted from sale during the entire Lock-Up Period.

 

3.18.2. Restriction on Continuous Offerings. Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in Section 3.18.1, the Company, on behalf of itself and any successor entity, agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, it will not, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of the Offering, directly or indirectly in any “at-the-market” or continuous equity transaction, offer to sell, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of Common Shares of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares of the Company.

 

3.19 Release of D&O Lock-up Period. If the Representative, in its sole discretion, agrees to release or waive the restrictions set forth in the Lock-Up Agreements described in Section 2.24 hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three (3) Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto through a major news service at least two (2) Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver.

 

3.20 Blue Sky Qualifications. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts, in cooperation with the Underwriters, if necessary, to qualify the Public Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as the Representative may designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required to complete the distribution of the Public Securities; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.

 

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3.21 Reporting Requirements. The Company, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the Securities Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act within the time periods required by the Exchange Act and Exchange Act Regulations. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Public Securities as may be required under Rule 463 under the Securities Act Regulations.

 

3.22 Emerging Growth Company Status. The Company shall promptly notify the Representative if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of the Public Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act and (ii) fifteen (15) days following the completion of the Lock-Up Period.

 

4. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Public Securities, as provided herein, shall be subject to (i) the continuing accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company as of the date hereof and as of each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any; (ii) the accuracy of the statements of officers of the Company made pursuant to the provisions hereof; (iii) the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; and (iv) the following conditions:

 

4.1 Regulatory Matters.

 

4.1.1. Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Rule 430A Information. The Registration Statement has become effective not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the date of this Agreement or such later date and time as shall be consented to in writing by you, and, at each of the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued under the Securities Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, contemplated by the Commission. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information. The Prospectus containing the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the Commission in the manner and within the time frame required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)) or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A.

 

4.1.2. FINRA Clearance. On or before the date of this Agreement, the Representative shall have received clearance from FINRA as to the amount of compensation allowable or payable to the Underwriters as described in the Registration Statement.

 

4.1.3. Exchange Stock Market Clearance. On the Closing Date, the Company’s Common Shares, including the Firm Shares, shall have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance. On the first Option Closing Date (if any), the Company’s Common Shares, including the Option Shares, shall have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance.

 

4.1.4. Transaction Documents. All of the Transaction Documents shall have been executed and delivered contemporaneously with or prior to the sale of the Firm Shares.

 

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4.2 Company Counsel Matters.

 

4.2.1. Closing Date Opinion of Corporate Counsel. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion of Loeb & Loeb LLP, U.S. counsel to the Company, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Representative, substantially in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Representative.

 

4.2.2. Opinion of Counsel for the Manager. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion of Kirton McConkie PC, counsel to the Manager, dated the Closing Date, addressed to the Representative substantially in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Representative.

 

4.2.3. Opinion of Canadian Counsel for the Company and the Parent. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, Canadian counsel to the Company and the Parent, dated the Closing Date, addressed to the Representative substantially in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Representative.

 

4.2.4. Option Closing Date Opinions of Counsel. On the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinions of each counsel listed in Sections 4.2.1, 4.2.2, and 4.2.3 dated the Option Closing Date, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, confirming as of the Option Closing Date, the statements made by such counsels in their respective opinions delivered on the Closing Date.

 

4.2.5. Reliance. In rendering such opinions, such counsel may rely: (i) as to matters involving the application of laws other than the laws of the United States and/or Canada and jurisdictions in which they are admitted, to the extent such counsel deems proper and to the extent specified in such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative) of other counsel reasonably acceptable to the Representative, familiar with the applicable laws; and (ii) as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates or other written statements of officers of the Company and officers of departments of various jurisdictions having custody of documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the Company, provided that copies of any such statements or certificates shall be delivered to Representative Counsel if requested. The opinions of Loeb & Loeb LLP, Kirton McConkie PC and Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP and any opinion relied upon by Loeb & Loeb LLP, Kirton McConkie PC and Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP shall include a statement to the effect that it may be relied upon by Representative Counsel in its opinion delivered to the Underwriters.

 

4.3 Comfort Letters.

 

4.3.1. Cold Comfort Letter. At the time this Agreement is executed the Representative shall have received a cold comfort letter containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ comfort letters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance satisfactory in all respects to the Representative and to the Auditor, dated as of the date of this Agreement and not have the Auditor cutoff date more than three (3) business days prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

4.3.2. Bring-down Comfort Letter. At each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received from the Auditor a letter, dated as of the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable, to the effect that the Auditor reaffirms the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to Section 4.3.1, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable.

 

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4.4 Officers’ Certificates.

 

4.4.1. Officers’ Certificate. The Company shall have furnished to the Representative a certificate, dated the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date (if such date is other than the Closing Date), of its Chief Executive Officer, its President and its Chief Financial Officer (on behalf of the Company and not in an individual capacity) stating that (i) such officers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and, in their opinion, the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date) did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as of its date and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective date thereof and as of the Closing Date, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, (ii) since the effective date of the Registration Statement, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (iii) to the best of their knowledge after reasonable investigation, as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except for those representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects and except for those representations and warranties which refer to facts existing at a specific date, which shall be true and correct as to such date) and the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), and (iv) there has not been, subsequent to the date of the most recent audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Material Adverse Change in the financial position or results of operations of the Company, or any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would result in a Material Adverse Change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, business plan or assets of the Company, except as set forth in the Prospectus.

 

4.4.2. Secretary’s Certificate. At each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Secretary of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Date, as the case may be, respectively, certifying: (i) that each of the Company’s Articles and Notice of Articles is true and complete, has not been modified and is in full force and effect; (ii) that the resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors relating to the Offering are in full force and effect and have not been modified; (iii) as to the accuracy and completeness of all correspondence between the Company or its counsel and the Commission; and (iv) as to the incumbency of the officers of the Company. The documents referred to in such certificate shall be attached to such certificate.

 

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4.4.3. Manager Certificate. Manager shall have furnished to the Representative a certificate, dated the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date (if such date is other than the Closing Date), of its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer (on behalf of the Manager and not in an individual capacity) stating that (i) such officers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and, in their opinion, the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date) did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as of its date and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective date thereof and as of the Closing Date, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, (ii) since the effective date of the Registration Statement, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (iii) to the best of their knowledge after reasonable investigation, as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the representations and warranties of the Manager in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except for those representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects and except for those representations and warranties which refer to facts existing at a specific date, which shall be true and correct as to such date) and the Manager has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date) and (iv) there has not been, subsequent to the date of the most recent audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Material Adverse Change in the financial position or results of operations of the Company, or any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would result in a Material Adverse Change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, business plan or assets of Parent or Company, except as set forth in the Prospectus.

 

4.4.4. Parent Certificate. Parent shall have furnished to the Representative a certificate, dated the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date (if such date is other than the Closing Date), of its President and its Chief Financial Officer (on behalf of the Parent and not in an individual capacity) stating that (i) such officers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and, in their opinion, the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date) did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as of its date and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective date thereof and as of the Closing Date, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, (ii) since the effective date of the Registration Statement, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (iii) to the best of their knowledge after reasonable investigation, as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except for those representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects and except for those representations and warranties which refer to facts existing at a specific date, which shall be true and correct as to such date) and the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), and. (iv) there has not been, subsequent to the date of the most recent audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Material Adverse Change in the financial position or results of operations of the Company, or any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would result in a Material Adverse Change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, business plan or assets of any member of the Company Group, except as set forth in the Prospectus.

 

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4.5 No Material Changes. Prior to and on each of the Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, if any: (i) there shall have been no Material Adverse Change or development in the condition or the business activities, financial or otherwise, of any member of the Company Group from the latest dates as of which such condition is set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (ii) no action, suit or proceeding, at law or in equity, shall have been pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any Insider before or by any court or federal or state commission, board or other administrative agency wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the business, operations, prospects or financial condition or income of any member of the Company Group, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (iii) no stop order shall have been issued under the Securities Act and no proceedings therefor shall have been initiated or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission; (iv) no action shall have been taken and no law, statute, rule, regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any Governmental Entity which would prevent the issuance or sale of the Public Securities or materially and adversely affect or potentially materially and adversely affect the business or operations of any member of the Company Group; (v) no injunction, restraining order or order of any other nature by any federal, state or foreign court of competent jurisdiction shall have been issued which would prevent the issuance or sale of the Public Securities or materially and adversely affect or potentially materially and adversely affect the business or operations of any member of the Company Group; and (vi) the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto shall contain all material statements which are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and shall conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations, and neither the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package nor the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto shall contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

4.6 Corporate Proceedings. All corporate proceedings and other legal matters incident to the authorization, form and validity of each of this Agreement, the Public Securities, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and all other legal matters relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be reasonably satisfactory in all material respects to counsel for the Underwriters, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel all documents and information that they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters

 

4.7 Delivery of Agreements.

 

4.7.1. Lock-Up Agreements. On or before the date of this Agreement, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed copies of the Lock-Up Agreements from each of the persons listed in Schedule 3 hereto.

 

4.7.2. Representative’s Warrant. On the Closing Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed copy of the Representative’s Warrant.

 

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4.8 Additional Documents. At the Closing Date and at each Option Closing Date (if any) Representative Counsel shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling Representative Counsel to deliver an opinion to the Underwriters, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities as herein contemplated shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and Representative Counsel.

 

5. Indemnification.

 

5.1 Indemnification of the Underwriters.

 

5.1.1. General. Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates and each of its and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, representatives, partners, shareholders, affiliates, counsel, and agents and each person, if any, who controls any such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively the “Underwriter Indemnified Parties,” and each an “Underwriter Indemnified Party”), against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including but not limited to any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and the Company or between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and any third party, or otherwise) to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any other statute or at common law or otherwise or under the laws of foreign countries (a “Claim”), (i) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in (A) the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or in any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication (as from time to time each may be amended and supplemented); (B) any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the Offering, including any “road show” or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically); or (C) any application or other document or written communication (in this Section 5, collectively called “application”) executed by the Company or based upon written information furnished by the Company in any jurisdiction in order to qualify the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities under the securities laws thereof or filed with the Commission, any state securities commission or agency, the Exchange or any other national securities exchange; or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, the Underwriters’ Information or (ii) otherwise arising in connection with or allegedly in connection with the Offering. The Company also agrees that it will reimburse each Underwriter Indemnified Party for all reasonable and documented fees and expenses (including but not limited to any and all reasonable legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and the Company or between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and any third party, or otherwise) (collectively, the “Expenses”), and further agrees wherever and whenever possible to advance payment of Expenses as they are incurred by an Underwriter Indemnified Party in investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any Claim.

 

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5.1.2. Procedure. If any action is brought against an Underwriter Indemnified Party in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant to Section 5.1.1, such Underwriter Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the institution of such action and the Company shall assume the defense of such action, including the employment and fees of counsel (subject to the reasonable approval of such Underwriter Indemnified Party) and payment of actual expenses if an Underwriter Indemnified Party requests that the Company do so. Such Underwriter Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Company, and shall be advanced by the Company. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any action effected without its consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld). In addition, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Underwriters, settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any pending or threatened action in respect of which advancement, reimbursement, indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not such Underwriter Indemnified Party is a party thereto) unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination (i) includes an unconditional release of each Underwriter Indemnified Party, acceptable to such Underwriter Indemnified Party, from all liabilities, expenses and claims arising out of such action for which indemnification or contribution may be sought and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any Underwriter Indemnified Party.

 

5.2 Indemnification of the Company. Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and persons who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the several Underwriters, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or in any application, in reliance upon, and in strict conformity with, the Underwriters’ Information. In case any action shall be brought against the Company or any other person so indemnified based on any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or any application, and in respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter, such Underwriter shall have the rights and duties given to the Company, and the Company and each other person so indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the several Underwriters by the provisions of Section 5.1.2. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Representative of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers, directors or any person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Public Securities or in connection with the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication.

 

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5.3 Contribution.

 

5.3.1. Contribution Rights. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5 shall for any reason be unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 5.1 or 5.2 in respect of any loss, claim, damage or liability, or any action in respect thereof, referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, (i) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, from the Offering of the Public Securities, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to such Offering shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the Offering of the Public Securities purchased under this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on the one hand, and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters with respect to the Common Shares purchased under this Agreement, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on the other hand. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 5.3.1 were to be determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 5.3.1 shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 5.3.1, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.3.1 in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the Offering of the Public Securities exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

5.3.2. Contribution Procedure. Within fifteen (15) days after receipt by any party to this Agreement (or its representative) of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, such party will, if a claim for contribution in respect thereof is to be made against another party (“contributing party”), notify the contributing party of the commencement thereof, but the failure to so notify the contributing party will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any other party other than for contribution hereunder. In case any such action, suit or proceeding is brought against any party, and such party notifies a contributing party or its representative of the commencement thereof within the aforesaid fifteen (15) days, the contributing party will be entitled to participate therein with the notifying party and any other contributing party similarly notified. Any such contributing party shall not be liable to any party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding affected by such party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding without the written consent of such contributing party. The contribution provisions contained in this Section 5.3.2 are intended to supersede, to the extent permitted by law, any right to contribution under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise available. Each Underwriter’s obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 5.3 are several and not joint.

 

6. Default by an Underwriter.

 

6.1 Default Not Exceeding 10% of Firm Shares or Option Shares. If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or their obligations to purchase the Firm Shares or the Option Shares, if the Over-allotment Option is exercised hereunder, and if the number of the Firm Shares or Option Shares with respect to which such default relates does not exceed in the aggregate ten percent (10%) of the number of Firm Shares or Option Shares that all Underwriters have agreed to purchase hereunder, then such Firm Shares or Option Shares to which the default relates shall be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters in proportion to their respective commitments hereunder.

 

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6.2 Default Exceeding 10% of Firm Shares or Option Shares. In the event that the default addressed in Section 6.1 relates to more than ten percent (10%) of the Firm Shares or Option Shares, you may in your discretion arrange for yourself or for another party or parties to purchase such Firm Shares or Option Shares to which such default relates on the terms contained herein. If, within one (1) Business Day after such default relating to more than ten percent (10%) of the Firm Shares or Option Shares, you do not arrange for the purchase of such Firm Shares or Option Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of one (1) Business Day within which to procure another party or parties satisfactory to you to purchase said Firm Shares or Option Shares on such terms. In the event that neither you nor the Company arrange for the purchase of the Firm Shares or Option Shares to which a default relates as provided in this Section 6, this Agreement will automatically be terminated by you or the Company without liability on the part of the Company (except as provided in Sections 3.9 and 5 hereof) or the several Underwriters (except as provided in Section 5 hereof); provided, however, that if such default occurs with respect to the Option Shares, this Agreement will not terminate as to the Firm Shares; and provided, further, that nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the other Underwriters and to the Company for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.

 

6.3 Postponement of Closing Date. In the event that the Firm Shares or Option Shares to which the default relates are to be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters, or are to be purchased by another party or parties as aforesaid, you or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or Option Closing Date for a reasonable period, but not in any event exceeding five (5) Business Days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or in any other documents and arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriter may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any party substituted under this Section 6 with like effect as if it had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Common Shares.

 

7. Additional Covenants.

 

7.1 Board Composition and Board Designations. The Company shall ensure that: (i) the qualifications of the persons serving as members of the Board of Directors and the overall composition of the Board comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, with the Exchange Act and with the listing rules of the Exchange or any other national securities exchange, as the case may be, in the event the Company seeks to have its Public Securities listed on another exchange or quoted on an automated quotation system, and (ii) if applicable, at least one (1) member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” or , absent meeting such qualification, has “accounting or related financial management expertise” or “financial sophistication” or such term, as applicable, is defined under Regulation S-K or the listing rules of the Exchange, as applicable.

 

7.2 Prohibition on Press Releases and Public Announcements. The Company shall not issue press releases or engage in any other publicity, without the Representative’s prior written consent, for a period ending at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the first (1st) Business Day following the fortieth (40th) day after the Closing Date, other than normal and customary releases issued in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and any other press release that may be necessary to comply with the Securities Act or the rules of the Exchange.

 

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7.3 Right of First Refusal. Provided that the Firm Shares are sold in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Representative shall have an irrevocable right of first refusal (the “Right of First Refusal”), for a period of twelve (12) months after the date the Offering is completed, to act as sole investment banker, sole book-runner, and/or sole placement agent, at the Representative’s sole discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offering, including all equity linked financings (each, a “Subject Transaction”), during such twelve (12) month period, of the Company, or any successor to or subsidiary of the Company, on terms customary to the Representative for such Subject Transactions. The Representative shall have the sole right to determine whether or not any other broker dealer shall have the right to participate in any such Subject Transaction and the economic terms of any such participation.

 

The Company shall notify the Representative of its intention to pursue a Subject Transaction, including the material terms thereof, by providing written notice thereof by registered mail or overnight courier service addressed to the Representative. If the Representative fails to exercise its Right of First Refusal with respect to any Subject Transaction within ten (10) Business Days after the mailing or other permitted delivery of such notice, then the Representative shall have no further claim or right with respect to the Subject Transaction. The Representative may elect, in its sole and absolute discretion, not to exercise its Right of First Refusal with respect to any Subject Transaction; provided that any such election by the Representative shall not adversely affect the Representative’s Right of First Refusal with respect to any other Subject Transaction during the twelve (12) month period agreed to above.

 

8. Effective Date of this Agreement and Termination Thereof.

 

8.1 Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective when both the Company and the Representative have executed the same and delivered counterparts of such signatures to the other party.

 

8.2 Termination. The Representative shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time prior to any Closing Date, (i) if any domestic or international event or act or occurrence has materially disrupted, or in your opinion will in the immediate future materially disrupt, general securities markets in the United States; or (ii) if trading on the Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC shall have been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required by FINRA or by order of the Commission or any other government authority having jurisdiction; or (iii) if the United States shall have become involved in a new war or an increase in major hostilities; or (iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by a New York State or federal authority; or (v) if a moratorium on foreign exchange trading has been declared which materially adversely impacts the United States securities markets; or (vi) if the Company shall have sustained a material loss by fire, flood, accident, hurricane, earthquake, theft, sabotage or other calamity or malicious act which, whether or not such loss shall have been insured, will, in your opinion, make it inadvisable to proceed with the delivery of the Firm Shares or Option Shares; or (vii) if the Company is in material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants hereunder; or (viii) if the Representative shall have become aware after the date hereof of such a Material Adverse Change in the conditions of the Company Group, or such Material Adverse Change in general market conditions as in the Representative’s judgment would make it impracticable to proceed with the offering, sale and/or delivery of the Public Securities or to enforce contracts made by the Underwriters for the sale of the Public Securities.

 

8.3 Expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except in the case of a default by the Underwriters, pursuant to Section 6.2 above, in the event that this Agreement shall not be carried out for any reason whatsoever, within the time specified herein or any extensions thereof pursuant to the terms herein, the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Underwriters their actual and accountable out-of-pocket expenses related to the transactions contemplated herein then due and payable (including the fees and disbursements of Representative Counsel) up to $200,000, inclusive of the $50,000 advance for accountable expenses previously paid by the Company to the Representative (the “Advance”) and upon demand the Company shall pay the full amount thereof to the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters; provided, however, that such expense cap in no way limits or impairs the indemnification and contribution provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any advance received by the Representative will be reimbursed to the Company to the extent not actually incurred in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(A).

 

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8.4 Survival of Indemnification. Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in this Agreement, any election hereunder or any termination of this Agreement, and whether or not this Agreement is otherwise carried out, the provisions of Section 5 shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be in any way affected by, such election or termination or failure to carry out the terms of this Agreement or any part hereof.

 

8.5 Representations, Warranties, Agreements to Survive. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or its Affiliates or selling agents, any person controlling any Underwriter, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company or (ii) delivery of and payment for the Public Securities.

 

9. Miscellaneous.

 

9.1 Notices. All communications hereunder, except as herein otherwise specifically provided, shall be in writing and shall be mailed (registered or certified mail, return receipt requested), personally delivered or sent by facsimile transmission and confirmed and shall be deemed given when so delivered or faxed and confirmed or if mailed, two (2) days after such mailing.

 

If to the Representative:

 

ThinkEquity

17 State Street, 41st Fl

New York, NY 10004

Attn: Head of Investment Banking

e-mail: Notices@think-equity.com

 

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Sullivan & Worcester LLP

1633 Broadway

New York, New York 10019

Attention: Oded Har-Even, Esq.

Fax No.: (212) 660-3001

Email: ohareven@sullivanlaw.com

 

and

 

Tingle Merrett LLP (Canadian Counsel to Underwriters)

1250, 639 – 5 Avenue SW

Calgary, AB T2P 0M9

Attn: Scott Reeves

Fax No.: 403-571-8008

 

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If to the Company or Strong/MDI:

 

Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.

5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275

Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210

Attention: Mark D. Roberson

Fax No: (402) 453-7238

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Loeb & Loeb LLP

345 Park Ave

New York, NY 10154

Attention: Mitchell Nussbaum, Esq. or Janeane Ferrari, Esq.

Fax No: 212-407-4990

 

If to FG Group Holdings:

 

FG Group Holdings Inc.

5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275

Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210

Attention: Mark D. Roberson

Fax No: (402) 453-7238

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Kirton McConkie PC (Counsel to FG Group Holdings)

50 E. South Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Attn: C. Parkinson Lloyd

Fax No: 801-321-4893

 

and

 

Holland & Hart LLP

222 South Main Street, Suite 2200

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Attn: S. Chase Dowden

Email: SCDowden@hollandhart.com

 

9.2 Research Analyst Independence. The Company acknowledges that each Underwriter’s research analysts and research departments are required to be independent from its investment banking division and are subject to certain regulations and internal policies, and that such Underwriter’s research analysts may hold views and make statements or investment recommendations and/or publish research reports with respect to the Company and/or the Offering that differ from the views of their investment banking division. The Company acknowledges that each Underwriter is a full service securities firm and as such from time to time, subject to applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, may effect transactions for its own account or the account of its customers and hold long or short positions in debt or equity securities of the Company; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 9.2 shall relieve the Underwriter of any responsibility or liability it may otherwise bear in connection with activities in violation of applicable securities laws, rules or regulations.

 

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9.3 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement.

 

9.4 Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto.

 

9.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, it is understood and agreed by the parties hereto that all other terms and conditions of that certain engagement letter between the Company and ThinkEquity LLC dated October 12, 2021, shall remain in full force and effect.

 

9.6 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Representative, the Underwriters, the Company and the controlling persons, directors and officers referred to in Section 5 hereof, and their respective successors, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Agreement or any provisions herein contained. The term “successors and assigns” shall not include a purchaser, in its capacity as such, of securities from any of the Underwriters.

 

9.7 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any such process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 9.1 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. Each of the Company and the Underwriters agree that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its shareholders and affiliates) and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

9.8 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of a signed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile or email/pdf transmission shall constitute valid and sufficient delivery thereof.

 

9.9 Waiver, etc. The failure of any of the parties hereto to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way effect the validity of this Agreement or any provision hereof or the right of any of the parties hereto to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Underwriters and the Company, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between us.

 

  Very truly yours,
     
  STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson
  Name: Mark D. Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  FG Group Holdings INC.
     
  By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson
  Name: Mark D. Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Ray F. Boegner
  Name: Ray F. Boegner
  Title: President

 

Confirmed as of the date first written above mentioned, on behalf of itself and as Representative of the several Underwriters named on Schedule 1 hereto:  
     
THINKEQUITY LLC  
     
By: /s/ Kevin Mangan  
Name: Kevin Mangan  
Title: Managing Director, Head of Equity Syndicate  

 

[Signature Page]

[ISSUER] – Underwriting Agreement

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE 1

 

Underwriter 

Total Number of

Firm Shares to be
Purchased

   Number of Additional
Shares to be Purchased if
the Over-Allotment Option
is Fully Exercised
 
ThinkEquity LLC .   1,000,000    150,000 
TOTAL   1,000,000    150,000 

 

Sch. 1-1
 

 

SCHEDULE 2-A

 

Pricing Information

 

Number of Firm Shares: 1,000,000

 

Number of Option Shares: 150,000

 

Number of Representative’s Warrants: 50,000

 

Firm Share Offering Price per Share: $4.00

 

Underwriting Discount per Share: $0.28

 

Underwriting Non-accountable expense allowance per Share: $0.04

 

Proceeds to Company per Share (before expenses): $3.68

 

Sch. 2-1
 

 

SCHEDULE 2-B

 

Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses

 

Free writing prospectus as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2023.

 

Sch. 2-2
 

 

SCHEDULE 2-C

 

Written Testing-the-Waters Communications

 

None.

 

Sch. 2-3
 

 

SCHEDULE 3

 

List of Lock-Up Parties

 

FG Group Holdings Inc.

 

Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc.

 

Mark D. Roberson

 

Todd R. Major

 

Ray F. Boegner

 

D. Kyle Cerminara

 

Richard E. Govignon Jr.

 

John W. Struble

 

Marsha G. King

 

Sch. 3-1
 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Form of Representative’s Warrant

 

THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS PURCHASE WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE (DEFINED BELOW) TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) THINKEQUITY LLC, OR AN UNDERWRITER OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF THINKEQUITY LLC OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITER OR SELECTED DEALER.

 

THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO [________________] [DATE THAT IS 180 DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE OFFERING]. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, [___________________] [DATE THAT IS FIVE YEARS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE OFFERING].

 

WARRANT TO PURCHASE CLASS A COMMON VOTING SHARES

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

Warrant Shares: _______

 

Initial Exercise Date: ______, 2023

 

THIS WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON SHARES (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, ThinkEquity LLC or its assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after ____, 2023 (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and, in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(A), prior to at 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date that is five (5) years following the Effective Date (the “Termination Date”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., a company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Company”), up to ______ Class A Common Voting Shares, no par value, of the Company (the “Common Shares”), as subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Warrant Shares”). The purchase price of one Common Share under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b). This Warrant is being issued in connection with that certain Underwriting Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2023 between the Company and ThinkEquity LLC, as representative of the underwriter(s) named therein.

 

Ex. A-1
 

 

Section 1. Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in the Warrant, the following terms have the meanings indicated in this Section 1:

 

Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

Business Day” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Effective Date” means the effective date of the registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-264165), including any related prospectus or prospectuses, for the registration of the Common Shares and the Warrant Shares under the Securities Act, that the Company has filed with the Commission.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

 

Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Shares are listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American LLC, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

 

VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Shares then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Shares are then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of a Common Share for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if Common Shares are not then listed or quoted for trading on the OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for Common Shares are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per Common Share so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of the Common Shares as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holder and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

 

Ex. A-2
 

 

Section 2. Exercise.

 

a) Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered Holder at the address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company) of a duly executed facsimile copy (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise Form annexed hereto. Within two (2) Trading Days following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within five (5) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise Form within two (2) Business Days of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

 

b) Exercise Price. The exercise price per Common Share under this Warrant shall be $5.00,1 subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).

 

c) Cashless Exercise. In lieu of exercising this Warrant by delivering the aggregate Exercise Price by wire transfer or cashier’s check, at the election of the Holder this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive the number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

  (A) = as applicable: (i) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is (1) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a day that is not a Trading Day or (2) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a Trading Day prior to the opening of “regular trading hours” (as defined in Rule 600(b)(64) of Regulation NMS promulgated under the federal securities laws) on such Trading Day, (ii) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is executed during “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day and is delivered within two (2) hours thereafter (including until two (2) hours after the close of “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day) pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof or (iii) the VWAP on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if the date of such Notice of Exercise is a Trading Day and such Notice of Exercise is both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof after the close of “regular trading hours” on such Trading Day;

 

 

 

1 125% of the public offering price per Common Share.

 

Ex. A-3
 

 

  (B) = the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and
     
  (X) = the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 

If Warrant Shares are issued in such a “cashless exercise,” the parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the registered characteristics of the Warrants being exercised, and the holding period of the Warrants being exercised may be tacked on to the holding period of the Warrant Shares. The Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this Section 2(c).

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).

 

d) Mechanics of Exercise.

 

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by its transfer agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder, or (B) the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale by the Holder without volume or manner-of-sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144 and, in either case, the Warrant Shares have been sold by the Holder prior to the Warrant Share Delivery Date (as defined below), and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). If the Warrant Shares can be delivered via DWAC, the transfer agent shall have received from the Company, at the expense of the Company, any legal opinions or other documentation required by it to deliver such Warrant Shares without legend (subject to receipt by the Company of reasonable back up documentation from the Holder, including with respect to affiliate status) and, if applicable and requested by the Company prior to the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the transfer agent shall have received from the Holder a confirmation of sale of the Warrant Shares (provided the requirement of the Holder to provide a confirmation as to the sale of Warrant Shares shall not be applicable to the issuance of unlegended Warrant Shares upon a cashless exercise of this Warrant if the Warrant Shares are then eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1)). The Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have been issued, and Holder or any other person so designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of such shares for all purposes, as of the date the Warrant has been exercised, with payment to the Company of the Exercise Price (or by cashless exercise, if permitted) and all taxes required to be paid by the Holder, if any, pursuant to Section 2(d)(vi) prior to the issuance of such shares, having been paid. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the second (2nd) Trading Day following the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Shares on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth (5th) Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after the second Trading Day following such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise.

 

Ex. A-4
 

 

ii. Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

 

iii. Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause its transfer agent to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise; provided, however, that the Holder shall be required to return any Warrant Shares or Common Shares subject to any such rescinded exercise notice concurrently with the return to Holder of the aggregate Exercise Price paid to the Company for such Warrant Shares and the restoration of Holder’s right to acquire such Warrant Shares pursuant to this Warrant (including, issuance of a replacement warrant certificate evidencing such restored right).

 

iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause its transfer agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the Common Shares so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of Common Shares that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Shares having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of Common Shares with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver Common Shares upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

v. No Fractional Shares or Scrip. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

 

vi. Charges, Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event that Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all transfer agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.

 

Ex. A-5
 

 

vii. Closing of Books. The Company will not close its shareholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

viii. Signature. This Section 2 and the exercise form attached hereto set forth the totality of the procedures required of the Holder in order to exercise this Purchase Warrant. Without limiting the preceding sentences, no ink-original exercise form shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any exercise form be required in order to exercise this Purchase Warrant. No additional legal opinion, other information or instructions shall be required of the Holder to exercise this Purchase Warrant. The Company shall honor exercises of this Purchase Warrant and shall deliver Shares underlying this Purchase Warrant in accordance with the terms, conditions and time periods set forth herein.

 

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates shall include the number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of Common Shares which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Shares Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination and shall have no liability for exercise of the Warrant that are not in compliance with the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, except to the extent that the Holder relies on the number of outstanding Common Shares that was provided by the Company. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination and shall have no liability for exercises of the Warrant that are not in compliance with the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, except to the extent the Holder relies on the number of outstanding Common Shares that was provided by the Company. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding Common Shares, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding Common Shares as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent setting forth the number of Common Shares outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two (2) Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of Common Shares then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding Common Shares shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding Common Shares was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 9.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

 

Ex. A-6
 

 

Section 3. Certain Adjustments.

 

a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on its Common Shares or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in Common Shares (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Common Shares issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding Common Shares into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of Common Shares any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification. For the purposes of clarification, the Exercise Price of this Warrant will not be adjusted in the event that the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as applicable, sells or grants any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, at an effective price per share less than the Exercise Price then in effect.

 

b) [RESERVED]

 

c) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Share Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of Common Shares (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of Common Shares acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of Common Shares are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such Common Shares as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

d) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend (other than cash dividends) or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of Common Shares, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of shares or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of Common Shares acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of Common Shares are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any Common Shares as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation). To the extent that this Warrant has not been partially or completely exercised at the time of such Distribution, such portion of the Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until the Holder has exercised this Warrant.

 

Ex. A-7
 

 

e) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Shares, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares are effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding Common Shares (not including any Common Shares held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of Common Shares of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable by holders of Common Shares as a result of such Fundamental Transaction for each Common Share for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one Common Share in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Shares are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(e) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of Common Shares of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the Common Shares acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such Common Shares (but taking into account the relative value of the Common Shares pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of Common Shares and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

 

Ex. A-8
 

 

f) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of Common Shares deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

 

g) Notice to Holder.

 

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly deliver by facsimile or mail to the Holder a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If while the Warrant is outstanding, (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Shares, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Shares, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Shares rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any shareholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Shares, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Shares are converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by facsimile or mailed a notice to the Holder at its facsimile number, or last address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Shares of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Shares of record shall be entitled to exchange their Common Shares for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to provide such notice or any defect therein shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided hereunder constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

 

Ex. A-9
 

 

Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.

 

a) Transferability. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1), neither this Warrant nor any Warrant Shares issued upon exercise of this Warrant shall be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days immediately following the Effective Date pursuant to which this Warrant is being issued, except the transfer of any security:

 

i. by operation of law or by reason of reorganization of the Company;

 

ii. to any FINRA member firm participating in the offering and the officers or partners thereof, if all securities so transferred remain subject to the lock-up restriction in this Section 4(a) for the remainder of the time period;

 

iii. if the aggregate amount of securities of the Company held by the Holder or related person do not exceed 1% of the securities being offered;

 

iv. that is beneficially owned on a pro-rata basis by all equity owners of an investment fund, provided that no participating member manages or otherwise directs investments by the fund, and participating members in the aggregate do not own more than 10% of the equity in the fund; or

 

v. the exercise or conversion of any security, if all securities received remain subject to the lock-up restriction in this Section 4(a) for the remainder of the time period.

 

Subject to the foregoing restriction, any applicable securities laws and the conditions set forth in Section 4(d), this Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

 

Ex. A-10
 

 

b) New Warrants. This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the initial issuance date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

 

c) Warrant Register. The Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Company for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.

 

d) Representation by the Holder. The Holder, by the acceptance hereof, represents and warrants that it is acquiring this Warrant and, upon any exercise hereof, will acquire the Warrant Shares issuable upon such exercise, for its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Warrant Shares or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, except pursuant to sales registered or exempted under the Securities Act.

 

Section 5. Registration Rights.

 

5.1. Demand Registration.

 

5.1.1 Grant of Right. The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of the Holder(s) of at least 51% of the Warrants and/or the underlying Warrant Shares (“Majority Holders”), agrees to register, on one occasion, all or any portion of the Warrant Shares underlying the Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the Commission covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and use its reasonable best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Commission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to comply with a Demand Notice if the Company has filed a registration statement with respect to which the Holder is entitled to piggyback registration rights pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof and either: (i) the Holder has elected to participate in the offering covered by such registration statement or (ii) if such registration statement relates to an underwritten primary offering of securities of the Company, until the offering covered by such registration statement has been withdrawn or until thirty (30) days after such offering is consummated. The demand for registration may be made at any time beginning on the Initial Exercise Date and expiring on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holder(s) to all other registered Holders of the Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days after the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice.

 

Ex. A-11
 

 

5.1.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 5.1.1, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. The Company agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the filing required herein to become effective promptly and to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such States as are reasonably requested by the Holder(s); provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal shareholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 5.1.1 to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement are first given the opportunity to sell all of such securities. The Holders shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the Warrant Shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.1.2, the Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 5.1.2 on only one (1) occasion and such demand registration right shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the date of the Underwriting Agreement (as defined below) in accordance with FINRA Rules 5110(g)(8)(B) and 5110(g)(8)(C).

 

5.2 “Piggy-Back” Registration.

 

5.2.1 Grant of Right. In addition to the demand right of registration described in Section 5.1 hereof, the Holder shall have the right, for a period of no more than two (2) years from the Initial Exercise Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D), to include the Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of Common Shares which may be included in the Registration Statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such Registration Statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities.

 

Ex. A-12
 

 

5.2.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 5.2.1 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than thirty (30) days written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company during the two (2) year period following the Initial Exercise Date until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 5.2.2; provided, however, that such registration rights shall terminate on the second anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date.

 

5.3 General Terms

 

5.3.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holder(s) of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 (a) of the Exchange Act against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters contained in Section 5.1 of the Underwriting Agreement. The Holder(s) of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement, and their successors and assigns, shall severally, and not jointly, indemnify the Company, against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information furnished by or on behalf of such Holders, or their successors or assigns, in writing, for specific inclusion in such registration statement to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions contained in Section 5.2 of the Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.

 

5.3.2 Exercise of Warrants. Nothing contained in this Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holder(s) to exercise their Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof.

 

Ex. A-13
 

 

5.3.3 Documents Delivered to Holders. The Company shall furnish to each Holder participating in any of the foregoing offerings and to each underwriter of any such offering, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter, of: (i) an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the closing under any underwriting agreement related thereto), and (ii) a “cold comfort” letter dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement) signed by the independent registered public accounting firm which has issued a report on the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of such accountants’ letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities. The Company shall also deliver promptly to each Holder participating in the offering requesting the correspondence and memoranda described below and to the managing underwriter, if any, copies of all correspondence between the Commission and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all memoranda relating to discussions with the Commission or its staff with respect to the registration statement and permit each Holder and underwriter to do such investigation, upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities laws or rules of FINRA. Such investigation shall include access to books, records and properties and opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers and independent auditors, all to such reasonable extent and at such reasonable times as any such Holder shall reasonably request.

 

5.3.4 Underwriting Agreement. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with the managing underwriter(s), if any, selected by any Holders whose Registrable Securities are being registered pursuant to this Section 5, which managing underwriter shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Such agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, each Holder and such managing underwriters, and shall contain such representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and such other terms as are customarily contained in agreements of that type used by the managing underwriter. The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of their Registrable Securities and may, at their option, require that any or all the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders. Such Holders shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters except as they may relate to such Holders, their Warrant Shares and their intended methods of distribution.

 

5.3.5 Documents to be Delivered by Holder(s). Each of the Holder(s) participating in any of the foregoing offerings shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders.

 

5.3.6 Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Sections 5.1 and 5.2 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holder(s) shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holder(s), be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security.

 

Ex. A-14
 

 

Section 6. Miscellaneous.

 

a) No Rights as Shareholder Until Exercise. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a shareholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i).

 

b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

 

c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Trading Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Trading Day.

 

d) Authorized Shares.

 

The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Shares a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of issuing the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Shares may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

 

Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

 

Ex. A-15
 

 

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

 

e) Jurisdiction. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

f) Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.

 

g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant or the Underwriting Agreement, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.

 

h) Notices. Any notice, request or other document required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Holder by the Company shall be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

i) Limitation of Liability. No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Share or as a shareholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

 

j) Remedies. The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

k) Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

 

l) Amendment. This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company and the Holder.

 

m) Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

 

n) Headings. The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

 

********************

 

(Signature Page Follows)

 

Ex. A-16
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 

  STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
     
  By:                         
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Ex. A-17
 

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

  TO: STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

_________________________

 

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase ________ Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

 

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

 

[  ] in lawful money of the United States; or

 

[  ] if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).

 

(3) Please register and issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:

 

_______________________________

 

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number or by physical delivery of a certificate to:

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

(4) Accredited Investor. If the Warrant is being exercised via cash exercise, the undersigned is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity: _______________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity: _________________________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: ___________________________________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: ____________________________________________________________

 

Date: ________________________________________________________________________________

 

Ex. A-18
 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

(To assign the foregoing warrant, execute
this form and supply required information.
Do not use this form to exercise the warrant.)

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [____] all of or [_______] shares of the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

_______________________________________________ whose address is

 

_______________________________________________________________.

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

Dated: ______________, _______

 

Holder’s Signature: _____________________________

 

Holder’s Address: _____________________________

 

_____________________________

 

NOTE: The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

 

Ex. A-19
 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Lock-Up Agreement

 

[●], 2023

 

ThinkEquity LLC

17 State Street, 41st Floor

New York, NY 10004

 

As Representative of the several Underwriters named on Schedule 1 to the Underwriting Agreement referenced below

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned understands that ThinkEquity LLC (the “Representative”), proposes to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., a company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Company”), Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. (“Strong/MDI” or “Parent”), a company incorporated under the laws of Québec, Canada, and FG Group Holdings Inc., a Nevada corporation (“FG Group Holdings” or “Manager”), providing for the initial public offering (the “Public Offering”) of Class A Common Voting Shares, no par value in the authorized share structure of the Company (the “Common Shares”).

 

To induce the Representative to continue its efforts in connection with the Public Offering, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, the undersigned will not, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 12 months for officers and directors and all other shareholders after the date of the Underwriting Agreement relating to the Public Offering (the “Lock-Up Period”), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition (collectively, the “Lock-Up Securities”); (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Lock-Up Securities, in cash or otherwise; (3) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any Lock-Up Securities; or (4) publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement relating to any Lock-Up Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to the conditions below, the undersigned may transfer Lock-Up Securities without the prior written consent of the Representative in connection with (a) transactions relating to Lock-Up Securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering; provided that no filing under Section 13 or Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or other public announcement shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of Lock-Up Securities acquired in such open market transactions; (b) transfers of Lock-Up Securities as a bona fide gift, by will or intestacy or to a family member or trust for the benefit of the undersigned or a family member (for purposes of this lock-up agreement, “family member” means any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin); (c) transfers of Lock-Up Securities to a charity or educational institution; (d) if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity, (i) any transfers of Lock-Up Securities to another corporation, partnership or other business entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the undersigned or (ii) distributions of Lock-Up Securities to members, partners, shareholders, other equity holders, subsidiaries or affiliates (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the undersigned; (e) if the undersigned is a trust, to a trustee or beneficiary of the trust; (f) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (b), (c), (d) or (e), provided that in the case of any transfer pursuant to the foregoing clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), (i) any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (ii) each transferee shall sign and deliver to the Representative a lock-up agreement substantially in the form of this lock-up agreement and (iii) no filing under Section 13 or Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or shall be voluntarily made; (g) the receipt by the undersigned from the Company of Common Shares upon the vesting of restricted stock awards or stock units or upon the exercise of options to purchase the Company’s Common Shares issued under an equity incentive plan of the Company or an employment arrangement described in the Pricing Prospectus (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement) (the “Plan Shares”) or the transfer of Common Shares or any securities convertible into Common Shares to the Company upon a vesting event of the Company’s securities or upon the exercise of options to purchase the Company’s securities, in each case on a “cashless” or “net exercise” basis or to cover tax obligations of the undersigned in connection with such vesting or exercise, but only to the extent such right expires during the Lock-up Period, provided that if the undersigned is required to file a report under Section 13 or Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of Common Shares during the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall include a statement in such schedule or report to the effect that the purpose of such transfer was to cover tax withholding obligations of the undersigned in connection with such vesting or exercise and, provided further, that the Plan Shares shall be subject to the terms of this lock-up agreement; (h) the transfer of Lock-Up Securities pursuant to agreements described in the Pricing Prospectus under which the Company has the option to repurchase such securities or a right of first refusal with respect to the transfer of such securities, provided that if the undersigned is required to file a report under Section 13 or Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of Common Shares during the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall include a statement in such schedule or report describing the purpose of the transaction; (i) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of Lock-Up Securities, provided that (i) such plan does not provide for the transfer of Lock-Up Securities during the Lock-Up Period and (ii) to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if any, is required of or voluntarily made by or on behalf of the undersigned or the Company regarding the establishment of such plan, such public announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of Lock-Up Securities may be made under such plan during the Lock-Up Period; (i) the transfer of Lock-Up Securities that occurs by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order or in connection with a divorce settlement, provided that the transferee agrees to sign and deliver a lock-up agreement substantially in the form of this lock-up agreement for the balance of the Lock-Up Period, and provided further, that any filing under Section 13 or Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act that is required to be made during the Lock-Up Period as a result of such transfer shall include a statement that such transfer has occurred by operation of law; and (j) the transfer of Lock-Up Securities pursuant to a bona fide third party tender offer, merger, (k) the transfer of Lock-Up Securities to the Company from an employee or director of the Company upon death, disability or termination of employment, in each case, of such employee or director, consolidation or other similar transaction made to all holders of the Common Shares involving a change of control (as defined below) of the Company after the closing of the Public Offering and approved by the Company’s board of directors; provided that in the event that the tender offer, merger, consolidation or other such transaction is not completed, the Lock-Up Securities owned by the undersigned shall remain subject to the restrictions contained in this lock-up agreement. For purposes of clause (j) above, “change of control” shall mean the consummation of any bona fide third party tender offer, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other similar transaction the result of which is that any “person” (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), or group of persons, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) of a majority of total voting power of the voting stock of the Company. The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities except in compliance with this lock-up agreement.

 

Ex. B-1
 

 

The undersigned agrees that, prior to engaging in any transaction or taking any other action that is subject to the terms of this lock-up agreement during the period from the date hereof to and including the thirty-fourth (34th) day following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned will give notice thereof to the Company and will not consummate any such transaction or take any such action unless it has received written confirmation from the Company that the Lock-Up Period has expired.

 

If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) the undersigned agrees that the foregoing restrictions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed or “friends and family” Securities that the undersigned may purchase in the Public Offering; (ii) the Representative agrees that, at least three (3) business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of Lock-Up Securities, the Representative will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver; and (iii) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two (2) business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by the Representative hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two (2) business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer of Lock-Up Securities not for consideration and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this lock-up agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of such transfer.

 

No provision of this lock up agreement shall be deemed to restrict or prohibit the exercise, exchange, or conversion by the undersigned of any securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into Common Shares, as applicable, provided, that, the undersigned does not transfer Common Shares acquired on such exercise, exchange, or conversion during the Lock Up Period, unless otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms of this lock up agreement.

 

The undersigned understands that the Company and the Representative are relying upon this lock-up agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering. The undersigned further understands that this lock-up agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

The undersigned understands that, if the Underwriting Agreement is not executed by December 31, 2023, or if the Underwriting Agreement (other than the provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for and delivery of the Common Shares to be sold thereunder, then this lock-up agreement shall be void and of no further force or effect.

 

Ex. B-2
 

 

Whether or not the Public Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions. Any Public Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Representative.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
   
  (Name - Please Print)
   
   
  (Signature)
   
   
  (Name of Signatory, in the case of entities - Please Print)
   
   
  (Title of Signatory, in the case of entities - Please Print)
     
  Address:  
     
     
     
     

 

Ex. B-3
 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

Form of Press Release

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

[Date]

 

Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today that ThinkEquity LLC, acting as representative for the underwriters in the Company’s recent public offering of _______ the Company’s Class A Common Voting Shares, is [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to _________ of the Company’s Class A Common Voting Shares held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver] [release] will take effect on _________, 20___, and the shares may be sold on or after such date.

 

This press release is not an offer or sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer or sale is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Ex. C-1

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

[Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, schedules and attachments to this exhibit have been omitted. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.]

 

MASTER ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of May 18, 2023

 

BETWEEN:

 

STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC., a company existing under the laws of Québec with an address at 1440 Rue Raoul-Charette, Joliette, QC J6E 8S7

 

(the “Transferor”)

 

AND:

 

STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia with its registered address at 2300 – 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2B5

 

(the “Company”)

 

CONTEXT:

 

A. The Transferor manufactures premium projection screens and customized screen support systems, distributes cinema equipment, and provides technical support services to the entertainment industry (the “Entertainment Business”).
   
B. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Transferor.
   
C. Strong Global (as defined below), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Transferor, intends to complete an initial public offering of its Class A Common Voting shares (“Common Shares”) and list its Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange American (the “IPO”).
   
D. In connection with the IPO, Strong Global, the Transferor and the Company will enter into certain agreements, including this Agreement, pursuant to which, among other matters, effective on the date the IPO completes, the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strong Global.
   
E. The Transferor wishes to transfer to the Company, and the Company wishes to acquire, all of the Transferor’s assets that are used in connection with the Entertainment Business on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
   
F. The Transferor and the Company have agreed to make a joint election pursuant to subsection 85(1) of the Tax Act (as defined below) (and the equivalent provision under any provincial tax legislation) in the manner set forth herein with the intent that the transfer of the Entertainment Business to the Company be effected on a fully tax-deferred rollover basis.

 

 
 - 2 - 

 

THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set out in this Agreement and other valuable consideration, the Transferor and the Company hereby agree with each other as follows:

 

1. Definitions and Interpretation
   
1.1 Whenever used in this Agreement, all capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth herein:
     
  (a) Adjusted Elected Amount” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.3;
     
  (b) Affiliate” means an affiliate as that term is defined in the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia);
     
  (c) Agreement” means this Master Asset Purchase Agreement, including the Context, all schedules hereto, and all amendments, supplements and restatements hereof;
     
  (d) Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which Canadian chartered banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in Vancouver, British Columbia;
     
  (e) Canada Life Policy” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.5;
     
  (f) Closing Date” means the date on which closing occurs which will be the same date as the closing date of the IPO;
     
  (g) Company” has the meaning ascribed to it on the first page of this Agreement;
     
  (h) Company Portion of the Bonus” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.4;
     
  (i) Confidential Information” means information that is of value to a Party, and is not generally known in the industry or to competitors of a Party, and includes, but is not limited to, business information, specifications, research, software, trade secrets, discoveries, ideas, know-how, designs, drawings, flow chart, data, computer programs, marketing plans, budget figures, and other financial and business information, or any such information of clients, parents affiliates, subsidiaries or agents of a party, which is disclosed by such party (“Disclosing Party”) whether directly in oral or material form to the other party (“Receiving Party”), or indirectly, by permitting the Receiving Party to observe the conduct of the Disclosing Party’s various operations or processes, but shall not include information that: a) is or becomes publicly available without a breach of this Agreement; or b) is already known to the Receiving Party at the time of its disclosure by the Disclosing Party, and is not subject to confidentiality restrictions imposed by the Disclosing Party; or c) following its disclosure to the Receiving Party, is received by the Receiving Party from a third party without obligation of confidence to the Disclosing Party; or d) is independently developed by the Receiving Party without reference to or use of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information; or e) the Disclosing Party has given its prior written approval to disclose;

 

 
 - 3 - 

 

  (j) Consideration Shares” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.1;
     
  (k) Effective Time” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1;
     
  (l) Elected Amount” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.2;
     
  (m) Entertainment Business” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Recital A;
     
  (n) ETA” means the Excise Tax Act (Canada);
     
  (o) Excluded Assets” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1;
     
  (p) Governmental Authority” means:

 

  (i) any federal, provincial, state, local, municipal, regional, territorial, aboriginal, or other government, governmental or public department, branch, ministry, or court, domestic or foreign, including any district, agency, commission, board, arbitration panel or authority and any subdivision of any of them exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, ministerial, prerogative, legislative, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature; and
  (ii) any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory, expropriation or taxing authority under or for the account of any of them, and any subdivision of any of them;

 

  (q) Group RRSP” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.6;
     
  (r) GST/HST” means Goods and Services Tax (“GST”)/Harmonized Sales Tax (“HST”) levied under the ETA;
     
  (s) Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property and proprietary rights of every kind and description throughout the world, including all Canadian and foreign:

 

  (i) patents (including utility, utility model, design patents, and certificates of invention) and patent applications (including additions, provisional, national, regional and international applications, as well as original, continuation, continuation-in-part, divisional, continued prosecution applications, requests for continued examination, re-examinations, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof;
     
  (ii) trademarks, service marks, names, corporate names, trade names, domain names, logos, slogans, trade dress, design rights, and other similar designations of source or origin, together with the goodwill symbolized by any of the foregoing;
     
  (iii) copyrights and copyrightable subject-matter;
     
  (iv) computer programs (whether in source code, object code, or other form), algorithms, databases, compilations and data, technology supporting the foregoing, and all documentation, including user manuals and training materials, related to any of the foregoing;

 

 
 - 4 - 

 

  (v) trade secrets and all other confidential information, ideas, know-how, discoveries, inventions, proprietary processes, formulae, models, and methodologies;
     
  (vi) rights of publicity, privacy, rights to personal information;
     
  (vii) moral rights and rights of attribution and integrity;
     
  (viii) social media addresses and accounts and usernames, account names and identifiers (whether textual, graphic, pictorial or otherwise), and sub-domain names and personal URL’s used or acquired in connection with a third-party website;
     
  (ix) all rights in the foregoing and in other similar intangible assets;
     
  (x) all applications and registrations, and any renewals, extensions and reversions, for the foregoing; and
     
  (xi) together with each of the foregoing, all claims for damages by reason of past infringement thereof, with the right to sue for, and collect the same;

 

  (t) Law” or “Laws” means all laws, statutes, codes, ordinances, decrees, rules, regulations, by-laws, statutory rules, principles of law, published policies and guidelines, judicial or arbitral or administrative or ministerial or departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, decisions, rulings or awards, including general principles of common and civil law, and the terms and conditions of any grant of approval, permission, authority or licence of any Governmental Authority;
     
  (u) Liability” or “Liabilities” means any and all indebtedness, liabilities, costs, expenses, interest, and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, action, whether asserted or unasserted, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority and those arising under any Contract or any fines, damages or equitable relief which may be imposed and including all costs and expenses related thereto;
     
  (v) Personal Information” means information about an individual who can be identified by the person who holds that information;
     
  (w) Purchase Price” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.1;
     
  (x) QST” means the Québec sales tax imposed under the QSTA;
     
  (y) QSTA” means An Act respecting the Québec sales tax (Quebec);
     
  (z) Representatives” means the advisors, agents, consultants, directors, officers, management, employees, subcontractors, and other representatives, including accountants, auditors, financial advisors, lenders, and lawyers of the Transferor or the Company, as applicable;

 

 
 - 5 - 

 

  (aa) Secondary Information” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.4;
     
  (bb) Strong Global” mean Strong Global Entertainment Inc., a company incorporated under the Laws of British Columbia;
     
  (cc) Tax Act” means the Income Tax Act (Canada);
     
  (dd) Transferor” has the meaning ascribed to it on the first page of this Agreement;
     
  (ee) Transferred Assets” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1; and
     
  (ff) Transferred Workforce” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.1.

 

1.2 Schedules

 

The following Schedules are incorporated by reference into and form part of this Agreement:

 

Schedule “A” - Transferred Assets
     
Schedule “B” - Excluded Assets
     
‎Schedule “C” - Allocation of Purchase Price
     
Exhibit “2.3” - Form of Assignment Agreement
     
Exhibit “10.1” - Form of Joliette Plant Lease

 

1.3 Headings

 

The division of this Agreement into Articles and Sections and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. The Article and Section headings in this Agreement are not intended to be full or precise descriptions of the text to which they refer and shall not be considered part of this Agreement.

 

1.4 Gender and Number

 

Words expressed in the singular include the plural and vice-versa and words in one gender include all genders.

 

1.5 Currency

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts referred to in this Agreement are in Canadian funds.

 

1.6 Statutory References

 

Any reference to a statute shall include and shall be deemed to be a reference to such statute and to the regulations made pursuant thereto, with all amendments made thereto and in force from time to time, and to any statute or regulation that may be passed which has the effect of supplementing or superseding or re-enacting the statute so referred to or the regulations made pursuant thereto.

 

 
 - 6 - 

 

1.7 Day Not a Business Day

 

In the event that any day on or before which any action is required to be taken hereunder after the Closing Date is not a Business Day, then such action will be required to be taken on or before the requisite time on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

1.8 Construction

 

The words “including” and “includes” where used in this Agreement shall be deemed to mean “including, without limitation” and “includes, without limitation,” respectively.

 

2. Transfer of Entertainment Business
   
2.1 The Transferor hereby transfers and assigns to the Company, as a going concern, all of the Transferor’s property and assets, including for greater certainty its Intellectual Property, real and personal and movable and immovable, wherever located, that relate to, or are used or held for use in, the Entertainment Business, including, but not limited to, those assets set out in Schedule A (collectively, the “Transferred Assets”), but excluding the property and assets set out in Schedule B, being property and assets not used in the Entertainment Business (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”), such transfer to be effective as of the beginning of the day (the “Effective Time”) on the Closing Date on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement, free and clear of any lien, charge, and encumbrance of any nature or kind whatever.
   
2.2 The transfer referred to in Section 2.1 will be effective at the Effective Time on the Closing Date and the Company will, immediately thereupon, be the beneficial owner of the Transferred Assets.
   
2.3 The Transferor will deliver any documents or instructions reasonably required, including an executed assignment agreement in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit 2.3 or other executed agreement(s) in form and substance acceptable to Company, all with a view to effecting the transfer of the Transferred Assets to the Company effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date.
   
2.4 Regardless of the date of registration of the transfer of title to any of the Transferred Assets the Company will be entitled to all income derived from the Transferred Assets and all proceeds in respect of the Transferred Assets effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date, and the Transferor will pay and set over to the Company all such income, proceeds, or other amounts, whether received by the Transferor or credited to the account of the Transferor. Pending the date of registration of the transfer of title to any of the Transferred Assets to the Company or any permits or consents required to carry on the Entertainment Business being obtained by the Company, the Transferor will, effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date, hold registered title in and to such Transferred Assets, and carry on the Entertainment Business, as required, as nominee, agent, and bare trustee for and on behalf of, and as directed by, the Company.
   
2.5 The transactions contemplated by this Agreement are conditional on the IPO being completed not later than December 31, 2023.

 

 
 - 7 - 

 

3. Assumption of Obligations and Excluded Liabilities
   
  Effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date, as an inherent part of acquiring the Transferred Assets, the Company will be responsible for all Liabilities and obligations arising out of or related to the Company’s ownership or operation of the Transferred Assets and the Entertainment Business after the Effective Time on the Closing Date, but not any other Liabilities or obligations of the Transferor. For greater certainty, the Company will have no obligation and will not assume, and the Transferor will retain and timely pay, perform, defend and discharge, (i) all of the Transferor’s Liabilities that do not constitute Transferred Assets or the Liabilities, and (ii) any obligations not expressly assumed in this Section 3, whether disclosed or undisclosed, known or unknown, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, secured or unsecured, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or otherwise, including no assumption of:

 

  (a) any Liabilities in respect of any existing, pending or threatened action or litigation arising out of, relating to, or otherwise in respect of, the operation of the Business or the Transferred Assets, to the extent such action relates to the operation of the Business or the Transferred Assets on or prior to the Closing Date;
     
  (b) any Liabilities in respect of the amended and restated credit agreement dated January 13, 2023 between Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Transferor, as further amended;
     
  (c) any product Liability or similar claim for injury to a person or property which arises out of, or is based upon, any express or implied representation, warranty, agreement or guarantee made by the Transferor or an Affiliate of the Transferor, or by reason of the improper performance or malfunctioning of a product, improper design or manufacture, failure to adequately package, label or warn of hazards or other related product defects, of any products at any time manufactured, distributed and/or sold or any service performed by the Transferor or an Affiliate of the Transferor, to the extent that such Liability relates to the distribution and/or sale of any product or the performance of any services, on or prior to the Closing Date; and
     
  (d) any recall, design defect, or similar claims of any products manufactured distributed or sold, or any service performed by, the Transferor or an Affiliate of the Transferor, to the extent such claims relate to any product manufactured, distributed and/or sold or the performance of any services, on or prior to the Closing Date.

 

3.2 For greater certainty, the Transferor will indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against all loss, costs, and/or damages that the Company may suffer arising from or in connection with any non-compliance and/or violation of environmental Laws and/or regulations applicable to the Entertainment Business relating to a period in time which is on or prior to the Closing.

 

 
 - 8 - 

 

4. Purchase Price of Transferred Assets
   
4.1 The total purchase price for the Transferred Assets (the “Purchase Price”) is equal to the fair market value of the Transferred Assets as of the Closing Date, which, subject to Section 6.1, the Transferor and the Company have estimated to be the amount set out as the total Purchase Price in Schedule C.
   
4.2 The Purchase Price will be allocated among the assets purchased under this Agreement in accordance with their respective fair market values as recorded by the Transferor and the Company in Schedule C before or after the date of this Agreement. The Transferor and the Company will cooperate in preparing, completing, and filing any elections under the Tax Act and other taxation statutes that are necessary or desirable to give effect to this allocation for tax purposes.

 

5. Satisfaction of Purchase Price of Transferred Assets
   
5.1 As full consideration for the transfer of the Transferred Assets to the Company pursuant to this Agreement, and in full satisfaction of the Purchase Price, the Company hereby:
     
  (a) allots, and will issue to the Transferor on the Closing Date, 9,999 Common shares without par value in the Company (the “Consideration Shares”); and
     
  (b) agrees to assume, pay when due, perform, and discharge the Liabilities and obligations of the Transferor in connection with the accounts payable, owing, or accruing due in connection with the Entertainment Business subject, for greater certainty, to the limitations on Liabilities and obligations set out in Section 3.

 

5.2 The Company will allot and issue to the Transferor the Consideration Shares as fully paid and non-assessable shares in the Company and will cause one or more share certificates representing the Consideration Shares to be issued in the name of the Transferor as soon as practicable on or after the Closing Date in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
   
5.3 The aggregate issue price for the Consideration Shares will be equal to the fair market value of the Transferred Assets before the transfer pursuant to this Agreement less the amount of the Liabilities and obligations assumed by the Company pursuant to Section 5.1(b).
   
5.4 The Company will add to its capital in respect of the Consideration Shares an amount equal to the Elected Amount, as described in Section 7.2, plus the fair market value of any property and assets for which an election under subsection 85(1) of the Tax Act (and the equivalent provision under any provincial tax legislation) is not made pursuant to this Agreement, less the amount of the Liabilities and obligations assumed by the Company pursuant to Section 5.1(b).
   
6. Value of Transferred Assets
   
6.1 Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the intention of the parties is that the Purchase Price and the sum of the aggregate fair market value of the Consideration Shares plus the amount of the Liabilities and obligations of the Transferor assumed by the Company pursuant to Section 5.1(b) of this Agreement be equal to the fair market value of the Transferred Assets at the Closing Date. If the Company or the Transferor determines that the actual fair market value of any of the Transferred Assets as at the Closing Date may be greater or less than the fair market value of the consideration to be given therefor by the Company (whether such determination is based on an appraisal, advice from an accountant, the determination of a court of competent jurisdiction, a determination, assessment, or proposed assessment by a competent taxing authority, or on any other factor or evidence) then:

 

 
 - 9 - 

 

  (a) the Transferor and the Company, acting in good faith, will agree upon a re-determination of the actual fair market value of such Transferred Asset as at the Closing Date (and if they are unable to agree between themselves on such fair market value, they will jointly appoint an arbitrator, appraiser or Canadian chartered accountant to make that determination in the same manner as referred to above); and
     
  (b) the Company and the Transferor will make the appropriate adjustments, including by adjusting the amount of the Purchase Price and the issue price for the Consideration Shares issued by the Company under Section 5.1 or otherwise as the parties see fit, such adjustments to be made, and to take effect, retroactively nunc pro tunc to the Closing Date.

 

7. Tax Election
   
7.1 The Transferor and the Company will, each at the request of the other, jointly elect in the form, and within the time, prescribed pursuant to subsection 85(1) of the Tax Act (and the equivalent provision under any provincial tax legislation) in respect of the transfer of the Transferred Assets (to the extent the election described in subsection 85(1) of the Tax Act is available in respect of the Transferred Assets) to the Company pursuant to this Agreement with the intent that the transfer of the Transferred Assets will be on a fully tax-deferred basis to the Transferor.
   
7.2 The amounts agreed upon by the Transferor and the Company with respect to each of the property and assets comprising the Transferred Assets for which an election under subsection 85(1) of the Tax Act (and the equivalent provision under any provincial tax legislation) will be made will be set out in the election form referred to in Section 7.1 (collectively referred to herein as the “Elected Amount”) within the limits allowed in that regard in the Tax Act.
   
7.3 If it is determined by the parties (whether such determination is based on advice from an accountant, the determination of a court of competent jurisdiction, a determination, assessment, or proposed assessment by a competent taxing authority, or on any other factor or evidence) that the Elected Amount will not result in the transfer of the Transferred Assets on a fully tax-deferred basis to the Transferor, then the Elected Amount will be adjusted to equal such amount (the “Adjusted Elected Amount”) as may be agreed to by the parties or, failing such agreement, such amount as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a competent taxing authority. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section will be made with retroactive effect as of the Closing Date and this Section may be invoked any number of times. The parties will make such further or amended elections, enter into such acknowledgments or agreements, and do or cause to be done such further acts and things as may be, in the opinion of counsel, reasonably necessary to give effect to this Agreement.

 

 
 - 10 - 

 

8. Taxes
   
8.1 The Transferor will pay all taxes relating to the operation of the Entertainment Business that arise before, or are related to a period of time before, the Closing Date.
   
8.2 The Transferor and the Company will, each at the request of the other, compete and sign joint elections under subsection 156(2) of the ETA and under section 334 of the QSTA on or before the Closing Date to avoid the application of GST/HST or QST to the purchase and sale of the Transferred Assets under this Agreement. The Company will duly file the elections as appropriate within the time permitted under the ETA and the QSTA.
   
8.3 The Company will be liable for and will pay all taxes, including all retail sales and commodity taxes, properly payable by the Company in connection with the transfer of the Transferred Assets to the Company pursuant to this Agreement.
   
8.4 The Transferor and the Company will execute and file, within the prescribed time limits, a joint election under section 22 of the Tax Act and a joint election under section 184 of the Taxation Act (Québec) and any corresponding provisions of any other applicable tax Law, and will designate in those joint elections the portion of the Purchase Price allocated to the accounts receivable under Section 4 as the consideration paid by the Company to the Transferor for the accounts receivable for the purposes of the elections.
   
8.5 To the extent applicable and if the parties agree, if the Transferor has received any amount in respect of an obligation to deliver goods or services, and the Company has agreed to assume that obligation under this Agreement, and Transferred Assets having a fair market value equal to that amount are being transferred to the Company under this Agreement as payment by the Transferor for the Company’s agreement to assume that obligation, the parties will file an election pursuant to subsections 20(24) and 20(25) of the Tax Act, and any corresponding provisions of any other applicable tax Law, within the prescribed time period.
   
8.6 For U.S. federal income tax purposes, to the extent applicable, the parties agree to treat the transactions contemplated herein as a tax free contribution under Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code and will report their tax returns consistent with that position.
   
9. Employees
   
9.1 The Company will employ each employee who is employed by the Transferor in connection with the Entertainment Business immediately prior to the Effective Time on the Closing Date (collectively, the “Transferred Workforce”) on the same terms and conditions that govern the current employment relationship between the Transferor and each particular employee, and for greater certainty, but subject to Section 9.2 and 9.3 of this Agreement, will recognize such employee’s original date of hire by the Transferor for the purposes, among others, of calculating such employee’s service-based benefits and entitlements, accrued vacation time, and accrued vacation pay.
   
9.2 Any amount that becomes payable by the Company to, or in respect of, an employee included in the Transferred Workforce that is attributable to or accrued during a period ending before the Effective Time on the Closing Date will be for the sole account of the Transferor. The Transferor will promptly reimburse the Company for any such amounts paid by the Company to, or in respect of, such employee.

 

 
 - 11 - 

 

9.3 Any amount that becomes payable to the Company by an employee included in the Transferred Workforce that is attributable to a period ending before the Effective Time on the Closing Date will be the property of the Transferor, and if received by the Company, will be paid over promptly to the Transferor. The Company will, if the Transferor so requests and at the Transferor’s expense, use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and expedite the receipt of any amount payable to which the Transferor is entitled under this Section 9.3.
   
9.4 Any amount paid by the Transferor to an employee included in the Transferred Workforce on account of a bonus or similar payment that is attributable, in whole or in part, to a period beginning on or after the Effective Time on the Closing Date (i.e., a prepaid bonus paid by the Transferor) will be, only as in regard to that part of the amount attributable to the period beginning on or after the Effective Time on the Closing Date (the “Company Portion of the Bonus”), for the sole account of the Company. The Company will reimburse the Transferor for any such Company Portion of the Bonus paid by the Transferor promptly upon the employee meeting all vesting requirements and the amount becoming indefeasibly vested in the employee.
   
9.5 Effective as of the Effective Time, the Transferor will cause Group Policy No 172693 with Canada Life (the “Canada Life Policy”) to be transferred to the Transferee, and the Transferee shall assume the Canada Life Policy. From and after the Effective Time, all rights and obligations of the Transferor under or in respect of the Canada Life Policy are transferred to, and assumed by, the Transferee. Each employee included in the Transferred Workforce who, immediately prior to the Effective Time, has coverage under the Canada Life Policy shall continue to have coverage at the Effective Time under the Canada Life Policy on the same terms and conditions as immediately prior to the Effective Time.
   
9.6 Effective as of the Effective Time, the Transferor will cause Group Policy No 99238-G with Sun Life Financial (the “Group RRSP”) to be transferred to the Transferee, and the Transferee shall assume the Group RRSP. From and after the Effective Time, all rights and obligations of the Transferor under or in respect of the Group RRSP are transferred to, and assumed by, the Transferee. Each employee included in the Transferred Workforce who, immediately prior to the Effective Time, is a member of the Group RRSP shall continue to be a member of the Group RRSP at the Effective Time on the same terms and conditions as immediately prior to the Effective Time.
   
10. Other Covenants
   
10.1 The Transferor and the Company covenant to enter into a long term lease agreement in respect of the property currently owned and occupied by the Transferor and located at 1440 Rue Raoul-Charette, Joliette, Québec, J6E 8S7, for a fifteen year term, with the option of the Company to renew such lease for five (5) consecutive periods of five (5) years each, save and except for the last period, which shall be of five (5) years less one (1) day, such options to renew to be exercisable by the Company upon written notice 12 months prior to the expiry of the then current term at market rates. Under the lease, the Company shall also have a right of first refusal to purchase the property in the event that the Transferor wishes to sell the property to a third party in the future. The lease shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1.

 

 
 - 12 - 

 

11. Confidential Information
   
11.1 The Company acknowledges that the Company is receiving the Transferor’s Confidential Information on a confidential basis and the Transferor shall remain its exclusive owner of all Intellectual Property therein.
   
11.2 Until the Effective Time on the Closing Date or, if this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 14.1, then perpetually, the Company will, subject to Section 12.3, keep confidential and not disclose or use, and the Company will not allow any of its Representatives to disclose or use, any of the Transferor’s Confidential Information, for any purpose, except as contemplated by this Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated, all of the Transferor’s Confidential Information obtained by the Company, including all copies, whether in written form or stored electronically, will be returned to the Transferor promptly after that termination. On and after the Effective Time on the Closing Date, the Transferor will keep perpetually confidential and not disclose or use, and the Transferor will not allow any of its Representatives to disclose or use, any Confidential Information transferred to Company pursuant to Section 2.1 without the prior written consent of the Company.
   
11.3 The obligation of the Company under Section 12.2 to keep confidential and not disclose or use any Confidential Information does not apply to any Confidential Information that the Company is required to disclose by any applicable Law, by any rule or regulation of any court or government agency of competent jurisdiction, or pursuant to legal process, provided that the Company provides the Transferor with prompt written notice of the requirements to disclose, reasonable assistance in the opposing or limiting of such disclosure, and limits such disclosure to that strictly required by such court, government agency or legal process.
   
11.4 The Transferor and the Company acknowledge that the computers and data storage and retrieval systems or network of the Company and, if applicable, its Representatives, may automatically back up both Parties’ Confidential Information stored in electronic form. The Transferor and the Company agree that to the extent that those back-up procedures automatically create electronic copies of Confidential Information (“Secondary Information”), each of the Company and, if applicable, its Representatives, may, despite any requirement under this Agreement to return or destroy the Transferor’s Confidential Information, retain Secondary Information in its archival storage for the period that it would normally archive electronic data, provided that those data are periodically and systematically overwritten or otherwise destroyed. Secondary Information will be subject to the provisions of this Agreement until destroyed and may not be accessed by the Company or any of its Representatives during its period of archival storage.

 

12. Personal Information – Post-Closing

 

Following the Closing, the Company will:

 

  (a) use and disclose the Personal Information transferred to it under the terms of this Agreement solely for the purposes for which that Personal Information was collected or permitted to be used or disclosed before the transaction was completed;
     
  (b) neither use nor disclose any of that Personal Information for any purpose that does not relate directly to the Business; and
     
  (c) notify the employees, customers, directors, officers, and shareholders whose Personal Information is disclosed that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have taken place.

 

 
 - 13 - 

 

13. Representations and Warranties
   
13.1 The Transferor represents and warrants to the Company that:

 

  (a) the Transferor has full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to sell, transfer, assign, and convey the Transferred Assets to the Company free and clear of all liens, charges, and encumbrances;
     
  (b) the Transferor has obtained any consent, authorization or approval, if any, that the Transferor is required to obtain from a third party under any obligation, contractual or otherwise in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance by the Transferor of this Agreement or the completion of any of the transactions contemplated herein;
     
  (c) the Transferor owns and operates the Entertainment Business and owns, possesses, and has good and marketable title to all of the Transferred Assets to be transferred to the Company under this Agreement, free and clear of all liens, charges, and encumbrances (other than liens for current taxes not yet due) and, as of the Closing Date, the Transferor will have the absolute and exclusive right to transfer the Transferred Assets to the Company as contemplated by this Agreement;
     
  (d) the Transferor is not a non-resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act; and
     
  (e) the Transferor is registered under subdivision d of Division V of Part IX of the ETA and under Division I of Chapter VIII the QSTA and its registration numbers are 103499596RT0001 and 1000242850TQ0001, respectively. The Transferor will provide an invoice or other documentation in a form requested by the Company to support an input tax credit claim for GST/HST payable under this Agreement and any input tax refund claim for QST payable under this Agreement.

 

13.2 The Company represents and warrants to the Transferor that:

 

  (a) the Company has full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement;
     
  (b) the Company has obtained any consent, authorization or approval, if any, that the Company is required to obtain from a third party under any obligation, contractual or otherwise in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance by the Company of this Agreement or the completion of any of the transactions contemplated herein;
     
  (c) the Company is a taxable Canadian corporation within the meaning of the Tax Act; and
     
  (d) the Company is registered under subdivision d of Division V of Part IX of the ETA and under Division I of Chapter VIII the QSTA and its registration numbers are 767190507 RT0001 and 1229745863 TQ0001, respectively.

 

 
 - 14 - 

 

13.3 The representations and warranties of the Transferor and the Company set out in this Agreement, and all covenants of the Transferor and the Company set out in this Agreement will survive the completion of the transfer of the Transferred Assets provided for in this Agreement and, notwithstanding such completion, will continue in full force and effect for the benefit of the Company or the Transferor, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms thereof.
   
14. General Contract Provisions
   
14.1 This Agreement may be terminated at any time before the Effective Time by mutual written consent of the Transferor and the Company.
   
14.2 From time to time, the Company and the Transferor will each execute and deliver all such further documents, certificates, deeds, conveyances, transfers, assignments, declarations, affidavits, and other documents necessary or desirable to give effect to the full intent of this Agreement, including the transfer of the Transferred Assets and the Company’s employment of each employee included in the Transferred Workforce.
   
14.3 This Agreement will enure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Transferor and the Company.
   
14.4 Whenever the singular or masculine is used in this Agreement, it will be construed as meaning the plural or the feminine or neuter, and vice versa, where the context or the parties so require.
   
14.5 The term “Agreement” means the agreement between the Transferor and the Company evidenced by this document, as amended from time to time, together with the Schedules.
   
14.6 This Agreement and all matters arising hereunder will be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of British Columbia.
   
14.7 Time will be of the essence in this Agreement.
   
14.8 No failure or delay on the part of either party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. Except as may be limited herein, either party may, in its sole discretion, exercise any and all rights, powers, remedies and recourses available to it under this Agreement or any other remedy available to it and such rights, powers, remedies and recourses may be exercised concurrently or individually without the necessity of making any election.
   
14.9 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered is an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument.
14.10 This Agreement and each counterpart may be created, executed, signed, retained, or otherwise dealt with in digital or other intangible form of any format (including PDF), and may be delivered, transmitted, or otherwise dealt with by any digital or other intangible means (including by email, facsimile, or otherwise). Each digital or other intangible form of this Agreement or counterpart, and each copy and printout thereof, is hereby declared and agreed to be as valid and effective as a manually signed document.

 

[signature page follows]

 

   

 

 

BY SIGNING BELOW the Transferor and the Company each confirms that this document sets out the agreement reached by them and each of them acknowledges its intention to be bound by this contract.

 

  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC. (Québec)
     
  Per: /s/ Mark Roberson
    Authorized Signatory
     
  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. (British Columbia)
     
  Per: /s/ Mark Roberson
    Authorized Signatory

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

TRANSFERRED ASSETS

 

The Transferred Assets consists of all of the property and assets of Strong/MDI Screen Systems Inc. (Québec) (the “Transferor”), including for greater certainty its Intellectual Property, property and assets, real and personal and movable and immovable, wherever located, that relate to, or are used or held for use in, the Entertainment Business including, but not limited to, the following:

 

(i). Intellectual Property and Intangibles

 

  Patents
   
  [***]
   
  Trademarks
   
  [***]
   
  Software
   
  [***]
   
  Open Source Component(s)
   
  [***]
   
  Know-How
   
  [***]
   
  Other Intellectual Property
   
  [***]

 

(ii). Permits and Licenses
   
  [***]
   
(iii). Employee Benefit Plans
   
  [***]
   
(iv). Property, Plant and Equipment
   
  [***]
   
(v). Financing Agreements
   
  [***]

 

   

 

 

(vi). Sales and Marketing Agreements
   
  [***]
   
(vii). Government Contract
   
  [***]
   
(viii). Material and other Contracts
   
  [***]
   
(ix). Working Capital Assets
   
  [***]
   
(x) Other current and long-term assets not already listed
   
  [***]

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE B

 

EXCLUDED ASSETS

 

The following are the “Excluded Assets” referred to within the Agreement:

 

  (a) [***]
     
  (b) [***]
     
  (c) [***]

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE C

 

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE

 

[***]

 

   

 

 

EXHIBIT 2.3

 

CONFIRMATORY OF OWNERSHIP AND OWNERSHIP ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

WHEAEAS STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC., a company existing under the laws of Québec with an address at 1440 Rue Raoul-Charette, Joliette, QC J6E 8S7 (the Assignor”), is or was the owner of all right, title and interest in and to certain intellectual property (the “Intellectual Property”) consisting of and including:

 

a. inventions or improvements or designs, or other innovations, including trade secrets and confidential information (the “Inventions”),

 

b. trademarks, tradenames, domain names, social media handles and/or other indicia of goodwill (the “Trademarks”), and/or

 

c. certain works (the “Works”), as summarized in Schedule “A”;

 

AND WHEREAS, STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia with its registered address at 2300 – 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2B5 (the “Assignee”), has acquired from Assignor the entire right, title and interest in and to the Intellectual Property;

 

NOW THEREFORE, for sufficient, good, and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Assignor confirms that it has and, for greater certainty, to the full extent that it has not done so previously, it does hereby sell, assign, transfer, and set over to the Assignee the entire right, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, including:

 

● the Inventions;

 

● the Trademarks, including the goodwill of the business symbolized by the Trademarks;

 

● the Works, including all portions of the Works, all literary, dramatic, musical and/or artistic works embodied in the Works and all portions of the Works, and all copyright in the Works and all portions of the Works and any tangible copies of the Works;

 

● all patent, design, trademark, copyright, utility model, petty patent or other applications for registration of intellectual property rights that may be filed for the Inventions, the Trademarks or the Works (the “Applications”), including the applications listed in Schedule “A”;

 

● all national phase applications arising from the Applications;

 

● all continuations, divisions, renewals of, or substitutes for the Applications;

 

● the right to file counterparts to the Applications in all countries and regions;

 

● the right to claim priority from the Applications in all countries and regions;

 

● each and every additional application that claims any part of the Inventions;

 

● each and every additional application that is in any way based on or claims priority from or corresponds to the Applications;

 

● all patents, design registrations, copyright registrations, trademark registrations, or registrations of other recognized form of intellectual property, including utility models, petty patents, or innovation patents, which may be granted on or as a result thereof (the “IP Registrations”), including the registrations listed in Schedule “A”;

 

● any reissue or reissues of any Applications for patents; and

 

   

 

 

all causes of action and rights to bring suit for past, present, and future infringement of rights in the Inventions, the Trademarks and the Works, including the Applications and the IP Registrations, and all claims for and rights to collect damages, profits, and all other remedies and relief in respect thereof, including other compensation in respect of pre-grant activities; the same to be owned by the Assignee, the Assignee’s successors, assigns, nominees, or legal representatives, for the full term or terms of the patents entirely as the same would have been owned by the Assignor, had this Assignment, sale, and transfer not been made.

 

The Assignor hereby covenants that at the request of the Assignee, the Assignor will:

 

● promptly execute any further proper documents that may be required or expedient to give effect to this Assignment in any country or region; and

 

● exercise the Assignor’s rights in relation to the inventor(s) of the Inventions or the author(s) of the Works to secure their cooperation in executing any proper documents that the Assignee may reasonably request for the purpose of securing or enforcing intellectual property protection for the Inventions or the Works in any countries or regions and/or giving effect to this Assignment.

 

The Assignor hereby covenants that the Assignor has full right to convey the entire interest herein assigned; and has not executed and will not execute any agreement to transfer any rights in the Inventions, the Works, the Applications and/or the IP Registrations to anyone other than the Assignee or that is otherwise in conflict herewith.

 

The Assignor hereby authorizes and requests any official of any country or countries whose duty it is to issue registered forms of intellectual property protection to issue to the Assignee, the Assignee’s successors, assigns, nominees, or legal representatives all IP Registrations based on the Applications in accordance with the terms of this Assignment.

 

The terms of the Assignment shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties, their heirs, estates, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

This Assignment may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which will together constitute one instrument. Signatures affixed by electronic means or transmitted by electronic means such as facsimile or email will be deemed to be original signatures and fully binding.

 

EXECUTED at _______________________________ (place of execution) on ________(date).

 

  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC. (the Assignor)
   
  By:             
  Title:  
  Date:  

 

   

 

 

STATEMENT OF ACCEPTANCE

 

The foregoing Assignment is hereby accepted by the Assignee.

 

  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. (the Assignee)
   
  By:             
  Title:  
  Date:  

 

 

Schedule “A”

 

[***]

 

   

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

Form of Joliette Plant Lease

 

LEASE

1440, Raoul-Charette Street, City of Joliette, Province of Québec, J6E 8S7

 

BETWEEN: STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC., legal person, duly incorporated under the laws of the Province of Québec, having its head office at 1440, Raoul-Charette Street, City of Joliette, Province of Québec, J6E 8S7, herein acting and represented by Todd Major, its Treasurer and Secretary, duly authorized for the purposes hereof as he so declares;
   
  (hereinafter referred to as the “Landlord”)
   
AND: STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC., legal person, duly incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, having its head office at 2300-550 Burrard Street, City of Vancouver, Province of British Columbia, V6C 2B5, herein acting and represented by Mark Roberson, its Chief Executive Officer, duly authorized for the purposes hereof as he so declares;
   
  (hereinafter referred to as the “Tenant”)

 

WHEREAS the Landlord manufactures premium projection screens and customized screen support systems at the Premises for the entertainment industry (the “Entertainment Business”);

 

WHEREAS the Tenant is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of the Landlord;

 

WHEREAS Strong Global Entertainment Inc., legal person, duly incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (“Strong Global”), and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Landlord, intends to complete an initial public offering of its common shares and list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange American (the “IPO”);

 

WHEREAS in connection with the IPO, Strong Global, the Landlord and the Tenant will enter into certain agreements, including a Master Asset Purchase Agreement (as defined below) and this Agreement, pursuant to which, among other matters, effective on completion of the IPO, the Tenant will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strong Global; and

 

WHEREAS in connection with the transfer of all of the Landlord’s assets that are used in connection with the Entertainment Business to the Tenant under the Master Asset Purchase Agreement, the Tenant wishes to lease from the Landlord, and the Landlord wishes to lease to the Tenant, the Premises in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

 

THEREFORE THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

   

 

 

1. DEFINITIONS AND SCHEDULES
   
1.1 Definitions

 

In this lease and the Schedules attached hereto (collectively, the “Lease”), the following expressions shall have the following meanings, unless the context requires otherwise:

 

a) Additional Rent”: all amounts due by the Tenant to the Landlord in virtue of this Lease, save and except for the Base Rent;
   
b) Applicable Laws” means all statutes, laws, by-laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, standards, orders, requirements, notices, guidelines, guidance notes, policies, directives and recommendations now or at any time in effect, made or issued by any local, municipal, provincial or federal government or by any department, agency, board or office thereof or by any board or fire insurance indemnifiers or any other authority having jurisdiction;
   
c) Base Rent”: the following annual base rent for the following periods payable by the Tenant to the Landlord pursuant to the provisions of this Lease;

 

  i). For the first five (5) years of the Term: four hundred fifteen thousand US dollars (US$415,000.00) per annum, being thirty-four thousand five hundred eighty-three US dollars and thirty-three cents (US$34,583.33) per month;
     
  ii). For each subsequent year of the Term: the Base Rent shall be increased, on a cumulative basis, by one and five tenth percent (1.5%) on each anniversary date of the Commencement Date, starting as of the fifth (5th) anniversary date of the Commencement Date, the Base Rent being in the following amounts, for the following periods:

 

  Sixth (6th) year of the Term US$421,225.00
  Seventh (7th) year of the Term US$427,543.38
  Eighth (8th) year of the Term US$433,956.53
  Ninth (9th) year of the Term US$440,465.88
  Tenth (10th) year of the Term US$447,072.87
  Eleventh (11th) year of the Term US$453,778.96
  Twelfth (12th) year of the Term US$460,585.64
  Thirteenth (13th) year of the Term US$467,494.42
  Fourteenth (14th) year of the Term US$474,506.84
  Fifteenth (15th) year of the Term US$481,624.44

 

   

 

 

  For clarity, the Base Rent is not determined based on the Rentable Area, and any change in the Rentable Area, by expansion of the Premises or otherwise, shall not increase the Base Rent payable by the Tenant hereunder.
   
d) Building”: the building bearing civic address 1440 Raoul-Charette, City of Joliette, Province of Québec, and all constructions, additions, improvements and modifications and additions made thereto, from time to time;
   
e) Building Systems” means all of the systems serving the Premises including, without limitation, the HVAC System, the sprinkler system, the fire alarm and security systems, and the mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems of the Building, and the components and equipment thereof, as well as the public utility conduits, wires, pipes or ducts and any element of any utility services infrastructure leading up to the interior of the Building (underground or otherwise);
   
f) Civil Code of Québec”: the Civil Code of Québec, CQLR c CCQ-1991, as same may be replaced, supplemented, amended or otherwise modified from time to time;
   
g) Code of Civil Procedure”: the Code of Civil Procedure, CQLR c C. 25.01, as same may be replaced, supplemented, amended or otherwise modified from time to time;
   
h) Contaminant”: means any contaminant, pollutant, material, chemical, condition (which includes, but is not limited to, odour, smoke, radiation or other energy), substance or waste that is defined, listed or classified as hazardous or harmful by applicable environmental, health and safety legislation, or that is prohibited, controlled or regulated by such legislation because of its actual or potential hazardous or harmful properties, i.e., it is flammable, corrosive, reactive, radioactive, carcinogenic or toxic. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Contaminant” includes petroleum products, metals, asbestos, PCBs and waste oils;
   
i) Commencement Date”: means the closing date of the IPO;
   
j) Damage”: has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9;
   
k) Environmental Laws” means all Applicable Laws regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standard of conduct concerning the natural or human environment (including air, land, surface water, groundwater and real and personal, moveable and immoveable property), public or occupational health and safety or the manufacture, importation, handling, use, reuse, recycling, transportation, storage, disposal, elimination or treatment of a Contaminant or otherwise. For purposes hereof, “Environmental Laws” shall also include any consent, authorization, licence, agreement or permit held by the Tenant relating to the discharge of any Contaminant at or from the Premises;
   
l) Event of Default”: has the meaning ascribed to it under Section 11.1;
   
m) Fair Market Rent”: the then applicable fair market rate per annum at which a tenant and a landlord would agree to enter into a lease (and not subleases) for premises similar to the Premises located in a building similar to the Building, in the City of Joliette, for a term similar to the remainder of the Term;

 

   

 

 

n) HVAC System”: means the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system serving the Building;
   
o) Land”: the immovable known and designated as lot number THREE MILLION THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE (3 326 855) of the Cadastre of Québec, Registration Division of Joliette, as such may be renovated or otherwise modified, from time to time;
   
p) Leasehold Improvements” has the meaning ascribed to it under Section 6.2;
   
q) Permitted Use”: any and all lawful uses in connection with the Tenant’s business;
   
r) Premises”: collectively, the Building and the Land;
   
s) Real Estate Taxes”: all of the real estate taxes, surtaxes, impositions or charges levied, assessed or imposed on, in respect of or against the Premises, or against the Tenant, the Landlord or owner of the Premises, whether general or special, whether or not said taxes are determined in accordance with the category to which the Premises belong, by the authorities having competent jurisdiction, including, without limitation, school taxes, municipal property taxes, business taxes, water taxes, parking taxes, carbon taxes or any similar taxes, taxes similar to the former taxes on capital, large corporations taxes, and any expense incurred by the Landlord or the Tenant (including experts’ fees and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) to obtain or to attempt to obtain any reduction of such taxes (whether or not successful). If the taxation system is altered during the Term, any new tax imposed in respect of the Premises or against the Tenant, the Landlord or owners of the Premises shall be included in the definition of “Real Estate Taxes”;
   
t) Rent”: collectively the Base Rent and the Additional Rent;
   
u) Rentable Area” means the rentable area of the Building, as measured by the Landlord from time to time in accordance with the measurement method determined by the Landlord. As of the date of the Lease, the Rentable Area is deemed to be, for all legal purposes, seventy-nine thousand three hundred eighty (79,380) square feet;
   
v) Structure”: means the structural elements of the Building, including without limitation, the parking area (including the parking area’s pavement), foundations, structural subfloors, footings, exterior walls and load-bearing walls, structural columns, structural steel, roof structure inclusive of roof decking of any type and the roof membrane and beams and floor slabs;
   
w) Tenant’s Representatives” means collectively the directors, employees, representatives, officers, agents, assigns, contractors, subcontractors, visitors, customers or invitees of the Tenant or any person for whom the Tenant is responsible or to whom the Tenant permits access to the Premises; and
   
x) Term”: means the initial term of this Lease, being fifteen (15) years commencing on the Commencement Date and expiring fifteen (15) years therefrom, unless the Lease is terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions hereof or by law. In the event that the Tenant is granted one or more extension or renewal options and such options are validly exercised by the Tenant in accordance with the provisions of the Lease, the Term shall include any extension or renewal period, if any. In the event the provisions of Section 4.c) of Schedule “A” apply, the Term shall also include the Extended Term.

 

   

 

 

1.2 Schedule

 

Schedule “A” (Special Conditions) shall form part of this Lease as if recited herein at length.

 

2. LEASE, CONDITION OF THE PREMISES AND TERM
   
2.1 Lease of the Premises

 

The Landlord hereby leases the Premises to the Tenant and the Tenant hereby leases the Premises from the Landlord for the Term, the whole in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Lease.

 

2.2 Condition of the Premises

 

The Tenant acknowledges having visited and examined the Premises before the taking possession thereof, declares to be satisfied therewith and accepts the Premises “as is” in their state and condition existing on the Commencement Date; the Tenant waives all legal warranties relating thereto. All modifications, alterations and improvements to the Premises shall be the Tenant’s responsibility, and shall be performed at the Tenant’s cost and in compliance with Section 6.2; Landlord having no work to perform to the Premises.

 

2.3 Triple Net Lease

 

The Tenant acknowledges and agrees that it is intended that this Lease and the Rent payable hereunder are completely net and carefree to the Landlord. The Landlord shall not be liable for any costs, charges, expenses or disbursements of any nature whatsoever in respect of the Premises other than those expressly stated herein to be the responsibility of the Landlord and, in the absence of an express statement herein, all such costs, charges, expenses or disbursements shall be borne by the Tenant.

 

3. RENT AND OTHER COSTS
   
3.1 Base Rent

 

From the Commencement Date and throughout the Term, the Tenant shall pay to the Landlord the Base Rent in equal consecutive monthly instalments, in advance on the first (1st) day of each calendar month during the Term.

 

3.2 Additional Rent

 

From the Commencement Date and throughout the Term, Tenant shall pay directly to the competent authorities, when due, all Real Estate Taxes.

 

The Tenant shall be responsible for any interest or penalty imposed, levied or charged by competent authorities due to the Tenant’s failure to pay any Real Estate Taxes when due. Such interest or penalty shall be paid by the Tenant directly to the competent authorities upon receipt by the Tenant of an invoice or demand to that effect.

 

   

 

 

3.3 Prorations on a Daily Basis

 

If the Commencement Date does not start on the first day of a calendar month or if the Term does not end on the last day of a calendar month, then amounts of Rent payable on a monthly basis shall be prorated on a per diem basis based on a 365 day year. For clarity, any amount payable on account of Real Estate Taxes attributable to periods prior to the Commencement Date or after the expiry of the Term shall be payable by the Landlord.

 

3.4 Utilities and Other Costs

 

The cost of utilities serving the Premises including, without limitation, water, gas, electricity and sewerage services, is payable by the Tenant directly to the respective providers of the service in question.

 

The Tenant shall pay directly to the competent authority all taxes, costs and charges personal to Tenant or imposed by such authority by reason of the Tenant’s use, occupancy or lease of the Premises or the operation of Tenant’s business therein or therefrom, such as business taxes, all to the full exemption of the Landlord.

 

If, after the execution of this Lease, any fees or costs for which the Tenant is responsible under this Section are charged to the Landlord or become payable by the Landlord, the Landlord shall be entitled to pay such fees or costs and the Tenant shall reimburse the Landlord for such fees or costs, together with interest calculated on any overdue amounts, upon demand together with supporting documentation.

 

At the request of the Landlord, the Tenant shall provide the Landlord with receipts and proof of payment demonstrating that all such fees and costs payable by the Tenant have been duly paid.

 

4. PAYMENT OF RENT
   
4.1 GST and QST

 

The Tenant shall pay the goods and services tax (GST), the Québec sales tax (QST) and all other applicable taxes on all amounts payable hereunder, as applicable. In the event the Tenant fails to pay any applicable GST, QST or any other applicable tax, the Landlord shall have all the same rights and remedies in respect of recovery of same as those available to recover the Rent payable under the Lease.

 

4.2 Payment without Demand

 

The Tenant shall pay to the Landlord the Base Rent, the Additional Rent, and any other amounts payable hereunder, without prior request, at the Landlord’s address indicated on the first page, or any other place in Canada designated in writing, from time to time, by the Landlord.

 

4.3 Payment without Deduction, Withholding or Compensation

 

Notwithstanding any provision of the Civil Code of Québec or any other law, the Tenant shall pay the Rent to the Landlord without any withholding, compensation, deduction, reduction or abatement of any kind whatsoever for any reason whatsoever including, without limitation, the Landlord’s failure to perform its obligations under the Lease.

 

   

 

 

4.4 Interest

 

All unpaid amounts shall bear interest. Interest shall be calculated daily, from the date on which such amounts became payable until the date on which the amounts are duly paid by the Tenant, at an annual interest rate equal to the prime rate charged by the Landlord’s lender, plus four percent (4%).

 

4.5 Currency

 

All amounts payable by the Tenant to the Landlord hereunder shall be payable in U.S. currency.

 

4.6 Landlord’s Right and Recourses and Imputation of Payments

 

All amounts payable by the Tenant to the Landlord under the Lease shall be deemed for all legal purposes, to be Rent, whether or not qualified as Rent or as Additional Rent. In case of default by the Tenant to pay any amount due to the Landlord, the latter may exercise all remedies to recover these amounts as if they were Rent. The Tenant’s obligation to pay the amounts due under the Lease will survive the end of the Lease. Any amount received and accepted by the Landlord and paid for by a person other than the Tenant but for its account shall not release or affect in any way the Tenant’s obligations under the Lease, except to reduce the amounts due and payable by the Tenant to the Landlord under the Lease, which payments will be charged at the sole discretion of the Landlord, notwithstanding any direction for payment by the Tenant or any such third party.

 

5. USE AND OPERATIONS
   
5.1 Permitted Use

 

The Premises shall be used for the Permitted Use.

 

5.2 Permits and Authorizations

 

The Tenant, at its cost, shall be solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining, from all competent authorities, all permits, licences and approvals as may be required by law to permit the Tenant to hold this Lease, to occupy the Premises as they are and to conduct its business thereon in accordance with the Permitted Use. The Landlord makes no representation and offers no warranties that the Premises can be used for the Permitted Use. Nothing herein shall be so interpreted as to imply that this Lease is conditional upon the Tenant obtaining any permits, licences or approvals for the Permitted Use.

 

5.3 Lawfulness and Diligence

 

The Tenant, at its cost, shall comply with the requirements of all Applicable Laws relating to the Premises or their use, occupation, repair, replacement or alteration, and also with the requirements of any insurer of the Landlord or the Tenant.

 

   

 

 

6. MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, REPLACEMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
   
6.1 Maintenance, Repair and Replacement of the Premises

 

Notwithstanding any provisions of the Civil Code of Québec or any other legislation to the contrary including, without limitation, Article 1864 of the Civil Code of Québec, the Tenant, at its cost, is solely responsible for cleaning, maintaining, repairing and replacing the Premises (including, without limitation, the Building Systems and Structure), any component thereof, and any improvements (including, without limitation, the Leasehold Improvements), movables, equipment, apparatus, fixtures, accessories and signs located therein or thereon, in order to keep them at all times in first-class working order and appearance as a prudent and diligent owner would do, to a standard and quality consistent with a first-class industrial building of the same size, age and location, the whole in compliance with the provisions of Section 6.2.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Tenant’s obligations under this Section include the following, all of which are at the Tenant’s cost:

 

a) perform even those repairs and replacements that could be qualified as major repairs and replacements;
   
b) perform all repairs, replacements, alterations, additions or improvements to the Premises that are required by the Tenant or the Landlord’s insurers, by competent authorities or by applicable law;
   
c) exterior and interior cleaning of windows, which shall be done as often as necessary to maintain the appearance of the Premises as a first-class building;
   
d) clean, maintain, repair and replace the garage doors and loading dock levellers, if any, the exterior and interior doors, the walls, the floors and the ceilings;
   
e) clean, maintain, repair and replace the space used for garbage and recyclable material disposal and the garbage and recyclable material compactors and containers;
   
f) dispose of its waste and recyclable material through the city’s garbage and recyclable material collectors or, if the waste or recyclable material cannot be disposed of through the city’s collection service under applicable law, dispose of its waste and recyclable material at the appropriate collection facilities, on a regular basis or at such intervals determined by the Landlord from time to time, in its sole discretion;
   
g) remove snow and ice from the Premises including from the roof of the Building;
   
h) landscaping; and
   
i) maintain in force, at all times, with reputable contractors acceptable to the Landlord, contracts for the maintenance of the HVAC System and the fire suppression systems and extinguishers, and any other equipment used by the Tenant in the conduct of its business which require regular maintenance. The Tenant shall provide to the Landlord, upon demand, a copy of said contracts and evidence that services have been provided.

 

   

 

 

6.2 Leasehold Improvements

 

Prior to performing any modifications, alterations and improvements to the Premises (the “Leasehold Improvements”), the Tenant shall obtain the Landlord’s prior written approval therefor and provide the Landlord with the plans and specifications and all other documents which are relevant or which the Landlord may require with respect to the Leasehold Improvements.

 

The work shall be carried out by the Tenant, at its cost, in a good, skilled, expeditious and diligent manner, in accordance with (i) the plans and specifications approved by the Landlord, (ii) the requirements of the Landlord’s insurers and any competent authority, (iii) the then current standard for the Building, and (iv) any conditions attached to the Landlord’s consent.

 

The Tenant acknowledges that all work performed by it shall be for its own benefit and not for the benefit of the Landlord. Under no circumstances shall the Tenant be considered to be performing the work on behalf of the Landlord, including as the mandatary or contractor of the Landlord. All Leasehold Improvements, when completed, shall form part of the Premises, become the property of the Landlord as of their completion, without compensation being due to the Tenant therefor, and the Tenant shall not be allowed to remove any Leasehold Improvement without the Landlord’s prior written consent.

 

6.3 Legal Hypothec

 

If the Tenant performs any Leasehold Improvements, the Tenant shall promptly pay each of the persons involved in the work. If one of these persons publishes a legal hypothec against the Premises, the Tenant shall immediately obtain the cancellation thereof. The Tenant shall be responsible for all losses, damages, costs, suits, claims and actions (including experts’ costs and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) arising directly or indirectly from the publication of any hypothec. If, upon the Landlord’s written demand, the Tenant fails to obtain the discharge of any legal hypothec within fifteen (15) days of its receipt of the Landlord’s notice to that effect, the Landlord shall have the right to cancel the legal hypothec by paying to the creditor the amounts claimed or by any other recourse permitted by law. The Tenant shall reimburse the Landlord, upon demand together with supporting documentation, as Additional Rent, all amounts paid, fees and disbursements (including experts’ costs and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements), incurred by the Landlord to have the legal hypothec discharged, plus an administration fee of fifteen percent (15%) of all such costs.

 

7. ENVIRONMENT

 

Upon demand to that effect, the Tenant shall provide the Landlord with all information relating to its compliance with Environmental Laws.

 

In the event of any contamination in excess of the thresholds permitted by the Environmental Laws (a “Contamination”) the following provisions apply:

 

a) If the Contamination is caused by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, the Tenant, upon receipt of written notice from the Landlord to that effect, shall, at its cost, diligently and promptly perform all necessary investigations, characterizations and rehabilitation work required by competent authorities to bring the Premises and the environment into compliance with the Environmental Laws or, if the Contamination is not entirely caused by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, to the extent necessary to remove the Contamination caused or aggravated by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, but excluding any Contamination not caused by the Tenant, existing prior to the Commencement Date or caused by migration.

 

   

 

 

  The scope of the work and the selection of the firms mandated to perform the work shall be determined in consultation with the Landlord.
   
  The results of any investigation, characterization or rehabilitation work shall be communicated only to the Landlord and shall not be communicated to any other person except with the Landlord’s prior written consent.
   
  All costs and fees in connection with the rehabilitation of the Premises for which the Tenant is responsible hereunder and incurred by the Landlord shall be reimbursed to the Landlord by the Tenant within sixty (60) days of receipt by the Tenant of an invoice therefor together with supporting documentation.

 

b) If the Contamination is not caused by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, the Landlord, at its cost, shall diligently and promptly perform all necessary investigations, characterizations and rehabilitation work required by competent authorities to bring the Premises and the environment into compliance with the Environmental Laws.
   
  The supervision and performance of the work shall be done in consultation with the Tenant in such a manner as to cause the least possible interference with the Tenant’s operations on the Premises.
   
  The Landlord shall indemnify and hold the Tenant and any person for whom the Tenant is legally responsible harmless from any and all Claims arising out of or relating to the presence of Contamination on the Premises.

 

Any investigations, characterizations and rehabilitation work required to be performed by either party pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be performed in accordance with all Applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws), the contaminated land rehabilitation policy and any other requirement of competent authorities.

 

The Landlord shall have the right to conduct environmental audits as it deems necessary to ensure compliance with this Section and costs of such audits shall be payable by the Tenant, as Additional Rent, upon receipt of an invoice therefor together with supporting documentation.

 

The Tenant’s obligations under this Section remain in force notwithstanding the expiry of the Term or premature termination of the Lease.

 

8. LANDLORD’S RIGHT OF ENTRY

 

The Landlord shall, at all times and upon giving a prior written notice of forty-eight (48) hours to the Tenant with a representative of the Tenant present, be entitled to enter upon the Premises in order to inspect them and show them to potential lenders, purchasers, tenants or other interested parties.

 

   

 

 

9. TENANT’S INSURANCE

 

Throughout the Term, the Tenant, at its cost, shall take out and maintain the following insurance coverage:

 

a) comprehensive general liability insurance covering the liability of the Tenant and Tenant’s Representatives with respect to the business carried on, in or from the Premises and the use and occupancy thereof for bodily injuries, including death, and property damage caused to third parties, which insurance shall have a minimum coverage of eight million five hundred thousand US dollars (US$8,500,000.00) per occurrence. The said insurance shall contain a cross-liability provision as well as a provision pursuant whereto the insurer agrees to cover the liability assumed by its insured pursuant to contractual provisions;
   
b) all risks insurance including the perils of fire, extended coverage, leakage from sprinkler, roof, or plumbing, and other fire protective devices, earthquake, collapse and flood with a limit at least equal to the replacement value (without depreciation), in each case, of the Building, furniture, equipment, inventory and stock in trade, fixtures and Leasehold Improvements located within the Premises and such other property located in or forming part of the Premises, including all mechanical or electrical systems (or portions thereof) installed by the Tenant in the Premises, the whole for the full replacement cost (without depreciation) in each such instance, as well as business interruption insurance covering a period of at least twelve (12) months;
   
c) boiler and machinery insurance; and
   
d) all other insurance or coverage limit which the Landlord may reasonably require from time to time.

 

The above-mentioned insurance policies shall comply with the following provisions:

 

a) designate the Landlord as a named insured, and the hypothecary creditors of the Tenant and of the Landlord as additional insureds to the extent of their respective interests; all property insurance coverages shall contain the standard mortgagee clause;
   
b) be in a form which is acceptable to the Landlord and shall be taken out with authorized insurers who are reputably solvent and have a place of business in the Province of Québec; and
   
c) stipulate that the insurance may not be resiliated or modified without the insurer giving the insureds a prior notice of thirty (30) days to that effect.

 

No less than ten (10) days prior to the Commencement Date and at least ten (10) days before the renewal of any insurance policy, the Tenant shall provide the Landlord with a certificate of insurance duly signed by an authorized representative of the insurer, which certificate shall confirm the insurance which has been subscribed.

 

   

 

 

10. DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION

 

If all or any part of the Premises is destroyed or damaged by fire, lightning or storm, or by any other casualty (a “Damage”), the Landlord may, at its option, terminate the Lease by giving the Tenant a written notice thereof, in which case the Lease shall be terminated as of the date of the Damage and the Rent shall be adjusted and paid in full as of the date of the occurrence of the Damage; in the event that the Landlord does not terminate the Lease, the Landlord shall repair the Premises with reasonable diligence, and the Rent shall be reduced from the date of the occurrence of the Damage in proportion to the portion of the Premises rendered unusable until such time as they are repaired so as to permit the Tenant to use and occupy the Premises.

 

11. ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE AND SUBLETTING OF THE PREMISES

 

The Tenant shall not have the right to sublease the Premises, in totality or in part, or assign the Lease, without the Landlord’s prior written consent.

 

In the event of any assignment of the Lease, the Tenant shall remain solidarily liable with the assignee of all the obligations of the Tenant hereunder for the remainder of the Term.

 

12. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE AND ASSIGNMENT BY THE LANDLORD
   
12.1 Estoppel Certificate

 

Within five (5) days of a request to that effect, the Tenant shall execute and deliver to the Landlord or any party owning or about to hold an interest in all or only part of the Premises, a declaration or estoppel certificate (as requested by the Landlord) showing that the Lease is in effect, indicating any changes to the Lease, specifying the dates of commencement and termination of the Lease, the date until which the rents were paid, the amount, if any, of any rent paid in advance or deposit held by Landlord, an indication of any defects that may exist, if any, and details of these and any other information reasonably required by the party seeking such declaration or certificate.

 

12.2 Assignment by the Landlord

 

If the Landlord sells or transfers any portion of the Premises or any interest of the Landlord in the Lease, the Landlord shall be released from its obligations under the Lease to the extent that the transferee or owner assumes all of the Landlord’s obligations under the Lease.

 

13. DEFAULTS AND RECOURSES
   
13.1 Event of Default

 

For purposes hereof, an “Event of Default” shall mean a default by the Tenant to abide by any of its obligations under this Lease, including, without limitation, the following events:

 

a) if the Tenant fails to pay any amount of Rent within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a written notice from the Landlord to that effect;
   
b) if the Tenant fails to abide by any obligation whatsoever set forth in this Lease (other than an obligation to pay an amount of money) and fails to remedy the default within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a written notice from the Landlord to that effect (or such longer period as may be necessary to cure the default if the default is not reasonably susceptible of being cured within such fifteen (15) day delay provided that the Tenant does commence to cure such default within said fifteen (15) day delay and proceeds to cure same with due diligence);

 

   

 

 

c) if property of the Tenant located in the Premises is seized or sold pursuant to a writ of execution;
   
d) if the Tenant grants any hypothec whatsoever over all or part of its property, except in favour of the Landlord and its financial institution to provide working capital for the operation of its business in the Premises;
   
e) if the Tenant is insolvent, makes an assignment of its property for the benefit of its creditors, is the subject of a receiving order pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, declares bankruptcy or files a petition to avail itself of the provisions of any current or future legislation regarding bankrupt or insolvent debtors;
   
f) if the Tenant, having filed a petition to avail itself of the provisions of any current or future legislation regarding bankrupt or insolvent debtors, fails to comply with any judgment or order issued pursuant to such legislation;
   
g) if the Tenant assigns all or part of the Lease or leases all or part of the Premises other than as provided herein; or
   
h) if the Tenant abandons the Premises or removes its property therefrom.

 

13.2 Consequence of an Event of Default

 

If an Event of Default occurs, the Landlord shall have the right to resiliate the Lease upon sending a written notice to the Tenant to that effect (the “Resiliation Notice”), the whole without prejudice to its other rights and recourses in the circumstances, without payment or reimbursement to the Tenant of any kind or for any reason whatsoever, and without any right or remedy of the Tenant against the Landlord in connection with the Landlord’s exercise of such right; the Tenant waiving any rights and remedies it may have against the Landlord in this regard.

 

The resiliation of the Lease shall take effect on the resiliation date indicate in the Resiliation Notice (the “Resiliation Date”), without the need for any further notice or legal proceedings, unless the Tenant has cured the Event of Default prior to the Resiliation Date.

 

13.3 Performance by the Landlord

 

If an Event of Default on the part of the Tenant (other than a failure to pay an amount of money) continues for a period of five (5) consecutive days after the Tenant has received a notice from the Landlord demanding that the Tenant remedy the Event of Default, or, even without a notice, if the Landlord is of the reasonably held opinion that the situation is an emergency, the Landlord shall be entitled to remedy the default itself, without prejudice to its other rights and recourses in the circumstances, and, in such a case, the Tenant shall be required, upon demand, to pay the costs (including any judicial and extrajudicial fees) incurred by the Landlord in that regard, as well as administration fees equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the costs so incurred.

 

13.4 Renunciation

 

The Tenant may not avoid the resiliation of the Lease by any means notwithstanding any law or custom to the contrary.

 

Moreover, the Tenant hereby expressly waives, to the full extent permitted by law, the benefit of the provisions of Articles 1432, 1854, 1858, 1859, 1861, 1863, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1871 (second paragraph), 1873, 1881 and 1883 of the Civil Code of Québec.

 

   

 

 

14. LIMITATION OF THE LANDLORD’S LIABILITY

 

The Landlord shall not be liable nor responsible in any way, to the full extent permitted by law, for any injury of any nature whatsoever that may be suffered or sustained by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, or for any loss of or damages to any property belonging to the Tenant or to Tenant’s Representatives while such property is on the Premises.

 

The Landlord shall not be liable nor responsible in any way, to the full extent permitted by law, for any disturbances to the Tenant’s peaceful enjoyment of the Premises from any third party, including without limitation, due to publics works, public orders or neighbors.

 

15. INDEMNIFICATION

 

The Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Landlord and its hypothecary creditors, directors, employees, representatives, officers, mandataries, assigns, contractors, subcontractors, visitors, customers, invitees against all losses, damages, injury (including death), costs, suits, demands, claims or actions (including experts’ costs and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) arising directly or indirectly from (i) a fault on the part of the Tenant or one of the Tenant’s Representatives, (ii) property in their custody, (iii) the use or occupancy of the Premises, (iv) the contamination of the Premises or the environment if such contamination is caused by the Tenant or a Tenant’s Representative, or (v) any other event having occurred in the Premises and directly or indirectly related to Tenant’s use or occupation thereof.

 

The Tenant shall also be responsible for all costs and expenses (including experts’ costs and reasonable judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) that may be incurred by the Landlord, or on its behalf, in enforcing the terms and covenants of this Lease, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

 

The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiry or earlier termination of the Lease.

 

16. TERMINATION OF THE LEASE

 

16.1 Restoration of the Premises at the end of the Lease

 

Upon the expiry or earlier termination of this Lease, the Tenant, at its cost, shall deliver to the Landlord vacant possession of the Premises in the state and condition in which the Tenant is required to maintain same in virtue of this Lease (excepting only reasonable wear and tear), and shall remove therefrom its movable personal property, its trade fixtures and signs, and repair any damage caused to the Premises by the installation or removal thereof, to the entire satisfaction of the Landlord.

 

The Tenant shall not have the obligation to remove its Leasehold Improvements and shall not have the right to remove same without obtaining the Landlord’s prior written consent as such Leasehold Improvements become the property of the Landlord upon their installation.

 

   

 

 

All property belonging to the Tenant or any other person left in the Premises at the end of the Lease will be deemed abandoned, and the Landlord shall dispose of such property, at its entire discretion and at the Tenant’s costs plus an administration fee of fifteen percent (15%) of said costs, without any compensation being due to the Tenant or any other person therefor.

 

16.2 No Tacit Renewal

 

Notwithstanding Article 1879 of the Civil Code of Québec, if the Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the end of the Term without having executed a new lease, such occupation shall not constitute a tacit renewal of the Lease, and at the sole discretion of the Landlord, the Tenant shall be deemed to occupy the Premises on the basis of a month-to-month lease, at a monthly rental rate, payable in advance on the first day of each calendar month, equal to the aggregate of (i) two (2) times the Base Rent payable for the last month of the Term, and (ii) one twelfth (1/12) of the Real Estate Taxes payable by the Tenant for the last year of the Term, and on the same terms and conditions of the Lease, as are applicable to a monthly lease.

 

17. NOTICES

 

All notices, requests, approvals, undertakings and consents which are permitted or required (the “Notices”) shall be made in writing and be delivered in person or sent by registered mail or by email:

 

a) To the following address as regards the Tenant:
   
  The Premises
   
  Attention: General Manager

 

b) To the following address as regards the Landlord:
   
  4201 Congress Street, Suite 175
  Charlotte, NC 28209
   
  Attention: Todd Major

 

or to any other address which one party may indicate to the other in writing from time to time.

 

Notices shall be deemed to have been validly given and received (i) if delivered in person, on the day upon which personal delivery is made, (ii) if sent by registered mail, on the date of its actual receipt as confirmed by the post office records, and (iii) if sent by email, on the date the email is sent or, if the email is sent after 5:00 p.m. or on Saturday, Sunday or a holiday (as defined in the Interpretation Act), on the next business day.

 

18. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
   
18.1 Conditional Lease

 

The Lease is conditional upon the completion of the IPO by no later than December 31, 2023. In the event this condition is not met this Lease shall ipso facto become null and void and of no further effect, without any rights or recourses whatsoever between the parties related thereto.

 

   

 

 

18.2 Amendments

 

This Lease may be amended only by means of a written instrument executed by the Landlord and the Tenant.

 

18.3 No Waiver

 

The Landlord shall be deemed to have waived a provision stipulated in its favour unless it has expressly waived the provision in writing. Any delay or failure by the Landlord to exercise any of its rights or recourses hereunder or at law shall not be interpreted as a waiver of any kind whatsoever.

 

The Landlord’s rights and recourses are not restrictive and shall not have the effect of depriving the Landlord from the right to exercise other rights and recourses stipulated in a provision of the Lease or provided for at law.

 

18.4 Force Majeure

 

If either party is delayed or prevented or hindered in the performance of any of its obligation set forth herein due to unforeseeable circumstances, a case of force majeure, strikes, inability to obtain materials, equipment or services, power failure, restrictive laws, regulations, ministerial orders or decrees (including any law, regulation, ministerial order or decree having the effect of implementing measures and/or restricting the rights of certain persons in response to an epidemic or pandemic such as the COVID-19 pandemic), riots, insurrection, acts of terrorism, war, epidemic, pandemic or any other condition or reason which is beyond the control of the relevant party despite the party’s diligence, the failure to perform the obligation will be tolerated for the period of the delay and the party thus delayed, prevented or hindered shall execute the obligation in a timely manner after the end of the period of delay. However, the Tenant may not invoke the provisions of this Section to justify a late payment of Rent, and such delay shall not grant to the Tenant any right to compensation for any inconvenience or nuisance such circumstance may cause.

 

18.5 No Partnership

 

Nothing contained in this Lease shall be interpreted as creating any type of association, partnership, joint venture or other type of relationship between the parties which is not expressly stipulated herein.

 

18.6 Solidary Liability

 

If the Tenant is comprised of more than one person or corporation, each of them shall be solidarily liable for the performance of the obligations set forth in this Lease.

 

18.7 Severability

 

If any Section or provision of the Lease is judicially recognized invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of any other Section or provision of the Lease nor will it affect the validity of the Lease.

 

   

 

 

18.8 Entire Agreement

 

This Lease, including the schedules, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No representation, warranty, ancillary agreement or condition, other than those set forth herein, shall govern the subject matter of this Lease.

 

18.9 Free Negotiation

 

The Tenant acknowledges and declares that it has had the opportunity to consult a legal counsel regarding the negotiation and execution of this Lease, that all provisions of the Lease have been freely and fully negotiated and that the Lease does not constitute a contract of adhesion.

 

18.10 Applicable Law

 

This Lease shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws in effect in the Province of Québec. The courts of the judicial district in which the Premises are located shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute relating to this Lease.

 

18.11 Brokerage Commission

 

The Tenant represents that it has not retained the services of any agent, broker or other representatives for the conclusion of this Lease. The Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Landlord from any and all claims from any agent, broker or representative.

 

18.12 Successors and Assigns

 

This Lease shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the parties hereto as well as their respective successors and assigns.

 

18.13 Registration

 

The Tenant shall have the right to publish the Lease without the prior written consent of the Landlord, but only by notice of lease pursuant to Article 2999.1 of the Civil Code of Québec, without reference to any monetary conditions of the Lease. The Tenant shall pay all fees and costs associated with the preparation, registration and radiation of any such notice of lease.

 

18.14 Language

 

The parties hereto have requested that this Lease and all documents relating thereto be drafted in English. Les parties aux présentes ont exigé que ce bail ainsi que tout document s’y rapportant soient rédigés en anglais.

 

18.15 Confidentiality

 

The parties shall keep the terms and conditions of this Lease strictly confidential.

 

18.16 Time of the Essence

 

The Tenant shall be in default by the mere passage of time charged to it for the performance of an obligation it has undertaken hereunder.

 

18.17 PDF and Counterparts

 

This Lease may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The Lease may be executed in what is commonly referred to as a “PDF” document and each party is entitled to rely on a “PDF” copy of the Lease duly executed by another party as if it had received an original copy.

 

[Signature page is on the following page.]

 

   

 

 

IN VIRTUE WHEREOF, the Landlord has signed in ______________, on May 18, 2023.

 

  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC.
   
  Per: /s/ Todd Major
  Name: Todd Major
  Title: Treasurer and Secretary

 

IN VIRTUE WHEREOF, the Tenant has signed in ______________, on May 18, 2023.

 

  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC.
   
  Per: /s/ Mark Roberson
  Name: Mark Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE “A”

 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

 

1. SIGNAGE

 

All signs on the Premises shall be subject to the prior written consent of the Landlord. The Tenant, at its cost, shall be responsible for obtaining all permits, licences and authorizations from all competent authorities for the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of such signs in compliance with all Applicable Laws.

 

2. OPTION TO RENEW

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 5 of this Schedule “A”, provided the Lease is in full force and effect, and further provided the Tenant is STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. itself personally, has not assigned the Lease or the subleased the Premises, or a portion thereof, and is not then in default of executing its obligations under the Lease, the Tenant shall have five (5) options to renew the Lease (collectively, the “Options to Renew”, and each, an “Option to Renew”) for the Premises and the Expansion Premises (if any), for further periods of five (5) years each, except for the fifth (5th) and final Option to Renew which shall be for a period of five (5) years minus one (1) day (each a “Renewal Term”), commencing on the day immediately following the expiry date of the then current Term. Each Renewal Term shall be on the same terms and conditions as are contained in the Lease existing on the date immediately preceding the commencement date of the Renewal Term in question, save and except that:

 

a) the Tenant shall accept the Premises and the Expansion Premises (if any) “as is”, in their state and condition existing on the commencement date of the Renewal Term in question, the Tenant hereby renouncing to all legal warranties related thereto; the Landlord having no work to perform in the Premises, and all improvements, additions or modifications to the Premises that may be required shall be performed by the Tenant, at its cost, in compliance with the provisions of the Lease;
   
b) there shall be no fixturing period, no allowance, no free rent period, nor any other inducement, free occupancy period or other incentive of whatsoever nature;
   
c) there shall be no further extension of the Term or renewal of the Lease beyond the fifth (5th) Renewal Term, and the Options to Renew shall not apply anew; and
   
d) the Base Rent payable for the Premises (excluding the Expansion Premises, if any, for which no Base Rent is payable) during each Renewal Term shall be the Base Rent payable during the last year of the then current Term increased, on a cumulative basis, on each anniversary date of the commencement date of the Renewal Term, commencing on said commencement date, by two percent (2%).

 

In order to validly exercise its Option to Renew, the Tenant shall provide to the Landlord a prior written notice of its exercise thereof (the “Notice of Renewal”) to be received by the Landlord no earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the expiry date of the then current Term.

 

If Tenant fails to validly exercise an Option to Renew, the Tenant shall be deemed, for all legal purposes, to have renounced to exercise all Options to Renew which have not yet been exercised, and these Options to Renew together with the provisions of this Section shall ipso facto become null and void and of no further effect, and the Lease shall terminate at the expiry date of the then current Term, without any rights or recourses whatsoever of the Tenant against the Landlord related thereto.

 

   

 

 

3. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL TO PURCHASE

 

Provided the Lease is in full force and effect, and further provided the Tenant is STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. itself personally, has not assigned the Lease or the subleased the Premises, or a portion thereof, and is not then in default of executing its obligations under the Lease, the Tenant shall have, throughout the Term, the ongoing right of first refusal (the “RFR”) to purchase the Premises or the portion thereof (the “RFR Premises”) being offered for purchase under an offer to purchase received by the Landlord from a bona fide third party (a “Third Party”) which is acceptable to the Landlord or being offered for sale by the Landlord to a Third Party under an offer to sale which is acceptable to the Third Party (either offer, an “Offer”).

 

Prior to concluding any transaction with a Third Party, the Landlord shall provide the Tenant with a written notice containing an integral copy of such Offer together with all related schedules, but without being obliged to reveal the identity of the Third Party.

 

In order to validly exercise its RFR, the Tenant shall provide to the Landlord a prior written notice of its exercise thereof to be received by the Landlord no later than shall have fifteen (15) days following its receipt of the integral copy of the Offer.

 

If the Tenant validly exercises its RFR, it shall purchase the RFR Premises on the terms and conditions stipulated in the Offer in the place and stead of the Third Party.

 

If the Tenant fails to validly exercise its RFR within the aforementioned delay or elects not to exercise its RFR, the Tenant shall be deemed, for all legal purposes, to have renounced to exercise its RFR and the RFR shall become null and void by the mere lapse of time with respect only to the RFR Premises purchased by a Third Party following the Landlord’s acceptance of the Offer, without any rights or recourses whatsoever of the Tenant against the Landlord related thereto; the balance of the Premises, if any, shall remain subject to the RFR.

 

In the event the Tenant fails to validly exercise its RFR or elects not to exercise its RFR and thereafter no transaction takes place and the Offer is terminated for any reason whatsoever, the RFR shall remain in full force and effect and shall continue to apply in favour of the Tenant with respect to any future Offer.

 

For clarity, if the Tenant fails to validly exercise its RFR or elects not to exercise its RFR, the Landlord shall not have the right to conclude the sale of the RFR Premises with the Third Party under terms and conditions that are more favourable than those contained in the Offer. In the event the terms and conditions of the Offer are renegotiated for any reason whatsoever, prior to concluding such sale with the Third Party, the Landlord shall resubmit the Offer to the Tenant and the RFR shall apply anew.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the RFR shall not apply, but shall survive and continue to apply, in the event of an assignment or transfer of the Premises from the Landlord to a wholly owned subsidiary or an affiliate of the Landlord or a member of the same group as the Landlord (with the meanings of the Business Corporations Act (Québec)) (a “Landlord Affiliate”) provided the Landlord Affiliate undertakes in writing (i) to be bound personally by all of the terms and conditions of this Section 3, (ii) to assume all of the Landlord’s obligations under this Section 3 in favour of the Tenant, and (iii) to obtain, in writing, from any future Landlord Affiliate the same personal undertakings from any future Landlord Affiliate, as the case may be.

 

   

 

 

4. RIGHT TO EXPAND

 

Provided the Lease is in full force and effect, and further provided the Tenant is STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. itself personally, has not assigned the Lease or the subleased the Premises, or a portion thereof, is not then in default of executing its obligations under the Lease, and has obtained all necessary governmental or municipal permits, licences and authorizations, the Tenant shall have throughout the Term the ongoing right to expand the Premises (the “Right to Expand”), at its cost, either by (i) the construction of an expansion to the Building, or (ii) constructing an additional building on the Land (the “Expansion Premises”), the whole in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 6.2 of the Lease.

 

In order to validly exercise its Right to Expand, the Tenant shall provide to the Landlord a prior written notice of its exercise thereof.

 

The terms and conditions of the Lease shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Expansion Premises, save and except as follows:

 

a) there shall be no Base Rent payable by the Tenant for the Expansion Premises during the entire Term (including, for clarity, any Renewal Term(s) and any Extended Term). In addition, the Base Rent shall not increase as a result of the valid exercise by the Tenant of its Right to Expand; the Landlord hereby renouncing to any right it may have to increase the Base Rent under this Lease or at law;
   
b) the term of the lease for the Expansion Premises (the “Expansion Premises Term”) shall be the greater of (i) the remainder of the Term (including any Renewal Term if the Tenant, at the date of the expansion of the Premises, validly exercised one or more Option(s) to Renew), or (ii) ten (10) years. For clarity, the Expansion Premises Term shall commence on the date on which the construction of the Expansion Premises is substantially completed;
   
c) if, as a result of the application of the provisions of paragraph a)(ii) above, the Expansion Premises Term and the Term for the existing Premises are not coterminous, the Term for the existing Premises shall be extended by the period (the “Extended Term”) necessary for the Term to be coterminous with the Expansion Premises Term. The Extended Term shall be on the same terms and conditions as are contained in the Lease existing on the date immediately preceding the commencement date of the Extended Term, save and except that:

 

  i) the Tenant shall accept the existing Premises “as is”, in their state and condition existing on the commencement date of the Extended Term, the Tenant hereby renouncing to all legal warranties related thereto; the Landlord having no work to perform in the Premises, and all improvements, additions or modifications to the Premises that may be required shall be performed by the Tenant, at its cost, in compliance with the provisions of the Lease;

 

   

 

 

  ii)  there shall be no fixturing period, no allowance, no free rent period, nor any other inducement, free occupancy period or other incentive of whatsoever nature; and
     
  iii) the Base Rent payable by the Tenant to the Landlord during this Extended Term for the existing Premises (excluding the Expansion Premises for which no Base Rent is payable) shall be the Fair Market Rent mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

If the parties fail to mutually agree on the Fair Market Rent for the Premises, each party shall have the right to request that said Fair Market Rent be determined by arbitration pursuant to the following provisions: The party requesting the arbitration shall provide a written notice to the other party to that effect. The arbitrator shall be selected by both parties. If the parties cannot agree on the selection of the arbitrator within a fifteen (15) day delay following one of the party’s receipt of a written notice from the other party in which said other party proposes an arbitrator, then either party shall have the right to apply to a Court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of the arbitrator. Any arbitrator named by the parties or the Court shall (i) be a member in good standing of the Ordre des évaluateurs agréés du Québec (OAEQ), and (ii) have no less than ten (10) years’ experience in the Joliette region, and (iii) be at arm’s length from each party. The arbitrator shall render his or her decision by no later than fifteen (15) days from its receipt of the arbitration mandate, and his or her decision shall be final, binding and without appeal. Unless there is bad faith in respect of the arbitration, each of the Tenant and the Landlord shall bear its own costs and shall divide the arbitrator costs equally. Subject to the foregoing, the arbitration shall conform to Articles 620 and following of the Code of Civil Procedure.

 

The parties shall execute the Landlord’s standard form of lease amending agreement to reflect the lease of the Expansion Premises as per the terms and conditions hereto.

 

The Right to Expand is conditional upon the construction of the Expansion Premises being permitted under Applicable Law; the Landlord makes no representation and offers no warranty that such construction is permitted thereunder. In the event such condition is not met, the Right to Expand and the provisions of this Section shall ipso facto become null and void and of no further effect, without any rights or recourses whatsoever of the Tenant against the Landlord related thereto.

 

If the Tenant validly exercises its Right to Expand and the construction of the Expansion Premises is permitted under Applicable Law, the Tenant, at its cost, shall obtain all permits, licences and authorizations from all competent authorities necessary for the construction of the Expansion Premises and shall proceed with the construction of the Expansion Premises within reasonable delays acting promptly and diligently.

 

5. TOTAL TERM NOT TO REACH NOR EXCEED 40 YEARS

 

Notwithstanding any provision of the Lease, in no event shall the total Term of the Lease (being, for clarity, the initial term of fifteen (15) years, all Renewal Terms and the Extended Term pursuant to Section 4.b)(ii) of this Schedule “A”) be of forty (40) years or more. If the total Term, either in virtue of the valid exercise by the Tenant of an Option to Renew or in virtue of the Extended Term, is to reach or exceed forty (40) years, it shall automatically be reduced by the number of days, months or years necessary to be of forty (40) years minus one (1) day. Once the total Term has reached forty (40) years minus one (1) day, any remaining Option(s) to Renew, together with the provisions of Section 2 of this Schedule “A”, shall be deemed null and void and of no further effect.

 

   

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

[Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, schedules and attachments to this exhibit have been omitted. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.]

 

CONFIRMATORY OF OWNERSHIP AND OWNERSHIP ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

WHEAEAS STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC., a company existing under the laws of Québec with an address at 1440 Rue Raoul-Charette, Joliette, QC J6E 8S7 (the Assignor”), is or was the owner of all right, title and interest in and to certain intellectual property (the “Intellectual Property”) consisting of and including:

 

a. inventions or improvements or designs, or other innovations, including trade secrets and confidential information (the “Inventions”),

 

b. trademarks, tradenames, domain names, social media handles and/or other indicia of goodwill (the “Trademarks”), and/or

 

c. certain works (the “Works”), as summarized in Schedule “A”;

 

AND WHEREAS, STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia with its registered address at 2300 – 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2B5 (the “Assignee”), has acquired from Assignor the entire right, title and interest in and to the Intellectual Property;

 

NOW THEREFORE, for sufficient, good, and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Assignor confirms that it has and, for greater certainty, to the full extent that it has not done so previously, it does hereby sell, assign, transfer, and set over to the Assignee the entire right, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, including:

 

the Inventions;

 

the Trademarks, including the goodwill of the business symbolized by the Trademarks;

 

the Works, including all portions of the Works, all literary, dramatic, musical and/or artistic works embodied in the Works and all portions of the Works, and all copyright in the Works and all portions of the Works and any tangible copies of the Works;

 

all patent, design, trademark, copyright, utility model, petty patent or other applications for registration of intellectual property rights that may be filed for the Inventions, the Trademarks or the Works (the “Applications”), including the applications listed in Schedule “A”;

 

all national phase applications arising from the Applications;

 

all continuations, divisions, renewals of, or substitutes for the Applications;

 

the right to file counterparts to the Applications in all countries and regions;

 

the right to claim priority from the Applications in all countries and regions;

 

each and every additional application that claims any part of the Inventions;

 

each and every additional application that is in any way based on or claims priority from or corresponds to the Applications;

 

all patents, design registrations, copyright registrations, trademark registrations, or registrations of other recognized form of intellectual property, including utility models, petty patents, or innovation patents, which may be granted on or as a result thereof (the “IP Registrations”), including the registrations listed in Schedule “A”;

 

any reissue or reissues of any Applications for patents; and

 

all causes of action and rights to bring suit for past, present, and future infringement of rights in the Inventions, the Trademarks and the Works, including the Applications and the IP Registrations, and all claims for and rights to collect damages, profits, and all other remedies and relief in respect thereof, including other compensation in respect of pre-grant activities; the same to be owned by the Assignee, the Assignee’s successors, assigns, nominees, or legal representatives, for the full term or terms of the patents entirely as the same would have been owned by the Assignor, had this Assignment, sale, and transfer not been made.

 

   

 

 

The Assignor hereby covenants that at the request of the Assignee, the Assignor will:

 

promptly execute any further proper documents that may be required or expedient to give effect to this Assignment in any country or region; and

 

exercise the Assignor’s rights in relation to the inventor(s) of the Inventions or the author(s) of the Works to secure their cooperation in executing any proper documents that the Assignee may reasonably request for the purpose of securing or enforcing intellectual property protection for the Inventions or the Works in any countries or regions and/or giving effect to this Assignment.

 

The Assignor hereby covenants that the Assignor has full right to convey the entire interest herein assigned; and has not executed and will not execute any agreement to transfer any rights in the Inventions, the Works, the Applications and/or the IP Registrations to anyone other than the Assignee or that is otherwise in conflict herewith.

 

The Assignor hereby authorizes and requests any official of any country or countries whose duty it is to issue registered forms of intellectual property protection to issue to the Assignee, the Assignee’s successors, assigns, nominees, or legal representatives all IP Registrations based on the Applications in accordance with the terms of this Assignment.

 

The terms of the Assignment shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties, their heirs, estates, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

This Assignment may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which will together constitute one instrument. Signatures affixed by electronic means or transmitted by electronic means such as facsimile or email will be deemed to be original signatures and fully binding.

 

EXECUTED at Charlotte, NC (place of execution) on May 18, 2023 (date).

 

  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC. (the Assignor)
     
  By: /s/ Mark Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
  Date: May 18, 2023

 

   

 

 

STATEMENT OF ACCEPTANCE

 

The foregoing Assignment is hereby accepted by the Assignee.

 

  STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. (the Assignee)
   
  By: /s/ Todd Major
  Title: Secretary and Treasurer
  Date: May 18, 2023

 

 

Schedule “A”

 


[***]

 

   

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

[Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, schedules and attachments to this exhibit have been omitted. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.]

 

ASSET TRANSFER AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of May 18, 2023

 

BETWEEN:    
     
    FG GROUP HOLDINGS INC. (formerly BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.), company incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada
     
    (the “Transferor” or “Ballantyne”)

 

AND:    
     
   

STRONG TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC., a company incorporated

under the laws of the State of Nebraska

     
    (the “Company”)

 

CONTEXT:

 

A. The Transferor, through its wholly owned subsidiary Strong MDI Screen Systems Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Quebec (“Strong/MDI”), manufactures premium projection screens and customized screen support systems, for the entertainment industry (the “Strong/MDI Entertainment Business”)
   
B. The Company distributes cinema equipment and provides technical support services to the entertainment industry (the “STS Entertainment Business”, and together with the Strong/MDI Entertainment Business, the “Entertainment Business”) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Transferor.
   
C. Strong Global (as defined below), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Transferor, intends to complete an initial public offering of its common shares and list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange American (the “IPO”).
   
D. In connection with the IPO, Strong Global, the Transferor, the Company and other parties as applicable, will enter into certain agreements, including the Master Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Master Asset Purchase Agreement”) between Strong/MDI and Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (the “New Opco”), and this Agreement and certain other agreements (the “Ancillary Agreements”), pursuant to which, among other matters, effective on the date of completion of the IPO, the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strong Global (as defined below).

 

   
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E. The Transferor wishes to transfer to the Company, and the Company wishes to acquire, the Transferor’s assets listed in Schedule A hereto, that are used by Strong/MDI and STS in connection with the Entertainment Business.
   
F. The parties intend that the transactions contemplated herein shall constitute a transfer of property in exchange for stock of the Company within the meaning of Section 351(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set out in this Agreement and other valuable consideration, the Transferor and the Company hereby agree with each other as follows:

 

1. Definitions and Interpretation

 

1.1 Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as in the Master Asset Purchase Agreement. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth herein:

 

  (a) Affiliate” means when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), when used with respect to any specified Person shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that, prior to, at and after completion of the Separation, for purposes of this Agreement, (a) no member of the Strong Entertainment Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Ballantyne Group and (b) no member of the Ballantyne Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Strong Entertainment Group;
     
  (b) Agreement” means this Asset Transfer Agreement, including the Context, all schedules hereto, and all amendments, supplements and restatements hereof;
     
  (c) Ballantyne Group” means Transferor and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Transferor (other than the Company and any other member of the Company Group);
     
  (d) Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which Canadian chartered banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in Vancouver, British Columbia;
     
  (e) Closing Date” means the date which is the closing date of the IPO;
     
  (f) Company” has the meaning ascribed to it on the first page of this Agreement;
     
  (g) Company Group” means (a) prior to the Separation, the Company and each Person that will be a Subsidiary of the Company as of immediately after the Separation, even if, prior to the Separation, such Person is not a Subsidiary of the Company; and (b) on and after the Separation, the Company and each Person that is a Subsidiary of the Company;

 

   
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  (h) Confidential Information” means information that is of value to a Party, and is not generally known in the industry or to competitors of a Party, and includes, but is not limited to, business information, specifications, research, software, trade secrets, discoveries, ideas, know-how, designs, drawings, flow chart, data, computer programs, marketing plans, budget figures, and other financial and business information, or any such information of clients, parents affiliates, subsidiaries or agents of a party, which is disclosed by such party (“Disclosing Party”) whether directly in oral or material form to the other party (“Receiving Party”), or indirectly, by permitting the Receiving Party to observe the conduct of the Disclosing Party’s various operations or processes, but shall not include information that: a) is or becomes publicly available without a breach of this Agreement; or b) is already known to the Receiving Party at the time of its disclosure by the Disclosing Party, and is not subject to confidentiality restrictions imposed by the Disclosing Party; or c) following its disclosure to the Receiving Party, is received by the Receiving Party from a third party without obligation of confidence to the Disclosing Party; or d) is independently developed by the Receiving Party without reference to or use of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information; or e) the Disclosing Party has given its prior written approval to disclose;

 

  (i) Contract” means any agreement, contract, subcontract, obligation, binding understanding, note, indenture, instrument, option, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, license, sublicense, insurance policy, benefit plan, purchase order or legally binding commitment or undertaking of any nature (whether written or oral and whether express or implied);

 

  (j) Effective Time” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2;
     
  (k) Entertainment Business” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Recital A;
     
  (l) Governmental Entity” means any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau or court, whether domestic, foreign, multinational, or supranational exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government and any executive official thereof;
     
  (m) Group” means either the Company Group or the Ballantyne Group, as the context requires;

 

  (n) Indemnifiable Loss” and “Indemnifiable Losses” means any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, Liabilities, obligations, penalties, judgments, settlements, claims, payments, fines, interest, costs and expenses (including the costs and expenses of any and all actions and demands, assessments, judgments, settlements and compromises relating thereto and the costs and expenses of attorneys’, accountants’, consultants’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses incurred in the investigation or defense thereof or the enforcement of rights hereunder);

 

   
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  (o) Intellectual Property” means all U.S. and foreign: (i) trademarks, trade dress, service marks, certification marks, logos, slogans, design rights, names, corporate names, trade names, Internet domain names, social media accounts and addresses and other similar designations of source or origin, together with the goodwill symbolized by any of the foregoing (collectively, “Trademarks”); (ii) patents and patent applications, and any and all related national or international counterparts thereto, including any divisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, substitutions and extensions thereof (collectively, “Patents”); (iii) copyrights and copyrightable subject matter, excluding Know-How; (iv) trade secrets, and all other confidential or proprietary information, know-how, inventions, processes, formulae, models, and methodologies, excluding Patents (collectively, “Know-How”); (v) all applications and registrations for the foregoing; and (vi) all rights and remedies against past, present, and future infringement, misappropriation, or other violation thereof;

 

  (p) Law” means any applicable U.S. or non-U.S. federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, income tax treaty, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law) or other binding directives promulgated, issued, entered into or taken by any Governmental Entity;
     
  (q) Liability” or “Liabilities” means any and all indebtedness, liabilities, costs, expenses, interest and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, action, whether asserted or unasserted, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Entity and those arising under any Contract or any fines, damages or equitable relief which may be imposed and including all costs and expenses related thereto;

 

  (r) Person” means any natural person, firm, individual, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, bank, land trust, trust company, company, limited liability company, partnership, or other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or any Governmental Entity;
     
  (s) Party” or “Parties” means Transfer or the Company, individually or collectively, as the case may be;
     
  (t) Personal Information” means information about an individual who can be identified by the person who holds that information;
     
  (u) Representatives” means the advisors, agents, consultants, directors, officers, management, employees, subcontractors, and other representatives, including accountants, auditors, financial advisors, lenders, and lawyers of the Transferor or the Company, as applicable;
     
  (v) Secondary Information” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.3;
     
  (w) Strong Global” mean Strong Global Entertainment Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia;

 

   
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  (x) Subsidiary” means with respect to any Person (i) a corporation, fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting or capital stock of which is, as of the time in question, directly or indirectly owned by such Person and (ii) any other Person in which such Person, directly or indirectly, owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the equity or economic interest thereof or has the power to elect or direct the election of fifty percent (50%) or more of the members of the governing body of such entity;
     
  (y) Transferor” has the meaning ascribed to it on the first page of this Agreement; and
     
  (z) Transferred Assets” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1.

 

1.2 Schedules

 

The following Schedules are incorporated by reference into and form part of this Agreement:

 

Schedule “A” - Transferred Assets
     
Schedule “B” - Current Asbestos Claims
     
Exhibit “2.3” - Form of Patent Assignment

 

1.3 Headings

 

The division of this Agreement into Articles and Sections and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. The Article and Section headings in this Agreement are not intended to be full or precise descriptions of the text to which they refer and shall not be considered part of this Agreement.

 

1.4 Gender and Number

 

Words expressed in the singular include the plural and vice-versa and words in one gender include all genders.

 

1.5 Currency

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts referred to in this Agreement are in Canadian funds.

 

1.6 Statutory References

 

Any reference to a statute shall include and shall be deemed to be a reference to such statute and to the regulations made pursuant thereto, with all amendments made thereto and in force from time to time, and to any statute or regulation that may be passed which has the effect of supplementing or superseding or re-enacting the statute so referred to or the regulations made pursuant thereto.

 

   
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1.7 Day Not a Business Day

 

In the event that any day on or before which any action is required to be taken hereunder after the Closing Date is not a Business Day, then such action will be required to be taken on or before the requisite time on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

1.8 Construction

 

The words “including” and “includes” where used in this Agreement shall be deemed to mean “including, without limitation” and “includes, without limitation,” respectively.

 

2. Transfer of STS Entertainment Business Assets

 

2.1 The Transferor hereby transfers and assigns to the Company, all of its right title and interest in and to the property and assets set out in Schedule A hereto (collectively, the “Transferred Assets”), such transfer to be effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement, free and clear of any lien, charge, and/or encumbrance of any nature or kind whatever.
   
2.2 The transfer referred to in Section 2.1 above will be effective and will be deemed for all purposes to be effective as at the beginning of the day on the Closing Date, immediately after the closing of the transactions contemplated in the Master Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Effective Time”), and the Company will, immediately thereupon, be the beneficial owner of the Transferred Assets.
   
2.3 The Transferor will deliver any documents or instructions reasonably required, including an executed Patent Assignment in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit 2.3, or other executed agreement(s) in form and substance acceptable to the Company, all with a view to effecting the transfer of the Transferred Assets to the Company effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date.
   
2.4 Regardless of the date of registration of the transfer of title to any of the Transferred Assets the Company will be entitled to all income derived from the Transferred Assets and all proceeds in respect of the Transferred Assets effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date, and the Transferor will pay and set over to the Company all such income, proceeds, or other amounts, whether received by the Transferor or credited to the account of the Transferor. Pending the date of registration of the transfer of title to any of the Transferred Assets to the Company or any permits or consents required to carry on the STS Entertainment Business being obtained by the Company, the Transferor will, effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date, hold registered title in and to such Transferred Assets, and carry on the STS Entertainment Business, as required, as nominee, agent, and bare trustee for and on behalf of, and as directed by, the Company.
   
2.5 The transactions contemplated by this Agreement are conditional on the IPO being completed not later than December 31, 2023.

 

3. Assumption of Obligations

 

Effective as of the Effective Time on the Closing Date, the Company will assume, pay when due, perform, and discharge: all expenses, costs, liabilities and obligations accruing or due after the Effective Time on the Closing Date under or with respect to the Transferred Assets, but not any other liabilities or obligations of the Transferor, except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement or specifically agreed to in writing by the Transferor and the Company.

 

   
 - 7 - 

 

The Company shall have no obligation and will not assume, and Transferor shall retain and timely pay, perform, defend and discharge, any of Transferor’s Liabilities that do not constitute Transferred Assets under this Agreement, either disclosed or undisclosed, known or unknown, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, secured or unsecured, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or otherwise, including but not limited to (i) any Liabilities in respect of any existing, pending or threatened action or litigation arising out of, relating to or otherwise in respect of the Transferred Assets to the extent such action relates to Transferor’s acts of omissions prior to the Closing Date, (ii) any product Liability or similar claim for injury to a person or property which arises out of or is based upon any express or implied representation, warranty, agreement or guaranty made by Transferor, or by reason of the improper performance or malfunctioning of a product, improper design or manufacture, failure to adequately package, label or warn of hazards or other related product defects of any products at any time manufactured, distributed and/or sold or any service performed by Transferor, and (iii) any recall, design defect or similar claims of any products manufactured distributed and/or sold or any service performed by Transferor.

 

4. Indemnity

 

4.1 The Company hereby acknowledges and accepts that the consideration given by the Company to the Transferor and the other terms and conditions set out in this Agreement take into consideration certain claims and litigation proceedings which have been made or commenced against the Transferor (and others) as of the date of this Agreement and are set out in Schedule B (the “Current Asbestos Claims”).
   
4.2 The Company hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Transferor from and against Indemnifiable Losses of the Transferor in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000 per year (the “Asbestos Claims Annual Indemnity Cap”), to the extent such Indemnifiable Losses of the Transferor are based upon, related to, or arise out of or in connection with, the Current Asbestos Claims, provided however that the Asbestos Claims Annual Indemnity Cap shall not apply to the costs and expenses of attorneys’, accountants’, consultants’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses incurred by the Transferor in the investigation or defense of any Current Asbestos Claims.
   
4.3 In addition, each Party shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other Party from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of such other Party and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates (each an “Indemnified Party” and together the “Indemnified Parties”), to the extent based upon, related to, arising out of or otherwise in connection with such Party’s breach of this Agreement, except to the extent that such Indemnifiable Losses are based upon, related to, result from or arise out of such Indemnified Party’s (i) breach of this Agreement, (ii) violation of Laws, or (iii) gross negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct.
   
4.4 The provisions of Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, be the sole and exclusive remedies of the Parties hereto and the Indemnified Parties, as applicable, for any Indemnifiable Losses, whether arising from statute, principle of common or civil law, principles of strict liability, tort, contract or otherwise under this Agreement.

 

   
 - 8 - 

 

5. Taxes

 

5.1 The Transferor will pay all taxes relating to the Transferred Assets that arise before, or are related to a period of time before, the Closing Date. The Company will pay all taxes relating to the Transferred Assets that arise after the Closing Date. In the case of taxes that are payable with respect to a taxable period that begins prior to the Closing Date and ends after the Closing Date (a “Straddle Period”), the portion of any such taxes that shall be allocated to the Transferor shall be: (a) in the case of taxes (i) based upon, or related to income, receipts, profits, wages, capital, or net worth; (ii) imposed in connection with the sale, transfer or assignment of property or (iii) required to be withheld, the amount of taxes which would be payable if the taxable year ended on the Closing Date; and (b) in the case of other taxes, the amount of such taxes for the entire period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the period ending on the Closing Date and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire period. All taxes with respect to a Straddle Period that are not allocated to the Transferor pursuant shall be allocated to the Company.
   
5.2 The Company will be liable for and will pay, when due, all transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration, value added and other such taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest) incurred in connection with the transfer of the Transferred Assets to the Company pursuant to this Agreement.
   
5.3 For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Parties agree to treat the transactions contemplated herein as a tax free contribution under Section 351 of the Code and will report their tax returns consistent with that position.

 

6. Confidential Information

 

6.1 Until the Closing Date or, if this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 11.1, then perpetually, the Company will, subject to Section 9.2 hereof, keep confidential and not disclose or use, and the Company will not allow any of its Representatives to disclose or use, any Confidential Information, for any purpose, except as contemplated by this Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated, all Confidential Information obtained by the Company in connection with this Agreement, including all copies, whether in written form or stored electronically, will be returned to the Transferor promptly after that termination.

 

6.2 The obligation of the Company under Section 9.1 above, to keep confidential and not disclose or use any Confidential Information, does not apply to information that:

 

  (a) is generally available to or known by the public, other than as a result of improper disclosure by the Company or any of its Representatives;
     
  (b) was available to the Company on a non-confidential basis before its disclosure by the Transferor or any Representative of the Transferor;
     
  (c) is or was obtained by the Company from a source other than the Transferor or any Representative of the Transferor, if that source is not bound by a confidentiality agreement with the Transferor; or
     
  (d) the Company or any Representative of the Company is required by law to disclose.

 

6.3 The Transferor and the Company acknowledge that the computers and data storage and retrieval systems or network of the Company and, if applicable, its Representatives, may automatically back up Confidential Information stored in electronic form. The Transferor and the Company agree that to the extent that those back-up procedures automatically create electronic copies of Confidential Information (“Secondary Information”), each of the Company and, if applicable, its Representatives, may, despite any requirement under this Agreement to return or destroy Confidential Information, retain Secondary Information in its archival storage for the period that it would normally archive electronic data, provided that those data are periodically and systematically overwritten or otherwise destroyed. Secondary Information will be subject to the provisions of this Agreement until destroyed and may not be accessed by the Company or any of its Representatives during its period of archival storage.

 

   
 - 9 - 

 

7. Personal Information – Post-Closing

 

Following the Closing, the Company will:

 

  (a) use and disclose the Personal Information transferred to it under the terms of this Agreement solely for the purposes for which that Personal Information was collected or permitted to be used or disclosed before the transaction was completed;
     
  (b) neither use nor disclose any of that Personal Information for any purpose that does not relate directly to the Business; and
     
  (c) notify the employees, customers, directors, officers, and shareholders whose Personal Information is disclosed that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have taken place.

 

8. Representations and Warranties

 

8.1 The Transferor represents and warrants to the Company that:

 

  (a) the Transferor has full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to sell, transfer, assign, and convey the Transferred Assets to the Company free and clear of all liens, charges, and encumbrances;
     
  (b) the Transferor has obtained any consent, authorization or approval, if any, that the Transferor is required to obtain from a third party under any obligation, contractual or otherwise in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance by the Transferor of this Agreement or the completion of any of the transactions contemplated herein;
     
  (c) the Transferor owns possesses, and has good and marketable title to all of the Transferred Assets to be transferred to the Company under this Agreement, free and clear of all liens, charges, and encumbrances (other than liens for current taxes not yet due) and, as of the Closing Date, the Transferor will have the absolute and exclusive right to transfer the Transferred Assets to the Company as contemplated by this Agreement;

 

8.2 The Company represents and warrants to the Transferor that:

 

  (a) the Company has full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement;
     
  (b) the Company has obtained any consent, authorization or approval, if any, that the Company is required to obtain from a third party under any obligation, contractual or otherwise in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance by the Company of this Agreement or the completion of any of the transactions contemplated herein;

 

   
 - 10 - 

 

8.3 The representations and warranties of the Transferor and the Company set out in this Agreement, and all covenants of the Transferor and the Company set out in this Agreement will survive the completion of the transfer of the Transferred Assets provided for in this Agreement and, notwithstanding such completion, will continue in full force and effect for the benefit of the Company or the Transferor, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

9. General Contract Provisions

 

9.1 This Agreement may be terminated at any time before the Effective Time by mutual written consent of the Transferor and the Company.
   
9.2 From time to time, the Company and the Transferor will each execute and deliver all such further documents, certificates, deeds, conveyances, transfers, assignments, declarations, affidavits, and other documents necessary or desirable to give effect to the full intent of this Agreement, including the transfer of the Transferred Assets.
   
9.3 This Agreement will enure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Transferor and the Company.
   
9.4 Whenever the singular or masculine is used in this Agreement, it will be construed as meaning the plural or the feminine or neuter, and vice versa, where the context or the parties so require.
   
9.5 The term “Agreement” means the agreement between the Transferor and the Company evidenced by this document, as amended from time to time, together with the Schedules.
   
9.6 This Agreement, including the schedules, and the Master Asset Purchase Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments, course of dealings and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any schedule hereto, the schedule shall prevail.
   
9.7 No amendment or other modification of this Agreement or any schedule hereto shall be effective unless in a writing signed and delivered by both Parties hereto. Any consent or waiver required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Party under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party giving such consent or waiver and shall be effective only against such Party (and its Group).
   
9.8 This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void.

 

   
 - 11 - 

 

9.9 This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of Action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.
   
9.10 This Agreement and any dispute arising out of, in connection with or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.
   
9.11 EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PERSON MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) EACH OF PARTIES HERETO HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 12.11.

 

9.12 In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
   
9.13 No failure or delay on the part of either party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. Except as may be limited herein, either party may, in its sole discretion, exercise any and all rights, powers, remedies and recourses available to it under this Agreement or any other remedy available to it and such rights, powers, remedies and recourses may be exercised concurrently or individually without the necessity of making any election.
   
9.14 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered is an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument.
   
9.15 This Agreement and each counterpart may be created, executed, signed, retained, or otherwise dealt with in digital or other intangible form of any format (including PDF), and may be delivered, transmitted, or otherwise dealt with by any digital or other intangible means (including by email, facsimile, or otherwise). Each digital or other intangible form of this Agreement or counterpart, and each copy and printout thereof, is hereby declared and agreed to be as valid and effective as a manually signed document.

 

[signature page follows]

 

   

 

 

BY SIGNING BELOW the Transferor and the Company each confirms that this document sets out the agreement reached by them and each of them acknowledges its intention to be bound by this contract.

 

  FG GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
     
  By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson
  Name: Mark D. Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  STRONG TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.
     
  By: Mark D. Roberson
  Name: Mark D. Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement]

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

TRANSFERRED ASSETS

 

[***]

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE B

 

CURRENT ASBESTOS CLAIMS

 

[***]

 

  2 
 

 

EXHIBIT 2.3

 

FORM OF PATENT ASSIGNMENT

 

This Patent Assignment (the “Patent Assignment”) is effective as of ______, 2023 (the “Effective Date”) by and between FG Group Holdings Inc., a Nevada corporation with a place of business at 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210 (“Assignor), and Strong Technical Services, Inc., a Nebraska corporation with a place of business at 14565 Portal Cir, La Vista, NE 68138 (“Assignee”).

 

WHEREAS, under the terms of that certain Asset Transfer Agreement dated as of the Effective Date hereof by and between Assignor and Assignee (the “FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement”), Assignor has conveyed, transferred, assigned, and delivered to Assignee, among other assets, certain intellectual property assets of Assignor, and has agreed to execute and deliver this Patent Assignment, for the purpose of recording the assignment with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the corresponding patent offices, entities or agencies in any applicable jurisdiction (including any applicable foreign country).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement and in consideration of the promises and covenants contained herein and therein, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Assignment. For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Assignor confirms that Assignor has irrevocably conveyed, transferred, assigned, and delivered to Assignee and, for greater certainty, to the full extent that Assignor has not done so previously, Assignor does hereby irrevocably convey, transfer, assign, and deliver to Assignee all of Assignor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following (the “Transferred Patent Assets”):

 

  (a) certain inventions, improvements and discoveries

 

  i. directed to pre-painted panels for use in a modular curvilinear projection screen system; and/or
     
  ii. described and/or claimed in the patent documents set forth in Schedule 1 (the “Applications”)
     
    (the “Inventions”);
     
  (b) all national phase applications arising from the Applications;
     
  (c) all issuances, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, extensions, reexaminations, and renewals of the Applications;
     
  (d) the right to file counterparts to the Applications in all countries and regions;
     
  (e) the right to claim priority from the Applications in all countries and regions;
     
  (f) each and every additional application that claims any part of the Inventions;

 

  3 
 

 

  (g) each and every additional application that is in any way based on or claimed priority from or corresponds to the Applications;
     
  (h) all rights of Assignor accruing under any of the foregoing provided by applicable law of any jurisdiction, by international treaties and conventions, and otherwise throughout the world;
     
  (i) any and all royalties, fees, income, payments, and other proceeds now or hereafter due or payable with respect to any and all of the foregoing; and
     
  (j) any and all claims and causes of action based on any of the foregoing, whether accruing before, on, or after the date hereof, including all rights to and claims for damages, restitution, and injunctive and other legal and equitable relief for past, present, and future infringement, misappropriation, violation, misuse, breach, or default, with the right but no obligation to sue for such legal and equitable relief and to collect, or otherwise recover, any such damages.

 

2. Recordation and Further Actions. Assignor hereby authorizes the Commissioner for Patents in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the officials of corresponding patent offices, entities or agencies in any applicable jurisdiction (including any applicable foreign country) to record and register this Patent Assignment upon request by Assignee. Following the date hereof, upon Assignee’s reasonable request, Assignor shall take such reasonable steps and actions, and provide such reasonable cooperation and assistance to Assignee and its successors, assigns, and legal representatives, including the execution and delivery of any affidavits, declarations, oaths, exhibits, assignments, powers of attorney, or other documents, as may be reasonably necessary to effect, evidence, or perfect the assignment of the Transferred Patent Assets to Assignee, or any assignee or successor thereto.

 

3. Terms of the Asset Transfer Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Patent Assignment is entered into pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement, to which reference is made for a further statement of the rights and obligations of Assignor and Assignee with respect to the Transferred Patent Assets. The representations, warranties, covenants, agreements, and indemnities contained in the Asset Transfer Agreement shall not be superseded hereby but shall remain in full force and effect to the full extent provided therein. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of the Asset Transfer Agreement and the terms hereof, the terms of the Asset Transfer Agreement shall govern.

 

4. Successors and Assigns. This Assignment shall be binding and inure to the benefit of the Assignee and Assignor and their respective successors and assigns.

 

5. Counterparts. This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

  4 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Assignment to be duly executed as of the Effective Date.

 

ASSIGNOR:

 

FG GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
     
By:             
Name:    
Title:    

 

Assignor Witness

 

By:    
Name:    

 

ASSIGNEE:

 

STRONG TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.
 
By:             
Name:    
Title:    

 

[Signature Page Patent Assignment]

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

 

TRANSFERRED PATENT ASSETS

 

[***]

 

   

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

[Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, schedules and attachments to this exhibit have been omitted. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished

supplementally to the SEC upon request.]

 

FORM OF PATENT ASSIGNMENT

 

This Patent Assignment (the “Patent Assignment”) is effective as of May 18, 2023 (the “Effective Date”) by and between FG Group Holdings Inc., a Nevada corporation with a place of business at 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210 (“Assignor), and Strong Technical Services, Inc., a Nebraska corporation with a place of business at 14565 Portal Cir, La Vista, NE 68138 (“Assignee”).

 

WHEREAS, under the terms of that certain Asset Transfer Agreement dated as of the Effective Date hereof by and between Assignor and Assignee (the “FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement”), Assignor has conveyed, transferred, assigned, and delivered to Assignee, among other assets, certain intellectual property assets of Assignor, and has agreed to execute and deliver this Patent Assignment, for the purpose of recording the assignment with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the corresponding patent offices, entities or agencies in any applicable jurisdiction (including any applicable foreign country).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement and in consideration of the promises and covenants contained herein and therein, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Assignment. For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Assignor confirms that Assignor has irrevocably conveyed, transferred, assigned, and delivered to Assignee and, for greater certainty, to the full extent that Assignor has not done so previously, Assignor does hereby irrevocably convey, transfer, assign, and deliver to Assignee all of Assignor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following (the “Transferred Patent Assets”):

 

(a) certain inventions, improvements and discoveries

 

  i. directed to pre-painted panels for use in a modular curvilinear projection screen system; and/or
     
  ii. described and/or claimed in the patent documents set forth in Schedule 1 (the “Applications”)
     
    (the “Inventions”);

 

(b) all national phase applications arising from the Applications;

 

(c) all issuances, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, extensions, reexaminations, and renewals of the Applications;

 

(d) the right to file counterparts to the Applications in all countries and regions;

 

(e) the right to claim priority from the Applications in all countries and regions;

 

  1 

 

 

(f) each and every additional application that claims any part of the Inventions;

 

(g) each and every additional application that is in any way based on or claimed priority from or corresponds to the Applications;

 

(h) all rights of Assignor accruing under any of the foregoing provided by applicable law of any jurisdiction, by international treaties and conventions, and otherwise throughout the world;

 

(i) any and all royalties, fees, income, payments, and other proceeds now or hereafter due or payable with respect to any and all of the foregoing; and

 

(j) any and all claims and causes of action based on any of the foregoing, whether accruing before, on, or after the date hereof, including all rights to and claims for damages, restitution, and injunctive and other legal and equitable relief for past, present, and future infringement, misappropriation, violation, misuse, breach, or default, with the right but no obligation to sue for such legal and equitable relief and to collect, or otherwise recover, any such damages.

 

2. Recordation and Further Actions. Assignor hereby authorizes the Commissioner for Patents in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the officials of corresponding patent offices, entities or agencies in any applicable jurisdiction (including any applicable foreign country) to record and register this Patent Assignment upon request by Assignee. Following the date hereof, upon Assignee’s reasonable request, Assignor shall take such reasonable steps and actions, and provide such reasonable cooperation and assistance to Assignee and its successors, assigns, and legal representatives, including the execution and delivery of any affidavits, declarations, oaths, exhibits, assignments, powers of attorney, or other documents, as may be reasonably necessary to effect, evidence, or perfect the assignment of the Transferred Patent Assets to Assignee, or any assignee or successor thereto.

 

3. Terms of the Asset Transfer Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that this Patent Assignment is entered into pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement, to which reference is made for a further statement of the rights and obligations of Assignor and Assignee with respect to the Transferred Patent Assets. The representations, warranties, covenants, agreements, and indemnities contained in the Asset Transfer Agreement shall not be superseded hereby but shall remain in full force and effect to the full extent provided therein. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of the Asset Transfer Agreement and the terms hereof, the terms of the Asset Transfer Agreement shall govern.

 

4. Successors and Assigns. This Assignment shall be binding and inure to the benefit of the Assignee and Assignor and their respective successors and assigns.

 

5. Counterparts. This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

  2 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Assignment to be duly executed as of the Effective Date.

 

ASSIGNOR:  
     
FG GROUP HOLDINGS INC.  
     
By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson  
Name: Mark D. Roberson  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  
     
Assignor Witness  
     
By:    
Name:    
     
ASSIGNEE:  
     
STRONG TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.  
     
By: s/ Mark D. Roberson  
Name: Mark D. Roberson  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

[Signature Page Patent Assignment]

 

   

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

TRANSFERRED PATENT ASSETS

 

[***]

 

   

 

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

[Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, schedules and attachments to this exhibit have been omitted.

A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.]

 

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

by and between

 

FG GROUP HOLDINGS INC.

 

and

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

Dated as of May 18, 2023

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 2
Section 1.01 Certain Defined Terms 2
Section 1.02 Interpretation; Schedules 7
   
ARTICLE II SERVICES, FACILITIES AND DURATION 7
Section 2.01 Services; Facilities 7
Section 2.02 Compliance with Laws 7
Section 2.03 Duration of Services and Facilities 7
Section 2.04 Additional Services and Additional Facilities 8
Section 2.05 Exception to Obligation to Provide Services or Facilities 8
Section 2.06 Standard of the Provision of Services or Facilities 8
Section 2.07 Change in Services or Facilities 9
Section 2.08 Subcontractors 10
Section 2.09 Electronic Access 10
Section 2.10 Telecommunications Matters 11
Section 2.11 Intellectual Property License 11
Section 2.12 Shared Contracts 11
     
ARTICLE III COSTS AND DISBURSEMENTS 12
Section 3.01 Costs and Disbursements 12
Section 3.02 No Right to Set-Off 13
Section 3.03 Taxes 13
Section 3.04 Records and Audits 14
Section 3.05 Uses of Services 14
Section 3.06 Provision of Services 14
     
ARTICLE IV WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE 15
Section 4.01 Disclaimer of Warranties 15
Section 4.02 Compliance with Laws and Regulations 15
     
ARTICLE V LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION 15
Section 5.01 Limitation of Liability 15
Section 5.02 Indemnification 16
Section 5.03 Indemnification Procedures 16
Section 5.04 Cooperation in Defense and Settlement 19
Section 5.05 Indemnification Payments 19
Section 5.06 Contribution 19
     
ARTICLE VI TERMINATION 20
Section 6.01 Termination 20
Section 6.02 Effect of Termination 21
Section 6.03 Force Majeure 21

 

i
 

 

ARTICLE VII MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL 22
Section 7.01 Cooperation 22
Section 7.02 Required Consents, Licenses or Approvals 22
Section 7.03 Personnel 22
Section 7.04 No Agency 23
     
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS 23
Section 8.01 Treatment of Confidential Information 23
Section 8.02 Entire Agreement; Construction 25
Section 8.03 Counterparts 25
Section 8.04 Notices 25
Section 8.05 Amendments; Consents; Waivers 26
Section 8.06 Assignment 26
Section 8.07 Successors and Assigns 26
Section 8.08 Payment Terms 26
Section 8.09 Affiliates 26
Section 8.10 Third Party Beneficiaries 26
Section 8.11 Title and Headings 27
Section 8.12 Schedules 27
Section 8.13 Governing Law 27
Section 8.14 Dispute Resolution 27
Section 8.15 Severability 31
Section 8.16 Interpretation 31
Section 8.17 No Waiver 31

 

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MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

This MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of May 18, 2023, by and between FG Group Holdings Inc. (formerly Ballantyne Strong, Inc.), a Nevada corporation (“Ballantyne”) and Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (“Strong Global”) is made effective as of the date of completion of the separation transaction to be effected pursuant to: (i) the Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Master Asset Purchase Agreement”) between Strong/MDI Screen Systems Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Quebec (“Strong/MDI Quebec”) and Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (the “New Opco”), and (ii) the other related ancillary agreements thereto, including the Asset Transfer Agreement (the ‘FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement”), between Ballantyne and Strong Technical Services, Inc. (“STS”), a Nebraska corporation (the FG Group Holdings Asset Transfer Agreement together with the other related ancillary agreements to the Master Asset Purchase Agreement, the “Ancillary Agreements”) (and such date, the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between Ballantyne and Strong Global. “Party” or “Parties” means Ballantyne or Strong Global, individually or collectively, as the case may be.

 

W I T N E S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of Ballantyne have determined that it is in the best interests of Ballantyne and its stockholders to create a new publicly traded company that shall operate, directly and indirectly, the Business (as defined below), pursuant to the separation transaction referenced above (the “Separation”);

 

WHEREAS, in order to effectuate the Separation, Ballantyne, Strong Global, Strong/MDI Quebec, New Opco, and/or STS are entering into, the Master Asset Purchase Agreement and/or the Ancillary Agreements, as the case may be;

 

WHEREAS, in order to operate the Business, New OpCo will require certain services which are to be performed by Strong Global, and Strong Global has agreed to provide such services pursuant to a Services Agreement (the “Canadian Services Agreement”) between New OpCo and Strong Global, such Canadian Services Agreement being one of the Ancillary Agreements referred to above;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Separation, certain services are to continue to be provided by each Party to the other Party after the Effective Date upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that this Agreement, the Master Asset Purchase Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements represent the integrated agreement of the Parties, and their respective Affiliates, relating to the Separation, are being entered together, and would not have been entered independently.

 

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ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.01 Certain Defined Terms.

 

(a) Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as in the Master Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

(b) The following capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

1) “Affiliate” means when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), when used with respect to any specified Person shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that, prior to, at and after completion of the Separation, for purposes of this Agreement, (a) no member of the Strong Global Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Ballantyne Group and (b) no member of the Ballantyne Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Strong Global Group, provided however that nothing herein shall limit any Party from claiming, disclosing and/or treating the other Party as an Affiliate for Canadian and/or U.S. tax purposes (upon the knowledge and consent of the other Party).

 

2) “Applicable Federal Rate” means the minimum interest rate that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows for private loans, as published on a monthly basis by the IRS in accordance with Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

3) “Ballantyne Group” means Ballantyne and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Ballantyne (other than Strong Global and any other member of the Strong Global Group).

 

4) Ballantyne Provider” means Ballantyne or a Provider that is a member of the Ballantyne Group.

 

5) “Business” means the entertainment business of Ballantyne, as conducted before completion of the Separation, as the context requires, and/or the business of Strong/MDI Quebec and STS, operating under Ballantyne before completion of the Separation, and/or the direct or indirect business of Strong Global as conducted after completion of the Separation, as the context requires, as applicable.

 

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6) “Change of Control” means with respect to a Party, the occurrence after the Effective Date of any of the following: (a) the sale, conveyance or disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of such Party to a third party that is not an Affiliate of such Party prior to such transaction or the first of such related transactions; (b) the consolidation, merger or other business combination of a Party with or into any other Person, immediately following which the stockholders of the Party prior to such transaction fail to own in the aggregate the Majority Voting Power of the surviving Party in such consolidation, merger or business combination or of its ultimate publicly traded parent Person; or (c) a transaction or series of transactions in which any Person or “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) acquires the Majority Voting Power of such Party (other than in a reincorporation or similar corporate transaction in which each of such Party’s stockholders own, immediately thereafter, interests in the new parent company in substantially the same percentage as such stockholder owned in such Party immediately prior to such transaction).

 

7) “Confidential Information” means all non-public, confidential or proprietary Information to the extent concerning a Party, its Group and/or its Subsidiaries or with respect to Strong Global, the Strong Global Business, any Strong Global assets or any Strong Global Liabilities or with respect to Ballantyne, the Ballantyne Business, any Ballantyne assets or any Ballantyne Liabilities, including any such Information that was acquired by any Party after the Effective Date in accordance with this Agreement, or that was provided to a Party by a third party in confidence, including (a) any and all technical information relating to the design, operation, development, use, hosting, marketing, distribution, provisioning, licensing out and manufacture of any Party’s product or service (including product specifications, documentation, engineering, and design; software, software as a service, firmware, computer programs and applications (including source code, executable or object code, architecture, algorithms, data files, computerized databases, plugins, libraries, subroutines, tools and APIs), programming data, databases, user manuals and training materials, and all information and documentation referred to in the same and supporting the foregoing); product or service costs, margins and pricing; as well as product or service marketing studies and strategies; all other methodologies, procedures, techniques and Know-How related to design, operation, development, use, hosting, marketing, distribution, provisioning, licensing out and manufacturing; (b) information, documents and materials relating to the Party’s financial condition, management and other business conditions, prospects, plans, procedures, infrastructure, security, information technology procedures and systems, and other business or operational affairs; (c) pending unpublished patent applications and trade secrets; and (d) any other data or documentation resident, existing or otherwise provided in a database or in a storage medium, permanent or temporary, intended for confidential, proprietary and/or privileged use by a Party; except for any Information that is (i) in the public domain or known to the public through no fault of the receiving Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) lawfully acquired after the Effective Date by such Party or its Subsidiaries from other sources not known to be subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such Information or (iii) independently developed by the receiving Party after the Effective Time without reference to any Confidential Information. As used herein, by example and without limitation, Confidential Information shall mean any information of a Party intended or marked as confidential, proprietary and/or privileged.

 

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8) “Contract” means any agreement, contract, subcontract, obligation, binding understanding, note, indenture, instrument, option, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, license, sublicense, insurance policy, benefit plan, purchase order or legally binding commitment or undertaking of any nature (whether written or oral and whether express or implied).

 

9) “Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

10) “Facilities” means those facilities, equipment and software, as applicable, (including any Additional Facilities) to be provided by each Party and its Group as identified on the schedules attached hereto as such schedules may be amended from time to time.

 

11) “Force Majeure” means with respect to a Party, an event beyond the reasonable control of such Party (or beyond the reasonable control of any Person acting on its behalf), including strikes, lockouts, acts of any government, embargo, acts of God, storms, floods, tsunami, riots, fires, sabotage, pandemics (including the novel coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”)), outbreaks of infectious disease or other public health crises, civil commotion or civil unrest, interference by civil or military authorities, acts of war (declared or undeclared) or armed hostilities or other national or international calamity or one or more acts of terrorism or failure or interruption of networks or energy sources.

 

12) “Governmental Entity” means any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau or court, whether domestic, foreign, multinational, or supranational exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government and any executive official thereof.

 

13) “Group” means either the Strong Global Group or the Ballantyne Group, as the context requires.

 

14) “Indemnifiable Loss” and “Indemnifiable Losses” means any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, Liabilities, obligations, penalties, judgments, settlements, claims, payments, fines, interest, costs and expenses (including the costs and expenses of any and all actions and demands, assessments, judgments, settlements and compromises relating thereto and the costs and expenses of attorneys’, accountants’, consultants’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses incurred in the investigation or defense thereof or the enforcement of rights hereunder).

 

15) “Information” means information, content, and data in written, oral, electronic, computerized, digital or other tangible or intangible media, including (i) books and records, whether accounting, legal or otherwise, ledgers, studies, reports, surveys, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, marketing plans, customer names and information (including prospects); technical information relating to the design, operation, development, use, hosting, marketing, distribution, provisioning, licensing out and manufacture of any Party’s or its Group’s product or service (including product specifications, documentation, engineering, and design; software, software as a service, firmware, computer programs and applications (including source code, executable or object code, architecture, algorithms, data files, computerized databases, plugins, libraries, subroutines, tools and APIs), programming data, databases, user manuals and training materials, and all information and documentation referred to in the same and supporting the foregoing); product or service costs, margins and pricing; as well as product or service marketing studies and strategies; all other methodologies, procedures, techniques and Know-How related to design, operation, development, use, hosting, marketing, distribution, provisioning, licensing out and manufacturing; communications, correspondence, materials, product or service literature, files, documents; and (ii) financial and business information, including earnings reports and forecasts, macro-economic reports and forecasts, all cost information (including supplier records and lists), sales and pricing data, business plans, market evaluations, surveys, credit-related information, and other such information as may be needed for reasonable compliance with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements, including under applicable securities laws or regulations of securities exchanges.

 

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16) “Intellectual Property” means all U.S. and foreign: (i) trademarks, trade dress, service marks, certification marks, logos, slogans, design rights, names, corporate names, trade names, Internet domain names, social media accounts and addresses and other similar designations of source or origin, together with the goodwill symbolized by any of the foregoing (collectively, “Trademarks”); (ii) patents and patent applications, and any and all related national or international counterparts thereto, including any divisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, substitutions and extensions thereof (collectively, “Patents”); (iii) copyrights and copyrightable subject matter, excluding Know-How; (iv) trade secrets, and all other confidential or proprietary information, know-how, inventions, processes, formulae, models, and methodologies, excluding Patents (collectively, “Know-How”); (v) all applications and registrations for the foregoing; and (vi) all rights and remedies against past, present, and future infringement, misappropriation, or other violation thereof.

 

17) “Internal Revenue Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

 

18) “IT Assets” means all software, computer systems, telecommunications equipment, databases, Internet Protocol addresses, data rights and documentation, reference, resource and training materials relating thereto, and all Contracts (including Contract rights) relating to any of the foregoing (including software license agreements, source code escrow agreements, support and maintenance agreements, electronic database access contracts, domain name registration agreements, website hosting agreements, software or website development agreements, outsourcing agreements, service provider agreements, interconnection agreements, governmental permits, radio licenses and telecommunications agreements).

 

19) “Law” means any applicable U.S. or non-U.S. federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, income tax treaty, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law) or other binding directives promulgated, issued, entered into or taken by any Governmental Entity.

 

20) “Liability” or “Liabilities” means any and all indebtedness, liabilities, costs, expenses, interest and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, action, whether asserted or unasserted, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Entity and those arising under any Contract or any fines, damages or equitable relief which may be imposed and including all costs and expenses related thereto.

 

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21) “Majority Voting Power” means a majority of the voting power in the election of directors of all outstanding voting securities of the Person in question.

 

22) “Person” means any natural person, firm, individual, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, bank, land trust, trust company, company, limited liability company, partnership, or other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or any Governmental Entity.

 

23) “Provider” means the applicable Person of a Group providing a Service, an Additional Service, Facility or Additional Facilities under this Agreement.

 

24) “Provider Systems” means with respect to each Service, the Information, IT Assets or Intellectual Property owned or controlled by Provider or any of its Affiliates that is required for Recipient’s use of the Services.

 

25) “Recipient” means the applicable Person of a Group to whom a Service, an Additional Service, Facility or Additional Facilities is being provided under this Agreement.

 

26) “Recipient Systems” means with respect to each Service, the Information, IT Assets or Intellectual Property owned or controlled by Recipient or any of its Affiliates that is required for Provider’s use of the Services.

 

27) “Service or Services” means those services (including any Additional Services) to be provided the Parties and their respective Groups as identified on the schedules attached hereto as such schedules may be amended from time to time.

 

28) “Strong Global Group” means (a) prior to the Separation, Strong Global and each Person that will be a Subsidiary of Strong Global as of immediately after the Separation, even if, prior to the Separation, such Person is not a Subsidiary of Strong Global; and (b) on and after the Separation, Strong Global and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Strong Global.

 

29) “Strong Global Provider” means Strong Global or a Provider that is a member of the Strong Global Group.

 

30) “Subsidiary” means with respect to any Person (i) a corporation, fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting or capital stock of which is, as of the time in question, directly or indirectly owned by such Person and (ii) any other Person in which such Person, directly or indirectly, owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the equity or economic interest thereof or has the power to elect or direct the election of fifty percent (50%) or more of the members of the governing body of such entity.

 

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31) “Tax Act” means the Income Tax Act (Canada).

 

Section 1.02 Interpretation; Schedules. In this Agreement: (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole (including all of the schedules hereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (c) article, section and schedule references are to the articles, sections and schedules to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (d) unless otherwise stated, all references to any agreement shall be deemed to include the exhibits, schedules and annexes to such agreement; (e) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless otherwise specified; (f) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (g) unless otherwise specified in a particular case, the word “days” refers to calendar days; (h) references to “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are generally authorized or required by law to close in the United States or New York, New York; (i) references herein to this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement or such other agreement as of the date on which it is executed and as it may be amended, modified or supplemented thereafter, unless otherwise specified; and (j) unless expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement, all references to “the date hereof,” “the date of this Agreement,” “hereby” and “hereupon” and words of similar import shall all be references to May 18, 2023.

 

ARTICLE II

 

SERVICES, FACILITIES AND DURATION

 

Section 2.01 Services; Facilities. Subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, from and after the Effective Date each Group, with such Group’s applicable Persons, each as Providers, shall provide (or cause to be provided) to the other Group, with such Group’s applicable Person, each as Recipients, its respective Services and Facilities, as applicable, as set forth on the schedules to this Agreement.

 

Section 2.02 Compliance with Laws. Each Party agrees to comply, and to cause its Group to comply, with all Laws applicable to the provision, receipt or use of the Services and Facilities.

 

Section 2.03 Duration of Services and Facilities. Subject to Section 6.01 hereof, each Provider shall provide or cause to be provided to the respective Recipient each Service or Facility until the expiration of the period set forth next to such Service or Facility on the applicable schedules hereto or, if no such period is provided with respect to a particular Service or Facility, on the second anniversary of the Effective Date (in each case, the “Term”); provided, however, to the extent that a Provider’s ability to provide a Service or Facility, as the case may be, is dependent on the Recipient’s provision of data, Services, Facilities or other resources, the Provider’s obligation to provide, or cause to be provided, such Service or Facility shall be suspended until such time as the dependencies are met or provided. Additionally, upon the expiration of any Term, such Term will renew automatically, for successive periods of one year’s duration, unless such other renewal time period is set forth on the applicable schedules hereto. During any renewal of the Term, the terms, conditions and provisions set forth in this Agreement shall remain in effect unless modified in accordance with this Agreement.

 

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Section 2.04 Additional Services and Additional Facilities. If, within six (6) months after the Effective Date, either Party identifies a service or facilities, equipment or software not included on a schedule which was provided by a Provider during the twelve-month period prior to the Effective Date that a Recipient reasonably needs in order for its Business to continue to operate in substantially the same manner in which the Business operated prior to the Effective Date, then each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide, or cause to be provided (on terms to be agreed upon), such requested services (such additional services, the “Additional Services”) and/or facilities, equipment or software (the “Additional Facilities”). The Parties shall amend, in a writing signed by both Parties, the appropriate schedule to include such Additional Services or Additional Facilities (including the terms thereof and the termination date with respect thereto, which, for clarity, shall be no later than the end of the Term) and such Additional Services and Additional Facilities shall be deemed Services or Facilities, as applicable. Accordingly, the Provider requested to provide such Additional Services or Additional Facilities shall provide, or cause to be provided, such Additional Services or Additional Facilities in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.05 Exception to Obligation to Provide Services or Facilities. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no Provider shall be obligated to provide any Services or Facilities if the provision of such Services or Facilities would violate any Law or any currently existing Contract to which the Provider or its Group are subject; provided, however, that each Party shall comply with Section 7.02 in obtaining any consents, licenses or approvals necessary to provide such Services or Facilities.

 

Section 2.06 Standard of the Provision of Services or Facilities.

 

(a) The provision of Services and Facilities shall be provided in a commercially reasonable manner with the nature, quality, standard of care and at levels substantially consistent with the levels at which the same or similar services or access were provided by the applicable Provider during the twelve-month period immediately preceding the Effective Date. Subject to the applicable policies of any Person in the Group, or any contractual restrictions in any Contract applicable to any Person in the Group, nothing herein shall in any way preclude a Provider, any of its Affiliates, or any Person in its respective Group, from engaging in any business activities or from performing services for its or their own account or for the account of others, including, without limitation, companies which may be in competition with the business conducted by a Recipient, any Person in its respective Group or any of its Affiliates
   
(b) Each Recipient acknowledges that the applicable Provider is not in the business of providing the Services and is providing the Services to such Recipient solely for the purpose of facilitating the transactions contemplated by the Master Asset Purchase Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the on-going operation of the Business following the completion of the Separation. Each Provider shall act under this Agreement solely as an independent contractor and not as an agent, employee or joint venture counterparty of any Recipient. All employees and representatives providing the Services shall be under the direction, control and supervision of the applicable Provider (and not of any Recipient), and such Provider shall have the sole right to exercise all authority with respect to such employees and representatives and in no event shall such employees and representatives be deemed to be employees or agents of any Recipient.

 

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Section 2.07 Change in Services or Facilities.

 

(a) The Provider may from time to time reasonably supplement, modify, substitute or otherwise alter the Services and Facilities provided in a manner that does not materially adversely affect the quality or availability of Services or Facilities or increase the Service Charges (as defined in Section 3.01) to the Recipient of such Services or Facilities. Subject to Section 2.07(b) and Section 2.07(c), if any such change by the Provider reasonably requires the Recipient to incur an increase in costs and expenses, to continue to receive and utilize the applicable Services or Facilities, the Provider shall be required to reimburse the Recipient for all such reasonable increases in costs and expenses; provided, however, that the Provider and the Recipient will work together in good faith and make such changes as may be reasonably necessary to minimize any such increased costs and expenses. Upon request, the Recipient shall provide the Provider with reasonable documentation, to the extent such documentation is in the Recipient’s possession or control, to support the calculation of such increase in costs and expenses.
   
(b) If a change in Laws applicable to the Provider or the Recipient requires the Provider to make a change to the Services or Facilities or reasonably to incur additional costs and expenses in connection with providing such Services or Facilities, the Provider shall advise the Recipient as soon as reasonably practicable of such additional costs and expenses. Upon request, the Provider shall provide the Recipient with reasonable documentation, to the extent such documentation is in the Provider’s possession or control, to support the calculation of such additional costs and expenses. The Provider and Recipient will work together in good faith and make such changes as reasonably necessary to minimize any such additional costs and expenses. Subject to the foregoing, the Recipient shall be responsible for any and all such reasonably-incurred additional costs and expenses.
   
(c) If the Provider is required to (i) increase staffing, (ii) acquire, lease or license additional facilities, equipment or software, (iii) engage in significant capital expenditures or (iv) apply for or obtain additional third party consents, licenses or approvals (other than renewals of any preexisting permits, licenses or approvals) (clauses (i) to (iv), collectively, the “Service Changes”) in order to accommodate the use or level of any Service or Facilities by the Recipient, then the Provider shall inform the Recipient in writing of the Service Change and propose a plan for implementing the Service Change, in all cases to the extent practicable, before incurring any costs or expenses resulting from such Service Change. The Parties shall negotiate in good faith and mutually agree to adjust or change the Services and/or Facilities, including the Service Charges, if necessary, before the Provider is required to undertake any Service Change. If the Parties determine that the Provider shall undertake such Service Change, then the Parties shall amend the appropriate schedule in writing to include such Service Changes, and the Service Changes shall be deemed Services or Facilities hereunder. Accordingly, the Party requested to provide such Services or Facilities as amended by the Service Changes shall provide such Services, or cause such Services to be provided, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement at the agreed upon cost.
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(d) A Recipient may from time to time request a reduction in part of the scope or amount of any Service or Facility. If requested to do so by the Recipient, the Provider agrees to negotiate in good faith appropriate reductions to the relevant Service Charges in light of all relevant factors including the costs and benefits to the Provider of any such reductions. The relevant schedule shall be updated to reflect any reduced Service or Facility agreed to in writing by the Parties. In the event that any Service or Facility is so reduced other than at the end of a month, the Service Charge associated with such Service or Facility for the month in which such Service or Facility is reduced shall be pro-rated accordingly.

 

Section 2.08 Subcontractors. A Provider may subcontract any of the Services or portion thereof to any other Person, including any Affiliate of the Provider; provided, however, that such other Person shall be subject to service standards and confidentiality provisions reasonably equivalent to those set forth herein, and such Provider shall in all cases remain primarily responsible for all of its obligations hereunder with respect to the Services provided by such subcontractor.

 

Section 2.09 Electronic Access. Each Party (the “Accessing Party”) agrees that, to the extent the other Party (the “Providing Party”) provides access to the Provider Systems or the Recipient Systems, as applicable, to the Accessing Party or the Accessing Party’s Affiliates in connection with the provision or receipt of Services hereunder, the Accessing Party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, use such Provider Systems or Recipient Systems, as applicable, only to the extent necessary to access such data, documents, drawings and computer software necessary to provide or receive the Services, and that such access and use shall be subject to such other restrictions on access or use as the Providing Party may reasonably require. The Accessing Party shall not, and shall not permit its Affiliates to, access any other data, documents, drawings or computer software, other than to such extent as may be required in order to use or receive the benefit of the Services (or as agreed between the Parties). This restriction applies to viewing, approving and modifying of data. In providing and receiving information technology Services, the Providing Party shall have the right to implement, and the Accessing Party shall agree to and abide by, reasonable processes and controls under which there will be no greater threat to the Providing Party’s information technology operating environment than would exist in the absence of the provision or receipt of such Services, including: (i) requiring adherence to the Providing Party’s standard network security agreement, other policies directed to network security and other actions as are required to comply with Law; (ii) implementing technical and administrative safeguards to protect data and information, including industry-standard virus protection software, maintaining existing environments with respect to business continuation and disaster recovery and implementing disaster recovery plans; and (iii) providing, installing and maintaining network locations and telecommunications lines and equipment required to access such locations. The Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Providers to, exercise reasonable care in providing, accessing and using the Services and Facilities to prevent access to the Services and Facilities by unauthorized Persons.

 

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Section 2.10 Telecommunications Matters. The Parties do not provide telecommunications Services to each other and agree not to provide telecommunications Services to each other during the term of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.11 Intellectual Property License.

 

(a) Strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and without affecting the rights and obligations of the Parties under the Master Asset Purchase Agreement and/or the Ancillary Agreements, as the case may be:

 

 

(i) Each Recipient hereby grants to each Provider, and each Provider hereby accepts, a non-exclusive, non-transferable (subject to Section 8.07), worldwide right during the Term to access and use the Recipient Systems only to the extent necessary and for the sole purpose of performing the Provider’s obligations under this Agreement, and not for any other purpose; and
     
  (ii) Each Provider hereby grants to each Recipient, and each Recipient hereby accepts, a non-exclusive, non-transferable (subject to Section 8.07), worldwide right during the Term to access and use the Provider Systems only to the extent necessary and for the sole purpose of performing the Recipient’s obligations under this Agreement, and not for any other purpose.

 

(b) For clarity, the limited rights to use the Recipient Systems and Provider Systems granted in this Section 2.11(a) for each of the Services will terminate at the end of the applicable Term and will under no circumstances survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
   
(c) Subject to the limited licenses in this Section 2.11, and unless the Parties expressly agree otherwise in the schedules to this Agreement or in a separate written agreement, each Party, its respective Affiliates and Persons in its respective Group shall exclusively own any Intellectual Property that it creates, develops or invents in connection with the provision of any Services under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.12 Shared Contracts. The Parties do not have any shared contracts with any third party (a “Shared Contract”) and agree not to enter into any Shared Contract during the Term of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE III

 

COSTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

 

Section 3.01 Costs and Disbursements.

 

(a) Each Recipient shall pay to the Provider a fee for the applicable Service or Facility as set forth therefor in the schedules, which fee shall, except as otherwise set forth in the schedules, be equal to the Provider’s calculation, based upon commercially reasonable metrics, of the actual cost (with mark-up, if necessary, to comply with applicable transfer pricing principles under Section 482 of the Internal Revenue Code and/or Section 247 of the Tax Act, as the case may be), of providing such Services or Facility to the Recipient, and with respect to an Additional Service or Additional Facility, the fee shall be the applicable Provider’s internal and external costs and expenses of providing such Additional Services or Additional Facilities (with mark-up, if necessary, to comply with applicable transfer pricing principles under Section 482 of the Internal Revenue Code and/or Section 247 of the Tax Act, as the case may be), as agreed between the Parties (each aggregate fee calculated in accordance with this provision constituting a “Service Charge” and, collectively, the “Service Charges”); provided, however, that any monthly fee for a Service or Facility not provided or made available hereunder for a full month shall be prorated for the portion of such month provided or made available. Except as set forth on a schedule hereto, and subject to Section 2.07, during the Term, the amount of a Service Charge for any Services or Facilities shall not increase, except to the extent that there is an increase after the Effective Date in the costs actually incurred by the Provider in providing such Services or Facilities as a result of (i) an increase in the rates or charges imposed by any third-party provider that is providing goods or services used by the Provider in providing the Services or Facilities (as compared to the rates or charges underlying a Service Charge), or (ii) an increase in the payroll or benefits (including any retention payments) for any personnel used by the Provider in providing the Services or Facilities. Further, except as set forth in the schedules hereto, and subject to Section 2.07, during the Term, the Recipient shall reimburse the Provider for any reasonable incremental and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Provider’s personnel in connection with performing the Services.
   
(b) Each of the Parties shall deliver invoices to the other Party in accordance with the terms hereof, on a monthly basis, on or prior to the fifteenth day following the end of each succeeding month (in accordance with the terms hereof) for the duration of this Agreement (or at such other frequency as is consistent with the basis on which the Service Charges are determined) in arrears for the net Service Charges due under this Agreement, together with such supporting documentation for the costs set forth in such invoices as may reasonably be requested by the Recipient to enable the Recipient to allocate the costs set forth in such invoices. For the avoidance of doubt such invoice shall include Service Charges by the Provider without an offset of the Service Charges by the Recipient. To the extent the Service Charges owing by Ballantyne or Ballantyne Providers set forth on an invoice exceed the Service Charges owing by Strong Global or Strong Global Providers, Strong Global shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Ballantyne such net excess invoiced amount in accordance with the terms hereof. To the extent the Service Charges owing by Strong Global or Strong Global Providers set forth on an invoice exceed the Service Charges owing by Ballantyne or Ballantyne Providers, Ballantyne shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Strong Global such net excess invoiced amount in accordance with the terms hereof. Each Party shall pay, or cause to be paid, such net aggregate excess invoiced amount on a monthly basis, by wire transfer or check to the other Party (or its designees) within thirty (30) days of the end of each month; provided that (i) any Contracts that prescribe other payment terms for any other individual Service or Facility shall continue to govern under the terms of such Contracts; and (ii) to the extent consistent with past practice with respect to Services or Facilities rendered outside the United States, payments may be required in local currency. If either Party fails to pay such amount by such date, such Party shall be obligated to pay to the other Party, in addition to the amount due, a late interest payment charge calculated at the annual rate equal to the Applicable Federal Rate published by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for such month, calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days and the actual number of days elapsed between the end of the thirty (30)-day payment period and the actual payment date, shall immediately begin to accrue and any such late payment interest charges shall become immediately due and payable in addition to the amount otherwise owed under this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.02 No Right to Set-Off. Except as provided in Section 3.01(b), no Party shall be permitted to set-off, counterclaim or otherwise withhold any amount owed to the other Party under this Agreement on account of any obligation owed by the other Party that has not been finally adjudicated, settled or otherwise agreed upon by the Parties in writing; provided, however, that each Party shall be permitted to assert a set-off right with respect to any obligation that has been so finally adjudicated, settled or otherwise agreed upon by the Parties in writing against amounts owed by the other Party under this Agreement.

 

Section 3.03 Taxes. The Service Charges charged under this Agreement are exclusive of any sales, use, value added, goods and services or similar taxes (“Sales Taxes”) that may be imposed in connection with the Services or Facilities provided hereunder. In addition to the Service Charges, the Recipient: (i) shall be responsible for and shall pay the Provider for any Sales Taxes imposed in connection with any Services or Facilities provided to the Recipient hereunder, and/or (ii) shall reimburse the Provider for any Sales Taxes incurred by the Provider in connection with any Services or Facilities (but only to the extent the Recipient is unable to recover such Sales Taxes by claiming an exemption, input tax credits, or other for recovery available in the ordinary course); provided that the Recipient shall not be obligated to reimburse the Provider for such Sales Taxes if, and to the extent that, the Recipient has provided valid certificates or other applicable documentation that would eliminate the obligation of the Provider to collect and/or pay such Sales Taxes under Law; provided further, that the Provider shall identify separately, state on the invoice therefor, properly and timely collect from the Recipient, and remit as required by Law any such Sales Taxes, and shall provide an invoice for goods and services tax or other value added tax, which invoice shall include such information as is prescribed to permit the Recipient to claim input tax credits for such goods and services tax or value added tax; and provided further, that each of the Recipient and the Provider shall be responsible for (a) any real or personal property Taxes on property it owns or leases; (b) franchise, margin, privilege and similar Taxes on its business; (c) the employment Taxes, income tax deductions, or contributions or premiums, imposed on it or required from it with respect to its employees; and (d) Taxes based on its income, gross receipts or capital. Each Party shall cooperate and take any reasonably requested action in order to minimize any Sales Taxes, including providing any applicable sales and use Tax exemption certificates or other documentation necessary to support the characterization of Services and Facilities and any available explicit exemptions. Each Party agrees to provide to the other such information and data as reasonably requested from time to time and, at the request and expense of the requesting party, to fully cooperate, in connection with (i) the reporting of any Sales Taxes applicable to the Services; (ii) any audit relating to any such Sales Taxes; or (iii) any assessment, refund, claim or proceeding relating to any such Sales Taxes. The Recipient shall control any audit assessment, refund, claim, or proceeding in relation to such Sales Taxes. Each Recipient shall be entitled to deduct or withhold from any amount payable to each Provider under this Agreement such amount as that Recipient, acting reasonably, is required to be deducted or withheld with respect to such payment under the Tax Act, the Internal Revenue Code, or any provision of any applicable federal, provincial, state, local, or foreign Tax Law. Any amount so deducted or withheld any amounts otherwise due and payable to the Provider pursuant to this Agreement shall be timely remitted to the applicable taxing authority to the extent required by applicable Law and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the relevant Person in respect of which such withholding was made.

 

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Section 3.04 Records and Audits.

 

(a) Each Party shall, in accordance with applicable Law, maintain complete and accurate records of all books, records, receipts, invoices, reports, and other documents and information relating to the Services and Facilities provided under this Agreement in accordance with its standard accounting practices and procedures. The Provider shall retain such books, records, receipts, invoices and other documents and information and make them reasonably available, during ordinary business hours, to the Recipient and its auditors for a period of three (3) years from the close of each fiscal year of the Provider during which Services or Facilities were provided (or for such longer period, if required under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or the Tax Act), for the purposes of verifying invoices submitted with respect to the provision of Services and Facilities or in connection with an external audit of the Recipient. As and when so reasonably requested by the Recipient for purposes of verifying invoices submitted to Recipient pursuant to Section 3.01, in connection with an external audit of the Recipient, or by a Governmental Entity, the Provider will permit an inspection wherein the Provider will (a) make books and records concerning such invoices and the Services and Facilities available for inspection by such Persons as the Recipient designates as its authorized representatives; and (b) give Recipient’s authorized representatives reasonable access during regular business hours to facilities, officers, employees and other representatives of the Provider. If a third-party audit conducted by the Recipient determines that the Provider has overcharged the Recipient for Services or Facilities, Provider promptly will credit (or, if the Provider has ceased providing the relevant Services or Facilities such that the Recipient could not reasonably be expected to consume the credit balance under this Agreement, then the Provider promptly will refund) the Recipient for the amount of the overcharge. The costs of the audit will be borne by the Recipient, and upon request the audit may be made available to the Provider. In recognition that audits are disruptive and should be avoided if possible, audits shall be performed (x) in a manner that will not unreasonably interfere with the normal business operations of the Provider and otherwise with a minimum of disruption and (y) no more than once for each given Service.
   
(b) With respect to each Service, unless otherwise requested in writing by the Recipient, for the duration that each Service is provided under this Agreement: (i) the Provider will continue to operate the controls and perform the corresponding testing for such Service in the same manner as is performed as of the date of this Agreement; and (ii) the Provider will ensure the Recipient specific transaction remain in testing populations for Service applicable controls, such that transactions will be eligible for selection and testing by the internal audit function in respect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Provider will promptly notify the Recipient of any control deficiencies or changes to controls. In the event that the Provider reasonably determines that look-back procedures will be required for audit testing exceptions, the Provider will provide the Recipient a reasonable opportunity to evaluate the impact of such procedures.

 

Section 3.05 Uses of Services. No Recipient shall resell any Services to any Person whatsoever or permit the use of the Services by any Person other than a Person in its respective Group, an Affiliate, or in connection with such Recipient’s operation of its Business substantially as conducted during the term of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.06 Provision of Services. With respect to any Service, a Provider may, upon ten business days’ prior written notice to the applicable Recipient, (i) outsource such Service to a third-party provider; (ii) in-source such Service being provided by a third-party provider; (iii) replace a third-party provider of such Service with a new third-party provider; or (iv) terminate or renegotiate the material terms of an agreement pursuant to which a third-party provider shall provide such Service; provided, that (x) the terms (including pricing) pursuant to which such Service will be provided shall be on terms no less favorable to the Recipient than those set forth in the schedules hereto and (y) with respect to clauses (i) and (iii), (A) such third party is in the business of providing such Service, and (B) such Provider shall notify each third-party provider performing any Service for the applicable Recipients of the confidentiality restrictions set forth herein and shall cause such third-party provider to comply with confidentiality restrictions at least as stringent as those set forth herein.

 

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ARTICLE IV

 

WARRANTIES AND COMPLIANCE

 

Section 4.01 Disclaimer of Warranties. Except as expressly set forth herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the Services and Facilities are provided as-is, that the Recipients assume all risks and liability (“Liability”) arising from or relating to its use of and reliance upon the Services and the Facilities and each Party and their respective Providers make no representation or warranty with respect thereto. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, EACH PARTY AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PROVIDERS HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING THE SERVICES AND THE FACILITIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY IN REGARD TO QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, COMMERCIAL UTILITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OF THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

 

Section 4.02 Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Each Party hereto shall be responsible for its own compliance with any and all Laws applicable to its performance under this Agreement. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, EACH PARTY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OBLIGATION OR WARRANTY OF THE SERVICES THAT COULD BE CONSTRUED TO REQUIRE PROVIDER TO DELIVER SERVICES OR FACILITIES HEREUNDER IN SUCH A MANNER TO ALLOW A RECIPIENT TO ITSELF COMPLY WITH ANY LAW APPLICABLE TO THE ACTIONS OR FUNCTIONS OF THE RECIPIENT.

 

ARTICLE V

 

LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 5.01 Limitation of Liability.

 

(a) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS AGREEMENT (BUT WITHOUT LIMITING SECTION 5.02 OR SECTION 5.03), NEITHER PARTY NOR ANY MEMBER OF ITS GROUP SHALL HAVE ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE OTHER WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT (INCLUDING WARRANTY), TORT OR OTHERWISE, FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR OPPORTUNITY COSTS, WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR NOT, EXCEPT, IN EACH CASE, TO THE EXTENT ASSESSED IN CONNECTION WITH (I) A THIRD PARTY CLAIM WITH RESPECT TO WHICH A PERSON AGAINST WHICH SUCH DAMAGES ARE ASSESSED IS ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION HEREUNDER; OR (II) SUCH PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.
   
(b) IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF THE PROVIDER UNDER OR WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (I) THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID TO THE PROVIDER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE ON WHICH SUCH INDEMNITY OBLIGATION AROSE; (II) THE INCREMENTAL COST OF SUCH PARTY PERFORMING OR OBTAINING THE SERVICE OR FACILITY; OR (III) THE INCREMENTAL COST OF SUCH PARTY OBTAINING THE SERVICE OR FACILITY FROM A THIRD PARTY.

 

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Section 5.02 Indemnification.

 

(a) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.01, each Party, in its capacity as a Provider and on behalf of each member of its Group in its capacity as a Provider, shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other Party, in its capacity as a Recipient and each member of the other Party’s Group (the “Recipient Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Recipient Indemnitees to the extent based upon, related to, arising out of or otherwise in connection with any Services or Facilities provided by the Provider Group to the extent such Indemnifiable Losses result from or arise out of the Provider Group’s (i) breach of this Agreement, (ii) violation of Laws in providing the Services or Facilities or (iii) gross negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct.
   
(b) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.01, each Party, in its capacity as a Recipient and on behalf of each member of its Group in its capacity as a Recipient, shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other Party, in its capacity as Provider and each member of the other Party’s Group (the “Provider Indemnitees”) from and against all Indemnifiable Losses of the Provider Indemnitees except to the extent such Indemnifiable Losses are based upon, related to, result from or arise out of the Provider Group’s (i) breach of this Agreement, (ii) violation of Laws in providing the Services or Facilities, or (iii) gross negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct.
   
(c) The provisions of Section 5.02(a) and Section 5.02(b) shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, be the sole and exclusive remedies of the Provider Indemnitees and the Recipient Indemnitees, as applicable, for any Indemnifiable Losses, whether arising from statute, principle of common or civil law, principles of strict liability, tort, contract or otherwise under this Agreement.

 

Section 5.03 Indemnification Procedures.

 

(a) Direct Claims. Other than with respect to Third Party Claims (as defined below), which shall be governed by Section 5.03(b), each Ballantyne indemnitee and Strong Global indemnitee (each, an “Indemnitee”) shall notify in writing, with respect to any matter that such Indemnitee has determined has given or could give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement, the Party which is or may be required pursuant to this Article V (the “Indemnifying Party”), within forty-five (45) days of such determination, stating in such written notice the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss claimed, if known, and, to the extent practicable, method of computation thereof, and referring to the provisions of this Agreement in respect of which such right of indemnification is claimed by such Indemnitee or arises; provided, however, that the failure to provide such written notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. The Indemnifying Party will have a period of forty-five (45) days after receipt of a notice under this Section 5.03(a) within which to respond thereto. If the Indemnifying Party fails to respond within such period, the Liability specified in such notice from the Indemnitee shall be conclusively determined to be a Liability of the Indemnifying Party hereunder. If such Indemnifying Party responds within such period and rejects such claim in whole or in part, the disputed matter shall be resolved in accordance with Section 8.14.

 

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(b) Third Party Claims. If a claim or demand is made against an Indemnitee by any Person who is not a member of the Ballantyne Group or the Strong Global Group (a “Third Party Claim”) as to which such Indemnitee is or may be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnifying Party in writing (which notice obligation may be satisfied by providing copies of all notices and documents received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim), and in reasonable detail, of the Third Party Claim promptly (and in any event within the earlier of (x) forty-five (45) days or (y) two (2) business days prior to the final date of the applicable response period under such Third Party Claim) after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided, however, that the failure to provide notice of any such Third Party Claim pursuant to this or the preceding sentence shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) business days) after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim.
   
(c) The Indemnifying Party shall be entitled, if it so chooses, to assume the defense thereof, and if it does not assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, to participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim in accordance with the terms of Section 5.04 at such Indemnifying Party’s own cost and expense and by such Indemnifying Party’s own counsel, that is reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of an indemnification notice from such Indemnitee; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim to the extent such Third Party Claim (x) seeks injunctive, equitable or other relief other than monetary damages (provided that such Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnifying Party, at the request of the Indemnifying Party, in seeking to separate any such claims from any related claim from any monetary damages if this clause (x) is the sole reason that such Third Party Claim is a Non-Assumable Third Party Claim), (y) is an action by a Governmental Entity, or (z) involves an allegation of a criminal violation (any of clauses (x), (y) and (z), a “Non-Assumable Third Party Claim”). In connection with the Indemnifying Party’s 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, at its own expense and, in any event, shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in such defense and make available to the Indemnifying Party, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, all witnesses, pertinent Information, materials and information in such Indemnitee’s possession or under such Indemnitee’s control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the Indemnifying Party; provided, however, that in the event of a conflict of interest between the Indemnifying Party and the applicable Indemnitee(s), such Indemnitee(s) shall be entitled to retain, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, separate counsel as required by the applicable rules of professional conduct with respect to such matter. In the event the Indemnifying Party exercises the right to assume and control the defense of a third party, (1) the Indemnifying Party shall keep the Indemnitees(s) apprised of all material developments in such defense, (2) the Indemnifying Party shall not withdraw from the defense of such Third Party Claim without providing advance notice to the Indemnitee(s) reasonably sufficient to allow the Indemnitee(s) to prepare to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, and (3) the Indemnifying Party shall conduct the defense of the Third Party Claim actively and diligently, including the posting of bonds or other security in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claims.

 

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(d) Other than in the case of a Non-Assumable Third Party Claim, if an Indemnifying Party fails for any reason to assume responsibility for defending a Third Party Claim within the period specified in this Section 5.03 or if the Indemnifying Party fails to actively and diligently defend the Third Party Claim, such Indemnitee may defend such Third Party Claim at the cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnitee is conducting the defense of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall cooperate with the Indemnitee in such defense and make available to the Indemnitee, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, and make available to the Indemnitee, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, all witnesses, pertinent Information, materials and information in such Indemnitee’s possession or under such Indemnitee’s control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the Indemnitee.
   
(e) No Indemnitee may admit any liability with respect to, consent to the entry of any judgement of, or settle, compromise or discharge, the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. No Indemnified Party shall admit any liability with respect to, consent to entry of any judgment of, or settle, compromise or discharge, the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) unless such settlement or judgement (i) completely and unconditionally releases the Indemnitee in connection with such matter, (ii) provides relief consisting solely of money damages borne by the Indemnifying Party and (iii) does not involve any admission by the Indemnitee of any wrongdoing or violation of Law.
   
(f) Absent fraud or willful misconduct by an Indemnifying Party, the indemnification provisions of this Article V shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of an Indemnitee for any monetary or compensatory damages or losses resulting from any breach of this Agreement and each Indemnitee expressly waives and relinquishes any and all rights, claims or remedies such Person may have with respect to the foregoing other than under this Article V against any Indemnifying Party.
   
(g) The provisions of this Article V shall apply to Third Party Claims that are already pending or asserted as well as Third Party Claims brought or asserted after the date of this Agreement. There shall be no requirement under this Section 5.03 to give a notice with respect to any Third Party Claim that exists as of the Effective Date. The Parties acknowledge that Liabilities for actions (regardless of the parties to the actions) may be partly Ballantyne Liabilities and partly Strong Global Liabilities. If the Parties cannot agree on the allocation of any such Liabilities for actions, they shall resolve the matter pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 8.14. Neither Party shall, nor shall either Party permit its Subsidiaries to, file Third Party claims or cross-claims against the other Party or its Subsidiaries in an action in which a Third Party Claim is being resolved.

 

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Section 5.04 Cooperation in Defense and Settlement.

 

(a) With respect to any Third Party Claim that implicates both Parties in any material respect due to the allocation of Liabilities, responsibilities for management of defense and related indemnities pursuant to this Agreement, the Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate fully and maintain a joint defense (in a manner that, to the extent reasonably practicable, will preserve for all Parties any privilege with respect thereto). The Party that is not responsible for managing the defense of any such Third Party Claim shall, upon reasonable request and at such Party’s own expense, be consulted with respect to significant matters relating thereto and may, if necessary or helpful, retain counsel to assist in the defense of such claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5.04(a) shall derogate from any Party’s rights to control the defense of any action in accordance with Section 5.03.
   
(b) Each of Ballantyne and Strong Global agrees that at all times from and after the Effective Date, if an action is commenced by a third party naming two (2) or more Parties (or any member of such Parties’ respective Groups) as defendants and with respect to which one or more named Parties (or any member of such Party’s respective Group) is a nominal defendant and/or such action is otherwise not a Liability allocated to such named Party under this Agreement, then the other Party or Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such nominal defendant to be removed from such action, as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

Section 5.05 Indemnification Payments. Indemnification required by this Article V shall be made by periodic payments of the amount of Indemnifiable Losses in a timely fashion during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or an Indemnifiable Loss incurred.

 

Section 5.06 Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this Article V is unavailable for any reason to an Indemnitee (other than failure to provide notice with respect to any Third Party Claims in accordance with Section 5.03(b)) in respect of any Indemnifiable Loss, then the Indemnifying Party shall, in accordance with this Section 5.06, contribute to the Indemnifiable Losses incurred, 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 Strong Global and each other member of the Strong Global Group, on the one hand, and Ballantyne and each other member of the Ballantyne Group, on the other hand, in connection with the circumstances which resulted in such Indemnifiable Loss. With respect to any Indemnifiable Losses arising out of or related to information contained in securities law filings, the relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission of a material fact relates to information supplied by the Strong Global Business of a member of the Strong Global Group, on the one hand, or the Ballantyne Business or a member of the Ballantyne Group, on the other hand.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

TERMINATION

 

Section 6.01 Termination.

 

(a) This Agreement may be terminated by a Party then not in breach of its obligations hereunder if the other Party is in material breach of this Agreement (unless the occurrence or materiality of such breach is subject to a good faith dispute between the Parties) and such breach is not corrected within thirty (30) days of a written notice of such breach from the non-breaching Party.
   
(b) Without prejudice to any rights with respect to a Force Majeure:

 

  (i) a Recipient may from time to time terminate this Agreement with respect to any Service or Facility: (A) for any reason or no reason upon providing at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of such termination to the Provider (unless a shorter or longer notice period is specified in the schedules to this Agreement or in a third party agreement to provide Services or Facilities) or (B) if the Provider has failed to perform any of its material obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Service or Facility, and such failure shall continue uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt by the Provider of written notice of such failure (unless such failure is subject to a good faith dispute between the Parties); or
     
  (ii) a Provider may terminate this Agreement with respect to one or more Services or Facilities, in whole but not in part, at any time upon providing at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the Recipient, if the Recipient has failed to perform any of its material obligations under this Agreement relating to such Services or Facilities, and such failure shall continue uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt by Recipient of a written notice of such failure (unless such failure is subject to a good faith dispute between the Parties). The relevant schedule shall be updated to reflect any terminated Service or Facility. In the event that the effective date of the termination of any Service or Facility is a day other than at the end of a month, the Service Charge associated with such Service or Facility shall be pro-rated accordingly.

 

(c) Except as may be provided in the schedules to the Agreement, no advance notice shall be required to terminate any Service or Facility in connection with the expiration of the Service or Facility as set forth in the schedules to this Agreement.

 

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Section 6.02 Effect of Termination.

 

(a) Upon termination of any Service or Facility in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Provider shall have no further obligation to provide the terminated Service or Facility, and the Recipient shall have no obligation to pay any Service Charges relating to any such Service or Facility; provided that the Recipient shall remain obligated to the Provider for the Service Charges owed and payable in respect of Services or Facilities provided prior to the effective date of termination; provided further, that to the extent costs and expenses are incurred by a Provider in connection with Recipient’s request to terminate or reduce Services or Facilities, the Recipient shall be obligated to pay for costs resulting from termination or reduction.
   
(b) The Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) there may be interdependencies among the Services and Facilities being provided under this Agreement; (b) upon the request of either Party, the Parties shall cooperate and act in good faith to determine whether (i) any such interdependencies exist with respect to the particular Service or Facility that a Party is seeking to terminate or reduce and (ii) a Party’s ability to provide or receive a particular Service or Facility would be adversely affected by the termination or suspension of another Service or Facility; and (c) if such interdependencies exist, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to amend any such impacted Services or Facilities, which amendment shall be consistent with the terms of comparable Services or Facilities.
   
(c) In connection with the termination of any Service or Facility, the provisions of this Agreement not relating solely to such terminated Service or Facility shall survive any such termination, and in connection with a termination of this Agreement, Article I, Article IV, Article V, this Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII, and Liability for all due and unpaid Service Charges shall continue to survive indefinitely.

 

Section 6.03 Force Majeure.

 

(a) No Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any Liability or responsibility for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) under this Agreement so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure; provided that (i) such Party shall have exercised commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the effect of Force Majeure on its obligations; and (ii) the nature, quality and standard of care of the Services and/or Facilities provided by the Provider after a Force Majeure shall be substantially the same as the nature, quality and standard of care that the Provider provides prior thereto. In the event of an occurrence of a Force Majeure, the Party whose performance is affected thereby shall give notice of suspension as soon as reasonably practicable to the other stating the date and extent of such suspension and the cause thereof, and such Party shall resume the performance of such obligations as soon as reasonably practicable after the removal of the cause.
   
(b) If, as a result of a Force Majeure, a suspension of Services or Facilities shall continue or be expected to continue for a period of at least thirty (30) days, during the period thereof, the Recipient shall be (i) entitled to seek at Recipient’s cost an alternative provider of such Services or Facilities, (ii) entitled to permanently terminate such Services or Facilities and (iii) relieved of the obligation to pay Service Charges for the provision of such Services or Facilities throughout the duration of such Force Majeure and, in the event of termination, thereafter. If, as a result of a Force Majeure, a suspension of Services or Facilities shall continue or be expected to continue for a period of at least thirty (30) days, during the period thereof, the Provider shall be entitled to permanently terminate such Services or Facilities.

 

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ARTICLE VII

 

MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

 

Section 7.01 Cooperation.

 

(a) During the Term, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the other Party with respect to the provision of Services and Facilities and in responding to such the other Party’s reasonable requests for information related thereto. Neither Party shall knowingly take, directly or indirectly, any action which would substantially interfere with or increase the cost to the other Party of providing, receiving, accessing or enjoying the use of any of the Services or Facilities. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall provide the other Party (upon a showing of legitimate business purpose) with reasonable access to records and personnel related to the Services and Facilities.
   
(b) To the extent the Parties or a member of their respective Group have entered into any third-party Contracts in connection with any of the Services or Facilities, the Recipient shall comply with the terms of such Contracts to the extent consistent with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.02 Required Consents, Licenses or Approvals. Each Party, as a Provider, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any and all third party consents, licenses or approvals necessary or advisable to allow such Party to provide the Services and Facilities; provided, however, that the costs of such consents, licenses or approvals shall be paid by the Recipient. Each Party shall provide written evidence of receipt of any required consents, licenses or approvals to the other Party upon such other Party’s request. If, with respect to a Service or Facility, the Parties, despite their efforts, are unable to obtain such required consents, licenses or approvals, the Provider will, at Recipient’s expense, use commercially reasonable efforts to perform the Service or provide the Facility in a manner that does not require such consents, licenses or approvals.

 

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Section 7.03 Personnel.

 

(a) The Provider of any Service or Facility shall make available to the Recipient of such Service or Facility such personnel as may be reasonably necessary to provide such Service or Facility, in accordance with such Provider’s standard business practices. The Provider shall have the right, in its reasonable discretion, to (i) designate which personnel it will assign to provide such Service or Facility, and (ii) remove and replace such personnel at any time.
   
(b) The Provider of any Service or Facility shall be solely responsible for all salary, employment and other benefits of and Liabilities relating to the employment or contracting of Persons employed or contracted by such Provider. In performing their respective duties hereunder, all employees and other representatives of a Provider shall be under the sole direction, control and supervision of such Provider, and such Provider shall have the sole right to exercise all authority with respect to such Persons (including the termination, assignment and compensation thereof).

 

Section 7.04 No Agency. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed in any way or for any purpose to constitute any party acting as an agent of another unaffiliated party in the conduct of such other party’s Business. Each Party shall act as an independent contractor and not as the agent of the other Party in performing its obligations under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 8.01 Treatment of Confidential Information.

 

(a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, , each of Ballantyne and Strong Global shall hold, and shall cause members of their respective Groups and their officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors to hold, in strict confidence (and not to disclose or release or, except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement, use, including for any ongoing or future commercial purpose, without the prior written consent of the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates (which may be withheld in such Party’s sole and absolute discretion, except where disclosure is required by applicable Law)), any and all Confidential Information concerning or belonging to the other Party or its Group; provided that each Party may disclose, or may permit disclosure of, Confidential Information (i) to its respective auditors, attorneys, financial advisors, bankers and other appropriate consultants and advisors who have a need to know such Information or auditing and other non-commercial purposes and are informed of the obligation to hold such Information confidential and in respect of whose failure to comply with such obligations, the applicable Party will be responsible, (ii) if any Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries is required or compelled to disclose any such Confidential Information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of Law or stock exchange rule or is advised by outside counsel in connection with a proceeding brought by a Governmental Entity that it is advisable to do so, (iii) as required in connection with any legal or other proceeding by one Party against any other Party or in respect of claims by one Party against the other Party brought in a proceeding, (iv) as necessary in order to permit a Party to prepare and disclose its financial statements in connection with any regulatory filings or tax returns, (v) as necessary for a Party to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement, or (vi) to other Persons in connection with their evaluation of, and negotiating and consummating, a potential strategic transaction, to the extent reasonably necessary in connection therewith, provided an appropriate and customary confidentiality agreement has been entered into with the Person receiving such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any demand or request for disclosure of Confidential Information is made by a third party pursuant to clause (ii), (iii), or (v) above, each Party, as applicable, shall promptly notify (to the extent permissible by Law) the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates of the existence of such request, demand or disclosure requirement and shall provide such affected Party a reasonable opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order or other remedy, which such Party will cooperate in obtaining to the extent reasonably practicable. In the event that such appropriate protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Party which faces the disclosure requirement shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed and shall take commercially reasonable steps to ensure that confidential treatment is accorded such Confidential Information.

 

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(b) Each Party acknowledges that it and the other members of its Group may have in its or their possession confidential or proprietary Information of third parties that was received under confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with such third party while such Party and/or members of its Group were part of the Ballantyne Group. Each Party shall comply, and shall cause the other members of its Group to comply, and shall cause its and their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors (or potential buyers) to comply, with all terms and conditions of any such third-party agreements entered into prior to the Effective Date, with respect to any confidential and proprietary Information of third parties to which it or any other member of its Group has had access.
   
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) the Parties shall be deemed to have satisfied their obligations hereunder with respect to Confidential Information if they exercise at least the same degree of care that applies to Ballantyne’s confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Effective Date and (ii) confidentiality obligations provided for in any Contract between each Party or its Subsidiaries and their respective employees shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Confidential Information of any Party in the possession of and used by any other Party as of the Effective Date may continue to be used by such Party in possession of the Confidential Information in and only in the operation of the Strong Global Business (in the case of the Strong Global Group) or the Ballantyne Business (in the case of the Ballantyne Group); provided that such Confidential Information may only be used by such Party and its officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors in the specific manner and for the specific purposes for which it is used as of the date of this Agreement; and may only be shared with additional officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors of such Party on a need-to-know basis exclusively with regard to such specified use; provided, further that such Confidential Information may be used only so long as the Confidential Information is maintained in confidence and not disclosed in violation of Section 8.01(a).

 

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(d) The Parties agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that the provisions of this Section 8.01 were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
   
(e) Each Party shall comply in all material respects with all applicable state, federal and foreign import-export and privacy, security and data protection Laws that are or that may in the future be applicable to the provision of Services or Facilities hereunder.

 

Section 8.02 Entire Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the schedules, and the Master Asset Purchase Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments, course of dealings and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any schedule hereto, the schedule shall prevail.

 

Section 8.03 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to each of the Parties.

 

Section 8.04 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, or by facsimile with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 8.04):

 

To Ballantyne:

 

FG Group Holdings Inc.

5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275

Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210

Attn: Mark Roberson

Email: mark.roberson@fg.group

 

To Strong Global:

 

Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.

5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275

Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210

Attn: Mark Roberson

Email: mark.roberson@fg.group

 

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Section 8.05 Amendments; Consents; Waivers. No amendment or other modification of this Agreement or any schedule hereto shall be effective unless in a writing signed and delivered by both Parties hereto. Any consent or waiver required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Party under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party giving such consent or waiver and shall be effective only against such Party (and its Group).

 

Section 8.06 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be assignable to (i) a Subsidiary of a Party, or (ii) a bona fide unaffiliated third party in connection with a Change of Control of a Party so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant party hereto by operation of law or otherwise; provided however that, unless otherwise agreed by the non-assigning Party or in connection with a Change of Control of a Party as described above, no assignment permitted by this Section 8.06 shall release the assigning Party from Liability for the full performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 8.07 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 8.08 Payment Terms. Without the consent of the party receiving any payment under this Agreement specifying otherwise, and except as contemplated in Section 3.01(b), all payments to be made by either Ballantyne or Strong Global under this Agreement shall be made in US Dollars. Except as expressly provided herein, any amount which is not expressed in US Dollars shall be converted into US Dollars by using the exchange rate published on Bloomberg at 5:00 pm Eastern Standard time (EST) on the day before the relevant date or in the Wall Street Journal on such date if not so published on Bloomberg, or such other published exchange rate, as may be agreed by the Parties, or as may be required to be used under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and/or the Tax Act, as the case may be.

 

Section 8.09 Affiliates. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by such Party or any Affiliate of such Party or by any entity that becomes an Affiliate of such Party at and after the Effective Date, to the extent such Affiliate remains an Affiliate of the applicable Party.

 

Section 8.10 Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and Persons in their respective Groups and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of Action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

 

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Section 8.11 Title and Headings. Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Section 8.12 Schedules. The schedules to this Agreement shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein.

 

Section 8.13 Governing Law. This Agreement and any dispute arising out of, in connection with or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

Section 8.14 Dispute Resolution.

 

(a) Negotiation and Arbitration. In the event of a controversy, dispute or action between the Parties arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, including with respect to the interpretation, performance, nonperformance, validity or breach of this Agreement or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and including any action based on contract, tort, statute or constitution, including the arbitrability of such controversy, dispute or action and any controversy, dispute or action (a “Dispute”), the following provisions shall apply, unless expressly specified herein.
   
(b) Negotiations.

 

  (i) (A) either Party may deliver written notice of a Dispute (a “Dispute Notice”) and (B) the general counsels of the Parties (and/or such other individuals designated by the respective general counsels) and/or the executive officers designated by the Parties in writing shall thereupon negotiate for a reasonable period of time to settle such Dispute; provided, however, that such reasonable period shall not, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, exceed sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of the Dispute Notice (the “Negotiation Period”).
     
  (ii) With respect to the subject Dispute, in the event of any arbitration in accordance with this Section 8.14, the Parties shall not assert the defenses of statute of limitations and laches arising during the period beginning after the date of receipt of the Dispute Notice, and any contractual time period or deadline under this Agreement to which such Dispute relates occurring after the Dispute Notice is received shall not be deemed to have passed until such Dispute has been resolved.
     
  (iii) All offers, promises, conduct and statements, whether oral or written, made in the course of the discussions and negotiations related to the relevant Negotiation Period by any of the Parties (or the other members of their respective Group), their respective agents, employees, experts and attorneys are confidential, privileged and inadmissible for any purpose, including impeachment, in any arbitration or other proceeding involving the Parties (or any other member of a Group), and, in any action, shall be governed by Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence and any applicable similar state or foreign rule and evidence of such discussions shall not be admissible in any future action between the Parties and any member of their respective and/or any Indemnitee, provided that evidence that is otherwise admissible or discoverable shall not be rendered inadmissible or non-discoverable as a result of its use in the negotiation or discussion.

 

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(c) Arbitration. If the Dispute has not been resolved for any reason as of the expiration of the applicable Negotiation Period, such Dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration administered in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA” ) then in effect (the “Rules”), except as modified herein.

 

  (i) The arbitration shall be conducted by an arbitral panel (the “Arbitral Panel”) consisting of three members whenever the amount in controversy exceeds $3,000,000 in principal amount, and by only one arbitrator for any lesser sum. In the instance where a three-person Arbitral Panel is used, the claimant shall appoint one arbitrator in its demand for arbitration and the respondent shall appoint one arbitrator within twenty-one (21) days after the appointment of the first arbitrator. The third arbitrator, who shall serve as chair of the Arbitral Panel, shall be jointly appointed by the two party-nominated arbitrators within twenty-one (21) days of the appointment of the second arbitrator. In the event of an instance where a one-person Arbitral Panel is used, the arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with its Rules. Any arbitrator not timely appointed by the Parties shall be appointed by the AAA according to its Rules.
     
  (ii) In resolving any Dispute to the extent it involves contractual issues under this Agreement the arbitrator(s) shall apply the governing law specified in this Agreement.
     
  (iii) For the avoidance of doubt, by submitting their dispute to arbitration under the Rules, the Parties expressly agree that all issues of arbitrability, including all issues concerning the propriety and timeliness of the commencement of the arbitration (including any defense based on a statute of limitation, if applicable), the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Panel, and the procedural conditions for arbitration, shall be finally and solely determined by the Arbitral Panel.
     
  (iv) The Arbitral Panel shall be entitled, if appropriate, to award any remedy, including monetary damages, specific performance and all other forms of legal and equitable relief that is in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Arbitral Panel shall have no authority or power to (i) limit, expand, alter, modify, revoke or suspend any condition or provision of this Agreement, nor any right or power to award punitive, exemplary, treble or similar damages, or (ii) review, resolve or adjudicate, or render any award or grant any relief in respect of, any issue, matter, claim or Dispute other than the specific Dispute or Disputes submitted by the Parties to such Arbitral Panel for final and binding arbitration, including any Disputes consolidated therewith in accordance with Section 8.14(c)(ix).

 

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  (vi) The Parties agree to engage in full disclosure of all related documents and evidence (electronic or otherwise, including email, text, and similar writings) related to the Dispute. There shall otherwise be no discovery pursuant to rules providing for same in certain states or nations. Any failure to fully disclose shall result in a negative inference being taken by the arbitrator(s) against the party failing to disclose said evidence or documents. Testimony by any witness during a merits or interim relief hearing shall be taken on examination, in the first instance, by way of a declaration provided to the arbitrator(s) and the opposing party in advance of said hearing on a schedule imposed by the arbitrator(s).
     
  (vii) The Arbitral Panel (and, if applicable, Emergency Arbitrator (as defined below)) shall have the full authority to grant any pre-arbitral injunction, pre-arbitral attachment, interim or conservatory measure or other order in aid of arbitration proceedings (“Interim Relief”). The Parties shall exclusively submit any application for Interim Relief to only: (A) the Arbitral Panel; or (B) prior to the constitution of the Arbitral Panel, an emergency arbitrator appointed in the manner provided for in the Rules (an “Emergency Arbitrator”). Any Interim Relief so issued shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be deemed a final arbitration award for purposes of enforceability. The foregoing procedures shall constitute the exclusive means of seeking Interim Relief, provided, however, that (i) the Arbitral Panel shall have the power to continue, review, vacate or modify any Interim Relief granted by an Emergency Arbitrator, and the Arbitral Panel shall apply a de novo standard of review to the factual and legal findings of the Emergency Arbitrator and conduct any such proceeding with respect to the actions of the Emergency Arbitrator on an expedited basis; and (ii) in the event an Emergency Arbitrator or the Arbitral Panel issues an order granting, denying or otherwise addressing Interim Relief (a “Decision on Interim Relief”), any Party may apply to enforce or require specific performance of such Decision on Interim Relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. For the avoidance of doubt, any Party may appeal any Decision on Interim Relief determined by any Emergency Arbitrator to an Arbitral Panel; provided that, such Decision on Interim Relief shall remain enforceable from and after any such appeal, unless and until the Decision on Interim Relief is vacated or modified by the Arbitral Panel.
     
  (viii) The Arbitral Panel shall have the power to allocate the costs and fees of the arbitration (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs) and the costs and fees addressed in the rules between the Parties in the manner it deems fit with a purpose to substantially defray the costs and attorney’s fees incurred by the prevailing party.
     
  (ix) The Arbitral Panel may, if requested by a Party, consolidate the arbitration with any other arbitration (A) if the other arbitration involves another Dispute arising under either this Agreement, provided the Arbitral Panel is satisfied such other dispute involves common factual issues, or (B) with the prior written consent of all parties engaged in such arbitrations. Such consolidated arbitration shall be determined by the Arbitral Panel appointed for the arbitration proceeding that was commenced first in time, unless otherwise agreed in writing by all parties engaged in such arbitration.

 

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(d) Confidentiality. Without limiting the provisions of the Rules, unless otherwise agreed in writing by or among the Parties or permitted by this Agreement, the Parties shall keep, and shall cause the members of their Group to keep, confidential all matters relating to the arbitration (including the existence of the proceeding and all of its elements and including any pleadings, briefs or other documents submitted or exchanged, any testimony or other oral submissions) or the award, and any negotiations, conferences and discussions pursuant to this Section 8.14 shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations; provided that such matters may be disclosed (i) to the extent reasonably necessary in any proceeding brought to enforce this Section 8.14 or the award or for entry of a judgment upon the award and (ii) to the extent otherwise required by Law or the rules of any stock exchange on which a Party securities may be listed. Nothing said or disclosed, nor any document produced, in the course of any negotiations, conferences and discussions that is not otherwise independently discoverable shall be offered or received as evidence or used for impeachment or for any other purpose in any current or future arbitration. In the event any Party makes application to any court in connection with this Section 8.14(d) (including any proceedings to enforce a final award or any Interim Relief), that Party, as applicable, shall take all steps reasonably within its power to cause such application, and any exhibits (including copies of any award or decisions of the Arbitral Panel or Emergency Arbitrator) to be filed under seal, shall oppose any challenge by any third party to such sealing, and shall give the other Party notice of such challenge as promptly as practicable.
   
(e) Sole and Exclusive Remedy. Arbitration under this Section 8.14 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for any Dispute, and any award rendered thereby shall be final and binding upon the Parties as from the date rendered. Judgment on the award rendered by the Arbitral Panel may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof, including any court having jurisdiction over the relevant Party or its Assets.
   
(f) Service of Process. In the event any proceeding is brought in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the dispute resolutions provisions of this Section 8.14 to obtain relief as described in this Section 8.14, or to enforce any award, relief or decision issued by an Arbitral Tribunal, each Party irrevocably consents to the service of process in any action by mailing of copies of the process to the Parties as provided in Section 8.04. Service effected as provided in this manner will become effective five (5) days after the mailing of the process.
   
(g) Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF BALLANTYNE AND STRONG GLOBAL HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PERSON MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF BALLANTYNE AND STRONG GLOBAL CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II) EACH OF BALLANTYNE AND STRONG GLOBAL UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) EACH OF BALLANTYNE AND STRONG GLOBAL MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) EACH OF BALLANTYNE AND STRONG GLOBAL HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 8.14.

 

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(h) Treatment of Arbitration. The Parties agree that any arbitration hereunder shall be kept confidential, and that the existence of the proceeding and all of its elements (including any pleadings, briefs or other documents submitted or exchanged, any testimony or other oral submissions, and any awards) shall be deemed confidential, and shall not be disclosed beyond the Arbitral Panel, the Parties, their counsel, and any Person necessary to the conduct of the proceeding, except as and to the extent required by law and to defend or pursue any legal right. In the event any Party makes application to any court in connection with this Section 8.14(h) (including any proceedings to enforce a final award or any Interim Relief), that party shall take all steps reasonably within its power to cause such application, and any exhibits (including copies of any award or decisions of the Arbitral Panel or Emergency Arbitrator) to be filed under seal, shall oppose any challenge by any third party to such sealing, and shall give the other Party immediate notice of such challenge.
   
(i) Continuity of Service and Performance. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall continue to provide service and honor all other commitments under this Agreement during the course of dispute resolution pursuant to the provisions of this Section 8.14 with respect to all matters not subject to such dispute resolution.
   
(j) Consolidation. The arbitrator may consolidate an arbitration under this Agreement with any arbitration arising under or relating to any other agreement between the Parties entered into pursuant hereto, as the case may be, if the subject of the Disputes thereunder arises out of or relates essentially to the same set of facts or transactions. Such consolidated arbitration shall be determined by the arbitrator(s) appointed for the arbitration proceeding that was commenced first in time, and affirmed by the Arbitration Tribunal in the instance of each arbitration thereby being consolidated.

 

Section 8.15 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

Section 8.16 Interpretation. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article or Section, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. References to “dollar” or “$” contained herein are to United States Dollars (unless otherwise specified).

 

Section 8.17 No Waiver. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.

 

Signature Page Follows.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the date first written above by their respective duly authorized officers.

 

  FG GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
     
  By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson
  Name: Mark D. Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson     
  Name: Mark D. Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 
 

 

Schedule A

 

Services and Facilities of Ballantyne

 

The following are the Services to be provided by Ballantyne to Strong Global:

 

[***]

 

The following are the Facilities to be provided by Ballantyne to STS:

 

[***]

 

1-A
 

 

Schedule B

 

Services and Facilities of Strong Global

 

The following are the Services to be provided by Strong Global to Ballantyne:

 

[***]

 

The following are the Facilities to be provided by Strong Global to Ballantyne:

 

[***]

 

1-C

 

 

 Exhibit 10.6

 

LEASE

1440, Raoul-Charette Street, City of Joliette, Province of Québec, J6E 8S7

 

BETWEEN:   STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC., legal person, duly incorporated under the laws of the Province of Québec, having its head office at 1440, Raoul-Charette Street, City of Joliette, Province of Québec, J6E 8S7, herein acting and represented by Todd Major, its Treasurer and Secretary, duly authorized for the purposes hereof as he so declares;
     
    (hereinafter referred to as the “Landlord”)
     
AND:   STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC., legal person, duly incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, having its head office at 2300-550 Burrard Street, City of Vancouver, Province of British Columbia, V6C 2B5, herein acting and represented by Mark Roberson, its Chief Executive Officer, duly authorized for the purposes hereof as he so declares;
     
    (hereinafter referred to as the “Tenant”)

 

WHEREAS the Landlord manufactures premium projection screens and customized screen support systems at the Premises for the entertainment industry (the “Entertainment Business”);

 

WHEREAS the Tenant is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of the Landlord;

 

WHEREAS Strong Global Entertainment Inc., legal person, duly incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (“Strong Global”), and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Landlord, intends to complete an initial public offering of its common shares and list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange American (the “IPO”);

 

WHEREAS in connection with the IPO, Strong Global, the Landlord and the Tenant will enter into certain agreements, including a Master Asset Purchase Agreement (as defined below) and this Agreement, pursuant to which, among other matters, effective on completion of the IPO, the Tenant will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strong Global; and

 

WHEREAS in connection with the transfer of all of the Landlord’s assets that are used in connection with the Entertainment Business to the Tenant under the Master Asset Purchase Agreement, the Tenant wishes to lease from the Landlord, and the Landlord wishes to lease to the Tenant, the Premises in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

 

THEREFORE THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

1. DEFINITIONS AND SCHEDULES

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this lease and the Schedules attached hereto (collectively, the “Lease”), the following expressions shall have the following meanings, unless the context requires otherwise:

 

 

 

 

a)   Additional Rent”: all amounts due by the Tenant to the Landlord in virtue of this Lease, save and except for the Base Rent;
     
b)   Applicable Laws” means all statutes, laws, by-laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, standards, orders, requirements, notices, guidelines, guidance notes, policies, directives and recommendations now or at any time in effect, made or issued by any local, municipal, provincial or federal government or by any department, agency, board or office thereof or by any board or fire insurance indemnifiers or any other authority having jurisdiction;
     
c)   Base Rent”: the following annual base rent for the following periods payable by the Tenant to the Landlord pursuant to the provisions of this Lease;

 

  i) For the first five (5) years of the Term: four hundred fifteen thousand US dollars (US$415,000.00) per annum, being thirty-four thousand five hundred eighty-three US dollars and thirty-three cents (US$34,583.33) per month;
     
  ii) For each subsequent year of the Term: the Base Rent shall be increased, on a cumulative basis, by one and five tenth percent (1.5%) on each anniversary date of the Commencement Date, starting as of the fifth (5th) anniversary date of the Commencement Date, the Base Rent being in the following amounts, for the following periods:

 

  Sixth (6th) year of the Term   US$421,225.00
       
  Seventh (7th) year of the Term   US$427,543.38
       
  Eighth (8th) year of the Term   US$433,956.53
       
  Ninth (9th) year of the Term   US$440,465.88
       
  Tenth (10th) year of the Term   US$447,072.87
       
  Eleventh (11th) year of the Term   US$453,778.96
       
  Twelfth (12th) year of the Term   US$460,585.64
       
  Thirteenth (13th) year of the Term   US$467,494.42
       
  Fourteenth (14th) year of the Term   US$474,506.84
       
  Fifteenth (15th) year of the Term   US$481,624.44

 

    For clarity, the Base Rent is not determined based on the Rentable Area, and any change in the Rentable Area, by expansion of the Premises or otherwise, shall not increase the Base Rent payable by the Tenant hereunder.
     
d)  

Building”: the building bearing civic address 1440 Raoul-Charette, City of Joliette, Province of Québec, and all constructions, additions, improvements and modifications and additions made thereto, from time to time;

 

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e)   Building Systems” means all of the systems serving the Premises including, without limitation, the HVAC System, the sprinkler system, the fire alarm and security systems, and the mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems of the Building, and the components and equipment thereof, as well as the public utility conduits, wires, pipes or ducts and any element of any utility services infrastructure leading up to the interior of the Building (underground or otherwise);
     
f)   Civil Code of Québec”: the Civil Code of Québec, CQLR c CCQ-1991, as same may be replaced, supplemented, amended or otherwise modified from time to time;
     
g)   Code of Civil Procedure”: the Code of Civil Procedure, CQLR c C. 25.01, as same may be replaced, supplemented, amended or otherwise modified from time to time;
     
h)   Contaminant”: means any contaminant, pollutant, material, chemical, condition (which includes, but is not limited to, odour, smoke, radiation or other energy), substance or waste that is defined, listed or classified as hazardous or harmful by applicable environmental, health and safety legislation, or that is prohibited, controlled or regulated by such legislation because of its actual or potential hazardous or harmful properties, i.e., it is flammable, corrosive, reactive, radioactive, carcinogenic or toxic. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Contaminant” includes petroleum products, metals, asbestos, PCBs and waste oils;
     
i)   Commencement Date”: means the closing date of the IPO;
     
j)   Damage”: has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9;
     
k)   Environmental Laws” means all Applicable Laws regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standard of conduct concerning the natural or human environment (including air, land, surface water, groundwater and real and personal, moveable and immoveable property), public or occupational health and safety or the manufacture, importation, handling, use, reuse, recycling, transportation, storage, disposal, elimination or treatment of a Contaminant or otherwise. For purposes hereof, “Environmental Laws” shall also include any consent, authorization, licence, agreement or permit held by the Tenant relating to the discharge of any Contaminant at or from the Premises;

 

l)   Event of Default”: has the meaning ascribed to it under Section 11.1;
     
m)   Fair Market Rent”: the then applicable fair market rate per annum at which a tenant and a landlord would agree to enter into a lease (and not subleases) for premises similar to the Premises located in a building similar to the Building, in the City of Joliette, for a term similar to the remainder of the Term;
     
n)   HVAC System”: means the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system serving the Building;
     
o)   Land”: the immovable known and designated as lot number THREE MILLION THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE (3 326 855) of the Cadastre of Québec, Registration Division of Joliette, as such may be renovated or otherwise modified, from time to time;

 

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p)   Leasehold Improvements” has the meaning ascribed to it under Section 6.2;
     
q)   Permitted Use”: any and all lawful uses in connection with the Tenant’s business;
     
r)   Premises”: collectively, the Building and the Land;
     
s)   Real Estate Taxes”: all of the real estate taxes, surtaxes, impositions or charges levied, assessed or imposed on, in respect of or against the Premises, or against the Tenant, the Landlord or owner of the Premises, whether general or special, whether or not said taxes are determined in accordance with the category to which the Premises belong, by the authorities having competent jurisdiction, including, without limitation, school taxes, municipal property taxes, business taxes, water taxes, parking taxes, carbon taxes or any similar taxes, taxes similar to the former taxes on capital, large corporations taxes, and any expense incurred by the Landlord or the Tenant (including experts’ fees and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) to obtain or to attempt to obtain any reduction of such taxes (whether or not successful). If the taxation system is altered during the Term, any new tax imposed in respect of the Premises or against the Tenant, the Landlord or owners of the Premises shall be included in the definition of “Real Estate Taxes”;
     
t)   Rent”: collectively the Base Rent and the Additional Rent;
     
u)   Rentable Area” means the rentable area of the Building, as measured by the Landlord from time to time in accordance with the measurement method determined by the Landlord. As of the date of the Lease, the Rentable Area is deemed to be, for all legal purposes, seventy-nine thousand three hundred eighty (79,380) square feet;
     
v)   Structure”: means the structural elements of the Building, including without limitation, the parking area (including the parking area’s pavement), foundations, structural subfloors, footings, exterior walls and load-bearing walls, structural columns, structural steel, roof structure inclusive of roof decking of any type and the roof membrane and beams and floor slabs;
     
w)   Tenant’s Representatives” means collectively the directors, employees, representatives, officers, agents, assigns, contractors, subcontractors, visitors, customers or invitees of the Tenant or any person for whom the Tenant is responsible or to whom the Tenant permits access to the Premises; and
     
x)   Term”: means the initial term of this Lease, being fifteen (15) years commencing on the Commencement Date and expiring fifteen (15) years therefrom, unless the Lease is terminated earlier pursuant to the provisions hereof or by law. In the event that the Tenant is granted one or more extension or renewal options and such options are validly exercised by the Tenant in accordance with the provisions of the Lease, the Term shall include any extension or renewal period, if any. In the event the provisions of Section 4.c) of Schedule “A” apply, the Term shall also include the Extended Term.

 

1.2 Schedule

 

Schedule “A” (Special Conditions) shall form part of this Lease as if recited herein at length.

 

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2. LEASE, CONDITION OF THE PREMISES AND TERM

 

2.1 Lease of the Premises

 

The Landlord hereby leases the Premises to the Tenant and the Tenant hereby leases the Premises from the Landlord for the Term, the whole in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Lease.

 

2.2 Condition of the Premises

 

The Tenant acknowledges having visited and examined the Premises before the taking possession thereof, declares to be satisfied therewith and accepts the Premises “as is” in their state and condition existing on the Commencement Date; the Tenant waives all legal warranties relating thereto. All modifications, alterations and improvements to the Premises shall be the Tenant’s responsibility, and shall be performed at the Tenant’s cost and in compliance with Section 6.2; Landlord having no work to perform to the Premises.

 

2.3 Triple Net Lease

 

The Tenant acknowledges and agrees that it is intended that this Lease and the Rent payable hereunder are completely net and carefree to the Landlord. The Landlord shall not be liable for any costs, charges, expenses or disbursements of any nature whatsoever in respect of the Premises other than those expressly stated herein to be the responsibility of the Landlord and, in the absence of an express statement herein, all such costs, charges, expenses or disbursements shall be borne by the Tenant.

 

3. RENT AND OTHER COSTS

 

3.1 Base Rent

 

From the Commencement Date and throughout the Term, the Tenant shall pay to the Landlord the Base Rent in equal consecutive monthly instalments, in advance on the first (1st) day of each calendar month during the Term.

 

3.2 Additional Rent

 

From the Commencement Date and throughout the Term, Tenant shall pay directly to the competent authorities, when due, all Real Estate Taxes.

 

The Tenant shall be responsible for any interest or penalty imposed, levied or charged by competent authorities due to the Tenant’s failure to pay any Real Estate Taxes when due. Such interest or penalty shall be paid by the Tenant directly to the competent authorities upon receipt by the Tenant of an invoice or demand to that effect.

 

3.3 Prorations on a Daily Basis

 

If the Commencement Date does not start on the first day of a calendar month or if the Term does not end on the last day of a calendar month, then amounts of Rent payable on a monthly basis shall be prorated on a per diem basis based on a 365 day year. For clarity, any amount payable on account of Real Estate Taxes attributable to periods prior to the Commencement Date or after the expiry of the Term shall be payable by the Landlord.

 

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3.4 Utilities and Other Costs

 

The cost of utilities serving the Premises including, without limitation, water, gas, electricity and sewerage services, is payable by the Tenant directly to the respective providers of the service in question.

 

The Tenant shall pay directly to the competent authority all taxes, costs and charges personal to Tenant or imposed by such authority by reason of the Tenant’s use, occupancy or lease of the Premises or the operation of Tenant’s business therein or therefrom, such as business taxes, all to the full exemption of the Landlord.

 

If, after the execution of this Lease, any fees or costs for which the Tenant is responsible under this Section are charged to the Landlord or become payable by the Landlord, the Landlord shall be entitled to pay such fees or costs and the Tenant shall reimburse the Landlord for such fees or costs, together with interest calculated on any overdue amounts, upon demand together with supporting documentation.

 

At the request of the Landlord, the Tenant shall provide the Landlord with receipts and proof of payment demonstrating that all such fees and costs payable by the Tenant have been duly paid.

 

4. PAYMENT OF RENT

 

4.1 GST and QST

 

The Tenant shall pay the goods and services tax (GST), the Québec sales tax (QST) and all other applicable taxes on all amounts payable hereunder, as applicable. In the event the Tenant fails to pay any applicable GST, QST or any other applicable tax, the Landlord shall have all the same rights and remedies in respect of recovery of same as those available to recover the Rent payable under the Lease.

 

4.2 Payment without Demand

 

The Tenant shall pay to the Landlord the Base Rent, the Additional Rent, and any other amounts payable hereunder, without prior request, at the Landlord’s address indicated on the first page, or any other place in Canada designated in writing, from time to time, by the Landlord.

 

4.3 Payment without Deduction, Withholding or Compensation

 

Notwithstanding any provision of the Civil Code of Québec or any other law, the Tenant shall pay the Rent to the Landlord without any withholding, compensation, deduction, reduction or abatement of any kind whatsoever for any reason whatsoever including, without limitation, the Landlord’s failure to perform its obligations under the Lease.

 

4.4 Interest

 

All unpaid amounts shall bear interest. Interest shall be calculated daily, from the date on which such amounts became payable until the date on which the amounts are duly paid by the Tenant, at an annual interest rate equal to the prime rate charged by the Landlord’s lender, plus four percent (4%).

 

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4.5 Currency

 

All amounts payable by the Tenant to the Landlord hereunder shall be payable in U.S. currency.

 

4.6 Landlord’s Right and Recourses and Imputation of Payments

 

All amounts payable by the Tenant to the Landlord under the Lease shall be deemed for all legal purposes, to be Rent, whether or not qualified as Rent or as Additional Rent. In case of default by the Tenant to pay any amount due to the Landlord, the latter may exercise all remedies to recover these amounts as if they were Rent. The Tenant’s obligation to pay the amounts due under the Lease will survive the end of the Lease. Any amount received and accepted by the Landlord and paid for by a person other than the Tenant but for its account shall not release or affect in any way the Tenant’s obligations under the Lease, except to reduce the amounts due and payable by the Tenant to the Landlord under the Lease, which payments will be charged at the sole discretion of the Landlord, notwithstanding any direction for payment by the Tenant or any such third party.

 

5. USE AND OPERATIONS

 

5.1 Permitted Use

 

The Premises shall be used for the Permitted Use.

 

5.2 Permits and Authorizations

 

The Tenant, at its cost, shall be solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining, from all competent authorities, all permits, licences and approvals as may be required by law to permit the Tenant to hold this Lease, to occupy the Premises as they are and to conduct its business thereon in accordance with the Permitted Use. The Landlord makes no representation and offers no warranties that the Premises can be used for the Permitted Use. Nothing herein shall be so interpreted as to imply that this Lease is conditional upon the Tenant obtaining any permits, licences or approvals for the Permitted Use.

 

5.3 Lawfulness and Diligence

 

The Tenant, at its cost, shall comply with the requirements of all Applicable Laws relating to the Premises or their use, occupation, repair, replacement or alteration, and also with the requirements of any insurer of the Landlord or the Tenant.

 

6. MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, REPLACEMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

 

6.1 Maintenance, Repair and Replacement of the Premises

 

Notwithstanding any provisions of the Civil Code of Québec or any other legislation to the contrary including, without limitation, Article 1864 of the Civil Code of Québec, the Tenant, at its cost, is solely responsible for cleaning, maintaining, repairing and replacing the Premises (including, without limitation, the Building Systems and Structure), any component thereof, and any improvements (including, without limitation, the Leasehold Improvements), movables, equipment, apparatus, fixtures, accessories and signs located therein or thereon, in order to keep them at all times in first-class working order and appearance as a prudent and diligent owner would do, to a standard and quality consistent with a first-class industrial building of the same size, age and location, the whole in compliance with the provisions of Section 6.2.

 

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Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Tenant’s obligations under this Section include the following, all of which are at the Tenant’s cost:

 

a) perform even those repairs and replacements that could be qualified as major repairs and replacements;
   
b) perform all repairs, replacements, alterations, additions or improvements to the Premises that are required by the Tenant or the Landlord’s insurers, by competent authorities or by applicable law;
   
c) exterior and interior cleaning of windows, which shall be done as often as necessary to maintain the appearance of the Premises as a first-class building;
   
d) clean, maintain, repair and replace the garage doors and loading dock levellers, if any, the exterior and interior doors, the walls, the floors and the ceilings;
   
e) clean, maintain, repair and replace the space used for garbage and recyclable material disposal and the garbage and recyclable material compactors and containers;
   
f) dispose of its waste and recyclable material through the city’s garbage and recyclable material collectors or, if the waste or recyclable material cannot be disposed of through the city’s collection service under applicable law, dispose of its waste and recyclable material at the appropriate collection facilities, on a regular basis or at such intervals determined by the Landlord from time to time, in its sole discretion;
   
g) remove snow and ice from the Premises including from the roof of the Building;
   
h) landscaping; and
   
i) maintain in force, at all times, with reputable contractors acceptable to the Landlord, contracts for the maintenance of the HVAC System and the fire suppression systems and extinguishers, and any other equipment used by the Tenant in the conduct of its business which require regular maintenance. The Tenant shall provide to the Landlord, upon demand, a copy of said contracts and evidence that services have been provided.

 

6.2 Leasehold Improvements

 

Prior to performing any modifications, alterations and improvements to the Premises (the “Leasehold Improvements”), the Tenant shall obtain the Landlord’s prior written approval therefor and provide the Landlord with the plans and specifications and all other documents which are relevant or which the Landlord may require with respect to the Leasehold Improvements.

 

The work shall be carried out by the Tenant, at its cost, in a good, skilled, expeditious and diligent manner, in accordance with (i) the plans and specifications approved by the Landlord, (ii) the requirements of the Landlord’s insurers and any competent authority, (iii) the then current standard for the Building, and (iv) any conditions attached to the Landlord’s consent.

 

The Tenant acknowledges that all work performed by it shall be for its own benefit and not for the benefit of the Landlord. Under no circumstances shall the Tenant be considered to be performing the work on behalf of the Landlord, including as the mandatary or contractor of the Landlord. All Leasehold Improvements, when completed, shall form part of the Premises, become the property of the Landlord as of their completion, without compensation being due to the Tenant therefor, and the Tenant shall not be allowed to remove any Leasehold Improvement without the Landlord’s prior written consent.

 

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6.3 Legal Hypothec

 

If the Tenant performs any Leasehold Improvements, the Tenant shall promptly pay each of the persons involved in the work. If one of these persons publishes a legal hypothec against the Premises, the Tenant shall immediately obtain the cancellation thereof. The Tenant shall be responsible for all losses, damages, costs, suits, claims and actions (including experts’ costs and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) arising directly or indirectly from the publication of any hypothec. If, upon the Landlord’s written demand, the Tenant fails to obtain the discharge of any legal hypothec within fifteen (15) days of its receipt of the Landlord’s notice to that effect, the Landlord shall have the right to cancel the legal hypothec by paying to the creditor the amounts claimed or by any other recourse permitted by law. The Tenant shall reimburse the Landlord, upon demand together with supporting documentation, as Additional Rent, all amounts paid, fees and disbursements (including experts’ costs and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements), incurred by the Landlord to have the legal hypothec discharged, plus an administration fee of fifteen percent (15%) of all such costs.

 

7. ENVIRONMENT

 

Upon demand to that effect, the Tenant shall provide the Landlord with all information relating to its compliance with Environmental Laws.

 

In the event of any contamination in excess of the thresholds permitted by the Environmental Laws (a “Contamination”) the following provisions apply:

 

a)   If the Contamination is caused by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, the Tenant, upon receipt of written notice from the Landlord to that effect, shall, at its cost, diligently and promptly perform all necessary investigations, characterizations and rehabilitation work required by competent authorities to bring the Premises and the environment into compliance with the Environmental Laws or, if the Contamination is not entirely caused by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, to the extent necessary to remove the Contamination caused or aggravated by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, but excluding any Contamination not caused by the Tenant, existing prior to the Commencement Date or caused by migration.
     
    The scope of the work and the selection of the firms mandated to perform the work shall be determined in consultation with the Landlord.

 

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    The results of any investigation, characterization or rehabilitation work shall be communicated only to the Landlord and shall not be communicated to any other person except with the Landlord’s prior written consent.
     
    All costs and fees in connection with the rehabilitation of the Premises for which the Tenant is responsible hereunder and incurred by the Landlord shall be reimbursed to the Landlord by the Tenant within sixty (60) days of receipt by the Tenant of an invoice therefor together with supporting documentation.
     
b)   If the Contamination is not caused by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, the Landlord, at its cost, shall diligently and promptly perform all necessary investigations, characterizations and rehabilitation work required by competent authorities to bring the Premises and the environment into compliance with the Environmental Laws.
     
    The supervision and performance of the work shall be done in consultation with the Tenant in such a manner as to cause the least possible interference with the Tenant’s operations on the Premises.
     
    The Landlord shall indemnify and hold the Tenant and any person for whom the Tenant is legally responsible harmless from any and all Claims arising out of or relating to the presence of Contamination on the Premises.

 

Any investigations, characterizations and rehabilitation work required to be performed by either party pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be performed in accordance with all Applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws), the contaminated land rehabilitation policy and any other requirement of competent authorities.

 

The Landlord shall have the right to conduct environmental audits as it deems necessary to ensure compliance with this Section and costs of such audits shall be payable by the Tenant, as Additional Rent, upon receipt of an invoice therefor together with supporting documentation.

 

The Tenant’s obligations under this Section remain in force notwithstanding the expiry of the Term or premature termination of the Lease.

 

8. LANDLORD’S RIGHT OF ENTRY

 

The Landlord shall, at all times and upon giving a prior written notice of forty-eight (48) hours to the Tenant with a representative of the Tenant present, be entitled to enter upon the Premises in order to inspect them and show them to potential lenders, purchasers, tenants or other interested parties.

 

9. TENANT’S INSURANCE

 

Throughout the Term, the Tenant, at its cost, shall take out and maintain the following insurance coverage:

 

a)   comprehensive general liability insurance covering the liability of the Tenant and Tenant’s Representatives with respect to the business carried on, in or from the Premises and the use and occupancy thereof for bodily injuries, including death, and property damage caused to third parties, which insurance shall have a minimum coverage of eight million five hundred thousand US dollars (US$8,500,000.00) per occurrence. The said insurance shall contain a cross-liability provision as well as a provision pursuant whereto the insurer agrees to cover the liability assumed by its insured pursuant to contractual provisions;

 

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b)   all risks insurance including the perils of fire, extended coverage, leakage from sprinkler, roof, or plumbing, and other fire protective devices, earthquake, collapse and flood with a limit at least equal to the replacement value (without depreciation), in each case, of the Building, furniture, equipment, inventory and stock in trade, fixtures and Leasehold Improvements located within the Premises and such other property located in or forming part of the Premises, including all mechanical or electrical systems (or portions thereof) installed by the Tenant in the Premises, the whole for the full replacement cost (without depreciation) in each such instance, as well as business interruption insurance covering a period of at least twelve (12) months;
     
c)   boiler and machinery insurance; and
     
d)   all other insurance or coverage limit which the Landlord may reasonably require from time to time.
     
The above-mentioned insurance policies shall comply with the following provisions:
     
a)   designate the Landlord as a named insured, and the hypothecary creditors of the Tenant and of the Landlord as additional insureds to the extent of their respective interests; all property insurance coverages shall contain the standard mortgagee clause;
     
b)   be in a form which is acceptable to the Landlord and shall be taken out with authorized insurers who are reputably solvent and have a place of business in the Province of Québec; and
     
c)   stipulate that the insurance may not be resiliated or modified without the insurer giving the insureds a prior notice of thirty (30) days to that effect.

 

No less than ten (10) days prior to the Commencement Date and at least ten (10) days before the renewal of any insurance policy, the Tenant shall provide the Landlord with a certificate of insurance duly signed by an authorized representative of the insurer, which certificate shall confirm the insurance which has been subscribed.

 

10. DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION

 

If all or any part of the Premises is destroyed or damaged by fire, lightning or storm, or by any other casualty (a “Damage”), the Landlord may, at its option, terminate the Lease by giving the Tenant a written notice thereof, in which case the Lease shall be terminated as of the date of the Damage and the Rent shall be adjusted and paid in full as of the date of the occurrence of the Damage; in the event that the Landlord does not terminate the Lease, the Landlord shall repair the Premises with reasonable diligence, and the Rent shall be reduced from the date of the occurrence of the Damage in proportion to the portion of the Premises rendered unusable until such time as they are repaired so as to permit the Tenant to use and occupy the Premises.

 

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11. ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE AND SUBLETTING OF THE PREMISES

 

The Tenant shall not have the right to sublease the Premises, in totality or in part, or assign the Lease, without the Landlord’s prior written consent.

 

In the event of any assignment of the Lease, the Tenant shall remain solidarily liable with the assignee of all the obligations of the Tenant hereunder for the remainder of the Term.

 

12. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE AND ASSIGNMENT BY THE LANDLORD

 

12.1 Estoppel Certificate

 

Within five (5) days of a request to that effect, the Tenant shall execute and deliver to the Landlord or any party owning or about to hold an interest in all or only part of the Premises, a declaration or estoppel certificate (as requested by the Landlord) showing that the Lease is in effect, indicating any changes to the Lease, specifying the dates of commencement and termination of the Lease, the date until which the rents were paid, the amount, if any, of any rent paid in advance or deposit held by Landlord, an indication of any defects that may exist, if any, and details of these and any other information reasonably required by the party seeking such declaration or certificate.

 

12.2 Assignment by the Landlord

 

If the Landlord sells or transfers any portion of the Premises or any interest of the Landlord in the Lease, the Landlord shall be released from its obligations under the Lease to the extent that the transferee or owner assumes all of the Landlord’s obligations under the Lease.

 

13. DEFAULTS AND RECOURSES

 

13.1 Event of Default

 

For purposes hereof, an “Event of Default” shall mean a default by the Tenant to abide by any of its obligations under this Lease, including, without limitation, the following events:

 

a)   if the Tenant fails to pay any amount of Rent within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a written notice from the Landlord to that effect;
     
b)   if the Tenant fails to abide by any obligation whatsoever set forth in this Lease (other than an obligation to pay an amount of money) and fails to remedy the default within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a written notice from the Landlord to that effect (or such longer period as may be necessary to cure the default if the default is not reasonably susceptible of being cured within such fifteen (15) day delay provided that the Tenant does commence to cure such default within said fifteen (15) day delay and proceeds to cure same with due diligence);
     
c)   if property of the Tenant located in the Premises is seized or sold pursuant to a writ of execution;
     
d)   if the Tenant grants any hypothec whatsoever over all or part of its property, except in favour of the Landlord and its financial institution to provide working capital for the operation of its business in the Premises;
     
e)   if the Tenant is insolvent, makes an assignment of its property for the benefit of its creditors, is the subject of a receiving order pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, declares bankruptcy or files a petition to avail itself of the provisions of any current or future legislation regarding bankrupt or insolvent debtors;

 

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f)   if the Tenant, having filed a petition to avail itself of the provisions of any current or future legislation regarding bankrupt or insolvent debtors, fails to comply with any judgment or order issued pursuant to such legislation;
     
g)   if the Tenant assigns all or part of the Lease or leases all or part of the Premises other than as provided herein; or
     
h)   if the Tenant abandons the Premises or removes its property therefrom.

 

13.2 Consequence of an Event of Default

 

If an Event of Default occurs, the Landlord shall have the right to resiliate the Lease upon sending a written notice to the Tenant to that effect (the “Resiliation Notice”), the whole without prejudice to its other rights and recourses in the circumstances, without payment or reimbursement to the Tenant of any kind or for any reason whatsoever, and without any right or remedy of the Tenant against the Landlord in connection with the Landlord’s exercise of such right; the Tenant waiving any rights and remedies it may have against the Landlord in this regard.

 

The resiliation of the Lease shall take effect on the resiliation date indicate in the Resiliation Notice (the “Resiliation Date”), without the need for any further notice or legal proceedings, unless the Tenant has cured the Event of Default prior to the Resiliation Date.

 

13.3 Performance by the Landlord

 

If an Event of Default on the part of the Tenant (other than a failure to pay an amount of money) continues for a period of five (5) consecutive days after the Tenant has received a notice from the Landlord demanding that the Tenant remedy the Event of Default, or, even without a notice, if the Landlord is of the reasonably held opinion that the situation is an emergency, the Landlord shall be entitled to remedy the default itself, without prejudice to its other rights and recourses in the circumstances, and, in such a case, the Tenant shall be required, upon demand, to pay the costs (including any judicial and extrajudicial fees) incurred by the Landlord in that regard, as well as administration fees equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the costs so incurred.

 

13.4 Renunciation

 

The Tenant may not avoid the resiliation of the Lease by any means notwithstanding any law or custom to the contrary.

 

Moreover, the Tenant hereby expressly waives, to the full extent permitted by law, the benefit of the provisions of Articles 1432, 1854, 1858, 1859, 1861, 1863, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1871 (second paragraph), 1873, 1881 and 1883 of the Civil Code of Québec.

 

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14. LIMITATION OF THE LANDLORD’S LIABILITY

 

The Landlord shall not be liable nor responsible in any way, to the full extent permitted by law, for any injury of any nature whatsoever that may be suffered or sustained by the Tenant or the Tenant’s Representatives, or for any loss of or damages to any property belonging to the Tenant or to Tenant’s Representatives while such property is on the Premises.

 

The Landlord shall not be liable nor responsible in any way, to the full extent permitted by law, for any disturbances to the Tenant’s peaceful enjoyment of the Premises from any third party, including without limitation, due to publics works, public orders or neighbors.

 

15. INDEMNIFICATION

 

The Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Landlord and its hypothecary creditors, directors, employees, representatives, officers, mandataries, assigns, contractors, subcontractors, visitors, customers, invitees against all losses, damages, injury (including death), costs, suits, demands, claims or actions (including experts’ costs and judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) arising directly or indirectly from (i) a fault on the part of the Tenant or one of the Tenant’s Representatives, (ii) property in their custody, (iii) the use or occupancy of the Premises, (iv) the contamination of the Premises or the environment if such contamination is caused by the Tenant or a Tenant’s Representative, or (v) any other event having occurred in the Premises and directly or indirectly related to Tenant’s use or occupation thereof.

 

The Tenant shall also be responsible for all costs and expenses (including experts’ costs and reasonable judicial and extrajudicial fees and disbursements) that may be incurred by the Landlord, or on its behalf, in enforcing the terms and covenants of this Lease, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

 

The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiry or earlier termination of the Lease.

 

16. TERMINATION OF THE LEASE

 

16.1 Restoration of the Premises at the end of the Lease

 

Upon the expiry or earlier termination of this Lease, the Tenant, at its cost, shall deliver to the Landlord vacant possession of the Premises in the state and condition in which the Tenant is required to maintain same in virtue of this Lease (excepting only reasonable wear and tear), and shall remove therefrom its movable personal property, its trade fixtures and signs, and repair any damage caused to the Premises by the installation or removal thereof, to the entire satisfaction of the Landlord.

 

The Tenant shall not have the obligation to remove its Leasehold Improvements and shall not have the right to remove same without obtaining the Landlord’s prior written consent as such Leasehold Improvements become the property of the Landlord upon their installation.

 

All property belonging to the Tenant or any other person left in the Premises at the end of the Lease will be deemed abandoned, and the Landlord shall dispose of such property, at its entire discretion and at the Tenant’s costs plus an administration fee of fifteen percent (15%) of said costs, without any compensation being due to the Tenant or any other person therefor.

 

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16.2 No Tacit Renewal

 

Notwithstanding Article 1879 of the Civil Code of Québec, if the Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the end of the Term without having executed a new lease, such occupation shall not constitute a tacit renewal of the Lease, and at the sole discretion of the Landlord, the Tenant shall be deemed to occupy the Premises on the basis of a month-to-month lease, at a monthly rental rate, payable in advance on the first day of each calendar month, equal to the aggregate of (i) two (2) times the Base Rent payable for the last month of the Term, and (ii) one twelfth (1/12) of the Real Estate Taxes payable by the Tenant for the last year of the Term, and on the same terms and conditions of the Lease, as are applicable to a monthly lease.

 

17. NOTICES

 

All notices, requests, approvals, undertakings and consents which are permitted or required (the “Notices”) shall be made in writing and be delivered in person or sent by registered mail or by email:

 

a)   To the following address as regards the Tenant:
     
    The Premises
     
    Attention: General Manager
     
b)   To the following address as regards the Landlord:
     
    4201 Congress Street, Suite 175
    Charlotte, NC 28209
     
    Attention: Todd Major

 

or to any other address which one party may indicate to the other in writing from time to time.

 

Notices shall be deemed to have been validly given and received (i) if delivered in person, on the day upon which personal delivery is made, (ii) if sent by registered mail, on the date of its actual receipt as confirmed by the post office records, and (iii) if sent by email, on the date the email is sent or, if the email is sent after 5:00 p.m. or on Saturday, Sunday or a holiday (as defined in the Interpretation Act), on the next business day.

 

18. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

18.1 Conditional Lease

 

The Lease is conditional upon the completion of the IPO by no later than December 31, 2023. In the event this condition is not met this Lease shall ipso facto become null and void and of no further effect, without any rights or recourses whatsoever between the parties related thereto.

 

18.2 Amendments

 

This Lease may be amended only by means of a written instrument executed by the Landlord and the Tenant.

 

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18.3 No Waiver

 

The Landlord shall be deemed to have waived a provision stipulated in its favour unless it has expressly waived the provision in writing. Any delay or failure by the Landlord to exercise any of its rights or recourses hereunder or at law shall not be interpreted as a waiver of any kind whatsoever.

 

The Landlord’s rights and recourses are not restrictive and shall not have the effect of depriving the Landlord from the right to exercise other rights and recourses stipulated in a provision of the Lease or provided for at law.

 

18.4 Force Majeure

 

If either party is delayed or prevented or hindered in the performance of any of its obligation set forth herein due to unforeseeable circumstances, a case of force majeure, strikes, inability to obtain materials, equipment or services, power failure, restrictive laws, regulations, ministerial orders or decrees (including any law, regulation, ministerial order or decree having the effect of implementing measures and/or restricting the rights of certain persons in response to an epidemic or pandemic such as the COVID-19 pandemic), riots, insurrection, acts of terrorism, war, epidemic, pandemic or any other condition or reason which is beyond the control of the relevant party despite the party’s diligence, the failure to perform the obligation will be tolerated for the period of the delay and the party thus delayed, prevented or hindered shall execute the obligation in a timely manner after the end of the period of delay. However, the Tenant may not invoke the provisions of this Section to justify a late payment of Rent, and such delay shall not grant to the Tenant any right to compensation for any inconvenience or nuisance such circumstance may cause.

 

18.5 No Partnership

 

Nothing contained in this Lease shall be interpreted as creating any type of association, partnership, joint venture or other type of relationship between the parties which is not expressly stipulated herein.

 

18.6 Solidary Liability

 

If the Tenant is comprised of more than one person or corporation, each of them shall be solidarily liable for the performance of the obligations set forth in this Lease.

 

18.7 Severability

 

If any Section or provision of the Lease is judicially recognized invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of any other Section or provision of the Lease nor will it affect the validity of the Lease.

 

18.8 Entire Agreement

 

This Lease, including the schedules, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No representation, warranty, ancillary agreement or condition, other than those set forth herein, shall govern the subject matter of this Lease.

 

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18.9 Free Negotiation

 

The Tenant acknowledges and declares that it has had the opportunity to consult a legal counsel regarding the negotiation and execution of this Lease, that all provisions of the Lease have been freely and fully negotiated and that the Lease does not constitute a contract of adhesion.

 

18.10 Applicable Law

 

This Lease shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws in effect in the Province of Québec. The courts of the judicial district in which the Premises are located shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute relating to this Lease.

 

18.11 Brokerage Commission

 

The Tenant represents that it has not retained the services of any agent, broker or other representatives for the conclusion of this Lease. The Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Landlord from any and all claims from any agent, broker or representative.

 

18.12 Successors and Assigns

 

This Lease shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the parties hereto as well as their respective successors and assigns.

 

18.13 Registration

 

The Tenant shall have the right to publish the Lease without the prior written consent of the Landlord, but only by notice of lease pursuant to Article 2999.1 of the Civil Code of Québec, without reference to any monetary conditions of the Lease. The Tenant shall pay all fees and costs associated with the preparation, registration and radiation of any such notice of lease.

 

18.14 Language

 

The parties hereto have requested that this Lease and all documents relating thereto be drafted in English. Les parties aux présentes ont exigé que ce bail ainsi que tout document s’y rapportant soient rédigés en anglais.

 

18.15 Confidentiality

 

The parties shall keep the terms and conditions of this Lease strictly confidential.

 

18.16 Time of the Essence

 

The Tenant shall be in default by the mere passage of time charged to it for the performance of an obligation it has undertaken hereunder.

 

18.17 PDF and Counterparts

 

This Lease may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The Lease may be executed in what is commonly referred to as a “PDF” document and each party is entitled to rely on a “PDF” copy of the Lease duly executed by another party as if it had received an original copy.

 

[Signature page is on the following page.]

 

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IN VIRTUE WHEREOF, the Landlord has signed in _Charlotte NC_, on May 18, 2023.

 

 

STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS INC.

     
  Per: /s/ Todd Major
 

Name:

Todd Major
  Title: Treasurer and Secretary

 

IN VIRTUE WHEREOF, the Tenant has signed in _ Charlotte NC _, on May 18, 2023.

 

 

STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC.

     
  Per: /s/ Mark Roberson
 

Name:

Mark Roberson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

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SCHEDULE “A”

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

 

1. SIGNAGE

 

All signs on the Premises shall be subject to the prior written consent of the Landlord. The Tenant, at its cost, shall be responsible for obtaining all permits, licences and authorizations from all competent authorities for the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of such signs in compliance with all Applicable Laws.

 

2. OPTION TO RENEW

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 5 of this Schedule “A”, provided the Lease is in full force and effect, and further provided the Tenant is STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. itself personally, has not assigned the Lease or the subleased the Premises, or a portion thereof, and is not then in default of executing its obligations under the Lease, the Tenant shall have five (5) options to renew the Lease (collectively, the “Options to Renew”, and each, an “Option to Renew”) for the Premises and the Expansion Premises (if any), for further periods of five (5) years each, except for the fifth (5th) and final Option to Renew which shall be for a period of five (5) years minus one (1) day (each a “Renewal Term”), commencing on the day immediately following the expiry date of the then current Term. Each Renewal Term shall be on the same terms and conditions as are contained in the Lease existing on the date immediately preceding the commencement date of the Renewal Term in question, save and except that:

 

a)   the Tenant shall accept the Premises and the Expansion Premises (if any) “as is”, in their state and condition existing on the commencement date of the Renewal Term in question, the Tenant hereby renouncing to all legal warranties related thereto; the Landlord having no work to perform in the Premises, and all improvements, additions or modifications to the Premises that may be required shall be performed by the Tenant, at its cost, in compliance with the provisions of the Lease;
     
b)   there shall be no fixturing period, no allowance, no free rent period, nor any other inducement, free occupancy period or other incentive of whatsoever nature;
     
c)   there shall be no further extension of the Term or renewal of the Lease beyond the fifth (5th) Renewal Term, and the Options to Renew shall not apply anew; and
     
d)   the Base Rent payable for the Premises (excluding the Expansion Premises, if any, for which no Base Rent is payable) during each Renewal Term shall be the Base Rent payable during the last year of the then current Term increased, on a cumulative basis, on each anniversary date of the commencement date of the Renewal Term, commencing on said commencement date, by two percent (2%).

 

In order to validly exercise its Option to Renew, the Tenant shall provide to the Landlord a prior written notice of its exercise thereof (the “Notice of Renewal”) to be received by the Landlord no earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the expiry date of the then current Term.

 

If Tenant fails to validly exercise an Option to Renew, the Tenant shall be deemed, for all legal purposes, to have renounced to exercise all Options to Renew which have not yet been exercised, and these Options to Renew together with the provisions of this Section shall ipso facto become null and void and of no further effect, and the Lease shall terminate at the expiry date of the then current Term, without any rights or recourses whatsoever of the Tenant against the Landlord related thereto.

 

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3. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL TO PURCHASE

 

Provided the Lease is in full force and effect, and further provided the Tenant is STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. itself personally, has not assigned the Lease or the subleased the Premises, or a portion thereof, and is not then in default of executing its obligations under the Lease, the Tenant shall have, throughout the Term, the ongoing right of first refusal (the “RFR”) to purchase the Premises or the portion thereof (the “RFR Premises”) being offered for purchase under an offer to purchase received by the Landlord from a bona fide third party (a “Third Party”) which is acceptable to the Landlord or being offered for sale by the Landlord to a Third Party under an offer to sale which is acceptable to the Third Party (either offer, an “Offer”).

 

Prior to concluding any transaction with a Third Party, the Landlord shall provide the Tenant with a written notice containing an integral copy of such Offer together with all related schedules, but without being obliged to reveal the identity of the Third Party.

 

In order to validly exercise its RFR, the Tenant shall provide to the Landlord a prior written notice of its exercise thereof to be received by the Landlord no later than shall have fifteen (15) days following its receipt of the integral copy of the Offer.

 

If the Tenant validly exercises its RFR, it shall purchase the RFR Premises on the terms and conditions stipulated in the Offer in the place and stead of the Third Party.

 

If the Tenant fails to validly exercise its RFR within the aforementioned delay or elects not to exercise its RFR, the Tenant shall be deemed, for all legal purposes, to have renounced to exercise its RFR and the RFR shall become null and void by the mere lapse of time with respect only to the RFR Premises purchased by a Third Party following the Landlord’s acceptance of the Offer, without any rights or recourses whatsoever of the Tenant against the Landlord related thereto; the balance of the Premises, if any, shall remain subject to the RFR.

 

In the event the Tenant fails to validly exercise its RFR or elects not to exercise its RFR and thereafter no transaction takes place and the Offer is terminated for any reason whatsoever, the RFR shall remain in full force and effect and shall continue to apply in favour of the Tenant with respect to any future Offer.

 

For clarity, if the Tenant fails to validly exercise its RFR or elects not to exercise its RFR, the Landlord shall not have the right to conclude the sale of the RFR Premises with the Third Party under terms and conditions that are more favourable than those contained in the Offer. In the event the terms and conditions of the Offer are renegotiated for any reason whatsoever, prior to concluding such sale with the Third Party, the Landlord shall resubmit the Offer to the Tenant and the RFR shall apply anew.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the RFR shall not apply, but shall survive and continue to apply, in the event of an assignment or transfer of the Premises from the Landlord to a wholly owned subsidiary or an affiliate of the Landlord or a member of the same group as the Landlord (with the meanings of the Business Corporations Act (Québec)) (a “Landlord Affiliate”) provided the Landlord Affiliate undertakes in writing (i) to be bound personally by all of the terms and conditions of this Section 3, (ii) to assume all of the Landlord’s obligations under this Section 3 in favour of the Tenant, and (iii) to obtain, in writing, from any future Landlord Affiliate the same personal undertakings from any future Landlord Affiliate, as the case may be.

 

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4. RIGHT TO EXPAND

 

Provided the Lease is in full force and effect, and further provided the Tenant is STRONG/MDI SCREEN SYSTEMS, INC. itself personally, has not assigned the Lease or the subleased the Premises, or a portion thereof, is not then in default of executing its obligations under the Lease, and has obtained all necessary governmental or municipal permits, licences and authorizations, the Tenant shall have throughout the Term the ongoing right to expand the Premises (the “Right to Expand”), at its cost, either by (i) the construction of an expansion to the Building, or (ii) constructing an additional building on the Land (the “Expansion Premises”), the whole in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 6.2 of the Lease.

 

In order to validly exercise its Right to Expand, the Tenant shall provide to the Landlord a prior written notice of its exercise thereof.

 

The terms and conditions of the Lease shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Expansion Premises, save and except as follows:

 

a)   there shall be no Base Rent payable by the Tenant for the Expansion Premises during the entire Term (including, for clarity, any Renewal Term(s) and any Extended Term). In addition, the Base Rent shall not increase as a result of the valid exercise by the Tenant of its Right to Expand; the Landlord hereby renouncing to any right it may have to increase the Base Rent under this Lease or at law;
     
b)   the term of the lease for the Expansion Premises (the “Expansion Premises Term”) shall be the greater of (i) the remainder of the Term (including any Renewal Term if the Tenant, at the date of the expansion of the Premises, validly exercised one or more Option(s) to Renew), or (ii) ten (10) years. For clarity, the Expansion Premises Term shall commence on the date on which the construction of the Expansion Premises is substantially completed;
     
c)   if, as a result of the application of the provisions of paragraph a)(ii) above, the Expansion Premises Term and the Term for the existing Premises are not coterminous, the Term for the existing Premises shall be extended by the period (the “Extended Term”) necessary for the Term to be coterminous with the Expansion Premises Term. The Extended Term shall be on the same terms and conditions as are contained in the Lease existing on the date immediately preceding the commencement date of the Extended Term, save and except that:

 

  i) the Tenant shall accept the existing Premises “as is”, in their state and condition existing on the commencement date of the Extended Term, the Tenant hereby renouncing to all legal warranties related thereto; the Landlord having no work to perform in the Premises, and all improvements, additions or modifications to the Premises that may be required shall be performed by the Tenant, at its cost, in compliance with the provisions of the Lease;
     
  ii) there shall be no fixturing period, no allowance, no free rent period, nor any other inducement, free occupancy period or other incentive of whatsoever nature; and
     
  iii) the Base Rent payable by the Tenant to the Landlord during this Extended Term for the existing Premises (excluding the Expansion Premises for which no Base Rent is payable) shall be the Fair Market Rent mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

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If the parties fail to mutually agree on the Fair Market Rent for the Premises, each party shall have the right to request that said Fair Market Rent be determined by arbitration pursuant to the following provisions: The party requesting the arbitration shall provide a written notice to the other party to that effect. The arbitrator shall be selected by both parties. If the parties cannot agree on the selection of the arbitrator within a fifteen (15) day delay following one of the party’s receipt of a written notice from the other party in which said other party proposes an arbitrator, then either party shall have the right to apply to a Court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of the arbitrator. Any arbitrator named by the parties or the Court shall (i) be a member in good standing of the Ordre des évaluateurs agréés du Québec (OAEQ), and (ii) have no less than ten (10) years’ experience in the Joliette region, and (iii) be at arm’s length from each party. The arbitrator shall render his or her decision by no later than fifteen (15) days from its receipt of the arbitration mandate, and his or her decision shall be final, binding and without appeal. Unless there is bad faith in respect of the arbitration, each of the Tenant and the Landlord shall bear its own costs and shall divide the arbitrator costs equally. Subject to the foregoing, the arbitration shall conform to Articles 620 and following of the Code of Civil Procedure.

 

The parties shall execute the Landlord’s standard form of lease amending agreement to reflect the lease of the Expansion Premises as per the terms and conditions hereto.

 

The Right to Expand is conditional upon the construction of the Expansion Premises being permitted under Applicable Law; the Landlord makes no representation and offers no warranty that such construction is permitted thereunder. In the event such condition is not met, the Right to Expand and the provisions of this Section shall ipso facto become null and void and of no further effect, without any rights or recourses whatsoever of the Tenant against the Landlord related thereto.

 

If the Tenant validly exercises its Right to Expand and the construction of the Expansion Premises is permitted under Applicable Law, the Tenant, at its cost, shall obtain all permits, licences and authorizations from all competent authorities necessary for the construction of the Expansion Premises and shall proceed with the construction of the Expansion Premises within reasonable delays acting promptly and diligently.

 

5. TOTAL TERM NOT TO REACH NOR EXCEED 40 YEARS

 

Notwithstanding any provision of the Lease, in no event shall the total Term of the Lease (being, for clarity, the initial term of fifteen (15) years, all Renewal Terms and the Extended Term pursuant to Section 4.b)(ii) of this Schedule “A”) be of forty (40) years or more. If the total Term, either in virtue of the valid exercise by the Tenant of an Option to Renew or in virtue of the Extended Term, is to reach or exceed forty (40) years, it shall automatically be reduced by the number of days, months or years necessary to be of forty (40) years minus one (1) day. Once the total Term has reached forty (40) years minus one (1) day, any remaining Option(s) to Renew, together with the provisions of Section 2 of this Schedule “A”, shall be deemed null and void and of no further effect.

 

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Exhibit 10.7

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 18, 2023, by and between Strong Technical Services, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (the “Company”), and Mark D. Roberson, a North Carolina resident (the “Employee”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Employee, and Employee desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto intending to become legally bound agree as follows:

 

1. Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to be employed by the Company upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

2. Duties and Services.

 

2.1 Title and Duties. During the Employment Period (defined in Section 3 below), the services rendered by Employee hereunder shall be for the Company’s parent, Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (“SGE”). The Employee shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of SGE and shall perform such duties as are customary for such role in a public company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listed on a national securities exchange and such other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of SGE, which services may include serving as an officer or director of a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company.

 

2.2 Time. The Employee shall devote his sufficient business time and attention to the business of SGE and to the promotion of SGE’s best interest, subject to vacations, holidays and normal illnesses pursuant to the Company’s policies in place from time to time. The Employee shall at all times comply with Company policies in place from time to time, including but not limited to the Company’s Code of Ethics. The Company acknowledges and agrees that Employee’s provision of services hereunder is non-exclusive and that Employee is also currently employed by an indirect majority owner of SGE, FG Group Holdings Inc., which employment may be conflict with Employee’s employment with the Company and services to SGE. In the event of any such conflict of interest, Employee shall comply with the SGE’s conflict of interest policies and communicate any such conflict of interest to the SGE Board or Audit Committee, as appropriate, and be disclosed in appropriate public documents (e.g. Proxy Statements, 8-K, 10-K, etc.).

 

2.3 Travel. The Employee shall undertake such travel as may be necessary and desirable to promote the business and affairs of SGE, consistent with the Employee’s position and duties with the Company and SGE.

 

3. Term of Employment.

 

3.1 Employee’s employment hereunder shall commence on May 18, 2023 (the “Commencement Date”). The Employee’s employment will be “at-will,” meaning that either the Employee or the Company may terminate the Employee’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. The period during which Employee is employed hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Period”).

 

 
 

 

3.2 In the event Employee is terminated by the Company at any time without Cause (defined in Section 3.4 below), Employee will be entitled to the following (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”), subject to the terms of Section 3.3 below): (i) severance pay in the amount of one (1) year of the Employee’s base salary at the time of termination (“Severance Pay”) and (ii) if Employee timely and properly elects continuation health coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall pay Employee’s COBRA premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of Employee’s termination of employment (the “Termination Date”). The Severance Pay shall be payable over a period of twelve (12) months following the Termination Date in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices, commencing within ninety (90) days following the Termination Date on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the Company that is practicable after the effective date of the General Release (defined in Section 3.3 below), except that, if the General Release may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, the Severance Pay shall commence on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the Company in the calendar year in which the consideration or, if applicable, release revocation period ends to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A (as defined in Section 12.1 below). The first such payment shall include payment for any payroll dates between the Termination Date and the date of such payment.

 

3.3 Employee’s receipt of the Severance Benefits is conditioned on Employee signing (without revoking if such right is provided under applicable law general release substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “General Release”), which form may be modified as necessary by the Company to comply with applicable law and to specify the date by which Employee must execute and return the General Release for it to be effective. Such General Release shall be provided to Employee by the Company on or about the Termination Date. Employee must execute the General Release within 60 days following the Termination Date (or such shorter time as may be set forth in the General Release).

 

3.4 For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (i) Employee’s willful failure to perform his duties (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) Employee’s willful failure to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Company’s or SGE’s Board of Directors; (iii) Employee’s willful engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct, or misconduct, which is, in each case, materially injurious to the Company, SGE or their affiliates; (iv) Employee’s embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, whether or not related to Employee’s employment with the Company; (v) Employee’s conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or (vi) Employee’s material breach of any material obligation under this Agreement or any other written agreement between Employee and the Company or SGE.

 

4. Compensation.

 

4.1 Base Salary. For all of the services to be rendered by the Employee under this Agreement, during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Employee a base salary equal to $275,000 (the “Base Salary”). The compensation paid hereunder to the Employee shall be paid in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company and shall be subject to the customary withholding taxes and other employment taxes as required with respect to compensation paid by a corporation to an employee. The Base Salary will be subject to annual review and adjustment by SGE’s Board of Directors based upon the Employee’s performance.

 

2
 

 

4.2 Annual Bonus. Commencing with respect to the Company’s 2023 fiscal year, the Employee will be eligible to receive a bonus in an amount targeted at 75% of base salary, payable in a combination of cash and equity in the Company, as determined by the Compensation Committee of SGE’s Board of Directors. The bonus will be subject to the achievement of performance metrics and other criteria as determined by the Compensation Committee of the SGE Board of Directors. Any equity grants will vest over a period of three to five years from the date of grant as determined by SGE’s Compensation Committee. Any equity award shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms and conditions of an Award Agreement entered into between SGE and the Employee.

 

4.3 Bonus. Employee is entitled to receive a cash bonus in an amount up to $200,000, payable at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of SGE’s Board of Directors.

 

4.4 IPO RSU Grant. Subject to the approval of SGE’s Board of Directors, Employee will be granted upon the initial public offering of SGE (the “IPO”) 30,000 restricted stock units of SGE, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2023 Share Compensation Plan and related restricted stock unit (“RSU”) award agreement. Such RSUs shall be fully-vested upon their grant.

 

4.5 Other RSU Grant. Subject to the approval of SGE’s Board of Directors, Employee will be granted upon the IPO 30,000 RSUs of SGE, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2023 Share Compensation Plan and related RSU award agreement. Subject to the terms of such award agreement, such RSUs shall vest in three (3) equal annual installments on the first, second and third year anniversaries of the date of the IPO.

 

5. Vacation. The Employee shall be entitled to vacation of up to four (4) weeks per calendar year, pursuant to the applicable Company policy. All vacations shall be in addition to recognized national holidays. During all vacations, the Employee’s compensation and other benefits as stated herein shall continue to be paid in full. Such vacations shall be taken only at times convenient for SGE.

 

6. Company Benefit Programs. In addition to the compensation and to the rights provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, the Employee shall be entitled to participate in each plan of the Company now or hereafter adopted and in effect from time to time for the benefit of Employee employees of the Company, to the extent permitted by such plans and by applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to amend, modify and/or terminate any benefit plan, policies or programs at any time for any reason.

 

3
 

 

7. Restrictive Covenants and Need for Protection. Employee acknowledges that, because of his senior Employee position with the Company, he has or will develop knowledge of the affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries and their relationships with dealers, distributors and customers such that he could do serious damage to the financial welfare of the Company and/or its subsidiaries should he compete or assist others in competing with the business of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. Consequently, and in consideration of his employment with the Company, and for the benefits he is to receive under this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which he hereby acknowledges, the Employee agrees as follows:

 

7.1 Confidential Information.

 

7.1.1 Non-disclosure.

 

(a) Except as the Company or SGE may permit or direct in writing, during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, the Employee agrees that he will not disclose to any person or entity any Confidential Information (defined in Section 7.1.1(b) below which he may have obtained while in the employ of the Company, relating to any customers, customer lists, methods, distribution, sales, prices, profits, costs, contracts, inventories, suppliers, dealers, distributors, business prospects, business methods, manufacturing ideas, formulas, plans or techniques, research, trade secrets, or know-how of the SGE Group. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Employee’s ability to respond to a lawful subpoena; to make a report to or cooperate with any government agency, including without limitation the ability to participate in an investigation, provide information, and recover any remuneration awarded for doing so; and to comply with any other legal obligations.

 

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all information of a confidential or proprietary nature regarding SGE, the Company or any of SGE’s subsidiaries (the “SGE Group”), their respective business or properties that the SGE Group has furnished or furnishes to Employee, whether before or after the date of this Agreement, or is or becomes available to Employee by virtue of Employee’s employment with the Company, whether tangible or intangible, and in whatever form or medium provided, as well as all such information generated by Employee that, in each case, has not been published or disclosed to, and is not otherwise known to, the public. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, customer lists, customer requirements and specifications, designs, financial data, sales figures, costs and pricing figures, marketing and other business plans, product development, marketing concepts, personnel matters (including employee skills and compensation), drawings, specifications, instructions, methods, processes, techniques, computer software or data of any sort developed or compiled by the SGE Group, formulae or any other information relating to the SGE’s services, products, sales, technology, research data, software and all other know-how, trade secrets or proprietary information, or any copies, elaborations, modifications and adaptations thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, Employee acknowledges and agrees that Confidential Information protected under this Agreement includes information regarding pay, bonuses, benefits and perquisites offered to or received by employees of the Company, as well as non-public information regarding the unique and special skills of specific employees and how such skills are valuable and integral to the Company’s operations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any information (i) that is generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Employee’s breach of this covenant; (ii) that is made available to Employee by a third party without that party’s breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (iii) which was developed by Employee outside or independent of Employee’s performance of Employee’s obligation to render services on behalf of the Company.

 

(c) Employee acknowledges that Employee has been notified in accordance with the federal Uniform Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S. Code § 1833(b)(1)) that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Employee also acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Employee from reporting possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory body or making other disclosures that are protected under any law or regulation, or from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by any governmental agency or regulatory body.

 

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7.1.2 Return of Records. All records, documents, software, computer disks and any other form of information relating to the business of the SGE Group, including, without limitation, all Confidential Information, which are or were prepared or created by the Employee, or which may or did come into his possession during the term of his employment with the Company, including any and all copies thereof, shall immediately be returned to or, as the case may be, shall remain in the possession of the Company, as of the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Company.

 

7.2 Covenant Not to Compete. During the Employee’s employment and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, the Employee agrees that he will not participate in or finance, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of any third party, anywhere in the world, as principal, agent, employee, employer, consultant, investor or partner, or assist in the management of, or own any stock or any other ownership interest in, any business that is materially competitive with the business of the SGE Group, as conducted at any time during the twelve-month period prior to the time in question. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ownership of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding securities of any company listed on any public exchange or regularly traded in the over-the-counter market, provided that the Employee’s involvement with any such company is solely that of a passive security holder and the Employee discloses such ownership in advance to the Company’s Board of Directors, shall not constitute a violation of this paragraph. Employee acknowledges that the SGE Group does business throughout the world and, thus, it is necessary and appropriate to have this covenant not to compete apply world-wide in order to protect the SGE Group’s legitimate interests in its Confidential Information and close customer relationships.

 

7.3 Covenant Not to Solicit. The Employee agrees that he will not, during the Employee’s employment and for a period of one (1) year thereafter:

 

(a) directly or indirectly, request or advise any of the customers, distributors or dealers of the SGE Group to terminate or curtail their business with the SGE Group, or to patronize another business which is materially competitive with the SGE Group; or

 

(b) directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity, request, advise or solicit any person who is then or was in the prior six months an employee of the SGE Group to leave such employment for any reason or to hire any such person as an employee or independent contractor.

 

7.4 Judicial Modification. In the event that any court of law or equity shall consider or hold any aspect of this Section 7 to be unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that the aspect of this Section so found may be reduced or modified by appropriate order of the court and shall thereafter continue, as so modified, in full force and effect.

 

7.5 Injunctive Relief. The parties hereto acknowledge that the remedies at law for breach of this Section 7 will be inadequate, and that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief for violation thereof; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from the Employee.

 

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8. Inventions and Discoveries.

 

8.1 SGE Proprietary Rights. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all Intellectual Property (defined below) created, made or conceived by Employee (solely or jointly) during Employee’s employment by the Company (regardless of whether such Intellectual Property was created, conceived or produced during Employee’s regular work hours or at any other time) that relates to the actual or anticipated businesses of the SGE Group or results from or is suggested by any work performed by employees or independent contractors for or on behalf of the SGE Group (“SGE Intellectual Property”) shall be deemed “work for hire” and shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of SGE for any and all purposes and uses whatsoever as soon as Employee conceives or develops such SGE Intellectual Property, and Employee hereby agrees that its assigns, executors, heirs, administrators or personal representatives shall have no right, title or interest of any kind or nature therein or thereto, or in or to any results and proceeds therefrom. If for any reason such SGE Intellectual Property is not deemed to be “work-for-hire,” then Employee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally assigns all rights, title, and interest in such SGE Intellectual Property to SGE and agrees that SGE is under no further obligation, monetary or otherwise, to Employee for such assignment. Employee also hereby waives all claims to any moral rights or other special rights (“Moral Rights”), including, without limitation, all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights,” “artist’s rights,” “droit moral” or the like, that Employee may have or may accrue in any SGE Intellectual Property. To the extent that any such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law, Employee hereby ratifies and consents to any action that may be taken with respect to such Moral Rights by or on behalf of the Company and waives and agrees not to enforce any and all such rights, including, without limitation, any limitation on subsequent modification, to the extent permitted under applicable law. Employee shall promptly disclose in writing to SGE the existence of any and all SGE Intellectual Property. As used in this Agreement, “Intellectual Property” shall mean and include any ideas, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs, improvements, discoveries, innovations, patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, trade secrets, works of authorship, copyrights, copyrightable works, films, audio and video tapes, other audio and visual works of any kind, scripts, sketches, models, formulas, tests, analyses, software, firmware, computer processes, computer and other applications, creations and properties, Confidential Information and any other patents, inventions or works of creative authorship.

 

8.2 Employee agrees to communicate promptly and to disclose to SGE in such form as the Employee may be required to do so, all information, details and data pertaining to SGE Intellectual Property and to execute and deliver to SGE such formal transfers and assignments and such other papers and documents as may be required of the Employee to permit SGE or any person or entity designated by SGE to file and prosecute the patent applications, and, as to copyrightable material, to obtain copyrights thereof. Employee represents and warrants to the Company that all Intellectual Property Employee delivers to the Company shall be original and shall not infringe upon or violate any patent, copyright or proprietary right of any person or third party.

 

8.3 To the extent this Agreement is required to be construed in accordance with laws of any state which precludes as a requirement in an employee agreement the assignment of certain classes of inventions made by an employee, this Section 8 will be interpreted not to apply to any invention which a court rules and/or SGE agrees falls within such classes.

 

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9. Tax Withholding. All payments made and benefits provided by the Company under this Agreement shall be reduced by any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law.

 

10. Survival of Obligations. All obligations of the Company and the Employee that by their nature involve performance, in any particular, after the termination of the Employee’s employment or the term of this Agreement, or that cannot be ascertained to have been fully performed until after the termination of Employee’s employment or the term of this Agreement, will survive the expiration or termination of the term of this Agreement.

 

11. Officer Resignation. Upon termination of his employment with the Company for any reason, the Employee shall resign, as of the date of such termination, from any corporate office or director position held with the Company or any member of the SGE Group.

 

12. Miscellaneous. The following miscellaneous sections shall apply to this Agreement:

 

12.1 Section 409A Compliance. To the extent applicable, it is intended that this Agreement comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). This Agreement shall be administered in a manner consistent with this intent, and any provision that would cause the Agreement to fail to satisfy Section 409A shall have no force and effect until amended by the parties to comply with Section 409A (which amendment may be retroactive to the extent permitted by Section 409A). Unless otherwise expressly provided, any payment of compensation by Company to Employee, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall be made no later than the 15th day of the third month (i.e., 2½ months) after the later of the end of the calendar year or the Company’s fiscal year in which Employee’s right to such payment vests (i.e., is not subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” for purposes of Code Section 409A). For purposes of this Agreement, “Separation from Service” shall have the meaning given to such term under Section 409A. Each payment and each installment of any severance payments provided for under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of application of Section 409A. To the extent that any severance payments come within the definition of “short term deferrals” or “involuntary severance” under Section 409A, such amounts shall be excluded from “deferred compensation” as allowed under Section 409A, and shall not be subject to the following Section 409A compliance requirements. All payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A) are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A, and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith. Neither party individually or in combination may accelerate, offset or assign any such deferred payment, except in compliance with Section 409A. No amount shall be paid prior to the earliest date on which it is permitted to be paid under Section 409A and Employee shall have no discretion with respect to the timing of payments except as permitted under Section 409A. Any payments to which Section 409A applies which are subject to execution of a waiver and release which may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the payment event (such as Separation from Service) occurs shall commence payment only in the calendar year in which the release revocation period ends as necessary to comply with Section 409A. In the event that Employee is determined to be a “key employee” (as defined and determined under Section 409A) of the Company at a time when its stock is deemed to be publicly traded on an established securities market, payments determined to be “nonqualified deferred compensation” payable upon separation from service shall be made no earlier than (i) the first day of the seventh (7th) complete calendar month following such termination of employment, or (ii) Employee’s death, consistent with the provisions of Section 409A. Any payment delayed by reason of the prior sentence shall be paid out in a single lump sum at the end of such required delay period in order to catch up to the original payment schedule. All expense reimbursement or in-kind benefits subject to Section 409A provided under this Agreement or, unless otherwise specified in writing, under any Company program or policy, shall be subject to the following rules: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided during one calendar year may not affect the benefits provided during any other year; (ii) reimbursements shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which the Employee incurs such expenses, and the Employee shall take all actions necessary to claim all such reimbursements on a timely basis to permit the Company to make all such reimbursement payments prior to the end of said period, and (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no amendment may be made to this Agreement if it would cause the Agreement or any payment hereunder not to be in compliance with Section 409A.

 

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12.2 280G. If any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Employee under this Agreement or any other plans or arrangements between the parties would be subject to the deduction limitations and excise tax imposed by Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (including any applicable interest and penalties, collectively “excise taxes”), then the parties agree to take such action as may be necessary to place Employee in the best after-tax position taking into account all income, employment and excise taxes, without regard to the deductibility of any payments by the Company. Thus, for example, any amount deemed to constitute a “parachute payment” under Section 280G, shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid excise taxes that would otherwise be imposed if, and only if, such reduction would result in Employee retaining a larger total after-tax amount of compensation, taking into account all Employee compensation, benefits, income, employment and excise taxes.

 

12.3 Modifications and Waivers. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless that modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing by the Employee and the Company. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by that other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the time, or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

12.4 Construction of Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any oral or written agreements between the Employee and the Company and any oral representations by the Company to the Employee with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

12.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

12.6 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to Section 7 above, or any word, phrase, clause, sentence or other portion of a provision is deemed illegal or unenforceable for any reason, that provision or portion will be modified or deleted in such a manner as to make this Agreement as modified legal and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under applicable laws. The validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions or portions will remain in full force and effect.

 

12.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will take effect as an original and all of which will evidence one and the same agreement.

 

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12.8 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, beneficiaries, personal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

12.9 Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required to be given pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person, on the next business day after being delivered to a nationally-recognized overnight courier service (for such next-day delivery) or five (5) days after being deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, postage prepaid, return receipt requested and addressed to the other party at the respective addressees set forth below or to the other addresses of either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance with this Section 12.7, except that notice of change of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

  If to Company: 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275
    Charlotte, NC 28210
     
  If to Employee: At the address for the Employee most recently on file with the Company.

 

12.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties. All prior arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, are merged herein. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension or discharge is sought.

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally blank; signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.

 

STRONG TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.   EMPLOYEE
         
By: /s/ Todd R. Major  

By:

/s/ Mark D. Roberson

Name:

Todd R. Major

 

Name:

Mark D. Roberson

Title:

Secretary and Treasury

  Date: May 18, 2023
Date: May 18, 2023      

 

[Signature page to Employment Agreement.]

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

General Release of Claims1

 

1. Mark D. Roberson (“Employee”), for Employee and Employee’s family, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and their respective successors and assigns, in exchange for the consideration received pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Employment Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) to which this release is attached as Exhibit A (the “Employment Agreement”), does hereby release and forever discharge Strong Technical Services, Inc. (the “Company”), Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., their respective former and current parents, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, predecessors, successors and assigns, and each of their former and current agents, employees, officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, trustees, heirs, joint venturers, attorneys, representatives, owners and servants (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever (collectively, “Claims”), whether known or unknown, that Employee ever had, now has or may have based upon any matter, fact, cause or thing, occurring from the beginning of time up to and including the date Employee executes this General Release of Claims, including, without limitation, all Claims regarding Employee’s employment with the Company, any events that may have occurred during the course of Employee’s employment or the termination of Employee’s employment, or any other matters or Claims of any kind or nature. This includes, without limitation, a release of any and all Claims for unpaid wages, holiday pay, overtime, bonuses or other compensation, breach of contract, wrongful discharge, disability benefits, life, health and medical insurance, sick leave, or any other fringe benefit, employment discrimination, unlawful harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, violations of public policy, defamation, fraudulent misrepresentation or inducements and severance pay and any other federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules, ordinances or regulations, whether equal employment laws, statutes, rules or regulations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the release provided above, Employee expressly waives any and all claims under Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) that Employee may have as of the date hereof. Employee further understands that, by signing this General Release of Claims, Employee is in fact waiving, releasing and forever giving up any claim under the ADEA as well as all other laws within the scope of this Section 1 that may have existed on or prior to the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1 to the contrary, this General Release of Claims shall not apply to (i) any right Employee has to the Severance Benefits; (ii) any rights to receive any payments or benefits to which the Employee is entitled under COBRA, (iii) any rights or claims that may arise as a result of events occurring after the date this General Release of Claims is executed, (iv) any indemnification and advancement rights Employee may have as a former employee, officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries, and (v) any claims for benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability policy maintained by the Company or its affiliates in accordance with the terms of such policy.

 

 

 

1 NTD: The parties agree that the Company may revise the release in light of additional statutes or claims so that the Company receives the benefit of the fullest legally permissible release of claims and may also change the timing, if required, to obtain such release. This footnote is part of the form of release and is to be removed only when the Company finalizes the release for execution. If the release is due after the executive’s death, the Company may revise and provide for a comparable release by Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

 

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Employee understands and agrees that the claims released in this Section 1 include not only claims presently known to Employee, but also all unknown or unanticipated claims, rights, demands, actions, obligations, liabilities and causes of action of every kind and character that would otherwise come within the scope of the released claims as described in this Section 1. Employee understands that Employee may hereafter discover facts different from what Employee now believes to be true that, if known, could have materially affected this General Release of Claims, but Employee nevertheless waives and releases any claims or rights based on different or additional facts.

 

2. Employee represents that Employee has not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of Employee’s employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this General Release of Claims, and covenants and agrees that Employee will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of any lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by Employee pursuant to Section 1 hereof; except that nothing in this General Release of Claims, including the provisions of this Section and Section 1 above, shall prevent Employee from filing a charge or complaint with or from participating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal, state or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws. However, to the extent any such charge or complaint or any other Claim is made against any of the Released Parties (including by the EEOC or NLRB), Employee expressly waives any claim to any form of monetary or other damages, or any other form of individual recovery or relief in connection with any such charge, complaint or claim other than as prohibited by applicable law.

 

3. Employee acknowledges that, in the absence of Employee’s execution of this General Release of Claims, the Severance Benefits would not otherwise be due to him.

 

4. Employee acknowledges and reaffirms Employee’s continuing obligations under Sections 7 and 8 of the Employment Agreement.

 

5. Employee hereby acknowledges that the Company has informed Employee that Employee has up to 21 days to sign this General Release of Claims and Employee may knowingly and voluntarily waive that 21 day period by signing this General Release of Claims earlier. Employee also understands that Employee shall have seven days following the date on which Employee signs this General Release of Claims within which to revoke it by providing a written notice of Employee’s revocation to the Company.

 

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6. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all information (in paper or electronic form), materials and equipment of any kind that Employee created or acquired during the course of Employee’s employment with the Company (collectively, “Company Property”) are and remain the property of the Company. Such Company Property includes, without limitation, books, handbooks, manuals, files, papers, memoranda, letters, facsimiles, photographs/images, audio recordings/files, electronically stored information, software, computers, and smartphones. Employee agrees that Employee has an obligation to return all Company Property to the Company and covenants and represents that, as of Employee’s execution of this Agreement, (i) Employee has returned to the Company all Company Property (including that in electronic form); (ii) Employee has not made or taken copies of such Company Property; and (iii) Employee has completely removed all electronically stored Company Property from all storage media in Employee’s possession, custody or control, including, without limitation, from Employee’s home computer system(s) and any external disk or flash drives.

 

7. Employee acknowledges and agrees that this General Release of Claims shall in all respects be subject to, governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Any dispute concerning this General Release of Claims shall be resolved pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions of the Employment Agreement.

 

8. Employee acknowledges that Employee has read this General Release of Claims, that Employee has been advised that Employee should consult with an attorney before Employee executes this general release of claims, and that Employee understands all of its terms and executes it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance and the consequences thereof.

 

9. This General Release of Claims shall become irrevocable on the eighth day following Employee’s execution of this General Release of Claims, unless previously revoked in accordance with Section 5 above.

 

Intending to be legally bound hereby, Employee has executed this General Release of Claims on ______________.

 

   
  Mark D. Roberson

 

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Exhibit 10.8

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 18, 2023, by and between Strong Technical Services, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (the “Company”), and Todd Major, a South Carolina resident (the “Employee”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Employee, and Employee desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto intending to become legally bound agree as follows:

 

1. Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to be employed by the Company upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

2. Duties and Services.

 

2.1 Title and Duties. During the Employment Period (defined in Section 3 below), the services rendered by Employee hereunder shall be for the Company’s parent, Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (“SGE”). The Employee shall serve as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of SGE and shall perform such duties as are customary for such role in a public company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listed on a national securities exchange and such other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of SGE, which services may include serving as an officer or director of a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company.

 

2.2 Time. The Employee shall devote his sufficient business time and attention to the business of SGE and to the promotion of SGE’s best interest, subject to vacations, holidays and normal illnesses pursuant to the Company’s policies in place from time to time. The Employee shall at all times comply with Company policies in place from time to time, including but not limited to the Company’s Code of Ethics. The Company acknowledges and agrees that Employee’s provision of services hereunder is non-exclusive and that Employee is also currently employed by an indirect majority owner of SGE, FG Group Holdings Inc., which employment may be conflict with Employee’s employment with the Company and services to SGE. In the event of any such conflict of interest, Employee shall comply with the SGE’s conflict of interest policies and communicate any such conflict of interest to the SGE Board or Audit Committee, as appropriate, and be disclosed in appropriate public documents (e.g. Proxy Statements, 8-K, 10-K, etc.).

 

2.3 Travel. The Employee shall undertake such travel as may be necessary and desirable to promote the business and affairs of SGE, consistent with the Employee’s position and duties with the Company and SGE.

 

3. Term of Employment.

 

3.1 Employee’s employment hereunder shall commence on May 18, 2023 (the “Commencement Date”). The Employee’s employment will be “at-will,” meaning that either the Employee or the Company may terminate the Employee’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. The period during which Employee is employed hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Period”).

 

 
 

 

3.2 In the event Employee is terminated by the Company at any time without Cause (defined in Section 3.4 below), Employee will be entitled to the following (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”), subject to the terms of Section 3.3 below): (i) severance pay in the amount of one (1) year of the Employee’s base salary at the time of termination (“Severance Pay”) and (ii) if Employee timely and properly elects continuation health coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall pay Employee’s COBRA premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of Employee’s termination of employment (the “Termination Date”). The Severance Pay shall be payable over a period of twelve (12) months following the Termination Date in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices, commencing within ninety (90) days following the Termination Date on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the Company that is practicable after the effective date of the General Release (defined in Section 3.3 below), except that, if the General Release may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, the Severance Pay shall commence on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the Company in the calendar year in which the consideration or, if applicable, release revocation period ends to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A (as defined in Section 12.1 below). The first such payment shall include payment for any payroll dates between the Termination Date and the date of such payment.

 

3.3 Employee’s receipt of the Severance Benefits is conditioned on Employee signing (without revoking if such right is provided under applicable law general release substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “General Release”), which form may be modified as necessary by the Company to comply with applicable law and to specify the date by which Employee must execute and return the General Release for it to be effective. Such General Release shall be provided to Employee by the Company on or about the Termination Date. Employee must execute the General Release within 60 days following the Termination Date (or such shorter time as may be set forth in the General Release).

 

3.4 For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (i) Employee’s willful failure to perform his duties (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) Employee’s willful failure to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Company’s or SGE’s Board of Directors; (iii) Employee’s willful engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct, or misconduct, which is, in each case, materially injurious to the Company, SGE or their affiliates; (iv) Employee’s embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, whether or not related to Employee’s employment with the Company; (v) Employee’s conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or (vi) Employee’s material breach of any material obligation under this Agreement or any other written agreement between Employee and the Company or SGE.

 

4. Compensation.

 

4.1 Base Salary. For all of the services to be rendered by the Employee under this Agreement, during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Employee a base salary equal to $225,000 (the “Base Salary”). The compensation paid hereunder to the Employee shall be paid in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company and shall be subject to the customary withholding taxes and other employment taxes as required with respect to compensation paid by a corporation to an employee. The Base Salary will be subject to annual review and adjustment by SGE’s Board of Directors based upon the Employee’s performance.

 

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4.2 Annual Bonus. Commencing with respect to the Company’s 2023 fiscal year, the Employee will be eligible to receive a bonus in an amount targeted at 50% of base salary, payable in a combination of cash and equity in the Company, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee of SGE’s Board of Directors. The bonus will be subject to the achievement of performance metrics and other criteria as determined by the Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee of the SGE Board of Directors. Any equity grants will vest over a period of three to five years from the date of grant as determined by SGE’s Compensation Committee. Any equity award shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms and conditions of an Award Agreement entered into between SGE and the Employee.

 

4.3 Bonus. Employee is entitled to receive a cash bonus in an amount up to $150,000, payable at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of SGE’s Board of Directors.

 

4.4 IPO RSU Grant. Subject to the approval of SGE’s Board of Directors, Employee will be granted upon the initial public offering of SGE (the “IPO”) 25,000 restricted stock units of SGE, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2023 Share Compensation Plan and related restricted stock unit (“RSU”) award agreement. Such RSUs shall be fully-vested upon their grant.

 

4.5 Other RSU Grant. Subject to the approval of SGE’s Board of Directors, Employee will be granted upon the IPO 25,000 RSUs of SGE, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2023 Share Compensation Plan and related RSU award agreement. Subject to the terms of such award agreement, such RSUs shall vest in three (3) equal annual installments on the first, second and third year anniversaries of the date of the IPO.

 

5. Vacation. The Employee shall be entitled to vacation of up to four (4) weeks per calendar year, pursuant to the applicable Company policy. All vacations shall be in addition to recognized national holidays. During all vacations, the Employee’s compensation and other benefits as stated herein shall continue to be paid in full. Such vacations shall be taken only at times convenient for SGE, as approved by the SGE’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

6. Company Benefit Programs. In addition to the compensation and to the rights provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, the Employee shall be entitled to participate in each plan of the Company now or hereafter adopted and in effect from time to time for the benefit of Employee employees of the Company, to the extent permitted by such plans and by applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to amend, modify and/or terminate any benefit plan, policies or programs at any time for any reason.

 

7. Restrictive Covenants and Need for Protection. Employee acknowledges that, because of his senior Employee position with the Company, he has or will develop knowledge of the affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries and their relationships with dealers, distributors and customers such that he could do serious damage to the financial welfare of the Company and/or its subsidiaries should he compete or assist others in competing with the business of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. Consequently, and in consideration of his employment with the Company, and for the benefits he is to receive under this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which he hereby acknowledges, the Employee agrees as follows:

 

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7.1 Confidential Information.

 

7.1.1 Non-disclosure.

 

(a) Except as the Company or SGE may permit or direct in writing, during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, the Employee agrees that he will not disclose to any person or entity any Confidential Information (defined in Section 7.1.1(b) below which he may have obtained while in the employ of the Company, relating to any customers, customer lists, methods, distribution, sales, prices, profits, costs, contracts, inventories, suppliers, dealers, distributors, business prospects, business methods, manufacturing ideas, formulas, plans or techniques, research, trade secrets, or know-how of the SGE Group. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Employee’s ability to respond to a lawful subpoena; to make a report to or cooperate with any government agency, including without limitation the ability to participate in an investigation, provide information, and recover any remuneration awarded for doing so; and to comply with any other legal obligations.

 

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all information of a confidential or proprietary nature regarding SGE, the Company or any of SGE’s subsidiaries (the “SGE Group”), their respective business or properties that the SGE Group has furnished or furnishes to Employee, whether before or after the date of this Agreement, or is or becomes available to Employee by virtue of Employee’s employment with the Company, whether tangible or intangible, and in whatever form or medium provided, as well as all such information generated by Employee that, in each case, has not been published or disclosed to, and is not otherwise known to, the public. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, customer lists, customer requirements and specifications, designs, financial data, sales figures, costs and pricing figures, marketing and other business plans, product development, marketing concepts, personnel matters (including employee skills and compensation), drawings, specifications, instructions, methods, processes, techniques, computer software or data of any sort developed or compiled by the SGE Group, formulae or any other information relating to the SGE’s services, products, sales, technology, research data, software and all other know-how, trade secrets or proprietary information, or any copies, elaborations, modifications and adaptations thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, Employee acknowledges and agrees that Confidential Information protected under this Agreement includes information regarding pay, bonuses, benefits and perquisites offered to or received by employees of the Company, as well as non-public information regarding the unique and special skills of specific employees and how such skills are valuable and integral to the Company’s operations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any information (i) that is generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Employee’s breach of this covenant; (ii) that is made available to Employee by a third party without that party’s breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (iii) which was developed by Employee outside or independent of Employee’s performance of Employee’s obligation to render services on behalf of the Company.

 

(c) Employee acknowledges that Employee has been notified in accordance with the federal Uniform Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S. Code § 1833(b)(1)) that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Employee also acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Employee from reporting possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory body or making other disclosures that are protected under any law or regulation, or from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by any governmental agency or regulatory body.

 

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7.1.2 Return of Records. All records, documents, software, computer disks and any other form of information relating to the business of the SGE Group, including, without limitation, all Confidential Information, which are or were prepared or created by the Employee, or which may or did come into his possession during the term of his employment with the Company, including any and all copies thereof, shall immediately be returned to or, as the case may be, shall remain in the possession of the Company, as of the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Company.

 

7.2 Covenant Not to Compete. During the Employee’s employment and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, the Employee agrees that he will not participate in or finance, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of any third party, anywhere in the world, as principal, agent, employee, employer, consultant, investor or partner, or assist in the management of, or own any stock or any other ownership interest in, any business that is materially competitive with the business of the SGE Group, as conducted at any time during the twelve-month period prior to the time in question. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ownership of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding securities of any company listed on any public exchange or regularly traded in the over-the-counter market, provided that the Employee’s involvement with any such company is solely that of a passive security holder and the Employee discloses such ownership in advance to the Company’s Board of Directors, shall not constitute a violation of this paragraph. Employee acknowledges that the SGE Group does business throughout the world and, thus, it is necessary and appropriate to have this covenant not to compete apply world-wide in order to protect the SGE Group’s legitimate interests in its Confidential Information and close customer relationships.

 

7.3 Covenant Not to Solicit. The Employee agrees that he will not, during the Employee’s employment and for a period of one (1) year thereafter:

 

(a) directly or indirectly, request or advise any of the customers, distributors or dealers of the SGE Group to terminate or curtail their business with the SGE Group, or to patronize another business which is materially competitive with the SGE Group; or

 

(b) directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity, request, advise or solicit any person who is then or was in the prior six months an employee of the SGE Group to leave such employment for any reason or to hire any such person as an employee or independent contractor.

 

7.4 Judicial Modification. In the event that any court of law or equity shall consider or hold any aspect of this Section 7 to be unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that the aspect of this Section so found may be reduced or modified by appropriate order of the court and shall thereafter continue, as so modified, in full force and effect.

 

7.5 Injunctive Relief. The parties hereto acknowledge that the remedies at law for breach of this Section 7 will be inadequate, and that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief for violation thereof; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from the Employee.

 

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8. Inventions and Discoveries.

 

8.1 SGE Proprietary Rights. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all Intellectual Property (defined below) created, made or conceived by Employee (solely or jointly) during Employee’s employment by the Company (regardless of whether such Intellectual Property was created, conceived or produced during Employee’s regular work hours or at any other time) that relates to the actual or anticipated businesses of the SGE Group or results from or is suggested by any work performed by employees or independent contractors for or on behalf of the SGE Group (“SGE Intellectual Property”) shall be deemed “work for hire” and shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of SGE for any and all purposes and uses whatsoever as soon as Employee conceives or develops such SGE Intellectual Property, and Employee hereby agrees that its assigns, executors, heirs, administrators or personal representatives shall have no right, title or interest of any kind or nature therein or thereto, or in or to any results and proceeds therefrom. If for any reason such SGE Intellectual Property is not deemed to be “work-for-hire,” then Employee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally assigns all rights, title, and interest in such SGE Intellectual Property to SGE and agrees that SGE is under no further obligation, monetary or otherwise, to Employee for such assignment. Employee also hereby waives all claims to any moral rights or other special rights (“Moral Rights”), including, without limitation, all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights,” “artist’s rights,” “droit moral” or the like, that Employee may have or may accrue in any SGE Intellectual Property. To the extent that any such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law, Employee hereby ratifies and consents to any action that may be taken with respect to such Moral Rights by or on behalf of the Company and waives and agrees not to enforce any and all such rights, including, without limitation, any limitation on subsequent modification, to the extent permitted under applicable law. Employee shall promptly disclose in writing to SGE the existence of any and all SGE Intellectual Property. As used in this Agreement, “Intellectual Property” shall mean and include any ideas, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs, improvements, discoveries, innovations, patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, trade secrets, works of authorship, copyrights, copyrightable works, films, audio and video tapes, other audio and visual works of any kind, scripts, sketches, models, formulas, tests, analyses, software, firmware, computer processes, computer and other applications, creations and properties, Confidential Information and any other patents, inventions or works of creative authorship.

 

8.2 Employee agrees to communicate promptly and to disclose to SGE in such form as the Employee may be required to do so, all information, details and data pertaining to SGE Intellectual Property and to execute and deliver to SGE such formal transfers and assignments and such other papers and documents as may be required of the Employee to permit SGE or any person or entity designated by SGE to file and prosecute the patent applications, and, as to copyrightable material, to obtain copyrights thereof. Employee represents and warrants to the Company that all Intellectual Property Employee delivers to the Company shall be original and shall not infringe upon or violate any patent, copyright or proprietary right of any person or third party.

 

8.3 To the extent this Agreement is required to be construed in accordance with laws of any state which precludes as a requirement in an employee agreement the assignment of certain classes of inventions made by an employee, this Section 8 will be interpreted not to apply to any invention which a court rules and/or SGE agrees falls within such classes.

 

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9. Tax Withholding. All payments made and benefits provided by the Company under this Agreement shall be reduced by any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law.

 

10. Survival of Obligations. All obligations of the Company and the Employee that by their nature involve performance, in any particular, after the termination of the Employee’s employment or the term of this Agreement, or that cannot be ascertained to have been fully performed until after the termination of Employee’s employment or the term of this Agreement, will survive the expiration or termination of the term of this Agreement.

 

11. Officer Resignation. Upon termination of his employment with the Company for any reason, the Employee shall resign, as of the date of such termination, from any corporate office or director position held with the Company or any member of the SGE Group.

 

12. Miscellaneous. The following miscellaneous sections shall apply to this Agreement:

 

12.1 Section 409A Compliance. To the extent applicable, it is intended that this Agreement comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). This Agreement shall be administered in a manner consistent with this intent, and any provision that would cause the Agreement to fail to satisfy Section 409A shall have no force and effect until amended by the parties to comply with Section 409A (which amendment may be retroactive to the extent permitted by Section 409A). Unless otherwise expressly provided, any payment of compensation by Company to Employee, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall be made no later than the 15th day of the third month (i.e., 2½ months) after the later of the end of the calendar year or the Company’s fiscal year in which Employee’s right to such payment vests (i.e., is not subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” for purposes of Code Section 409A). For purposes of this Agreement, “Separation from Service” shall have the meaning given to such term under Section 409A. Each payment and each installment of any severance payments provided for under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of application of Section 409A. To the extent that any severance payments come within the definition of “short term deferrals” or “involuntary severance” under Section 409A, such amounts shall be excluded from “deferred compensation” as allowed under Section 409A, and shall not be subject to the following Section 409A compliance requirements. All payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A) are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A, and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith. Neither party individually or in combination may accelerate, offset or assign any such deferred payment, except in compliance with Section 409A. No amount shall be paid prior to the earliest date on which it is permitted to be paid under Section 409A and Employee shall have no discretion with respect to the timing of payments except as permitted under Section 409A. Any payments to which Section 409A applies which are subject to execution of a waiver and release which may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the payment event (such as Separation from Service) occurs shall commence payment only in the calendar year in which the release revocation period ends as necessary to comply with Section 409A. In the event that Employee is determined to be a “key employee” (as defined and determined under Section 409A) of the Company at a time when its stock is deemed to be publicly traded on an established securities market, payments determined to be “nonqualified deferred compensation” payable upon separation from service shall be made no earlier than (i) the first day of the seventh (7th) complete calendar month following such termination of employment, or (ii) Employee’s death, consistent with the provisions of Section 409A. Any payment delayed by reason of the prior sentence shall be paid out in a single lump sum at the end of such required delay period in order to catch up to the original payment schedule. All expense reimbursement or in-kind benefits subject to Section 409A provided under this Agreement or, unless otherwise specified in writing, under any Company program or policy, shall be subject to the following rules: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided during one calendar year may not affect the benefits provided during any other year; (ii) reimbursements shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which the Employee incurs such expenses, and the Employee shall take all actions necessary to claim all such reimbursements on a timely basis to permit the Company to make all such reimbursement payments prior to the end of said period, and (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no amendment may be made to this Agreement if it would cause the Agreement or any payment hereunder not to be in compliance with Section 409A.

 

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12.2 280G. If any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Employee under this Agreement or any other plans or arrangements between the parties would be subject to the deduction limitations and excise tax imposed by Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (including any applicable interest and penalties, collectively “excise taxes”), then the parties agree to take such action as may be necessary to place Employee in the best after-tax position taking into account all income, employment and excise taxes, without regard to the deductibility of any payments by the Company. Thus, for example, any amount deemed to constitute a “parachute payment” under Section 280G, shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid excise taxes that would otherwise be imposed if, and only if, such reduction would result in Employee retaining a larger total after-tax amount of compensation, taking into account all Employee compensation, benefits, income, employment and excise taxes.

 

12.3 Modifications and Waivers. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless that modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing by the Employee and the Company. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by that other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the time, or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

12.4 Construction of Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any oral or written agreements between the Employee and the Company and any oral representations by the Company to the Employee with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

12.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

12.6 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to Section 7 above, or any word, phrase, clause, sentence or other portion of a provision is deemed illegal or unenforceable for any reason, that provision or portion will be modified or deleted in such a manner as to make this Agreement as modified legal and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under applicable laws. The validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions or portions will remain in full force and effect.

 

12.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will take effect as an original and all of which will evidence one and the same agreement.

 

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12.8 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, beneficiaries, personal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

12.9 Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required to be given pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person, on the next business day after being delivered to a nationally-recognized overnight courier service (for such next-day delivery) or five (5) days after being deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, postage prepaid, return receipt requested and addressed to the other party at the respective addressees set forth below or to the other addresses of either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance with this Section 12.7, except that notice of change of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

  If to Company: 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275
    Charlotte, NC 28210
     
  If to Employee: At the address for the Employee most recently on file with the Company.

 

12.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties. All prior arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, are merged herein. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension or discharge is sought.

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally blank; signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.

 

STRONG TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.   EMPLOYEE
         
By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson  

By:

/s/ Todd R. Major

Name:

Mark D. Roberson

 

Name:

Todd Major

Title:

Chairman

  Date: May 18, 2023
Date: May 18, 2023      

 

[Signature page to Employment Agreement.]

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

General Release of Claims1

 

1. Todd Major (“Employee”), for Employee and Employee’s family, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and their respective successors and assigns, in exchange for the consideration received pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Employment Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) to which this release is attached as Exhibit A (the “Employment Agreement”), does hereby release and forever discharge Strong Technical Services, Inc. (the “Company”), Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., their respective former and current parents, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, predecessors, successors and assigns, and each of their former and current agents, employees, officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, trustees, heirs, joint venturers, attorneys, representatives, owners and servants (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever (collectively, “Claims”), whether known or unknown, that Employee ever had, now has or may have based upon any matter, fact, cause or thing, occurring from the beginning of time up to and including the date Employee executes this General Release of Claims, including, without limitation, all Claims regarding Employee’s employment with the Company, any events that may have occurred during the course of Employee’s employment or the termination of Employee’s employment, or any other matters or Claims of any kind or nature. This includes, without limitation, a release of any and all Claims for unpaid wages, holiday pay, overtime, bonuses or other compensation, breach of contract, wrongful discharge, disability benefits, life, health and medical insurance, sick leave, or any other fringe benefit, employment discrimination, unlawful harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, violations of public policy, defamation, fraudulent misrepresentation or inducements and severance pay and any other federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules, ordinances or regulations, whether equal employment laws, statutes, rules or regulations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the release provided above, Employee expressly waives any and all claims under Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) that Employee may have as of the date hereof. Employee further understands that, by signing this General Release of Claims, Employee is in fact waiving, releasing and forever giving up any claim under the ADEA as well as all other laws within the scope of this Section 1 that may have existed on or prior to the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1 to the contrary, this General Release of Claims shall not apply to (i) any right Employee has to the Severance Benefits; (ii) any rights to receive any payments or benefits to which the Employee is entitled under COBRA, (iii) any rights or claims that may arise as a result of events occurring after the date this General Release of Claims is executed, (iv) any indemnification and advancement rights Employee may have as a former employee, officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries, and (v) any claims for benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability policy maintained by the Company or its affiliates in accordance with the terms of such policy.

 

 

 

1 NTD: The parties agree that the Company may revise the release in light of additional statutes or claims so that the Company receives the benefit of the fullest legally permissible release of claims and may also change the timing, if required, to obtain such release. This footnote is part of the form of release and is to be removed only when the Company finalizes the release for execution. If the release is due after the executive’s death, the Company may revise and provide for a comparable release by Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

 

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Employee understands and agrees that the claims released in this Section 1 include not only claims presently known to Employee, but also all unknown or unanticipated claims, rights, demands, actions, obligations, liabilities and causes of action of every kind and character that would otherwise come within the scope of the released claims as described in this Section 1. Employee understands that Employee may hereafter discover facts different from what Employee now believes to be true that, if known, could have materially affected this General Release of Claims, but Employee nevertheless waives and releases any claims or rights based on different or additional facts.

 

2. Employee represents that Employee has not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of Employee’s employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this General Release of Claims, and covenants and agrees that Employee will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of any lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by Employee pursuant to Section 1 hereof; except that nothing in this General Release of Claims, including the provisions of this Section and Section 1 above, shall prevent Employee from filing a charge or complaint with or from participating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal, state or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws. However, to the extent any such charge or complaint or any other Claim is made against any of the Released Parties (including by the EEOC or NLRB), Employee expressly waives any claim to any form of monetary or other damages, or any other form of individual recovery or relief in connection with any such charge, complaint or claim other than as prohibited by applicable law.

 

3. Employee acknowledges that, in the absence of Employee’s execution of this General Release of Claims, the Severance Benefits would not otherwise be due to him.

 

4. Employee acknowledges and reaffirms Employee’s continuing obligations under Sections 7 and 8 of the Employment Agreement.

 

5. Employee hereby acknowledges that the Company has informed Employee that Employee has up to 21 days to sign this General Release of Claims and Employee may knowingly and voluntarily waive that 21 day period by signing this General Release of Claims earlier. Employee also understands that Employee shall have seven days following the date on which Employee signs this General Release of Claims within which to revoke it by providing a written notice of Employee’s revocation to the Company.

 

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6. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all information (in paper or electronic form), materials and equipment of any kind that Employee created or acquired during the course of Employee’s employment with the Company (collectively, “Company Property”) are and remain the property of the Company. Such Company Property includes, without limitation, books, handbooks, manuals, files, papers, memoranda, letters, facsimiles, photographs/images, audio recordings/files, electronically stored information, software, computers, and smartphones. Employee agrees that Employee has an obligation to return all Company Property to the Company and covenants and represents that, as of Employee’s execution of this Agreement, (i) Employee has returned to the Company all Company Property (including that in electronic form); (ii) Employee has not made or taken copies of such Company Property; and (iii) Employee has completely removed all electronically stored Company Property from all storage media in Employee’s possession, custody or control, including, without limitation, from Employee’s home computer system(s) and any external disk or flash drives.

 

7. Employee acknowledges and agrees that this General Release of Claims shall in all respects be subject to, governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Any dispute concerning this General Release of Claims shall be resolved pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions of the Employment Agreement.

 

8. Employee acknowledges that Employee has read this General Release of Claims, that Employee has been advised that Employee should consult with an attorney before Employee executes this general release of claims, and that Employee understands all of its terms and executes it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance and the consequences thereof.

 

9. This General Release of Claims shall become irrevocable on the eighth day following Employee’s execution of this General Release of Claims, unless previously revoked in accordance with Section 5 above.

 

Intending to be legally bound hereby, Employee has executed this General Release of Claims on ______________.

 

   
 

Todd Major

 

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Exhibit 10.9

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 18, 2023, by and between Strong Technical Services, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (the “Company”), and Ray F. Boegner, a Nebraska resident (the “Employee”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Employee, and Employee desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto intending to become legally bound agree as follows:

 

1. Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to be employed by the Company upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

2. Duties and Services.

 

2.1 Title and Duties. During the Employment Period (defined in Section 3 below), the services rendered by Employee hereunder shall be for the Company’s parent, Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (“SGE”). The Employee shall serve as President of SGE and shall perform such duties as are customary for such role in a public company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listed on a national securities exchange and such other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of SGE, which services may include serving as an officer or director of a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company.

 

2.2 Time. The Employee shall devote his sufficient business time and attention to the business of SGE and to the promotion of SGE’s best interest, subject to vacations, holidays and normal illnesses pursuant to the Company’s policies in place from time to time. The Employee shall at all times comply with Company policies in place from time to time, including but not limited to the Company’s Code of Ethics. The Company acknowledges and agrees that Employee’s provision of services hereunder is non-exclusive and that Employee is also currently employed by an indirect majority owner of SGE, FG Group Holdings Inc., which employment may be conflict with Employee’s employment with the Company and services to SGE. In the event of any such conflict of interest, Employee shall comply with the SGE’s conflict of interest policies and communicate any such conflict of interest to the SGE Board or Audit Committee, as appropriate, and be disclosed in appropriate public documents (e.g. Proxy Statements, 8-K, 10-K, etc.).

 

2.3 Travel. The Employee shall undertake such travel as may be necessary and desirable to promote the business and affairs of SGE, consistent with the Employee’s position and duties with the Company and SGE.

 

3. Term of Employment.

 

3.1 Employee’s employment hereunder shall commence on May 18, 2023 (the “Commencement Date”). The Employee’s employment will be “at-will,” meaning that either the Employee or the Company may terminate the Employee’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. The period during which Employee is employed hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Period”).

 

 
 

 

3.2 In the event Employee is terminated by the Company at any time without Cause (defined in Section 3.4 below), Employee will be entitled to the following (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”), subject to the terms of Section 3.3 below): (i) severance pay in the amount of one hundred and eight (108) weeks of the Employee’s base salary at the time of termination (“Severance Pay”) and (ii) if Employee timely and properly elects continuation health coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall pay Employee’s COBRA premiums for the lesser of (i) a period of one hundred and eight (108) weeks following the date of Employee’s termination of employment (the “Termination Date”) or (ii) the period following the Termination Date during which Employee is eligible to receive continuation coverage under COBRA (or applicable analogous state law). The Severance Pay shall be payable over a period of one hundred and eight (108) weeks following the Termination Date in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices, commencing within ninety (90) days following the Termination Date on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the Company that is practicable after the effective date of the General Release (defined in Section 3.3 below), except that, if the General Release may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, the Severance Pay shall commence on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of the Company in the calendar year in which the consideration or, if applicable, release revocation period ends to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A (as defined in Section 12.1 below). The first such payment shall include payment for any payroll dates between the Termination Date and the date of such payment.

 

3.3 Employee’s receipt of the Severance Benefits is conditioned on Employee signing (without revoking if such right is provided under applicable law general release substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “General Release”), which form may be modified as necessary by the Company to comply with applicable law and to specify the date by which Employee must execute and return the General Release for it to be effective. Such General Release shall be provided to Employee by the Company on or about the Termination Date. Employee must execute the General Release within 60 days following the Termination Date (or such shorter time as may be set forth in the General Release).

 

3.4 For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (i) Employee’s willful failure to perform his duties (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) Employee’s willful failure to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Company’s or SGE’s Board of Directors; (iii) Employee’s willful engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct, or misconduct, which is, in each case, materially injurious to the Company, SGE or their affiliates; (iv) Employee’s embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, whether or not related to Employee’s employment with the Company; (v) Employee’s conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or (vi) Employee’s material breach of any material obligation under this Agreement or any other written agreement between Employee and the Company or SGE.

 

4. Compensation.

 

4.1 Base Salary. For all of the services to be rendered by the Employee under this Agreement, during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Employee a base salary equal to $275,000 (the “Base Salary”). The compensation paid hereunder to the Employee shall be paid in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company and shall be subject to the customary withholding taxes and other employment taxes as required with respect to compensation paid by a corporation to an employee. The Base Salary will be subject to annual review and adjustment by SGE’s Board of Directors based upon the Employee’s performance.

 

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4.2 Annual Bonus. Commencing with respect to the Company’s 2023 fiscal year, the Employee will be eligible to receive a bonus in an amount targeted at 50% of base salary, payable in a combination of cash and equity in the Company, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee of SGE’s Board of Directors. The bonus will be subject to the achievement of performance metrics and other criteria as determined by the Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee of the SGE Board of Directors. Any equity grants will vest over a period of three to five years from the date of grant as determined by SGE’s Compensation Committee. Any equity award shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms and conditions of an Award Agreement entered into between SGE and the Employee.

 

4.3 Bonus. Employee is entitled to receive a cash bonus in an amount up to $50,000, payable at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of SGE’s Board of Directors.

 

4.4 IPO RSU Grant. Subject to the approval of SGE’s Board of Directors, Employee will be granted upon the initial public offering of SGE (the “IPO”) 25,000 restricted stock units of SGE, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2023 Share Compensation Plan and related restricted stock unit (“RSU”) award agreement. Such RSUs shall be fully-vested upon their grant.

 

4.5 Other RSU Grant. Subject to the approval of SGE’s Board of Directors, Employee will be granted upon the IPO 25,000 RSUs of SGE, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2023 Share Compensation Plan and related RSU award agreement. Subject to the terms of such award agreement, such RSUs shall vest in three (3) equal annual installments on the first, second and third year anniversaries of the date of the IPO.

 

5. Vacation. The Employee shall be entitled to vacation of up to four (4) weeks per calendar year, pursuant to the applicable Company policy. All vacations shall be in addition to recognized national holidays. During all vacations, the Employee’s compensation and other benefits as stated herein shall continue to be paid in full. Such vacations shall be taken only at times convenient for SGE, as approved by the SGE’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

6. Company Benefit Programs. In addition to the compensation and to the rights provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, the Employee shall be entitled to participate in each plan of the Company now or hereafter adopted and in effect from time to time for the benefit of Employee employees of the Company, to the extent permitted by such plans and by applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to amend, modify and/or terminate any benefit plan, policies or programs at any time for any reason.

 

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7. Restrictive Covenants and Need for Protection. Employee acknowledges that, because of his senior Employee position with the Company, he has or will develop knowledge of the affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries and their relationships with dealers, distributors and customers such that he could do serious damage to the financial welfare of the Company and/or its subsidiaries should he compete or assist others in competing with the business of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. Consequently, and in consideration of his employment with the Company, and for the benefits he is to receive under this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which he hereby acknowledges, the Employee agrees as follows:

 

7.1 Confidential Information.

 

7.1.1 Non-disclosure.

 

(a) Except as the Company or SGE may permit or direct in writing, during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, the Employee agrees that he will not disclose to any person or entity any Confidential Information (defined in Section 7.1.1(b) below which he may have obtained while in the employ of the Company, relating to any customers, customer lists, methods, distribution, sales, prices, profits, costs, contracts, inventories, suppliers, dealers, distributors, business prospects, business methods, manufacturing ideas, formulas, plans or techniques, research, trade secrets, or know-how of the SGE Group. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Employee’s ability to respond to a lawful subpoena; to make a report to or cooperate with any government agency, including without limitation the ability to participate in an investigation, provide information, and recover any remuneration awarded for doing so; and to comply with any other legal obligations.

 

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all information of a confidential or proprietary nature regarding SGE, the Company or any of SGE’s subsidiaries (the “SGE Group”), their respective business or properties that the SGE Group has furnished or furnishes to Employee, whether before or after the date of this Agreement, or is or becomes available to Employee by virtue of Employee’s employment with the Company, whether tangible or intangible, and in whatever form or medium provided, as well as all such information generated by Employee that, in each case, has not been published or disclosed to, and is not otherwise known to, the public. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, customer lists, customer requirements and specifications, designs, financial data, sales figures, costs and pricing figures, marketing and other business plans, product development, marketing concepts, personnel matters (including employee skills and compensation), drawings, specifications, instructions, methods, processes, techniques, computer software or data of any sort developed or compiled by the SGE Group, formulae or any other information relating to the SGE’s services, products, sales, technology, research data, software and all other know-how, trade secrets or proprietary information, or any copies, elaborations, modifications and adaptations thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, Employee acknowledges and agrees that Confidential Information protected under this Agreement includes information regarding pay, bonuses, benefits and perquisites offered to or received by employees of the Company, as well as non-public information regarding the unique and special skills of specific employees and how such skills are valuable and integral to the Company’s operations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any information (i) that is generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Employee’s breach of this covenant; (ii) that is made available to Employee by a third party without that party’s breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (iii) which was developed by Employee outside or independent of Employee’s performance of Employee’s obligation to render services on behalf of the Company.

 

(c) Employee acknowledges that Employee has been notified in accordance with the federal Uniform Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S. Code § 1833(b)(1)) that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Employee also acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Employee from reporting possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory body or making other disclosures that are protected under any law or regulation, or from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by any governmental agency or regulatory body.

 

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7.1.2 Return of Records. All records, documents, software, computer disks and any other form of information relating to the business of the SGE Group, including, without limitation, all Confidential Information, which are or were prepared or created by the Employee, or which may or did come into his possession during the term of his employment with the Company, including any and all copies thereof, shall immediately be returned to or, as the case may be, shall remain in the possession of the Company, as of the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Company.

 

7.2 Covenant Not to Compete. During the Employee’s employment and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, the Employee agrees that he will not participate in or finance, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of any third party, anywhere in the world, as principal, agent, employee, employer, consultant, investor or partner, or assist in the management of, or own any stock or any other ownership interest in, any business that is materially competitive with the business of the SGE Group, as conducted at any time during the twelve-month period prior to the time in question. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ownership of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding securities of any company listed on any public exchange or regularly traded in the over-the-counter market, provided that the Employee’s involvement with any such company is solely that of a passive security holder and the Employee discloses such ownership in advance to the Company’s Board of Directors, shall not constitute a violation of this paragraph. Employee acknowledges that the SGE Group does business throughout the world and, thus, it is necessary and appropriate to have this covenant not to compete apply world-wide in order to protect the SGE Group’s legitimate interests in its Confidential Information and close customer relationships.

 

7.3 Covenant Not to Solicit. The Employee agrees that he will not, during the Employee’s employment and for a period of one (1) year thereafter:

 

(a) directly or indirectly, request or advise any of the customers, distributors or dealers of the SGE Group to terminate or curtail their business with the SGE Group, or to patronize another business which is materially competitive with the SGE Group; or

 

(b) directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity, request, advise or solicit any person who is then or was in the prior six months an employee of the SGE Group to leave such employment for any reason or to hire any such person as an employee or independent contractor.

 

7.4 Judicial Modification. In the event that any court of law or equity shall consider or hold any aspect of this Section 7 to be unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that the aspect of this Section so found may be reduced or modified by appropriate order of the court and shall thereafter continue, as so modified, in full force and effect.

 

7.5 Injunctive Relief. The parties hereto acknowledge that the remedies at law for breach of this Section 7 will be inadequate, and that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief for violation thereof; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from the Employee.

 

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8. Inventions and Discoveries.

 

8.1 SGE Proprietary Rights. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all Intellectual Property (defined below) created, made or conceived by Employee (solely or jointly) during Employee’s employment by the Company (regardless of whether such Intellectual Property was created, conceived or produced during Employee’s regular work hours or at any other time) that relates to the actual or anticipated businesses of the SGE Group or results from or is suggested by any work performed by employees or independent contractors for or on behalf of the SGE Group (“SGE Intellectual Property”) shall be deemed “work for hire” and shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of SGE for any and all purposes and uses whatsoever as soon as Employee conceives or develops such SGE Intellectual Property, and Employee hereby agrees that its assigns, executors, heirs, administrators or personal representatives shall have no right, title or interest of any kind or nature therein or thereto, or in or to any results and proceeds therefrom. If for any reason such SGE Intellectual Property is not deemed to be “work-for-hire,” then Employee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally assigns all rights, title, and interest in such SGE Intellectual Property to SGE and agrees that SGE is under no further obligation, monetary or otherwise, to Employee for such assignment. Employee also hereby waives all claims to any moral rights or other special rights (“Moral Rights”), including, without limitation, all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights,” “artist’s rights,” “droit moral” or the like, that Employee may have or may accrue in any SGE Intellectual Property. To the extent that any such Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law, Employee hereby ratifies and consents to any action that may be taken with respect to such Moral Rights by or on behalf of the Company and waives and agrees not to enforce any and all such rights, including, without limitation, any limitation on subsequent modification, to the extent permitted under applicable law. Employee shall promptly disclose in writing to SGE the existence of any and all SGE Intellectual Property. As used in this Agreement, “Intellectual Property” shall mean and include any ideas, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs, improvements, discoveries, innovations, patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, trade secrets, works of authorship, copyrights, copyrightable works, films, audio and video tapes, other audio and visual works of any kind, scripts, sketches, models, formulas, tests, analyses, software, firmware, computer processes, computer and other applications, creations and properties, Confidential Information and any other patents, inventions or works of creative authorship.

 

8.2 Employee agrees to communicate promptly and to disclose to SGE in such form as the Employee may be required to do so, all information, details and data pertaining to SGE Intellectual Property and to execute and deliver to SGE such formal transfers and assignments and such other papers and documents as may be required of the Employee to permit SGE or any person or entity designated by SGE to file and prosecute the patent applications, and, as to copyrightable material, to obtain copyrights thereof. Employee represents and warrants to the Company that all Intellectual Property Employee delivers to the Company shall be original and shall not infringe upon or violate any patent, copyright or proprietary right of any person or third party.

 

8.3 To the extent this Agreement is required to be construed in accordance with laws of any state which precludes as a requirement in an employee agreement the assignment of certain classes of inventions made by an employee, this Section 8 will be interpreted not to apply to any invention which a court rules and/or SGE agrees falls within such classes.

 

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9. Tax Withholding. All payments made and benefits provided by the Company under this Agreement shall be reduced by any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law.

 

10. Survival of Obligations. All obligations of the Company and the Employee that by their nature involve performance, in any particular, after the termination of the Employee’s employment or the term of this Agreement, or that cannot be ascertained to have been fully performed until after the termination of Employee’s employment or the term of this Agreement, will survive the expiration or termination of the term of this Agreement.

 

11. Officer Resignation. Upon termination of his employment with the Company for any reason, the Employee shall resign, as of the date of such termination, from any corporate office or director position held with the Company or any member of the SGE Group.

 

12. Miscellaneous. The following miscellaneous sections shall apply to this Agreement:

 

12.1 Section 409A Compliance. To the extent applicable, it is intended that this Agreement comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). This Agreement shall be administered in a manner consistent with this intent, and any provision that would cause the Agreement to fail to satisfy Section 409A shall have no force and effect until amended by the parties to comply with Section 409A (which amendment may be retroactive to the extent permitted by Section 409A). Unless otherwise expressly provided, any payment of compensation by Company to Employee, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall be made no later than the 15th day of the third month (i.e., 2½ months) after the later of the end of the calendar year or the Company’s fiscal year in which Employee’s right to such payment vests (i.e., is not subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” for purposes of Code Section 409A). For purposes of this Agreement, “Separation from Service” shall have the meaning given to such term under Section 409A. Each payment and each installment of any severance payments provided for under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of application of Section 409A. To the extent that any severance payments come within the definition of “short term deferrals” or “involuntary severance” under Section 409A, such amounts shall be excluded from “deferred compensation” as allowed under Section 409A, and shall not be subject to the following Section 409A compliance requirements. All payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A) are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A, and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith. Neither party individually or in combination may accelerate, offset or assign any such deferred payment, except in compliance with Section 409A. No amount shall be paid prior to the earliest date on which it is permitted to be paid under Section 409A and Employee shall have no discretion with respect to the timing of payments except as permitted under Section 409A. Any payments to which Section 409A applies which are subject to execution of a waiver and release which may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the payment event (such as Separation from Service) occurs shall commence payment only in the calendar year in which the release revocation period ends as necessary to comply with Section 409A. In the event that Employee is determined to be a “key employee” (as defined and determined under Section 409A) of the Company at a time when its stock is deemed to be publicly traded on an established securities market, payments determined to be “nonqualified deferred compensation” payable upon separation from service shall be made no earlier than (i) the first day of the seventh (7th) complete calendar month following such termination of employment, or (ii) Employee’s death, consistent with the provisions of Section 409A. Any payment delayed by reason of the prior sentence shall be paid out in a single lump sum at the end of such required delay period in order to catch up to the original payment schedule. All expense reimbursement or in-kind benefits subject to Section 409A provided under this Agreement or, unless otherwise specified in writing, under any Company program or policy, shall be subject to the following rules: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided during one calendar year may not affect the benefits provided during any other year; (ii) reimbursements shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which the Employee incurs such expenses, and the Employee shall take all actions necessary to claim all such reimbursements on a timely basis to permit the Company to make all such reimbursement payments prior to the end of said period, and (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no amendment may be made to this Agreement if it would cause the Agreement or any payment hereunder not to be in compliance with Section 409A.

 

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12.2 280G. If any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Employee under this Agreement or any other plans or arrangements between the parties would be subject to the deduction limitations and excise tax imposed by Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (including any applicable interest and penalties, collectively “excise taxes”), then the parties agree to take such action as may be necessary to place Employee in the best after-tax position taking into account all income, employment and excise taxes, without regard to the deductibility of any payments by the Company. Thus, for example, any amount deemed to constitute a “parachute payment” under Section 280G, shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid excise taxes that would otherwise be imposed if, and only if, such reduction would result in Employee retaining a larger total after-tax amount of compensation, taking into account all Employee compensation, benefits, income, employment and excise taxes.

 

12.3 Modifications and Waivers. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless that modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing by the Employee and the Company. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by that other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the time, or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

12.4 Construction of Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any oral or written agreements between the Employee and the Company and any oral representations by the Company to the Employee with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

12.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

12.6 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to Section 7 above, or any word, phrase, clause, sentence or other portion of a provision is deemed illegal or unenforceable for any reason, that provision or portion will be modified or deleted in such a manner as to make this Agreement as modified legal and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under applicable laws. The validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions or portions will remain in full force and effect.

 

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12.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will take effect as an original and all of which will evidence one and the same agreement.

 

12.8 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, beneficiaries, personal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

12.9 Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required to be given pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person, on the next business day after being delivered to a nationally-recognized overnight courier service (for such next-day delivery) or five (5) days after being deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, postage prepaid, return receipt requested and addressed to the other party at the respective addressees set forth below or to the other addresses of either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance with this Section 12.7, except that notice of change of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

  If to Company:

5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275

Charlotte, NC 28210

 

  If to Employee: At the address for the Employee most recently on file with the Company.
     

 

12.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties. All prior arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, are merged herein. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension or discharge is sought.

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally blank; signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.

 

STRONG TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.   EMPLOYEE
         
By: /s/ Mark D. Roberson   By: /s/ Ray F. Boegner
Name: Mark D. Roberson   Name: Ray F. Boegner
Title: Chairman   Date: May 18, 2023
Date: May 18, 2023      

 

[Signature page to Employment Agreement.]

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

General Release of Claims1

 

1. Ray F. Boegner (“Employee”), for Employee and Employee’s family, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and their respective successors and assigns, in exchange for the consideration received pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Employment Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) to which this release is attached as Exhibit A (the “Employment Agreement”), does hereby release and forever discharge Strong Technical Services, Inc. (the “Company”), Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., their respective former and current parents, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, predecessors, successors and assigns, and each of their former and current agents, employees, officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, trustees, heirs, joint venturers, attorneys, representatives, owners and servants (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever (collectively, “Claims”), whether known or unknown, that Employee ever had, now has or may have based upon any matter, fact, cause or thing, occurring from the beginning of time up to and including the date Employee executes this General Release of Claims, including, without limitation, all Claims regarding Employee’s employment with the Company, any events that may have occurred during the course of Employee’s employment or the termination of Employee’s employment, or any other matters or Claims of any kind or nature. This includes, without limitation, a release of any and all Claims for unpaid wages, holiday pay, overtime, bonuses or other compensation, breach of contract, wrongful discharge, disability benefits, life, health and medical insurance, sick leave, or any other fringe benefit, employment discrimination, unlawful harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, violations of public policy, defamation, fraudulent misrepresentation or inducements and severance pay and any other federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules, ordinances or regulations, whether equal employment laws, statutes, rules or regulations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the release provided above, Employee expressly waives any and all claims under Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) that Employee may have as of the date hereof. Employee further understands that, by signing this General Release of Claims, Employee is in fact waiving, releasing and forever giving up any claim under the ADEA as well as all other laws within the scope of this Section 1 that may have existed on or prior to the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1 to the contrary, this General Release of Claims shall not apply to (i) any right Employee has to the Severance Benefits; (ii) any rights to receive any payments or benefits to which the Employee is entitled under COBRA, (iii) any rights or claims that may arise as a result of events occurring after the date this General Release of Claims is executed, (iv) any indemnification and advancement rights Employee may have as a former employee, officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries, and (v) any claims for benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability policy maintained by the Company or its affiliates in accordance with the terms of such policy.

 

Employee understands and agrees that the claims released in this Section 1 include not only claims presently known to Employee, but also all unknown or unanticipated claims, rights, demands, actions, obligations, liabilities and causes of action of every kind and character that would otherwise come within the scope of the released claims as described in this Section 1. Employee understands that Employee may hereafter discover facts different from what Employee now believes to be true that, if known, could have materially affected this General Release of Claims, but Employee nevertheless waives and releases any claims or rights based on different or additional facts.

 

 

1 NTD: The parties agree that the Company may revise the release in light of additional statutes or claims so that the Company receives the benefit of the fullest legally permissible release of claims and may also change the timing, if required, to obtain such release. This footnote is part of the form of release and is to be removed only when the Company finalizes the release for execution. If the release is due after the executive’s death, the Company may revise and provide for a comparable release by Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

 

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2. Employee represents that Employee has not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of Employee’s employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this General Release of Claims, and covenants and agrees that Employee will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of any lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by Employee pursuant to Section 1 hereof; except that nothing in this General Release of Claims, including the provisions of this Section and Section 1 above, shall prevent Employee from filing a charge or complaint with or from participating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal, state or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws. However, to the extent any such charge or complaint or any other Claim is made against any of the Released Parties (including by the EEOC or NLRB), Employee expressly waives any claim to any form of monetary or other damages, or any other form of individual recovery or relief in connection with any such charge, complaint or claim other than as prohibited by applicable law.

 

3. Employee acknowledges that, in the absence of Employee’s execution of this General Release of Claims, the Severance Benefits would not otherwise be due to him.

 

4. Employee acknowledges and reaffirms Employee’s continuing obligations under Sections 7 and 8 of the Employment Agreement.

 

5. Employee hereby acknowledges that the Company has informed Employee that Employee has up to 21 days to sign this General Release of Claims and Employee may knowingly and voluntarily waive that 21 day period by signing this General Release of Claims earlier. Employee also understands that Employee shall have seven days following the date on which Employee signs this General Release of Claims within which to revoke it by providing a written notice of Employee’s revocation to the Company.

 

6. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all information (in paper or electronic form), materials and equipment of any kind that Employee created or acquired during the course of Employee’s employment with the Company (collectively, “Company Property”) are and remain the property of the Company. Such Company Property includes, without limitation, books, handbooks, manuals, files, papers, memoranda, letters, facsimiles, photographs/images, audio recordings/files, electronically stored information, software, computers, and smartphones. Employee agrees that Employee has an obligation to return all Company Property to the Company and covenants and represents that, as of Employee’s execution of this Agreement, (i) Employee has returned to the Company all Company Property (including that in electronic form); (ii) Employee has not made or taken copies of such Company Property; and (iii) Employee has completely removed all electronically stored Company Property from all storage media in Employee’s possession, custody or control, including, without limitation, from Employee’s home computer system(s) and any external disk or flash drives.

 

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7. Employee acknowledges and agrees that this General Release of Claims shall in all respects be subject to, governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Any dispute concerning this General Release of Claims shall be resolved pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions of the Employment Agreement.

 

8. Employee acknowledges that Employee has read this General Release of Claims, that Employee has been advised that Employee should consult with an attorney before Employee executes this general release of claims, and that Employee understands all of its terms and executes it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance and the consequences thereof.

 

9. This General Release of Claims shall become irrevocable on the eighth day following Employee’s execution of this General Release of Claims, unless previously revoked in accordance with Section 5 above.

 

Intending to be legally bound hereby, Employee has executed this General Release of Claims on ______________.

 

   
  Ray F. Boegner

 

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Exhibit 10.10

 

iNDEMNITY Agreement

 

BETWEEN

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

– and –

 

[DIRECTOR / SENIOR OFFICER]

 

May 17, 2023

 

 

 

 

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is dated as of May 17, 2023

 

BETWEEN:

 

STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC., a company

incorporated under the laws of British Columbia

 

(the “Company”)

 

- and -

 

●, of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.

 

(the “Indemnified Party”)

 

Context

 

A. The Company is a company governed by the Act.
   
B. The Indemnified Party has, at the request of the Company, accepted the position of [Title] of the Company and may, at the request of the Company, accept the position of officer of the Company or act as a director or officer, or act in an equivalent capacity, of one or more Associated Corporations.
   
C. The articles of the Company provide that the Company will indemnify a director or officer in certain circumstances.

 

THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions

 

In this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

1.1 Act” means the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
   
1.2 Agreement” means this agreement, as it may be confirmed, amended, modified, supplemented or restated by written agreement between the Parties.
   
1.3 Associated Corporation” means:

 

  1.3.1 a corporation of which the Indemnified Party is or was a director or officer at a time when that corporation is or was an affiliate of the Company;
     
  1.3.2 any other corporation of which the Indemnified Party is or was a director or officer at the request of the Company; and
     
  1.3.3 any other partnership, trust, joint venture or other unincorporated entity for which the Indemnified Party is or was a director or officer, or holds or held a position equivalent to director or officer, at the request of the Company.

 

1.4 Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday in the Province of British Columbia.

 

1.5 Company” is defined in the recital of the Parties above.

 

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1.6 Derivative Action” means an Eligible Proceeding by or on behalf of the Company or any Associated Corporation brought against the Indemnified Party.
   
1.7 Eligible Penalty” means a judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed in, or an amount paid in settlement of, an Eligible Proceeding.
   
1.8 Eligible Proceeding” means any legal proceeding or investigative action, whether current, threatened, pending or completed, in which the Indemnified Party or any of the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of the Indemnified Party:

 

  1.8.1 is or may be joined as a party; or
     
  1.8.2 is or may be liable for or in respect of a judgment, penalty or fine in, or expenses related to, that legal proceeding or investigative action,

 

by reason of the Indemnified Party being or having been a director or officer of, or holding or having held a position equivalent to that of a director or officer of, the Company or any Associated Corporation, and includes any action to establish a right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

1.9 Expenses” includes costs, charges and expenses, including legal and other fees, but does not include judgments, penalties, fines or amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding.

 

1.10 Indemnified Party” is defined in the recital of the Parties above.

 

1.11 Parties” means the Company and the Indemnified Party collectively, and “Party” means any one of them.

 

2. General Indemnity

 

Subject to Sections 3, 5, and 8, the Company, to the extent permitted by law, indemnifies the Indemnified Party from and against all Eligible Penalties and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Party in respect of any Eligible Proceeding.

 

3. Indemnification in Derivative Actions

 

In respect of any Derivative Action, the Company will, at the Indemnified Party’s request, apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for approval to indemnify the Indemnified Party against all Eligible Penalties and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with that Derivative Action, as well as for approval to advance money to the Indemnified Party under Section 4.

 

4. Advance of Expenses

 

Subject to Sections 5 and 8, the Company will, prior to the final disposition of an Eligible Proceeding, advance moneys to the Indemnified Party:

 

4.1 for the Expenses referred to in Section 2, provided that at the time of the advance of those Expenses, the Company does not have reasonable grounds to believe that the Indemnified Party has not met the conditions of Section 5.1; and

 

4.2 for the Expenses referred to in Section 3, provided the Company receives the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction as contemplated by Section 3.

 

5. Limitation

 

5.1 The Company will not indemnify the Indemnified Party under this Agreement unless the Indemnified Party:

 

  5.1.1 in relation to the subject matter of the Eligible Proceeding, acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company or of the Associated Corporation, as the case may be; and

 

  5.1.2 in the case of an Eligible Proceeding other than a civil proceeding, had reasonable grounds for believing that the Indemnified Party’s conduct in respect of which the Eligible Proceeding was brought was lawful.

 

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5.2 The Company will not indemnify the Indemnified Party under this Agreement for:

 

  5.2.1 any Eligible Penalties or Expenses incurred in the course of any action or other proceeding initiated by the Indemnified Party with respect to any claim the Indemnified Party has against the Company or any Associated Corporation, unless such action or other proceeding is brought to establish or enforce any right under this Agreement;

 

  5.2.2 any Eligible Penalties or Expenses related to any action or proceeding initiated by the Indemnified Party against any director or officer (or an individual holding a similar capacity) of the Company or an Associated Corporation unless the Company or Associated Corporation, as the case may be, has joined with the Indemnified Party in, or consented to, the initiation of that action or proceeding;

 

  5.2.3 any Eligible Penalties or Expenses related to any action or proceeding initiated by the Indemnified Party against any other person or entity, unless it is a counterclaim; or

 

  5.2.4 any Eligible Penalties or Expenses related to claims by the Company or Associated Corporation for the forfeiture and recovery by the Company or Associated Corporation, as applicable, of bonuses or other compensation received by the Indemnified Party from the Company or Associated Corporation due to the Indemnified Party’s violation of applicable securities laws or other laws.

 

6. Assumption of Defence

 

6.1 The Company may participate, at its expense, in the defence of any Eligible Proceeding, other than a Derivative Action, brought against the Indemnified Party and may elect, by notice in writing to the Indemnified Party given no later than 30 days after receipt of the Indemnified Party’s notice under Section 9.1, to assume control of the negotiation, settlement or defence of that Eligible Proceeding with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, unless at any time:

 

  6.1.1 the Indemnified Party determines in good faith, where the Company is also a party to the Eligible Proceeding, that joint representation would be inappropriate given the actual or potential differing interests between them; or

 

  6.1.2 the Indemnified Party determines in good faith that the Eligible Proceeding may adversely affect it other than as a result of monetary damages for which it would be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

6.2 Upon assumption of control by the Company of the defence of an Eligible Proceeding in accordance with Section 6.1:

 

  6.2.1 the Company will actively and diligently proceed with the defence, negotiation or settlement of the Eligible Proceeding at the Company’s sole cost and expense;

 

  6.2.2 the Company will keep the Indemnified Party fully advised with respect to the defence, negotiation or settlement of the Eligible Proceeding;

 

  6.2.3 the Indemnified Party and the Company will cooperate fully with each other and their respective counsel in the investigation and defence of the Eligible Proceeding, and will make available to each other all relevant books, records, documents and files, in electronic form or as hard copies when available, and will otherwise make their respective best efforts to assist counsel in the proper and adequate defence of the Eligible Proceeding; and

 

  6.2.4 the Company may, in the name of the Indemnified Party or otherwise, file any pleadings or other documents and take any proceedings as may reasonably be required, in the opinion of the Company, to effectively make out a defence.

 

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7. Right to Independent Counsel

 

7.1 Where the Company has assumed control of the defence of an Eligible Proceeding in accordance with Section 6.1:

 

  7.1.1 if the Indemnified Party is named as a party or a witness to the Eligible Proceeding, or the Indemnified Party is questioned or any of the Indemnified Party’s actions, omissions or activities are in any way investigated, reviewed or examined in connection with or in anticipation of an actual or potential Eligible Proceeding, the Indemnified Party will be entitled to retain independent legal counsel at the Company’s expense to act on the Indemnified Party’s behalf to provide the Indemnified Party with an initial assessment of the appropriate course of action for the Indemnified Party; and

 

  7.1.2 the Indemnified Party entitled under Section 7.1.1 to independent legal counsel will be entitled to continued representation by independent counsel at the Company’s expense unless the Parties agree that there are no actual or potential differing interests between them that require the independent representation of the Indemnified Party.

 

8. Repayment of Indemnification Payments

 

  8.1 If, at the conclusion of any Eligible Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is provided under this Agreement:

 

  8.1.1 there is a final judicial or quasi-judicial determination establishing that the Indemnified Party has not fulfilled the conditions of Section 5.1 in respect of any amounts advanced or paid by the Company; or

 

  8.1.2 the payment of any amounts advanced or paid by the Company is otherwise prohibited by section 163 of the Act;

 

the Indemnified Party undertakes to repay, and will repay, those amounts to the Company.

 

8.2 If the Indemnified Party receives indemnification or reimbursement from a source other than the Company for all or part of any Eligible Penalties or Expenses already advanced or paid by the Company to the Indemnified Party, then the amount received by the Indemnified Party from that other source will be paid by the Indemnified Party to the Company.

 

8.3 The Indemnified Party will repay to the Company all advances of Eligible Penalties or Expenses under this Agreement not actually required or used by the Indemnified Party.

 

8.4 All amounts payable by the Indemnified Party to the Company under this Agreement will be paid within 30 Business Days of the Company’s written request for payment and will bear interest after their due date until paid in full at the variable annual interest rate announced and adjusted from time to time by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce as its reference rate for determining interest rates on Canadian dollar commercial loans made by it in Canada, and which it may refer to as its “prime rate” or “prime lending rate”.

 

9. General

 

Entire Agreement. This Agreement, and any other agreements and documents to be delivered under this Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the Parties, and there are no representations, warranties or other agreements between the Parties, express or implied, in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement except as specifically set out in this Agreement, or in any other agreements and documents delivered under this Agreement. No Party has been induced to enter into this Agreement in reliance on, and there will be no liability assessed, either in tort or contract, with respect to, any warranty, representation, opinion, advice or assertion of fact, except to the extent it has been reduced to writing and included as a term in this Agreement, or in any other agreements and documents delivered under this Agreement.

 

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9.1 Notice of a Claim. Promptly, and in any event no later than ten Business Days after receipt by the Indemnified Party of a written notice of a claim or threatened claim against it which may result in a demand for indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnified Party will give written notice to the Company of the claim or threatened claim. A notice delivered under this Section will include a description of the claim or threatened claim, a summary of the facts giving rise to the claim or threatened claim and, if possible, an estimate of any potential liability arising under the claim or threatened claim. Failure by the Indemnified Party to notify the Company of any claim or threatened claim will not relieve the Company from its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise limit its liability, except to the extent that the claim includes legal proceedings and the failure of the Indemnified Party to notify the Company within the required time limits prejudices the defence of the claim.

 

9.2 Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by this agreement to be given or made to a party must be in writing and either delivered personally or by courier, sent by prepaid registered mail, or transmitted by e-mail to that party addressed as follows:

 

to the Company at:

 

Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.

5960 Fairview Road, Suite 275

Charlotte, NC 28210

 

  Attention: Mark Roberson
  E-mail: Mark.roberson@fg.group

 

with a copy to

 

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

2300 – 550 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 2B5

 

  Attention: Cyndi D. Laval
  E-mail: Cyndi.Laval@gowlingwlg.com

 

to the Indemnified Party at:

 

 

  E-mail:

 

or at any other address as any party may at any time advise the other by notice in writing given in accordance with this Section 9.2. Any notice or other communication delivered to the party to whom it is addressed will be deemed to have been given and received on the day it is delivered at that party’s address, provided that if that day is not a Business Day or if it is received after 4:00 p.m. (local time of the recipient) then the notice or other communication will be deemed to have been given and received on the next Business Day. Any notice or other communication sent by prepaid registered mail will be deemed to have been given and received on the fifth Business Day after which it is mailed. If a strike or lockout of postal employees is then in effect, or generally known to be impending, every notice or other communication must be delivered personally, by courier or transmitted by e-mail. Any notice or communication transmitted by e-mail will be deemed to have been given and received on the day on which it is transmitted; but if the notice or communication is transmitted on a day which is not a Business Day or after 4:00 p.m. (local time of the recipient), it will be deemed to have been given and received on the next Business Day.

 

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9.3 Headings. The division of this Agreement into sections and subsections and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

9.4 References. References in this Agreement to a section, subsection or paragraph are to be construed as references to a section, subsection or paragraph of this Agreement unless the context requires otherwise.

 

9.5 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the rights and obligations under it are not assignable by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

9.6 Enurement. This Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

 

9.7 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction will not invalidate the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and any such invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed to be severed. The prohibition against or unenforceability of a provision in one jurisdiction will not invalidate that provision or render it unenforceable in any other jurisdiction.

 

9.8 Further Assurances. The Parties will, with reasonable diligence, do all things and provide all reasonable assurances as may be required to, and each Party will provide any further documents or instruments required by the other Party as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to, give effect to this Agreement and carry out its provisions.

 

9.9 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by, and is to be construed in accordance with, the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the laws of Canada applicable in that Province.

 

9.10 Electronic Signatures and Delivery. This Agreement and any counterpart of it may be:

 

  9.10.1 signed by manual, digital or other electronic signatures; and

 

  9.10.2 delivered or transmitted by any digital, electronic or other intangible means, including by e-mail or other functionally equivalent electronic means of transmission, and that execution, delivery and transmission will be valid and legally effective to create a valid and binding agreement between the Parties.

 

9.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed and delivered by the Parties in counterparts, with the same effect as if each of the Parties had signed and delivered the same document, and that execution and delivery will be valid and legally effective.

 

9.12 Acknowledgement—Independent Legal Advice. Each Party acknowledges that it has:

 

  9.12.1 received or had the opportunity to receive independent legal advice from its own lawyer[s] with respect to the terms of this Agreement before its execution;

 

  9.12.2 read this Agreement, understands it, and agrees to be bound by its terms and conditions; and

 

  9.12.3 received a copy of this Agreement.


 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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Each of the Parties has executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date noted at the beginning of the Agreement.

 

  STRONG GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
   
  Per:                              
    Authorized Signatory
     

 

   
 

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Strong Global Entertainment Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

 

Charlotte, NC – May 15, 2023 – Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE American: SGE), today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 1,000,000 shares of its Class A Common Voting Shares (the “Common Shares”) at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $4 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 150,000 Common Shares to cover over-allotments at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discount. All of the Common Shares are being offered by the Company.

 

The shares are expected to begin trading on the NYSE American on May 16, 2023 under the symbol “SGE.” The offering is expected to close on May 18, 2023, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 

The net proceeds from the initial public offering are planned to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include (i) working capital, (ii) capital expenditures, (iii) operational purposes, and (iv) potential acquisitions of complementary businesses.

 

ThinkEquity is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.

 

A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-264165) relating to the Common Shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and became effective on May 15, 2023. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004. The final prospectus will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.

 

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

 

About Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.

 

Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. is positioned to be a leader in the entertainment industry, providing mission critical products and services to cinema exhibitors and entertainment venues for over 80 years. The Company manufactures and distributes premium large format projection screens, provides comprehensive managed services, technical support and related products and services primarily to cinema exhibitors, theme parks, educational institutions, and similar venues. In addition to traditional projection screens, the Company manufactures and distributes its Eclipse curvilinear screens, which are specially designed for theme parks, immersive exhibitions, as well as simulation applications. It also provides maintenance, repair, installation, network support services and other services to cinema operators, primarily in the United States. The Company also owns Strong Studios, Inc., which develops and produces original feature films and television series.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company is using forward-looking statements when it discusses the expected closing date. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the public offering filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

 

Contact:

 

Mark Roberson John Nesbett/Jennifer Belodeau
Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. - Chief Executive Officer IMS Investor Relations
(704) 471-6784 (203) 972-9200
IR@strong-entertainment.com sge@imsinvestorrelations.com

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

Strong Global Entertainment Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering and Separation

 

Charlotte, NC – May 18, 2023 — Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE American: SGE), today announced the closing of its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 1,000,000 shares of its Class A Common Voting Shares (the “Common Shares”) at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $4 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, the Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 150,000 Common Shares to cover over-allotments at the IPO price, less the underwriting discount.

 

The net proceeds from the IPO are planned to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include (i) working capital, (ii) capital expenditures, (iii) operational purposes, and (iv) potential acquisitions in complementary businesses.

 

ThinkEquity acted as sole book-running manager for the IPO.

 

A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-264165) relating to the Common Shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and became effective on May 15, 2023. The IPO is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained from ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004. The final prospectus has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.

 

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

 

In connection with the IPO, the Company also completed the separation of the entertainment business from FG Group Holdings Inc. and its contribution to the Company by entering various agreements. These agreements took effect immediately prior to the closing of the IPO.

 

About Strong Global Entertainment, Inc.

 

Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. is positioned to be a leader in the entertainment industry, providing mission critical products and services to cinema exhibitors and entertainment venues for over 80 years. The Company manufactures and distributes premium large format projection screens, provides comprehensive managed services, technical support and related products and services primarily to cinema exhibitors, theme parks, educational institutions, and similar venues. In addition to traditional projection screens, the Company manufactures and distributes its Eclipse curvilinear screens, which are specially designed for theme parks, immersive exhibitions, as well as simulation applications. It also provides maintenance, repair, installation, network support services and other services to cinema operators, primarily in the United States. The Company also owns Strong Studios, Inc. which develops and produces original feature films and television series.

 

 

 

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the public offering filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

 

Contact:

 

Mark Roberson   John Nesbett/Jennifer Belodeau
Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. - Chief Executive Officer   IMS Investor Relations
(704) 471-6784   (203) 972-9200
IR@strong-entertainment.com   sge@imsinvestorrelations.com