EX-2.1 2 tm2222600d1_ex2-1.htm EXHIBIT 2.1

 

Exhibit 2.1

  

BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT

 

among

 

TAILWIND ACQUISITION CORP.,

 

COMPASS MERGER SUB, INC.

 

and

 

NUBURU, INC.

 

Dated as of August 5, 2022

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

Article I. DEFINITIONS 3
SECTION 1.01. Certain Definitions 3
SECTION 1.02. Further Definitions 12
SECTION 1.01. Construction 14
Article II. AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER 15
SECTION 2.01. The Merger 15
SECTION 2.02. Closing; Effective Time 15
SECTION 2.03. Effect of the Merger 16
SECTION 2.04. Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws 16
SECTION 2.05. Directors and Officers 17
Article III. CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK 17
SECTION 3.01. Conversion of Securities 17
SECTION 3.02. Exchange of Company Capital Stock 19
SECTION 3.03. Stock Transfer Books 21
SECTION 3.04. Payment of Expenses 21
SECTION 3.05. Appraisal Rights 22
SECTION 3.06. Calculation of Exchange Ratios 22
SECTION 3.07. Preferred Stock Issuance 24
Article IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY 24
SECTION 4.01. Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries 24
SECTION 4.02. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws 25
SECTION 4.03. Capitalization 25
SECTION 4.04. Authority Relative to this Agreement 27
SECTION 4.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents 28
SECTION 4.06. Permits; Compliance 28
SECTION 4.07. Financial Statements 29
SECTION 4.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events 30
SECTION 4.09. Absence of Litigation 30
SECTION 4.10. Employee Benefit Plans 31
SECTION 4.11. Labor and Employment Matters 33
SECTION 4.12. Real Property; Title to Assets 35
SECTION 4.13. Intellectual Property Rights 36
SECTION 4.14. Taxes 39
SECTION 4.15. Environmental Matters 41
SECTION 4.16. Material Contracts 41
SECTION 4.17. Insurance 43

 

i 

 

 

SECTION 4.18. Board Approval; Vote Required 43
SECTION 4.19. Certain Business Practices 44
SECTION 4.20. Interested Party Transactions 44
SECTION 4.21. Exchange Act 44
SECTION 4.22. Brokers 44
SECTION 4.23. COVID-19 45
SECTION 4.24. Exclusivity of Representations and Warranties 45
Article V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SPAC AND MERGER SUB 45
SECTION 5.01. Corporate Organization 45
SECTION 5.02. Organizational Documents 46
SECTION 5.03. Capitalization 46
SECTION 5.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement 47
SECTION 5.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents 48
SECTION 5.06. Compliance 48
SECTION 5.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements; Sarbanes-Oxley 49
SECTION 5.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events 50
SECTION 5.09. Absence of Litigation 51
SECTION 5.10. Board Approval; Vote Required 51
SECTION 5.11. No Prior Operations of Merger Sub 51
SECTION 5.12. Brokers 51
SECTION 5.13. SPAC Trust Fund 52
SECTION 5.14. Employees 52
SECTION 5.15. Taxes 53
SECTION 5.16. Listing 54
SECTION 5.17. Transaction Expenses 54
SECTION 5.18. Non-Foreign Person 54
SECTION 5.19. SPAC and Merger Sub’s Investigation and Reliance 55
Article VI. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER 55
SECTION 6.01. Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger 55
SECTION 6.02. Conduct of Business by the SPAC and Merger Sub Pending the Merger 58
SECTION 6.03. Claims Against Trust Account 59
Article VII. ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS 60
SECTION 7.01. Proxy Statement; Registration Statement 60
SECTION 7.02. SPAC Stockholders’ Meetings; and Merger Sub Stockholder’s Approval 61
SECTION 7.03. Company Stockholders’ Written Consent 62
SECTION 7.04. Access to Information; Confidentiality 62
SECTION 7.05. Company Solicitation; Change in Recommendation 63
SECTION 7.06. SPAC Exclusivity 65

 

ii 

 

 

SECTION 7.07. Employee Benefits Matters 66
SECTION 7.08. Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification 66
SECTION 7.09. Notification of Certain Matters 67
SECTION 7.10. Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts 67
SECTION 7.11. Public Announcements 68
SECTION 7.12. Tax Matters 68
SECTION 7.13. Securities Exchange Listing 68
SECTION 7.14. Trust Account 69
SECTION 7.15. Governance Matters 69
SECTION 7.16. SPAC Public Filings 69
SECTION 7.17. Termination of Affiliate Agreements 70
SECTION 7.18. SPAC Deadline Extension 70
SECTION 7.19.  Section 280G 70
Article VIII. CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER 70
SECTION 8.01. Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party 70
SECTION 8.02. Conditions to the Obligations of the SPAC and Merger Sub 71
SECTION 8.03. Conditions to the Obligations of the Company 71
Article IX. TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER 72
SECTION 9.01. Termination 72
SECTION 9.02. Effect of Termination 74
SECTION 9.03. Termination Fee 74
Article X. GENERAL PROVISIONS 74
SECTION 10.01. Notices 74
SECTION 10.02. Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants 75
SECTION 10.03. Severability 76
SECTION 10.04. Entire Agreement; Assignment 76
SECTION 10.05. Parties in Interest 76
SECTION 10.06. Governing Law 76
SECTION 10.07. Waiver of Jury Trial 77
SECTION 10.08. Headings 77
SECTION 10.09. Counterparts 77
SECTION 10.10. Specific Performance 77
SECTION 10.11. Expenses 77
SECTION 10.12. Amendment 78
SECTION 10.13. Waiver 78

 

iii 

 

 

EXHIBIT A Form of Stockholder Support Agreement
EXHIBIT B Form of Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement
EXHIBIT C Form of Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement
EXHIBIT D Form of Founder Lock-Up Amendment
EXHIBIT E Form of New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation
EXHIBIT F Form of Certificate of Designations
EXHIBIT G Form of SPAC Equity Incentive Plan
EXHIBIT H Form of SPAC ESPP

 

SCHEDULE A Key Company Stockholders
SCHEDULE B Company Knowledge Parties

 

iv 

 

 

BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT

 

This Business Combination Agreement dated as of August 5, 2022 (this “Agreement”) is among Tailwind Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “SPAC”), Compass Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”) and Nuburu, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Capitalized terms used but not defined elsewhere herein have the meanings assigned to them in Section 1.01.

 

WHEREAS, Merger Sub is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of the SPAC;

 

WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), the SPAC and the Company will enter into a business combination transaction pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the SPAC;

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) has unanimously (a) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders, (b) approved and adopted this Agreement and the Merger and declared their advisability, (c) approved the Merger and the other Transactions, (d) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, and (e) directed that, unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Section 9.01, this Agreement and the Transactions (including the Merger) be submitted for consideration by the Company’s stockholders;

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the SPAC (the “SPAC Board”) has (a) determined this Agreement to be in the bests interests of the SPAC, approved and adopted this Agreement and approved the payment of the Per Share Merger Consideration pursuant to this Agreement and the other Transactions, and (b) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions by the stockholders of the SPAC;

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Merger Sub (the “Merger Sub Board”) has (a) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are fair to, and in the best interests of, Merger Sub and its sole stockholder, (b) approved and adopted this Agreement and the Merger and declared their advisability, (c) approved the Merger and the other Transactions, (d) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the sole stockholder of Merger Sub, and (e) directed that this Agreement and the Transactions (including the Merger) be submitted for consideration by the sole stockholder of Merger Sub;

 

WHEREAS, the SPAC, the Company and the persons and entities listed on Schedule A (the “Key Company Stockholders”), concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, are entering into the Stockholder Support Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, dated as of the date of this Agreement (the “Stockholder Support Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Key Company Stockholders will vote their shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock in favor of this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions at the time specified therein;

 

WHEREAS, the SPAC, the Company and Tailwind Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor”), concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, are entering into the Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, dated as of the date of this Agreement (the “Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Sponsor will (a) take all reasonable actions necessary to consummate the Transactions, (b) forfeit certain shares of New SPAC Common Stock to be held by Sponsor on the terms set forth therein, (c) forfeit all SPAC Warrants held by the Sponsor and (d) waive right, title and interest in, to or under, the Preferred Stock Issuance, as further described therein;

 

1

 

 

WHEREAS, the SPAC, certain stockholders of the Company and the Sponsor, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, are entering into a Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement (the “Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement”) in the form attached as Exhibit C;

 

WHEREAS, the SPAC, Sponsor and certain stockholders of the Sponsor are entering into the amended Founder Lock-up Amendment (the “Founder Lock-Up Amendment”) in the form attached as Exhibit D;

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company and the SPAC are entering into a Purchase Agreement (the “Equity Purchase Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”), pursuant to which Lincoln Park has agreed to purchase from the SPAC up to $100,000,000 of New SPAC Common Stock (subject to certain limitations contained in the Equity Purchase Agreement) from time to time following the Closing;

 

WHEREAS, the Company following signing, may enter into, one or more agreements with respect to the issuance by the Company of convertible promissory notes in substantially the form provided to the SPAC prior to the date hereof (the “Company Notes”), which Company Notes shall, immediately prior to and subject to the consummation of the Effective Time, convert into (A) shares of Company Common Stock in accordance with the terms of such Company Note as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, which shares shall then be outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and treated in accordance with Section 3.01(a)(ii) and (B) a number of shares of New SPAC Series A Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock into which such Company Note converted in accordance with Section 3.01(a)(ii) by virtue of the occurrence of the Effective Time, pursuant to the terms of such Company Note; and

 

WHEREAS, for United States federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger shall qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, that the Company, Merger Sub and the SPAC are parties to such reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code and that this Agreement constitutes a plan of reorganization.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

2

 

 

Article I.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

SECTION 1.01. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement” means a confidentiality agreement that contains confidentiality and standstill provisions on terms no less favorable in any substantive respect to the Company than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (except for such changes specifically necessary in order for the Company to be able to comply with its obligations under this Agreement and such non-material changes requested by the counterparty to ensure the confidentiality agreement is consistent with its organization’s customary policies, procedures and practices with respect to confidentiality agreements).

 

affiliate” of a specified person means a person who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person.

 

Aggregate Common Stock Merger Consideration” means a number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock equal to (a) 35,000,000, less (b) the aggregate number of New SPAC Common Stock issuable in respect of Unconverted Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(i).

 

Ancillary Agreements” means the Stockholder Support Agreement, the Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement, the Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement, the Founder Lock-Up Amendment and all other agreements, certificates and instruments executed and delivered by the SPAC, Merger Sub or the Company in connection with the Transactions.

 

Business Data” means all business information and data, including Personal Information (whether of employees, contractors, consultants, customers, consumers, or other persons and whether in electronic or any other form or medium) that is accessed, collected, used, processed, stored, shared, distributed, transferred, disclosed, destroyed, or disposed of by any of the Business Systems or otherwise in the course of the conduct of the business of the Company.

 

Business Day” means any day on which the principal offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C. are open to accept filings, or, in the case of determining a date when any payment is due, any day on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York, NY.

 

Business Systems” means all Software, computer hardware (whether general or special purpose), electronic data processing, information, record keeping, communications, telecommunications, networks, interfaces, platforms, servers, peripherals, and computer systems, including any outsourced systems and processes, that are owned or used in the conduct of the business of the Company.

 

Certificate of Designations” means the Certificate of Designations in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

 

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Common Stock Exchange Ratio” means the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the Aggregate Common Stock Merger Consideration, by (y) the number of Fully-Diluted Company Shares.

 

Company Acquisition Proposal” means any proposal or offer from any person or group of persons (other than the SPAC, Merger Sub or their respective affiliates) relating to, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, any direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of a business that constitutes 10% or more of the assets of the Company or 10% or more of the total voting power of the equity securities of the Company, whether by way of merger, asset purchase, equity purchase or otherwise.

 

Company Capital Stock” means the Company Common Stock and the Company Preferred Stock.

 

Company Certificate of Incorporation” means the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation dated December 10, 2021, as such may have been amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

 

Company Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share.

 

Company deSPAC Proposal” means any proposal or offer from any special purpose acquisition company relating to a merger or business combination in which such special purpose acquisition company (or its subsidiary) and the Company would be constituent parties.

 

Company IP” means, collectively, all Company-Owned IP and Company-Licensed IP.

 

Company-Licensed IP” means all Intellectual Property Rights owned or purported to be owned by a third party and licensed to the Company or to which the Company otherwise has a right to use.

 

Company Material Adverse Effect” means any event, circumstance, change, development, effect or occurrence (collectively “Effect”) that, individually or in the aggregate with all other Effects, is or would reasonably be expected to (a) have a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities or operations of the Company or (b) would prevent, materially delay or materially impede the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger or any of the other Transactions; provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed to constitute, alone or in combination, or be taken into account in the determination of whether, there has been or will be a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) any change or proposed change in or change in the interpretation of any Law (including any COVID-19 Measures) or GAAP; (ii) events or conditions generally affecting the industries or geographic areas in which the Company operates; (iii) any downturn in general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt, securities, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates, prices of any security or market index or commodity or any disruption of such markets); (iv) acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism, epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks (including COVID-19), or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions; (v) any hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, natural disaster, or other acts of God; (vi) any actions taken or not taken by the Company as required by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (vii) any Effect attributable to the announcement or execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Merger or any of the other Transactions (including the impact thereof on relationships with customers, suppliers, employees or Governmental Authorities); (viii) any failure in and of itself to meet any projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates, milestones, budgets or financial or operating predictions of revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position, provided that this clause (viii) shall not prevent a determination that any change, event, or occurrence underlying such failure has resulted in a Company Material Adverse Effect, or (ix) any actions taken, or failures to take action, in each case, which the SPAC has requested or to which it has consented or which actions are contemplated by this Agreement, except in the cases of the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), to the extent that the Company is materially and disproportionately affected thereby as compared with other participants in the industries in which the Company operates.

 

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Company Option Plan” means the Company 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, as such may have been amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

 

Company Options” means all outstanding options to purchase shares of Company Common Stock, whether or not exercisable and whether or not vested under the Company Option Plan or otherwise, other than the Company Warrants.

 

Company-Owned IP” means all Intellectual Property Rights owned or purported to be owned by the Company.

 

Company Preferred Stock” means the shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, including Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-1 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock.

 

Company RSUs” means all outstanding restricted stock units granted under the Company Option Plan.

 

Company Superior Proposal” means a bona fide, written Company Acquisition Proposal (other than a Company deSPAC Proposal), not solicited, received, initiated or facilitated in violation of Section 7.05 that the Company Board (after consultation with outside legal counsel) reasonably determines, in good faith, would, if consummated, result in a transaction that is more favorable to the stockholders of the Company than the Transactions, after taking into account all such factors and matters deemed relevant by the Company Board, including legal, financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory, timing or other aspects of such proposal and the Transactions and after taking into account any changes to the terms of this Agreement irrevocably offered in writing by the SPAC in response to such Company Superior Proposal; provided that for purposes of this definition, all references to “10%” in the definition of “Company Acquisition Proposal” will be deemed to be references to “50%”.

 

Company Warrants” means all outstanding and unexercised warrants to purchase shares of Company Common Stock.

 

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Confidential Information” means any proprietary information, knowledge or data concerning the businesses and affairs of the Company or any suppliers or customers of the Company or the SPAC or its subsidiaries (as applicable) that is not already generally available to the public.

 

control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, or as trustee or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise.

 

COVID-19” shall mean SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and any evolutions or mutations thereof or related or associated epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks.

 

COVID-19 Measures” means any quarantine, “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester, workplace safety or similar Law promulgated by any Governmental Authority, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, in each case, in connection with or in response to COVID-19, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and Families First Act.

 

Disabling Devices” means undisclosed Software viruses, time bombs, logic bombs, Trojan horses, trap doors, back doors, or other computer instructions, intentional devices or techniques that are designed to threaten, infect, assault, vandalize, defraud, disrupt, damage, disable, maliciously encumber, hack into, incapacitate, infiltrate or slow or shut down a computer system or any component of such computer system, including any such device affecting system security or compromising or disclosing user data in an unauthorized manner.

 

Environmental Laws” means any United States federal, state or local or non-United States laws relating to (a) releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; (b) the manufacture, handling, transport, use, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; or (c) pollution or protection of the environment or natural resources.

 

Fully-Diluted Company Shares” means an amount equal to, without duplication, (i) the aggregate number of shares of Company Capital Stock that are issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time on a fully-diluted, as converted-to Company Common Stock basis, plus (ii) the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the full exercise, exchange or conversion of Company Warrants, Company Options, Company RSUs and Company Notes that are outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that “Fully-Diluted Shares” shall exclude all Unconverted Preferred Stock and any securities issued or issuable pursuant to the Anzu Letter Agreement (as disclosed in Section 6.01 of the Company Disclosure Schedule), if the same is executed prior to the Effective Time.

 

Hazardous Substance(s)” means (a) those substances defined in or regulated under the following United States federal statutes and their state counterparts, as each may be amended from time to time, and all regulations thereunder: the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Clean Air Act; (b) petroleum and petroleum products, including crude oil and any fractions thereof; (c) natural gas, synthetic gas, and any mixtures thereof; (d) polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos and radon; and (e) any substance, material or waste regulated by any Governmental Authority pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

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Intellectual Property Rights” means any and all intellectual property or proprietary rights, or similar rights in Technology, recognized under the laws of any jurisdiction, including the following and all rights in, arising out of, or associated therewith, throughout the world: (a) rights in patents, utility models, and applications therefor and all reissues, divisionals, re-examinations, renewals, extensions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof and equivalent or similar rights in inventions and discoveries anywhere in the world, including invention disclosures; (b) common law and statutory rights associated with trade secrets, confidential and proprietary information and know-how, industrial designs, and any registrations and applications therefor (“Trade Secrets”), (c) rights in trademarks and service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, corporate names, brands, slogans, and other source identifiers together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, combinations and other variants that are substantially similar to any of the foregoing, registrations and applications to register any of the foregoing, and any and all goodwill associated with and symbolized by the foregoing items; (d) rights in Internet domain name applications and registrations, Internet and World Wide Web URLs or addresses and social media accounts and identifiers; and (e) rights in works of authorship (including Software), registered and unregistered copyrights or other intellectual property rights related to works of authorship, database rights, mask work rights and applications therefor and any equivalent or similar rights in semiconductor masks, layouts, architectures or topology, moral and economic rights of authors and inventors, however denominated and any similar or equivalent rights to any of the foregoing.

 

Intervening Event” means any Effect (but specifically excluding any Company Acquisition Proposal or Company Superior Proposal) that was not known and was not reasonably foreseeable to the Company Board as of the date of this Agreement (or the consequences of which were not reasonably foreseeable to the Company Board as of the date of this Agreement), and that becomes known to the Company or the Company Board after the date of this Agreement.

 

knowledge” or “to the knowledge” of a person means in the case of the Company, the actual knowledge of the persons listed on Schedule B after reasonable inquiry, and in the case of the SPAC, the actual knowledge of Philip Krim, Chris Hollod, Matthew Eby and Alan Sheriff, in each case, after reasonable inquiry.

 

Leased Real Property” means the real property leased by the Company as tenant, together with, to the extent leased by the Company, all buildings and other structures, facilities or improvements located thereon and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances of the Company relating to the foregoing.

 

Lien” means any lien, security interest, mortgage, pledge, adverse claim or other encumbrance of any kind that secures the payment or performance of an obligation (other than those created under applicable securities laws).

 

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Merger Sub Organizational Documents” means the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Merger Sub, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

New SPAC Series A Preferred Stock” means newly issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the SPAC, which shall have the terms set forth in the Certificate of Designations.

 

Open Source Software” means any Software that is licensed pursuant to (a) any license that is a license now or in the future approved by the Open Source Initiative and listed at http://www.opensource.org/licenses, which licenses include all versions of the GNU General Public License (GPL), the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), the GNU Affero GPL, the MIT license, the Eclipse Public License, the Common Public License, the CDDL, the Mozilla Public License (MPL), the Artistic License, the Netscape Public License, the Sun Community Source License (SCSL), and the Sun Industry Standards License (SISL); (b) any license to Software that is considered “free” or “open source software” by the Open Source Foundation or the Free Software Foundation; or (c) any other license or distribution model similar to any of the foregoing.

 

PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and any division or subdivision thereof.

 

Per Share Merger Consideration” means (a) with respect to shares of Company Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, the right to receive the applicable number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock set forth in Section 3.01(a)(i) and (b) with respect to shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, the right to receive the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock set forth in Section 3.01(a)(ii).

 

Permitted Liens” means (a) such imperfections of title, easements, encumbrances, Liens or restrictions that do not materially impair the current use of the Company’s assets that are subject thereto; (b) materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s, warehousemen’s, repairmen’s, landlord’s and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business, or deposits to obtain the release of such Liens; (c) Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable, or being contested in good faith; (d) zoning, entitlement, conservation restriction and other land use and environmental regulations promulgated by Governmental Authorities; (e) non-exclusive licenses granted by the Company in the ordinary course of business; (f) non-monetary Liens, encumbrances and restrictions on real property (including easements, covenants, rights of way and similar restrictions of record) that do not materially interfere with the present uses of such real property; (g) Liens identified in the Audited Financial Statements; and (h) Liens on leases, subleases, easements, licenses, rights of use, rights to access and rights of way arising from the provisions of such agreements or benefiting or created by any superior estate, right or interest.

 

person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, syndicate, person (including, without limitation, a “person” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust, association or entity or government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a government.

 

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Personal Information” means (a) information that is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, or related to an identified or identifiable individual (e.g., name, address telephone number, email address, financial account number, government-issued identifier), (b) any other data used or intended to be used or which allows one to identify, contact, or precisely locate an individual, including any Internet protocol address or other persistent identifier, and (c) “personally identifiable information,” or “personal data,” as defined under applicable Privacy/Data Security Laws.

 

Preferred Stock Exchange Ratio” means, as applicable, with respect to each series of Company Preferred Stock, the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock which a share of such series of Company Preferred Stock is to be cancelled and converted into the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(i).

 

Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference” means, as applicable, (a) with respect to the Series C Preferred Stock, an amount per share equal to $10.00, plus cumulative annual dividends (which shall accrue from day to day) at the rate of 6% on $5.00, whether or not declared, plus any other dividends declared but unpaid thereon, (b) with respect to the Series B-1 Preferred Stock, an amount per share equal to $0.80, plus cumulative annual dividends (which shall accrue from day to day) at the rate of 6% on $0.80, whether or not declared, plus any other dividends declared but unpaid thereon, (c) with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock, an amount per share equal to $5.00, plus cumulative annual dividends (which shall accrue from day to day) at the rate of 6% on $5.00, whether or not declared, plus any other dividends declared but unpaid thereon, (d) with respect to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, an amount per share equal to $1.15, plus cumulative annual dividends (which shall accrue from day to day) at the rate of 6% on $1.15, whether or not declared, plus any other dividends declared but unpaid thereon, and (e) with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock, an amount per share equal to $1.00, plus cumulative annual dividends (which shall accrue from day to day) at the rate of 6% on $1.00, whether or not declared, plus any other dividends declared but unpaid thereon.

 

Privacy/Data Security Laws” means all Laws to the extent pertaining to data protection, data privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and cross-border data transfer governing the receipt, collection, use, storage, processing, sharing, security, disclosure, or transfer of Personal Information or the security of Company’s Business Systems or Business Data.

 

Products” mean any products or services, developed, manufactured, performed, out-licensed, sold, distributed or otherwise made available by or on behalf of the Company, from which the Company has derived previously, is currently deriving or is scheduled to derive, revenue from the sale or provision thereof.

 

Proprietary Software” means any Software owned or purported to be owned by the Company.

 

Redemption Rights” means the redemption rights provided for in Section 9.2 of the SPAC Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Requisite Approval” means the affirmative vote of the holders of at least (a) a majority of the shares of the Company Capital Stock outstanding, with Company Preferred Stock counting on an as-converted-to Company Common Stock basis and (b) 65% of all then outstanding shares of Company Preferred Stock voting together as a separate class.

 

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Series A Preferred Stock” means the shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, designated as Series A Preferred Stock in the Company Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Series A-1 Preferred Stock” means the shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, designated as Series A-1 Preferred Stock in the Company Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Series B Preferred Stock” means the shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, designated as Series B Preferred Stock in the Company Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Series B-1 Preferred Stock” means the shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, designated as Series B-1 Preferred Stock in the Company Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Series C Preferred Stock” means the shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, designated as Series C Preferred Stock in the Company Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Software” means all computer programs (whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form), code (including software implementations of algorithms, models and methodologies), applications, application programming interfaces, firmware, software development kits, library functions, operating systems and virtualization environment, data and databases, and related documentation and materials.

 

SPAC Capital Stock” means the SPAC Common Stock and SPAC Preferred Stock.

 

SPAC Certificate of Incorporation” means the SPAC’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as adopted on September 1, 2020, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

SPAC Class A Common Stock” means the SPAC’s Class A common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share.

 

SPAC Class B Common Stock” means the SPAC’s Class B common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share.

 

SPAC Common Stock” means the SPAC Class A Common Stock and SPAC Class B Common Stock.

 

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SPAC Material Adverse Effect” means any Effect that, individually or in the aggregate with all other Effects, is or would reasonably be expected to (a) have a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities or operations of the SPAC; or (b) prevent, materially delay or materially impede the performance by the SPAC or Merger Sub of their respective obligations under this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger or any of the other Transactions; provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed to constitute, alone or in combination, or be taken into account in the determination of whether, there has been or will be a SPAC Material Adverse Effect: (i) any change or proposed change in or change in the interpretation of any Law (including any COVID-19 Measures) or GAAP; (ii) events or conditions generally affecting the industries or geographic areas in which the SPAC operates; (iii) any downturn in general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt, securities, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates, prices of any security or market index or commodity or any disruption of such markets); (iv) acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism, epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks (including COVID-19) or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, terrorism, epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions; (v) any hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, natural disaster, or other acts of God; (vi) any actions taken or not taken by the SPAC as required by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (vii) any Effect attributable to the announcement or execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Merger or any of the other Transactions (including any redemptions by any stockholders of the SPAC); or (viii) any actions or failures to take action, in each case, which the Company has requested or to which it has consented or which actions are contemplated by this Agreement, except in the cases of the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), to the extent that the SPAC is materially and disproportionately affected thereby as compared with other participants in the industries in which the SPAC operates.

 

SPAC Organizational Documents” means the SPAC Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws and Trust Agreement, in each case as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

SPAC Units” means one share of SPAC Class A Common Stock and one-half of one SPAC Warrant.

 

SPAC Warrant Agreement” means the warrant agreement dated September 9, 2020 between the SPAC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

 

SPAC Warrants” means the warrants to purchase SPAC Class A Common Stock contemplated by the SPAC Warrant Agreement, with each warrant exercisable for one share of SPAC Class Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50.

 

subsidiary” or “subsidiaries” of the Company, the Surviving Corporation, the SPAC or any other person means an affiliate controlled by such person, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries.

 

Technology” means trade secrets and know-how, formulas, compositions, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), logos, marks (including brand names, product names, and slogans), works of authorship, Software (in any form including source code and object code), confidential information, proprietary information, customer and supplier lists, improvements, protocols, processes, methods and techniques, research and development information, industry analyses, algorithms, architectures, layouts, drawings, specifications, designs, plans, methodologies, proposals, industrial models, technical data, financial and accounting and all other data, databases, database rights, pricing and cost information, business and marketing plans and proposals, and all other forms of technology (whether or not embodied in any tangible form and including all tangible or digital embodiments of the foregoing).

 

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Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, including all Schedules and Exhibits hereto, the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Ancillary Agreements, the Equity Purchase Agreement, and all other agreements, certificates and instruments executed and delivered by the SPAC, Merger Sub or the Company in connection with the Transactions.

 

Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Transaction Documents.

 

Treasury Regulations” means the United States Treasury regulations issued pursuant to the Code.

 

SECTION 1.02. Further Definitions. The following terms have the meaning set forth in the Sections set forth below:

 

Defined Term Location of Definition
   
280G Approval 7.19
Accounting Firm 3.06(e)
Action 4.09
Agreement Preamble
Alternative Transaction 7.06
Anticipated Closing Date 3.06(a)
Audited Financial Statements 4.07(a)
Blue Sky Laws 4.05(b)
Certificate of Merger 2.02
Claims 6.03
Closing 2.02(a)
Closing Date 2.02(a)
Code 3.02(h)
Company Preamble
Company Acquisition Agreement 7.05(a)
Company Adverse Recommendation Change 7.05(d)
Company Board Recitals
Company Board Approval 4.18
Company Disclosure Schedule Article IV
Company Notes Recitals
Company Notice Period 7.05(d)
Company Permits 4.06
Company Share Awards 4.03(a)
Company Stockholder Approval 4.18
Confidentiality Agreement 7.04(b)
Continuing Employees 7.07(a)
Data Security Requirements 4.13(i)
Determination Date 3.06(a)

 

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DGCL Recitals
Dispute Notice 3.06(b)
DPA 5.18
Effect 1.01
Effective Time 2.02(b)
Environmental Permits 4.15
Equity Purchase Agreement Recitals
ERISA 4.10(a)
ERISA Affiliate 4.10(c)
Exchange Act 4.21
Exchange Agent 3.02(a)
Exchange Documents 3.02(b)
Exchange Fund 3.02(a)
Exchange Ratios Calculation 3.06(a)
Exchanged Option 3.01(a)(v)
Exchanged RSU 3.01(a)(vi)
Founder Lock-up Amendment Recitals
GAAP 4.07(a)
Governmental Authority 4.05(b)
Health Plan 4.10(k)
Interim Balance Sheet 4.07(b)
Intervening Event Notice Period 7.05(e)
IRS 4.10(b)
Key Company Stockholders Recitals
Law 4.05(a)
Lease 4.12(b)
Lease Documents 4.12(b)
Letter of Transmittal 3.02(b)
Lincoln Park Recitals
Material Contracts 4.16(a)
Merger Recitals
Merger Sub Preamble
Merger Sub Board Recitals
Merger Sub Common Stock 5.03(b)
New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation 2.02(c)
New SPAC Common Stock 2.02(c)
Outside Date 9.01(b)
Outstanding Company Transaction Expenses 3.04(a)
Outstanding SPAC Transaction Expenses 3.04(b)
Plan 4.10(a)
PPACA 4.10(k)
Preferred Stock Issuance 3.07
Proxy Statement 7.01(a)
Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement Recitals
Registration Statement 7.01(a)
Remedies Exceptions 4.04

 

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Representatives 7.04(a)
Response Date 3.06(b)
SEC 5.07(a)
Securities Act 5.07(a)
Securities Exchange 7.13
Shrink Wrap Code 4.16(a)
SPAC Preamble
SPAC Board Recitals
SPAC D&O Policy Cap 7.08(b)
SPAC D&O Tail Policy 7.08(b)
SPAC Deadline Extension 7.18
SPAC Disclosure Schedule Article V
SPAC Equity Incentive Plan 7.01(a)
SPAC ESPP 7.01(a)
SPAC Preferred Stock 5.03(a)
SPAC Proposals 7.01(a)
SPAC SEC Reports 5.07(a)
SPAC Stockholder Approval 5.10(b)
SPAC Stockholder Redemption 7.01(a)
SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting 7.01(a)
Sponsor Recitals
Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement Recitals
Stockholder Support Agreement Recitals
Surviving Corporation 2.01
Tax 4.14(o)
Tax Return 4.14(o)
Taxes 4.14(o)
Terminating Company Breach 9.01(g)
Terminating SPAC Breach 9.01(h)
Termination Fee 9.03(a)
Trust Account 5.13
Trust Agreement 5.13
Trust Fund 5.13
Trustee 5.13
Unconverted Preferred Stock 3.01(a)(i)
Waived 280G Benefits 7.19
WARN Act 4.11(h)
Written Consent 7.03

 

SECTION 1.01. Construction.

 

(a)               Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender, (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (iii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereto” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (iv) the terms “Article,” “Section,” “Schedule” and “Exhibit” refer to the specified Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit of or to this Agreement, (v) the word “including” means “including without limitation,” (vi) the word “or” shall be disjunctive but not exclusive, (vii) references to agreements and other documents shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto and (viii) references to statutes shall include all regulations promulgated thereunder and references to statutes or regulations shall be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing the statute or regulation.

 

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(b)               The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

(c)               Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified. If any action is to be taken or given on or by a particular calendar day, and such calendar day is not a Business Day, then such action may be deferred until the next Business Day.

 

(d)               All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.

 

(e)               With regard to each and every term and condition of this Agreement and any and all agreements and instruments subject to the terms hereof, the parties hereto understand and agree that the same have or has been mutually negotiated, prepared and drafted, and if at any time the parties hereto desire or are required to interpret or construe any such term or condition or any agreement or instrument subject hereto, no consideration will be given to the issue of which party hereto actually prepared, drafted or requested any term or condition of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument subject hereto.

 

Article II.

 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

SECTION 2.01. The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article VIII, and in accordance with the DGCL, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company. As a result of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation of the Merger (the “Surviving Corporation”).

 

SECTION 2.02. Closing; Effective Time. As promptly as practicable, but in no event later than three Business Days, after the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VIII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, it being understood that the occurrence of the Closing shall remain subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions at the Closing), the parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by taking the following steps (which, for clarity, shall be part of the same overall transaction):

 

(a)               The closing (the “Closing”) shall be held remotely via electronic exchange of executed documents, or such other manner, time and place as the parties shall agree, for the purpose of confirming the satisfaction or waiver, as the case may be, of the conditions set forth in Article VIII. The date on which the Closing shall occur is referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”

 

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(b)               First, on the Closing Date, the parties shall cause to be filed a certificate of merger (a “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, in such form as is required by, and executed in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the DGCL and mutually agreed by the parties (the time of the acceptance of such Certificate of Merger by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (or such later time as may be agreed by each of the parties hereto and specified in such Certificate of Merger) being the “Effective Time”). In addition, in accordance with the SPAC Organizational Documents (including Section 9.2 of the SPAC Certificate of Incorporation), the SPAC shall cause the SPAC Stockholder Redemption to occur upon the Effective Time.

 

(c)               Second, as promptly as practicable following the filing of the Certificate of Merger, on the Closing Date, the SPAC shall adopt as the SPAC’s certificate of incorporation the amended and restated certificate of incorporation in substantially the form set forth attached as Exhibit E (the “New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation”) by filing the New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, with such modifications as may be mutually agreed between the Company and the SPAC, pursuant to which the SPAC shall have a single class common structure with shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, having voting rights of one vote per share (the “New SPAC Common Stock”). The New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation shall become the certificate of incorporation of the SPAC until thereafter supplemented or amended in accordance with its terms and the DGCL.

 

(d)               Third, as promptly as practicable following the filing of the New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation, the SPAC shall file the Certificate of Designations with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which Certificate of Designations shall become effective following the effective time of the New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation. Immediately following the effective time of the Certificate of Designations, the SPAC shall cause the Preferred Stock Issuance to occur.

 

SECTION 2.03. Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall possess all of the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises, and all other interests of the Company and Merger Sub shall be the property of the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of each of the Company and Merger Sub shall be the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.

 

SECTION 2.04. Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws.

 

(a)               At the Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, until thereafter amended as provided by law and such certificate of incorporation.

 

(b)               At the Effective Time, the bylaws of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided by law, the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and such bylaws, as applicable.

 

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SECTION 2.05. Directors and Officers.

 

(a)               The initial directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be the individuals selected by the Company or the SPAC, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 7.15(a), and the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be the officers of the Company as of the date of this Agreement, or, in the event any of them is not an officer as of the Effective Time, then such other individual designated by the Company, each such director and officer to hold office in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

 

(b)               The parties shall cause the SPAC Board as of immediately following the Effective Time to be comprised of the individuals selected by the Company or the SPAC, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 7.15(a), and the officers of the SPAC to be the officers of the Company as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, each such director and officer to hold office in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the SPAC.

 

Article III.

 

CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK

 

SECTION 3.01. Conversion of Securities.

 

(a)               At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the SPAC, Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of any of the following securities:

 

(i)                 Each share of Company Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and converted into the right to receive the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock equal to the greater of (A) the quotient obtained from (x) the applicable Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference of such share of Company Preferred Stock divided by (y) $10.00 (such shares of Company Preferred Stock receiving a number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock pursuant to this clause (A), “Unconverted Preferred Stock”) and (B) the product of (x) the number of shares of Company Common Stock that such share of Company Preferred Stock would be entitled to convert into as of immediately prior to the Effective Time in accordance with the Company Certificate of Incorporation, multiplied by (y) the Common Stock Exchange Ratio (determined in accordance with Section 3.06).

 

(ii)              Each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and converted into the right to receive the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock equal to the Common Stock Exchange Ratio (determined in accordance with Section 3.06).

 

(iii)            All shares of Company Capital Stock held in the treasury of the Company shall be canceled without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto.

 

(iv)             Each share of Merger Sub Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation.

 

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(v)               Each Company Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether vested or unvested, shall be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock (such option, an “Exchanged Option”) equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (x) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Common Stock Exchange Ratio (determined in accordance with Section 3.06), at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of such Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time, divided by (B) the Common Stock Exchange Ratio (determined in accordance with Section 3.06); provided however, that the exercise price and the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock purchasable pursuant to the Exchanged Options shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; provided, further, however, that in the case of any Exchanged Option to which Section 422 of the Code applies, the exercise price and the number of shares of the New SPAC Common Stock purchasable pursuant to such Exchanged Option shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing, subject to such adjustments as are necessary in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code. Except as specifically provided above, following the Effective Time, each Exchanged Option shall continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions (including vesting and exercisability terms) as were applicable to the corresponding former Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time. At or prior to the Effective Time, the parties and their boards, as applicable, shall adopt any resolutions and take any actions that are necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Company Options pursuant to this Section 3.01(a)(v).

 

(vi)             Each Company RSU that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into restricted stock units of New SPAC Common Stock (such restricted stock unit award covering New SPAC Common Stock, an “Exchanged RSU”) equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (x) the number of shares subject to a Company RSU immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Common Stock Exchange Ratio (determined in accordance with Section 3.06). Except as specifically provided above, following the Effective Time, each Exchanged RSU shall continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions (including transfer restrictions and repurchase right terms) as were applicable to the corresponding former Company RSUs immediately prior to the Effective Time. At or prior to the Effective Time, the parties and their boards, as applicable, shall adopt any resolutions and take any actions that are necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Company RSUs pursuant to this Section 3.01(a)(vi).

 

(vii)          Each Company Warrant that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be treated in accordance with its terms, as may be amended prior to the Closing (with any amendments subject to the SPAC’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). At or prior to the Effective Time, the parties and their boards, as applicable, shall adopt any resolutions and take any actions that are necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Company Warrants pursuant to this Section 3.01(a)(vii).

 

(viii)        Each Company Note that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and converted into (A) shares of Company Common Stock and in accordance with the terms of such Company Note as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, which shares shall then be outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and treated in accordance with Section 3.01(b)(ii) (and, for clarity, the shares of New SPAC Common Stock received therefrom shall be entitled to the Preferred Stock Issuance).

 

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(b)               For purposes of calculating the aggregate amount of shares of New SPAC Common Stock issuable to each holder of shares of Company Capital Stock pursuant to the terms of this Section 3.01, all shares of Company Capital Stock held by such holder shall be aggregated amongst themselves, and the aggregate number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock to be issued in respect of such aggregate number of shares held by such holder shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.

 

SECTION 3.02. Exchange of Company Capital Stock.

 

(a)               Exchange Agent. On the Closing Date, the SPAC shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with a bank or trust company that shall be designated by the SPAC and is reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Exchange Agent”), for the benefit of the holders of Company Capital Stock and Company Notes, for exchange in accordance with this Article III, the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock sufficient to deliver the aggregate Per Share Merger Consideration payable with respect thereto pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of this Agreement (such shares of New SPAC Common Stock, together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto pursuant to this Section 3.02(a), being hereinafter referred to as the “Exchange Fund”). The SPAC shall cause the Exchange Agent, pursuant to irrevocable instructions, to pay the Per Share Merger Consideration out of the Exchange Fund in accordance with this Agreement. Except as contemplated by Section 3.02(c) hereof, the Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other purpose. All shares deposited hereunder shall not be certificated.

 

(b)               Exchange Procedures. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of Company Capital Stock entitled to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 3.01: a letter of transmittal, which shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to the SPAC and the Company (the “Letter of Transmittal”) and shall specify instructions for use in effecting the surrender of shares of Company Capital Stock pursuant to the Letter of Transmittal. Within two Business Days (but in no event prior to the Effective Time) after a holder of Company Capital Stock delivers to the Exchange Agent a Letter of Transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto with such other documents as may be required pursuant to such instructions (collectively with the Letter of Transmittal, the “Exchange Documents”), such holder shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefore, and the SPAC shall cause the Exchange Agent to deliver, the applicable Per Share Merger Consideration in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.01.

 

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(c)               Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares of SPAC Common Stock. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to the New SPAC Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of shares of Company Capital Stock with respect to the shares of New SPAC Common Stock represented thereby until the holder of such shares has delivered the Exchange Documents in accordance with Section 3.02(b). Subject to the effect of escheat, tax or other Laws, following delivery of such Exchange Documents, the SPAC shall pay or cause to be paid to the holder of shares of New SPAC Common Stock issued in exchange therefore, without interest, (i) promptly, but in any event within five Business Days of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time and theretofore paid with respect to such shares of New SPAC Common Stock, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions, with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment date occurring after surrender, payable with respect to such shares of New SPAC Common Stock.

 

(d)               No Further Rights in Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock. The Per Share Merger Consideration payable upon conversion of the Company Capital Stock in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been paid and issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Company Capital Stock.

 

(e)               Adjustments to Per Share Merger Consideration. The Per Share Merger Consideration shall be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend (excluding for the avoidance of doubt the Preferred Stock Issuance), reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to the SPAC Capital Stock occurring on or after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time (but, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be adjusted to reflect any change in the capitalization of the Company, except to the extent required to be included in the calculation of any Preferred Stock Exchange Ratio or the Common Stock Exchange Ratio and their components as determined in accordance with Section 3.06).

 

(f)                Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains undistributed to the holders of Company Capital Stock for one year after the Effective Time shall be delivered to the SPAC, upon demand, and any holders of Company Capital Stock who have not theretofore complied with this Section 3.02 shall thereafter look only to the SPAC for the Per Share Merger Consideration. Any portion of the Exchange Fund remaining unclaimed by holders of Company Capital Stock as of a date which is immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any government entity shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, become the property of the SPAC free and clear of any claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.

 

(g)               No Liability. None of the Exchange Agent, the SPAC or the Surviving Corporation shall be liable to any holder of Company Capital Stock for any such Company Capital Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash delivered to a public official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or similar Law in accordance with this Section 3.02.

 

(h)               Withholding Rights. Each of the Surviving Corporation and the SPAC shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by the Surviving Corporation or the SPAC, as the case may be, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the person to whom such amounts would otherwise have been paid.

 

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SECTION 3.03. Stock Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and there shall be no further registration of transfers of Company Capital Stock thereafter on the records of the Company. From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Company Capital Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such Company Capital Stock, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by Law.

 

SECTION 3.04. Payment of Expenses.

 

(a)               No sooner than five or later than two Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall provide to the SPAC a written report setting forth a list of all of the following fees and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Company in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (together with written invoices and wire transfer instructions for the payment thereof), solely to the extent such fees and expenses are incurred and expected to remain unpaid as of the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date: (i) the fees and disbursements of outside counsel to the Company incurred in connection with the Transactions, and (ii) the fees and expenses of any other agents, advisors, consultants, experts, financial advisors and other service providers engaged by the Company in connection with the Transactions (collectively, the “Outstanding Company Transaction Expenses”). On the Closing Date following the Closing, the SPAC shall pay or cause to be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds all such Outstanding Company Transaction Expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, the Outstanding Company Transaction Expenses shall not include any fees and expenses of the Company’s stockholders.

 

(b)               No sooner than five or later than two Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the SPAC shall provide to the Company a written report setting forth a list of all fees, expenses and disbursements incurred by or on behalf of the SPAC or Merger Sub for outside counsel, agents, advisors, consultants, experts, financial advisors and other service providers engaged by or on behalf of the SPAC or Merger Sub in connection with the Transactions or otherwise in connection with the SPAC’s operations, including in connection with any prior transactions pursued by the SPAC (together with written invoices and wire transfer instructions for the payment thereof) (collectively, the “Outstanding SPAC Transaction Expenses”). On the Closing Date following the Closing, the SPAC shall pay or cause to be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds all such Outstanding SPAC Transaction Expenses.

 

(c)               The SPAC shall not pay or cause to be paid any Outstanding SPAC Transaction Expenses or Outstanding Company Transaction Expenses other than in accordance with this Section 3.04.

 

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SECTION 3.05. Appraisal Rights.

 

(a)               Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary and to the extent available under the DGCL, shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock that are outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and that are held by stockholders of the Company who shall have neither voted in favor of the Merger nor consented thereto in writing and who shall have demanded properly in writing appraisal for such Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL and otherwise complied with all of the provisions of the DGCL relevant to the exercise and perfection of dissenters’ rights shall not be converted into, and such stockholders shall have no right to receive, the applicable Per Share Merger Consideration unless and until such stockholder fails to perfect or withdraws or otherwise loses his, her or its right to appraisal and payment under the DGCL. Any stockholder of the Company who fails to perfect or who effectively withdraws or otherwise loses his, her or its rights to appraisal of such shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock under Section 262 of the DGCL shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted into, and to have become exchangeable for, as of the Effective Time, the right to receive the applicable Per Share Merger Consideration, without any interest thereon, upon surrender, in the manner provided in this Article III, of such shares of Company Capital Stock.

 

(b)               Prior to the Closing, the Company shall give the SPAC (i) prompt notice of any demands for appraisal received by the Company and any withdrawals of such demands, and (ii) the opportunity to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands for appraisal under the DGCL. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of the SPAC (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisal or offer to settle or settle any such demands.

 

SECTION 3.06. Calculation of Exchange Ratios.

 

(a)               For purposes of this Agreement, the “Determination Date” shall be the date that is 10 Business Days prior to the anticipated date for Closing, as agreed upon by the SPAC and the Company at least ten 10 Business Days prior to the date of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting (the “Anticipated Closing Date”). No later than the Determination Date, the Company shall deliver to the SPAC a calculation (the “Exchange Ratios Calculation”) setting forth the Company’s good faith, estimated calculation of each Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio, in each case, as of the Anticipated Closing Date (using an estimate of each component thereof as of such date, prepared and certified by the Company’s chief financial officer or principal accounting officer). The Company shall make relevant back-up materials used or useful in preparing the Exchange Ratios Calculation, as reasonably requested in writing by the SPAC, available to the SPAC and, if requested in writing by the SPAC, its accountants and counsel at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice.

 

(b)               Within three Business Days after the Company delivers the Exchange Ratios Calculation (the “Response Date”), the SPAC shall have the right to dispute any part of such Exchange Ratios Calculation by delivering a written notice to that effect to the Company (a “Dispute Notice”). Any Dispute Notice shall identify in reasonable detail the nature of any proposed revisions to the Exchange Ratios Calculation.

 

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(c)               If on or prior to the Response Date, (i) the SPAC notifies the Company in writing that it has no objections to the Exchange Ratios Calculation or (ii) the SPAC fails to deliver a Dispute Notice as provided in Section 3.06(b), then the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio as set forth in the Exchange Ratios Calculation delivered to the SPAC shall be deemed, subject to the terms of Section 3.06(f), to have been finally determined for purposes of this Agreement and to represent each of the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratio and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio at the Anticipated Closing Date for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(d)               If the SPAC delivers a Dispute Notice on or prior to the Response Date, then Representatives of the SPAC and the Company shall promptly meet and attempt in good faith to resolve the disputed item(s) and negotiate an agreed-upon determination of the disputed portions of the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and/or the Common Stock Exchange Ratio, which, when such disputed portions are agreed upon, shall be deemed to have been finally determined for purposes of this Agreement and to represent the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio at the Anticipated Closing Date for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(e)               If Representatives of the SPAC and the Company are unable to negotiate an agreed-upon determination of the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and Common Stock Exchange Ratio at the Anticipated Closing Date pursuant to Section 3.06(d) within three Business Days after delivery of the Dispute Notice (or such other period as the SPAC and the Company may mutually agree upon), then the SPAC and the Company shall jointly select an independent auditor of recognized national standing (the “Accounting Firm”) to resolve any remaining disagreements as to the Exchange Ratios Calculation. The Company shall promptly deliver to the Accounting Firm the relevant back-up materials used in preparing the Exchange Ratios Calculation, and the SPAC and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Accounting Firm to make its determination within five Business Days of accepting its selection. The SPAC and the Company shall be afforded the opportunity to present to the Accounting Firm any material related to the unresolved disputes and to discuss the issues with the Accounting Firm; provided, however, that no such presentation or discussion shall occur without the presence of a Representative of each of the SPAC and the Company. The determination of the Accounting Firm shall be limited to the disagreements submitted to the Accounting Firm. The determination of the amount of the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio made by the Accounting Firm shall be deemed to have been finally determined for purposes of this Agreement and to represent the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio at the Anticipated Closing Date for purposes of this Agreement, and the parties shall delay the Closing until the resolution of the matters described in this Section 3.06(e). The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be allocated between the SPAC and the Company in the same proportion that the aggregate disputed amount of the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio that was unsuccessfully disputed by such party (as finally determined by the Accounting Firm) bears to the total disputed amount of the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio.

 

(f)                Following the final determination of Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and the Common Stock Exchange Ratio as of the Anticipated Closing Date in accordance with this Section 3.06 (either as a result of the mutual agreement of the parties or the determination of the Accounting Firm), the parties shall not be required to determine the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios or the Common Stock Exchange Ratio again even though the Closing Date may occur later than the Anticipated Closing Date, except that either party may request a redetermination of the Preferred Stock Exchange Ratios and/or the Common Stock Exchange Ratio if the Closing Date is more than 15 Business Days after the Anticipated Closing Date (including as a result of the engagement of the Accounting Firm), in which event the procedures set forth in this Section 3.06 shall once again apply and the parties shall select a new Anticipated Closing Date.

 

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SECTION 3.07. Preferred Stock Issuance. Prior to the Closing, the SPAC shall, subject to compliance with applicable Law, declare an issuance of shares of New SPAC Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock Issuance”), which issuance will be conditioned upon the occurrence of the Effective Time and shall have a record date and time that is as of the close of business on the Closing Date. Pursuant to the Preferred Stock Issuance, each holder of record of shares of New SPAC Common Stock as of the close of business on the Closing Date (other than (a) the stockholders of the Company who have waived such stockholders’ entire right, title and interest in, to or under, any participation in the Preferred Stock Issuance by virtue of executing the Written Consent (which, for clarity, shall exclude such waiver with respect to shares of New SPAC Common Stock to be received as a result of the conversion of any Company Note) and (b) the Sponsor, who shall have waived right, title and interest in, to or under, a portion of the Preferred Stock Issuance, as further described in the Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement) shall receive a number of shares of New SPAC Series A Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of New SPAC Common Stock held by such holder as of immediately following the effective time of the filing of the Certificate of Designations. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Preferred Stock Issuance result in any fraction of a share of SPAC Series A Preferred Stock being issued, and there shall be no consideration paid or payable in respect of any rounding pursuant to the preceding sentence.

 

Article IV.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

 

Except as set forth in the Company’s disclosure schedule delivered by the Company in connection with this Agreement (the “Company Disclosure Schedule”) (which disclosure in the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to qualify or provide disclosure in response to (i) the section or subsection of this Article IV that corresponds to the section or subsection of the Company Disclosure Schedule in which any such disclosure is set forth and (ii) any other section or subsection of this Article IV to the extent that its relevance to such section or subsection is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure), the Company hereby represents and warrants to the SPAC and Merger Sub as follows:

 

SECTION 4.01. Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.

 

(a)               The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite corporate power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation or other organization to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b)               The Company does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any other corporation, partnership, joint venture or business association or other person.

 

SECTION 4.02. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available to the SPAC a true, complete and correct copy of its certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended to as of the date of this Agreement. Such certificate of incorporation and bylaws are in full force and effect. The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws.

 

SECTION 4.03. Capitalization.

 

(a)               The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 72,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and 41,226,351 shares of Company Preferred Stock, of which 3,478,263 shares are designated as Series A-1 Preferred Stock, 8,000,000 shares are designated as Series A Preferred Stock, 24,625,000 shares are designated as Series B-1 Preferred Stock, 3,123,088 shares are designated as Series B Preferred Stock, and 2,000,000 shares are designated as Series C Preferred Stock. As of the date of this Agreement, (i) 10,720,120 shares of Company Common Stock are issued and outstanding, (ii) 3,478,263 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, (iii) 8,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, (iv) 24,625,000 shares of Series B-1 Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, (v) 3,123,088 shares of Series B Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, and (vi) 1,166,372 shares of Series C Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding and (vii) 11,580,870 shares of Company Common Stock have been reserved for issuance as Company Options, Company RSUs and other purchase rights (the “Company Share Awards”) under the Company Option Plan, of which, as of the date of this Agreement, (A) 920,120 shares of Company Common Stock have been issued pursuant to the exercise of Company Options and have not been repurchased, (B) Company Options to purchase 6,091,133 shares of Company Common Stock are outstanding and (C) Company RSUs covering 1,053,000 shares of Company Common Stock are outstanding. As of the date of this Agreement, Company Warrants to purchase 4,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock are issued and outstanding.

 

(b)               Other than the Company Options, the Company RSUs, the Company Warrants and the Company Notes and other than the conversion privileges of the Company Capital Stock pursuant to the Company Certificate of Incorporation, there are no options, warrants, preemptive rights, calls, convertible securities, conversion rights or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of the Company or obligating the Company to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company is not a party to, or otherwise bound by, and the Company has not granted, any equity appreciation rights, participations, phantom equity or similar rights. There are no voting trusts, voting agreements, proxies, shareholder agreements or other agreements with respect to the voting or transfer of the Company Common Stock, Company Preferred Stock or any of the equity interests or other securities of the Company.

 

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(c)               Section 4.03(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, the following information with respect to each Company Share Award outstanding: (i) the name of the Company Share Award recipient; (ii) the type of such Company Share Award and the number of shares of the Company subject to such Company Share Award; (iii) the exercise or purchase price of such Company Share Award; (iv) the date on which such Company Share Award was granted; (v) the date on which such Company Share Award expires; (vi) the vesting schedule of the Company Share Award, including the terms of any acceleration rights thereunder; (vii) whether such Company Option includes an “early exercise feature”; and (viii) the Tax status of each Company Option under Section 422 of the Code. All outstanding Company Share Awards were granted under the Company Option Plan in compliance in all material respects with all Laws and the terms and conditions of the Company Option Plan and have a grant date identical to the date on which the Company Board approved the issuance of such Company Share Award. The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available to the SPAC true, complete and correct copies of the Company Option Plan as in effect as of the date of this Agreement pursuant to which the Company has granted the Company Share Awards that are currently outstanding and the form of all stock option agreements, restricted stock unit agreements and restricted share purchase agreements evidencing such Company Share Awards. No Company Option was granted with an exercise price per share less than the fair market value of the underlying Company Common Stock as of the date such Company Option was granted. All shares of the Company subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. In addition, Section 4.03(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth all commitments the Company has made to grant Company Share Awards that have not yet been granted as of the date of this Agreement, specifying: (i) the name of the person to whom Company Share Awards were promised by the Company; (ii) the type of Company Share Award promised by the Company; (iii) the number of Company Options or Company RSUs promised by the Company; and (iv) the vesting schedule for such Company Options or Company RSUS communicated to such person, including the terms of any acceleration rights thereunder. The treatment of the Company Share Awards under this Agreement complies in all respects with Law and with the terms and conditions of the Company Option Plan and the applicable Company Option or Company RSU agreements.

 

(d)               Section 4.03(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, the following information with respect to each Company Note outstanding, if any: (i) the name of holder of such Company Note; (ii) the principal amount owed; and (iii) the date on which such Company Note was issued. The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available to SPAC true, complete and correct copies of each Company Note outstanding as of the date of this Agreement.

 

(e)               There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of the Company or to provide funds to or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any person.

 

(f)                (i) There are no commitments or agreements of any character to which the Company is bound obligating the Company to accelerate the vesting of any Company Share Award as a result of the proposed transactions herein, and (ii) all outstanding shares of the Company and all outstanding Company Share Awards have been issued and granted in compliance with (A) all applicable securities laws and other applicable laws, (B) the terms of the Company Option Plan (if applicable) and (C) all pre-emptive rights and other requirements set forth in applicable contracts to which the Company is a party.

 

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(g)               The stockholders of the Company collectively own directly and beneficially and of record, all of the equity of the Company (which are represented by the issued and outstanding shares of the Company). Except for the shares of the Company held by the stockholders of the Company, no shares or other equity or voting interest of the Company, or options, warrants or other rights to acquire any such shares or other equity or voting interest, of the Company is authorized or issued and outstanding.

 

(h)               All outstanding shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock have been issued and granted in compliance with (A) applicable securities laws and other applicable laws and (B) any pre-emptive rights and other similar requirements set forth in applicable contracts to which the Company is a party.

 

(i)                 After the Effective Time, all of the shares of Company Preferred Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall cease to exist, and each previous holder of Company Preferred Stock shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such securities. As of the date hereof, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately 1.0989 shares of Company Common Stock, each share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately 1.1616 shares of Company Common Stock, each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately 1.6129 shares of Company Common Stock, each share of Series B-1 Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately one share of Company Common Stock and each share of Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately one share of Company Common Stock.

 

SECTION 4.04. Authority Relative to this Agreement. The Company has all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will at the Closing be a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and, subject to receiving the Company Stockholder Approval, to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will at the Closing be a party, the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by the Company of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions (other than, with respect to the Merger, the Company Stockholder Approval, which the Written Consent shall satisfy, and the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL). This Agreement has been, and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is or will at the Closing be a party will, at the Closing, be duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other party or parties thereto, constitutes (or will then constitute) a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, by general equitable principles (the “Remedies Exceptions”). The Company Board Approval is sufficient so that the restrictions on business combinations set forth in Section 203 of the DGCL shall not apply to the Merger, this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any of the other Transactions. To the knowledge of the Company, no other state takeover statute is applicable to the Merger or the other Transactions.

 

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SECTION 4.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.

 

(a)               The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is or will at the Closing be a party do not, and subject to receipt of the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL and of the consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, filings and notifications contemplated by Section 4.05(b), the performance of this Agreement by the Company will not (i) conflict with or violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Company, (ii) conflict with or violate any applicable United States or non-United States statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order (“Law”) applicable to the Company or by which any property or asset of the Company is bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than any Permitted Lien) on any material property or asset of the Company pursuant to, any Material Contract, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)               The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company does not, and the performance of this Agreement by the Company will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any United States federal, state, county or local or non-United States government, governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency, instrumentality or commission or any court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body (a “Governmental Authority”), except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act, state securities or “blue sky” laws (“Blue Sky Laws”) and state takeover laws and filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL, and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 4.06. Permits; Compliance. The Company is in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for the Company to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted (the “Company Permits”), except where the failure to have such Company Permits would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. No suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened. The Company is not in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to the Company or by which any property or asset of the Company is bound or affected, or (b) any Material Contract or Company Permit, except, in each case, for any such conflicts, defaults, breaches or violations that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 4.07. Financial Statements.

 

(a)               The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available to the SPAC true, complete and correct copies of the audited balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, and the related audited statements of operations and comprehensive loss, cash flows and stockholders’ equity of the Company for each of the years then ended (collectively, the “Audited Financial Statements”), which are attached as Section 4.07(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and which contain an unqualified report thereon of the Company’s auditors. Each of the Audited Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) (i) was prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), (ii) fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as at the date thereof and for the period indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein, and (iii) was audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.

 

(b)               The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available to the SPAC a true, complete and correct copy of the unaudited balance sheet of the Company as of March 31, 2022 (the “Interim Balance Sheet”), and the related unaudited statements of operations and comprehensive loss and cash flows of the Company for the three-month period then ended, which are attached as Section 4.07(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Such unaudited financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except for the omission of footnotes and subject to year-end adjustments, none of which are individually or in the aggregate material) and fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as at the date thereof and for the period indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein and subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments (none of which are individually or in the aggregate material) and the absence of notes.

 

(c)               Except as and to the extent set forth on the Audited Financial Statements and the Interim Balance Sheet, the Company has no liability or obligation of a nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, except for (i) liabilities that were incurred in the ordinary course of business since the date of such Interim Balance Sheet, (ii) obligations for future performance under any contract to which the Company is a party or (iii) liabilities and obligations which would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d)               Since December 31, 2019 (i) neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or Representative of the Company, has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of the Company or its internal accounting controls, including any such complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that the Company has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices and (ii) there have been no internal investigations regarding accounting or revenue recognition discussed with, reviewed by or initiated at the direction of the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, general counsel, the Company Board or any committee thereof.

 

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(e)               To the knowledge of the Company, no employee of the Company has provided or is providing information to any law enforcement agency regarding the commission or possible commission of any crime or the violation or possible violation of any Law. None of the Company or, to the knowledge of the Company any officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor or agent of the Company has discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed or in any other manner discriminated against an employee of the Company in the terms and conditions of employment because of any act of such employee described in 18 U.S.C. sec. 1514A(a).

 

(f)                All accounts payable of the Company reflected on the Interim Balance Sheet or arising thereafter are the result of bona fide transactions in the ordinary course of business and have been paid or are not yet due or payable. Since the date of the Interim Balance Sheet, the Company has not altered in any material respects its practices for the payment of such accounts payable, including the timing of such payment.

 

SECTION 4.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since the date of the Interim Balance Sheet and prior to the date of this Agreement, except as otherwise reflected in the Audited Financial Statements, or as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (a) the Company has conducted its business in all material respects in the ordinary course, (b) the Company has not sold, assigned or otherwise transferred any right, title, or interest in or to any of its material assets (excluding Intellectual Property Rights or Business Systems) other than non-exclusive licenses or assignments or transfers in the ordinary course of business, (c) the Company has not sold, assigned, licensed or otherwise disposed of any right, title, or interest in or to any Company-Owned IP, other than non-exclusive licenses granted in the ordinary course of business, (d) there has not been any Company Material Adverse Effect, and (e) the Company has not taken any action that, if taken after the date of this Agreement, would constitute a material breach of any of the covenants set forth in Section 6.01.

 

SECTION 4.09. Absence of Litigation. There is no material litigation, suit, claim, action, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority (an “Action”) pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company, or any property or asset of the Company, before any Governmental Authority. Neither the Company nor any material property or asset of the Company is subject to any continuing order of, consent decree, settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or, to the knowledge of the Company, continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority, or any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Authority.

 

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SECTION 4.10. Employee Benefit Plans.

 

(a)               True, correct and complete copies of all employment and consulting contracts or agreements to which the Company is a party as of the date of this Agreement, and with respect to which the Company has any obligation have been made available to the SPAC prior to the date of this Agreement. Section 4.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists, as of the date of this Agreement, all material Plans and all material PEO Plans. For purposes herein, a “Plan” is defined as (i) all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)), whether or not subject to ERISA, (ii) any other employee benefit plan, agreement, arrangement, program, policy or practice, including without limitation, any equity or equity-based compensation (including without limitation stock option, stock purchase, stock award, stock appreciation, phantom stock, restricted stock or restricted stock unit), deferred compensation, pension, retirement, savings, bonus, profit sharing, incentive compensation, retention, change-in-control, compensation, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, death benefit, cafeteria, flexible spending, dependent care, fringe benefit, vacation, paid time off, holiday pay, disability, sick pay, unemployment, severance, employee loan or educational assistance plan, agreement, arrangement, program, policy or practice, and (iii) any employment, consulting, indemnification or other individual services agreement, which in the case of each of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), is sponsored or maintained by the Company, or to which the Company contributes or is required to contribute or is a party, in each case, on behalf of current or former employees, officers, independent contractors or directors of the Company or their spouses, beneficiaries or dependents, or with respect to which the Company has or may have any liability, contingent or otherwise, but excluding each plan, agreement, arrangement, program, policy or practice that is sponsored by a professional employer organization or co-employer organization (a “PEO”) under which an employee of the Company may be eligible to receive benefits in connection with the Company’s engagement of a PEO (each, a “PEO Plan”).

 

(b)               With respect to each Plan in effect as of the date of this Agreement, the Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available to the SPAC, if applicable (i) a true, complete and correct copy of the current plan document (or written summaries of any unwritten Plans) and all amendments thereto and each trust or other funding arrangement, (ii) true, complete and correct copies of the most recent summary plan description and any summaries of material modifications, (iii) any administrative services, recordkeeping, investment advisory, investment management or other service agreement, (iv) the last three (3) annual financial statements, (v) the last three (3) annual reports on Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 5500 (including all required schedules, accountants’ opinions and reports and other attachments), (vi) the last three (3) actuarial valuations or reports, (vii) the last three (3) annual testings performed on any Plan, (viii) true, complete and correct copies of the most recently received IRS determination, opinion or advisory letter for each such Plan, and (ix) any material non-routine correspondence from any Governmental Authority with respect to any Plan since December 31, 2019. The Company has no express commitment to modify, change or terminate any Plan, other than with respect to a modification, change or termination required by ERISA or the Code, or other Law.

 

(c)               None of the Plans is or was since December 31, 2019, nor does the Company or any ERISA Affiliate have or reasonably expect to have any liability or obligation under (i) a multiemployer plan (within the meaning of Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA), (ii) a single employer pension plan (within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) subject to Sections 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code and/or Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA, (iii) a multiple employer plan subject to Section 413(c) of the Code, or (iv) a multiple employer welfare arrangement under ERISA. For purposes of this Agreement, “ERISA Affiliate” means any entity that together with the Company would be deemed a “single employer” for purposes of Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA and/or Sections 414(b), (c) and/or (m) of the Code. No Plan is a “defined benefit plan”, within the meaning of Section 3(35) of ERISA, and the Company has no liability (contingent or otherwise) with respect to any such plan. Neither the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has any material liabilities under PEO Plans other than the payment and/or remittance of premiums and/or required contributions on behalf of enrolled individuals.

 

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(d)               The Company is not and will not be obligated, whether under any Plan or otherwise, to pay separation, severance, termination or similar benefits to any person directly as a result of any of the Transactions, nor will any of the Transactions accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount, of any benefit or other compensation due to any individual. The Transactions shall not be the direct or indirect cause of any amount paid or payable by the Company being classified as an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Code.

 

(e)               None of the Plans provides, nor does the Company have or reasonably expect to have any obligation to provide retiree medical to any current or former employee, officer, director, consultant or other individual service provider of the Company after termination of employment or service, except as may be required under Section 4980B of the Code and Parts 6 and 7 of Title I of ERISA and the regulations thereunder.

 

(f)                Each Plan is and has been since December 31, 2019 established, funded, operated and administered, in all material respects, in accordance with its terms and in compliance with the requirements of all Laws including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code. The Company and the ERISA Affiliates have performed, in all material respects, all obligations required to be performed by them under, are not in any material respect in default under or in violation of, and have no knowledge of any default or violation in any material respect by any party to, any Plan. No Action is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened with respect to any Plan (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course) and, to the knowledge of the Company, no fact or event exists that would reasonably be expected to give rise to any such Action. To the knowledge of the Company, no Plan is under audit or investigation by any Governmental Authority.

 

(g)               Each Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or Section 401(k) of the Code has (i) timely received a favorable determination letter from the IRS covering all of the provisions applicable to the Plan for which determination letters are currently available that the Plan is so qualified and each trust established in connection with such Plan is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code or (ii) is entitled to rely on a favorable opinion letter from the IRS, and to the knowledge of Company, no fact or event has occurred since the date of such determination or opinion letter or letters from the IRS that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such Plan or the exempt status of any such trust.

 

(h)               There has not been any prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) nor any reportable events (within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan that would reasonably be expected to result in material liability to the Company. There have been no acts or omissions by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate that have given or would reasonably be expected to give rise to any material fines, penalties, taxes or related charges under Sections 502 or 4071 of ERISA or Section 511 or Chapter 43 of the Code for which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate may be liable.

 

(i)                 All contributions, premiums or payments required to be made with respect to any Plan, any PEO Plan or any PEO Agreement have been timely made to the extent due or properly accrued on the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Plan, PEO Plan or PEO Agreement, except as would not result in material liability to the Company.

 

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(j)                 The Company and each ERISA Affiliate have each complied in all material respects with the notice and continuation coverage requirements, and all other requirements, of Section 4980B of the Code and Parts 6 and 7 of Title I of ERISA, and the regulations thereunder, with respect to each Plan that is, or was during any taxable year for which the statute of limitations on the assessment of federal income taxes remains open, by consent or otherwise, a group health plan within the meaning of Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code.

 

(k)               The Company and each Plan that is a “group health plan” as defined in Section 733(a)(1) of ERISA (each, a “Health Plan”) are and have been in compliance, in all material respects, with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, P.L. 111-148, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, P.L. 111-152, each as amended, and the regulations and other applicable regulatory guidance issued thereunder (“PPACA”), and no event has occurred, and no condition or circumstance exists, that would reasonably be expected to subject the Company, any ERISA Affiliate or any Health Plan to any material liability for penalties, fines or excise taxes under Code Section 4980D, 4980H or 4980I or any other provision of the PPACA.

 

(l)                 Each Plan that constitutes a nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to Section 409A of the Code has been administered and operated, in all material respects, in compliance with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, and no additional Tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code has been or could reasonably be expected to be incurred by a participant in any such Plan.

 

(m)             The Company does not have any obligation to gross up, indemnify or otherwise reimburse any current or former employee, officer, independent contractor, or director of the Company for any Taxes, interest or penalties incurred in connection with any Plan (including any Taxes, interest or penalties incurred pursuant to Section 409A or 4999 of the Code).

 

(n)               No Plan is subject to the Laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States.

 

SECTION 4.11. Labor and Employment Matters.

 

(a)               Section 4.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and correct list of all employees of the Company as of the date of this Agreement, including any employee who is on a leave of absence of any nature, authorized or unauthorized, and sets forth for each such individual the following: (i) name; (ii) title or position (including whether full or part time); (iii) hire date; (iv) current annual base compensation rate; and (v) commission, bonus or other incentive based compensation. Except as set forth on Section 4.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, all compensation, including wages, commissions and bonuses, due and payable to all employees of the Company for services performed on or prior to the date of this Agreement have been paid in full (or accrued in full in the Company’s financial statements). No employee of the Company performs services for the Company outside of the United States.

 

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(b)               Section 4.11(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, a true, complete and correct list of all individuals who perform services for the Company as (i) an independent contractor, (ii) a leased employee, or (iii) an unpaid intern, including for each such individual, his or her name, the services he or she performs, his or her rate of compensation and any bonus entitlement. No such person performs services for the Company outside of the United States.

 

(c)               The employment of each employee of the Company is terminable at the will of the Company and upon termination of the employment of any such employees, no severance or other payments will become due. Each former employee whose employment was terminated by the Company has entered into an agreement with the Company providing for the full release of any claims against the Company or any related party arising out of such employment.

 

(d)               To the knowledge of the Company, no officer or executive of the Company intends to terminate employment with the Company or is otherwise likely to become unavailable to continue as an officer or executive of the Company, nor does the Company have a present intention to terminate the employment of any of the foregoing.

 

(e)               There are no material Actions pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company by any of its current or former employees.

 

(f)                The Company is not, and since December 31, 2019 has not been, a party to, bound by, or negotiating any collective bargaining agreement or other contract with a union, works council or labor organization applicable to persons employed by the Company, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, are there any activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such employees. There are no unfair labor practice complaints pending or threatened in writing or be brought or filed against the Company before the National Labor Relations Board. There has never been, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, has there been any threat of any strike, slowdown, work stoppage, lockout, concerted refusal to work overtime or other similar labor disruption or dispute affecting, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threat thereof, by or with respect to any employees of the Company.

 

(g)               The Company is and has been in compliance in all respects with all Laws and applicable COVID-19 Measures relating to the employment of labor, including those relating to wages, hours, immigration, discrimination, labor relations, layoffs or plant closings, furloughs, collective bargaining, proper classification of all persons who performed services on behalf of the Company for all purposes (including for Tax purposes, for purposes of determining eligibility to participate in any Plan and for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act), the maintenance and handling of personnel records, occupational health and safety, sick time and leave, disability, privacy and the payment and withholding of Taxes, and has withheld and paid to the appropriate Governmental Authority, or is holding for payment not yet due to such authority, all amounts required by Law or agreement to be withheld from the wages or salaries of the employees of the Company. All of the individual persons who have performed services for or on behalf of the Company are and have been authorized to work for the Company in accordance with all Laws.

 

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(h)               The Company has never ever effectuated a “mass layoff” or “plant closing” as those terms are defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended (the “WARN Act”), or comparable group layoff or taken any other action that would trigger notice or liability under any state, local or foreign plant closing notice Law, affecting in whole or in part any facility, site of employment, operating unit or employee of the Company. No employee of the Company has suffered an “employment loss” (as defined in the WARN Act) during the 90-day period ending on the date of this Agreement.

 

(i)                 Except as has been mandated by Governmental Authority, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company has not had, any direct workforce changes due to COVID-19 or applicable COVID-19 Measures, including any actual terminations, layoffs, furloughs, shutdowns (whether voluntary or by order of a Governmental Authority), or any changes to benefit or compensation programs, nor are any such changes currently contemplated.

 

(j)                 During the past five years, (i) no material allegations of workplace sexual harassment or illegal retaliation or discrimination have been made known to the Company, initiated, filed or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any current or former employee, officer, director, consultant or other individual service provider of the Company, (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, no incidents of any such workplace sexual harassment or illegal retaliation or discrimination have occurred, and (iii) the Company has not entered into any settlement agreement related to allegations of sexual harassment or illegal retaliation or discrimination by any current or former employee, officer, director, consultant or other individual service provider of the Company.

 

SECTION 4.12. Real Property; Title to Assets.

 

(a)               The Company does not own any real property.

 

(b)               Section 4.12(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists as of the date of this Agreement the street address of each parcel of Leased Real Property, and sets forth a list as of the date of this Agreement of each lease, sublease, and license pursuant to which the Company leases, subleases or licenses and real property (each, a “Lease”), with the name of the lessor and the date of the Lease in connection therewith and each material amendment to any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Lease Documents”). True, complete and correct copies of all Lease Documents in effect as of the date of this Agreement have prior to the date of this Agreement been made available to the SPAC. (i) There are no leases, subleases, concessions or other contracts granting to any person other than the Company the right to use or occupy any real property, and (ii) all such Leases are in full force and effect, are valid and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Remedies Exceptions, and there is not, under any of such Leases, any existing material default or event of default (or event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) by the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, by the other party to such Leases, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company. The Company has not subleased, sublicensed or otherwise granted to any person any right to use, occupy or possess any portion of the Leased Real Property.

 

(c)               There are no contractual or legal restrictions that preclude or restrict the ability of the Company to use any Leased Real Property by such party for the purposes for which it is currently being used, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company. There are no latent defects or adverse physical conditions affecting the Leased Real Property, and improvements thereon, other than those that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(d)               The Company has legal and valid title to, or, in the case of Leased Real Property and assets, valid leasehold or subleasehold interests in, all of its properties and assets, tangible and intangible, real, personal and mixed, used or held for use in its business, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company.

 

SECTION 4.13. Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(a)               Section 4.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a true, complete and correct list of all of the following that are owned or purported to be owned by the Company: (i) registered Intellectual Property Rights and applications for registrations of Intellectual Property Rights (showing in each case, as applicable, the filing date, date of issuance, expiration date and registration or application number, and registrar), and (ii) any Proprietary Software or Business Systems that is material to the business of, the Company as currently conducted that would have a replacement cost of more than $75,000. To the knowledge of the Company, the Company IP constitutes all Intellectual Property Rights used or held for use in the operation of the business of the Company and is sufficient for the conduct of such business as currently conducted and contemplated to be conducted as of the date of this Agreement.

 

(b)               The Company solely and exclusively owns and possesses, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), all right, title and interest in and to the Company-Owned IP and has the right to use pursuant to a valid and enforceable written license, all Company-Licensed IP. All Company-Owned IP is subsisting, valid and, except for applications for registrations of Intellectual Property Rights, to the knowledge of the Company, enforceable. No loss or expiration of any of the Company-Owned IP, or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of the Company-Licensed IP, is threatened, or pending. None of the Company-Owned IP is subject to any outstanding order of any governmental entity (except for ordinary course proceedings for the prosecution applications for registrations of Intellectual Property Rights) or any contract restricting or otherwise materially limiting the use, validity, enforceability, scope, disposition or exploitation thereof by the Company or any right, title or interest of the Company with respect thereto.

 

(c)               The Company has taken and takes commercially reasonable actions to maintain, protect and enforce Intellectual Property Rights in, including the secrecy, confidentiality and value of, the Trade Secrets included in the Company-Owned IP and, to the extent contractually obligated, the Company-Licensed IP (collectively, “Company Trade Secrets”). No Company Trade Secrets have been disclosed by the Company to any person other than pursuant to a valid and enforceable written agreement restricting the disclosure and use of Company Trade Secrets, which to the knowledge of the Company has not been breached by such person.

 

(d)               There have been no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened actions or proceedings with respect to: (i) the ownership, use, scope, validity or enforceability of any Company-Owned IP (except for ordinary course proceedings for the prosecution of applications for registrations of Intellectual Property Rights); (ii) the ownership, licensing or use by the Company of any other person’s Intellectual Property Rights; (iii) any actual or potential infringement, dilution, misappropriation or other violation of any Company-Owned IP; or (iv) any actual or potential infringement, dilution, misappropriation or other violation of any other person’s Intellectual Property Rights by the Company. The Company has not sent to or received from any other person any charge, complaint, claim, demand, notice or other communication in connection with clauses (i) to (iv) of the immediately preceding sentence. To the Company’s knowledge, (x) neither the Company nor the operation of its business (including the development, manufacture, sale or use of Products) infringes, misappropriates or violates, and has not infringed, misappropriated or violated, any Intellectual Property Rights of any other person, and (y) no other person has infringed, misappropriated or violated any of the Company-Owned IP.

 

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(e)               All persons, including all current and former officers, employees, consultants and contractors of the Company, who have contributed to, developed or conceived any Intellectual Property Rights for or on behalf of the Company have executed valid, written agreements with the Company, substantially in the form made available to the SPAC, pursuant to which such persons have irrevocably assigned to the Company all of their entire right, title, and interest in and to all such Intellectual Property Rights (excluding, solely with respect to consultants and contractors, modifications made to any pre-existing Intellectual Property Rights owned by such consultants or contractors) to the Company, without further consideration or any restrictions or obligations whatsoever.

 

(f)                None of the Proprietary Software that is licensed or made available in any manner by the Company to any third person incorporates, links to, or is embedded with any Open Source Software in a manner that: (i) conditions the use or distribution of any such Open Source Software on the disclosure of any source code for any portion of such Proprietary Software; (ii) conditions the use or distribution of such Open Source Software on the granting to any person of (A) the right to make derivative works or other modifications to such Proprietary Software or portions thereof (other than such portions that are the Open Source Software themselves) or (B) a license under such Proprietary Software or any rights or immunities under any Company-Owned IP; (iii) conditions the use or distribution of any such Open Source Software on such Proprietary Software (other than such portions that are the Open Source Software themselves) being made subject to the terms and conditions of any Open Source Software license; (iv) requires such Proprietary Software (other than such portions that are the Open Source Software themselves) to be made available to any person; or (v) otherwise imposes an obligation on the Company to distribute any such Proprietary Software (other than such portions that are the Open Source Software themselves) on a royalty-free basis. The Company is and has been in compliance with the terms and conditions of all licenses for such Open Source Software. The Company has not received a written notice or request from any person to disclose, distribute or license any Proprietary Software pursuant to an Open Source Software license, or alleging noncompliance with any Open Source Software license.

 

(g)               The Company is in actual possession of, and has exclusive control over, the source code for all Proprietary Software (except for licenses granted to consultants and contractors for purposes of the development or maintenance of such Proprietary Software and who are subject to written, valid and enforceable obligations of confidentiality with respect thereto). The Company has not provided access to any source code to any Proprietary Software to any person (other than its employees, consultants and contractors involved in the development or maintenance thereof who are subject to written, valid and enforceable obligations of confidentiality with respect thereto), and no person has asserted any right to access the same. The Company is not a party to any contract requiring the deposit of any proprietary source code with an escrow agent or escrow service. To the knowledge of the Company, there has been no unauthorized theft, reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling or other unauthorized disclosure of or access to any source code to any Proprietary Software.

 

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(h)               The Company owns, leases, licenses, or otherwise has the legal right to use all Business Systems, and such Business Systems are sufficient for the immediate and anticipated future needs of the business of the Company as currently conducted by the Company. The Company maintains commercially reasonable disaster recovery and business continuity plans, procedures and facilities, and since December 31, 2019, there has not been any material failure with respect to any of the Business Systems that has not been remedied or replaced in all material respects. The Company has purchased a sufficient number of seat licenses for its Business Systems.

 

(i)                 Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company is and has been since December 31, 2018 in compliance with (i) all applicable Privacy/Data Security Laws, (ii) any applicable public or internal privacy or data security policies of the Company concerning the collection, dissemination, storage or use of Personal Information or other Business Data, (iii) any industry standards to which the Company is legally bound, and (iv) all applicable commitments in any contractual and legal requirements that the Company has entered into or is otherwise bound with respect to privacy and/or data security, data breach notification, electronic communication, marketing by email (collectively, the “Data Protection Requirements”).

 

(j)                 Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company has implemented reasonable data security safeguards and has maintained physical, technical, and administrative security measures and policies, compliant with applicable Data Protection Requirements, that are designed to protect the security and integrity of its Business Systems and that are involved in the collection or processing of any Personal Information or Business Data in the Company’s possession and control, including implementing reasonable procedures designed to prevent unauthorized access and the introduction of Disabling Devices. The Company has not inserted and, to the knowledge of the Company, no other person has inserted or alleged to have inserted any Disabling Device in any of the Business Systems or Product components.

 

(k)               Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, since December 31, 2019, the Company has not experienced any unauthorized access to, or misuse, compromise, destruction, loss, alteration, unavailability, acquisition or disclosure of, any Personal Information or Business Data in the Company that would require (i) notification of individuals, law enforcement or any Governmental Authority; or (ii) remedial action under Data Protection Requirements. Since December 31, 2019, the Company has not been subject to, or received written notice of, any Action regarding the Company’s collection, dissemination, storage or use of Personal Information or Business Data, or the violation of any applicable Data Protection Requirements by the Company. To the Company’s knowledge, since December 31, 2019, no third party that has access to or that receives Personal Information or Business Data from or on behalf of the Company has experienced any misuse, compromise or unauthorized access, destruction, loss, alteration, unavailability, acquisition or disclosure of such Business Data, except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(l)                 Since December 31, 2019, the Company has not received, or been served with, any written complaints, subpoenas, demands, enforcement actions, or notices, and there have not been any other complaints, subpoenas, demands, or notices to the Company, or any audits, proceedings, investigations or claims of or against the Company conducted or asserted, by any other person (including any Governmental Authority), in each case investigating, inquiring into, or otherwise relating to any actual or potential violation of any Data Protection Requirement, except in each case, other than with respect to any of the foregoing made or initiated by any Governmental Authority, as would not be material to the Company.

 

(m)             No employee, officer, director, or agent of Merger Sub or the SPAC has been debarred or otherwise forbidden by any Law or any Governmental Authority (including judicial or agency order) from involvement in the operations of a business such as that of the Company.

 

(n)               All current and former officers, employees, consultants and contractors of the Company are under written obligation to the Company to maintain in confidence all Company Trade Secrets and other confidential or proprietary information acquired by them in the course of their employment with or engagement by the Company.

 

SECTION 4.14. Taxes.

 

(a)               The Company (i) has duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it as of the date of this Agreement and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate in all material respects; (ii) has timely paid all Taxes that are shown as due on such filed Tax Returns and any other material Taxes that the Company is otherwise obligated to pay, except with respect to Taxes that are being contested in good faith and are disclosed in Section 4.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and no material penalties or charges are due with respect to the late filing of any Tax Return required to be filed by or with respect to it on or before the Effective Time; (iii) with respect to all material Tax Returns filed by or with respect to it, has not waived any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency; and (iv) does not have any deficiency, audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding in respect of Taxes or Tax matters pending or proposed or threatened in writing, for a Tax period which the statute of limitations for assessments remains open.

 

(b)               The Company is not a party to, is not bound by and has no obligations under any Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnification agreement, Tax allocation agreement or similar contract or arrangement (including any agreement, contract or arrangement providing for the sharing or ceding of credits or losses, but excluding agreements, contracts, arrangements or commitments the primary purpose of which do not relate to Taxes) and does not have a potential liability or obligation to any person as a result of or pursuant to any such agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment other than an agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment the primary purpose of which does not relate to Taxes.

 

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(c)               The Company will not be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (i) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date under Code Section 481(c) (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law); (ii) “closing agreement” as described in Code Section 7121 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) prepaid amount received prior to the Closing Date or (iv) installment sale made on or prior to the Closing Date.

 

(d)               The Company has withheld and paid to the appropriate Tax authority all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any current or former employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third party and has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the payment and withholding of Taxes.

 

(e)              The Company has not been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated, combined or unitary U.S. federal, state, local or foreign income Tax Return.

 

(f)               The Company has no material liability for the Taxes of any person (other than the Company) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract (but excluding contracts, the primary purpose of which do not relate to taxes), or otherwise.

 

(g)              The Company has no request for a material ruling in respect of Taxes pending between the Company and any Tax authority.

 

(h)              The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement made available to the SPAC true, complete and correct copies of the U.S. federal income Tax Returns actually filed by the Company for tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020.

 

(i)                The Company has not in any year for which the applicable statute of limitations remains open distributed stock of another person, or has had its stock distributed by another person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code.

 

(j)               The Company has not engaged in or entered into a “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2).

 

(k)               Neither the IRS nor any other United States or non-United States taxing authority or agency has asserted in writing or, to the knowledge of the Company, has threatened to assert against the Company any deficiency or claim for any Taxes or interest thereon or penalties in connection therewith.

 

(l)                There are no Tax liens upon any assets of the Company except for Permitted Liens.

 

(m)             The Company has not been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code. The Company has not received written notice from a non-United States taxing authority that it has a permanent establishment (within the meaning of an applicable Tax treaty) or otherwise has an office or fixed place of business in a country other than the country in which it is organized.

 

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(n)              The Company has not taken any deferral of payroll Taxes, or claimed any employee retention credit, or claimed any other Tax benefit pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 or any other Law (including administrative guidance) intended to address the consequences of COVID-19.

 

(o)              As used in this Agreement, (i) the term “Tax” (including, with correlative meaning, the term “Taxes”) includes all federal, state, local and foreign income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, environmental, capital stock, severances, escheat, unclaimed property, stamp, payroll, sales, employment, unemployment, disability, use, property, withholding, excise, production, value added, occupancy and other taxes, duties or assessments of any nature whatsoever, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such amounts and any interest in respect of such penalties and additions, and (ii) the term “Tax Return” includes all returns and reports (including elections, declarations, disclosures, schedules, estimates and information returns, as well as attachments thereto and amendments thereof) required to be supplied to a Tax authority relating to Taxes.

 

SECTION 4.15. Environmental Matters. (a) The Company has not materially violated since December 31, 2019 and is not in material violation of applicable Environmental Law; (b) to the knowledge of the Company, none of the properties currently or formerly leased or operated by the Company (including, without limitation, soils and surface and ground waters) are contaminated with any Hazardous Substance in violation of applicable Environmental Laws which requires reporting, investigation, remediation, monitoring or other response action by the Company pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws; (c) to the Company’s knowledge, the Company is not, in any material respect, actually, potentially or allegedly liable pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws for any off-site contamination by Hazardous Substances; (d) the Company has all material permits, licenses and other authorizations required of the Company under applicable Environmental Law (“Environmental Permits”); and (e) the Company is in all material respects in compliance with its Environmental Permits.

 

SECTION 4.16. Material Contracts.

 

(a)               Section 4.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists, as of the date of this Agreement, the following types of contracts and agreements to which the Company is a party (such contracts and agreements as are required to be set forth on Section 4.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule but excluding any Plan being the “Material Contracts”):

 

(i)                 all contracts and agreements involving obligations of, or payments to, the Company in excess of $100,000 (other than obligations of, or payments to, the Company arising from purchase or sale agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business);

 

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(ii)              all contracts and agreements (A) that involve the license of any Intellectual Property Rights to or from the Company (but excluding any (1) nonexclusive licenses (or sublicenses) of Company-Owned IP granted to customers in the ordinary course of business that are substantially in the same form as the Company’s standard form customer agreements as have been provided to the SPAC on or prior to the date of this Agreement; (2) non-exclusive licenses granted to service providers who access Company-Owned IP on behalf of the Company as part of their provision of services; (3) nondisclosure agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; (4) licenses to unmodified, generally commercially available, “off-the-shelf” Software with a replacement cost and/or aggregate annual license and maintenance fees of less than $75,000) (such Software, “Shrink Wrap Code”); and (5) non-exclusive licenses granted to the Company under Company’s standard form of employment agreement or (B) that contains a covenant not to sue or constitutes a concurrent use agreement, settlement agreement or co-existence agreement, in each case, with respect to any Company-Owned IP;

 

(iii)            all contracts and agreements that (A) involve the granting of rights to manufacture, produce, assemble, license, market or sell the Company’s Products or (B) limit, or purport to limit, in any material respect, the Company’s exclusive right to develop, manufacture, assemble, distribute, market or sell its Products or that otherwise limit, or purport to limit, the ability of the Company to compete in any line of business or with any person or entity or in any geographic area or during any period of time, excluding customary confidentiality agreements and agreements that contain customary confidentiality clauses;

 

(iv)             all contracts and agreements involving indemnification by the Company with respect to infringement of Intellectual Property Rights (excluding indemnity obligations of the Company included in (A) nonexclusive licenses or sublicenses of Company-Owned IP granted to customers in the ordinary course of business that are substantially in the same form as the Company’s standard form customer agreements as have been provided to the SPAC prior to the date of this Agreement; (B) non-exclusive licenses granted to service providers who access Company-Owned IP on behalf of the Company as part of their provision of services; and (C) licenses to Shrink Wrap Code);

 

(v)               all contracts and agreements involving the disposition of a material portion of the Company’s assets or the acquisition of the business or securities or ownership interests of another person;

 

(vi)             all contracts and agreements involving material uncapped indemnity obligations of the Company (other than those excluded from disclosure under Section 4.16(a)(iv));

 

(vii)          all partnership, joint venture or similar agreements;

 

(viii)        all contracts and agreements with any Governmental Authority to which the Company is a party, other than any Company Permits;

 

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(ix)             all contracts or arrangements that result in any person or entity holding a power of attorney from the Company that materially impacts the Company’s business, other than powers of attorney granted to law firms in the ordinary course of business in connection with patent prosecution;

 

(x)               all leases or master leases of personal property reasonably likely to result in annual payments by or to the Company of $250,000 or more in a 12-month period; and

 

(xi)             all collective bargaining agreements, labor contract or other written agreement or arrangement with any labor union, collective bargaining agent, industrial organization or any employee organization and all contracts, agreements or arrangements with a PEO or other contract, agreement or arrangement providing for co-employment of employees of the Company (each a “PEO Agreement”).

 

(b)               (i) each Material Contract is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, the other parties thereto, and the Company is not in any material respect in breach or violation of, or in any material respect in default under, any Material Contract nor has any Material Contract been canceled by the other party; (ii) to the Company’s knowledge, no other party is in any material respect in breach or violation of, or in any material respect in default under, any Material Contract; and (iii) the Company has not received any written, or to the knowledge of the Company, oral claim of default under any such Material Contract. The Company has prior to the date of this Agreement furnished or made available to the SPAC true, complete and correct copies of all Material Contracts in effect as of the date of this Agreement, including amendments thereto that are material in nature.

 

SECTION 4.17. Insurance.

 

(a)               Section 4.17(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, with respect to each material insurance policy under which the Company is an insured, a named insured or otherwise the principal beneficiary of coverage as of the date of this Agreement (i) the names of the insurer, the principal insured and each named insured, (ii) the policy number, (iii) the period, scope and amount of coverage and (iv) the premium most recently charged.

 

(b)               With respect to each such insurance policy, except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) the policy is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to the Remedies Exceptions) and, except for policies that have expired under their terms in the ordinary course, is in full force and effect; (ii) the Company is not in material breach or default (including any such breach or default with respect to the payment of premiums or the giving of notice), and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a breach or default, or permit termination or modification, under the policy; and (iii) to the knowledge of the Company, no insurer on the policy has been declared insolvent or placed in receivership, conservatorship or liquidation.

 

SECTION 4.18. Board Approval; Vote Required. The Company Board, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, or by unanimous written consent, has duly (a) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, (b) approved and adopted this Agreement and the Merger and declared their advisability, (c) approved the Merger and the other Transactions, (d) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, and (e) directed that, unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Section 9.01, that this Agreement and the Transactions (including the Merger) be submitted for consideration by the Company’s stockholders (the “Company Board Approval”). The Requisite Approval (the “Company Stockholder Approval”) is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Company necessary to adopt this Agreement and approve the Transactions. The Written Consent, if executed and delivered, would qualify as the Company Stockholder Approval and no additional approval or vote from any holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Company would then be necessary to adopt this Agreement and approve the Transactions.

 

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SECTION 4.19. Certain Business Practices. Since December 31, 2019, neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any directors or officers, agents or employees of the Company, has (a) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to political activity; (b) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended; or (c) made any payment in the nature of criminal bribery.

 

SECTION 4.20. Interested Party Transactions. Except for employment relationships and the payment of compensation, benefits and expense reimbursements and advances in the ordinary course of business, no director, officer or other affiliate of the Company has or has had, directly or indirectly: (a) an economic interest in any person that has furnished or sold, or furnishes or sells, services or Products that the Company furnishes or sells, or proposes to furnish or sell; (b) an economic interest in any person that purchases from or sells or furnishes to, or proposes to the Company to purchase from or sell or furnish to, the Company, any goods or services; (c) a beneficial interest in any contract or agreement disclosed in Section 4.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule; or (d) any contractual or other arrangement with the Company, other than in the case of this clause (d) customary indemnity arrangements; provided, however, that ownership of no more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not be deemed an “economic interest in any person” for purposes of this Section 4.20. The Company has not, since December 31, 2019, (i) extended or maintained credit, arranged for the extension of credit or renewed an extension of credit in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or executive officer (or equivalent thereof) of the Company, or (ii) materially modified any term of any such extension or maintenance of credit.

 

SECTION 4.21. Exchange Act. The Company is not currently (and has not previously been) subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

 

SECTION 4.22. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company.

 

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SECTION 4.23. COVID-19. The Company has not participated in any COVID-19 related programs (including the federal Paycheck Protection Program) or sought material benefits or relief thereunder or under any other COVID-19 Measures.

 

SECTION 4.24. Exclusivity of Representations and Warranties. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article IV (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedule) and any Ancillary Agreement, the Company hereby expressly disclaims and negates, any other express or implied representation or warranty whatsoever (whether at Law or in equity) with respect to the Company, its affiliates, and any matter relating to any of them, including their affairs, the condition, value or quality of the assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations, or with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any other information made available to the SPAC, its affiliates or any of their respective Representatives by, or on behalf of, the Company, and any such representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, neither the Company nor any other person on behalf of the Company has made or makes, any representation or warranty, whether express or implied, with respect to any projections, forecasts, estimates or budgets made available to the SPAC, its affiliates or any of their respective Representatives of future revenues, future results of operations (or any component thereof), future cash flows or future financial condition (or any component thereof) of the Company (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing), whether or not included in any management presentation or in any other information made available to the SPAC, its affiliates or any of their respective Representatives or any other person, and that any such representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed.

 

Article V.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SPAC AND MERGER SUB

 

Except as set forth in (i) the SPAC SEC Reports publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement (to the extent the qualifying nature of such disclosure is readily apparent from the content of such the SPAC SEC Reports, but excluding disclosures referred to in “Forward-Looking Statements”, “Risk Factors” and any other disclosures therein to the extent they are of a predictive or cautionary nature or related to forward-looking statements) (it being acknowledged that nothing disclosed in such a SPAC SEC Report will be deemed to modify or qualify the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.01 (Corporate Organization), Section 5.03 (Capitalization) and Section 5.04 (Authority Relative to This Agreement)), (ii) the SPAC’s disclosure schedule delivered by the SPAC in connection with this Agreement (the “SPAC Disclosure Schedule”) (which disclosure in the SPAC Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to qualify or provide disclosure in response to (i) the section or subsection of this Article V that corresponds to the section or subsection of the SPAC Disclosure Schedule in which any such disclosure is set forth and (ii) any other section or subsection of this Article V to the extent that its relevance to such section or subsection is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure), the SPAC hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

SECTION 5.01. Corporate Organization.

 

(a)               Each of the SPAC and Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite corporate power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such power, authority and governmental approvals would not have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b)               Merger Sub is the only subsidiary of the SPAC. Except for Merger Sub, the SPAC does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture or business association or other person.

 

SECTION 5.02. Organizational Documents. Each of the SPAC and Merger Sub has heretofore furnished to the Company true, complete and correct copies of the SPAC Organizational Documents and the Merger Sub Organizational Documents. The SPAC Organizational Documents and the Merger Sub Organizational Documents are in full force and effect. Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub is in violation of any of the provisions of the SPAC Organizational Documents and the Merger Sub Organizational Documents.

 

SECTION 5.03. Capitalization.

 

(a)               The authorized capital stock of the SPAC consists of 500,000,000 shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock, 50,000,000 shares of SPAC Class B Common Stock, and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“SPAC Preferred Stock”). As of the date of this Agreement, (i) 33,421,570 shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock are issued and outstanding, (ii) 8,355,393 shares of SPAC Class B Common Stock are issued and outstanding, (iii) no shares of SPAC Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, (iv) no shares of SPAC Common Stock, or SPAC Preferred Stock are held in treasury, (v) 26,410,785 SPAC Warrants are outstanding and (vi) 26,410,785 shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock are reserved for issuance on exercise of the SPAC Warrants. Each SPAC Warrant is exercisable for one share of SPAC Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50.

 

(b)               As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Merger Sub Common Stock”). As of the date of this Agreement, 1,000 shares of Merger Sub Common Stock are issued and outstanding. All outstanding shares of Merger Sub Common Stock have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and are non-assessable and are not subject to preemptive rights, and are held by the SPAC free and clear of all Liens, other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities laws and the Merger Sub Organizational Documents.

 

(c)               All outstanding SPAC Units, shares of SPAC Capital Stock and SPAC Warrants have been issued and granted in compliance with all applicable securities laws and other Laws and were issued free and clear of all Liens other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities laws and the SPAC Organizational Documents.

 

(d)               The Per Share Merger Consideration being delivered by the SPAC hereunder shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and each such share or other security shall be issued free and clear of preemptive rights and all Liens, other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities laws and the SPAC Organizational Documents. The Per Share Merger Consideration will be issued in compliance with all applicable securities Laws and other Laws and without contravention of any other person’s rights therein or with respect thereto.

 

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(e)               Except for securities issued by the SPAC as permitted by this Agreement and the SPAC Warrants, the SPAC has not issued any options, warrants, preemptive rights, calls, convertible securities, conversion rights or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of the SPAC or obligating the SPAC to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the SPAC. All shares of SPAC Common Stock subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Neither the SPAC nor any subsidiary of the SPAC is a party to, or otherwise bound by, and neither the SPAC nor any subsidiary of the SPAC has granted, any equity appreciation rights, participations, phantom equity or similar rights. The SPAC is not a party to any voting trusts, voting agreements, proxies, shareholder agreements or other agreements with respect to the voting or transfer of any shares of SPAC Common Stock or any of the equity interests or other securities of the SPAC or any of its subsidiaries. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the SPAC to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of SPAC Common Stock. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the SPAC to make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any person.

 

(f)                As a result of the filing of the New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation, each share of SPAC Capital Stock shall be converted into one share of New SPAC Common Stock, and each SPAC Warrant shall be exercisable for one share of New SPAC Common Stock.

 

SECTION 5.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement. Each of the SPAC, and Merger Sub have all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will at the Closing be a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery by each of the SPAC and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which each of the SPAC and Merger Sub is or will at the Closing be a party, the performance by each of the SPAC and Merger Sub of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by each of the SPAC and Merger Sub of the Transactions, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the SPAC or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions (other than (a) with respect to the Merger, the SPAC Stockholder Approval and the approval by the SPAC as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub Common Stock, and the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL, and (b) with respect to the issuance of New SPAC Common Stock, the New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation and the Certificate of Designations, the SPAC Stockholder Approval). This Agreement has been, and the other Transaction Documents to which each of the SPAC and Merger Sub is or will at the Closing be a party will, at the Closing, be duly and validly executed and delivered by the SPAC and Merger Sub and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other party or parties thereto, constitutes (or will then constitute) a legal, valid and binding obligation of the SPAC or Merger Sub, enforceable against the SPAC or Merger Sub in accordance with its terms subject to the Remedies Exceptions.

 

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SECTION 5.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.

 

(a)               The execution and delivery by each of the SPAC and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which each of the SPAC and Merger Sub is or will at the Closing be a party does not, and the performance of this Agreement by each of the SPAC and Merger Sub will not, (i) conflict with or violate the SPAC Organizational Documents or the Merger Sub Organizational Documents, (ii) assuming the SPAC Stockholder Approval is obtained, all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 5.05(b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations described in Section 5.05(b) have been made, conflict with or violate any Law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to each of the SPAC or Merger Sub or by which any of their property or assets is bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien on any property or asset of each of the SPAC or Merger Sub pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which each of the SPAC or Merger Sub is a party or by which each of the SPAC or Merger Sub or any of their property or assets is bound or affected, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)               The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the SPAC and Merger Sub does not, and the performance of this Agreement by each of the SPAC and Merger Sub will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act, Blue Sky Laws and state takeover laws, and filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by applicable Law and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the Transactions or otherwise prevent the SPAC or Merger Sub from performing its material obligations under this Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.06. Compliance. Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub is or has been in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to the SPAC or Merger Sub or by which any property or asset of the SPAC or Merger Sub is bound or affected, or (b) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which the SPAC or Merger Sub is a party or by which the SPAC or Merger Sub or any property or asset of the SPAC or Merger Sub is bound, except, in each case, for any such conflicts, defaults, breaches or violations that would not have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect. Each of the SPAC and Merger Sub is in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for the SPAC or Merger Sub to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted.

 

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SECTION 5.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements; Sarbanes-Oxley.

 

(a)               The SPAC has filed all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents, including any exhibits thereto, required to be filed by it with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) since September 9, 2020, together with any amendments, restatements or supplements thereto (collectively, the “SPAC SEC Reports”). The SPAC has prior to the date of this Agreement furnished to the Company (with respect to amendments or modifications made on or prior to the date of this Agreement) and shall have promptly furnished to the Company (with respect to amendments or modifications after the date of this Agreement) true, complete and correct copies of all amendments and modifications that have not been filed by the SPAC with the SEC to all agreements, documents and other instruments that previously had been filed by the SPAC with the SEC and are then in effect. As of their respective dates, the SPAC SEC Reports (i) complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) did not, at the time they were filed, or, if amended, as of the date of such amendment, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

(b)               Each of the financial statements (including, in each case, any notes thereto) contained in the SPAC SEC Reports was prepared in accordance with GAAP (applied on a consistent basis) and Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K, as applicable, throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited financial statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and each fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the SPAC as at the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein, (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments which have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to individually or in the aggregate be material). The SPAC has no off-balance sheet arrangements that are not disclosed in the SPAC SEC Reports. No financial statements other than those of the SPAC are required by GAAP to be included in the consolidated financial statements of the SPAC.

 

(c)               Except as and to the extent set forth in the SPAC SEC Reports, neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub has any liability or obligation of a nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, except for liabilities and obligations arising in the ordinary course of the SPAC’s and Merger Sub’s business.

 

(d)               The SPAC is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of The New York Stock Exchange.

 

(e)               The SPAC has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the SPAC and other material information required to be disclosed by the SPAC in the reports and other documents that it files or furnishes under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such material information is accumulated and communicated to the SPAC’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting the SPAC’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer to material information required to be included in the SPAC’s periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.

 

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(f)                The SPAC maintains systems of internal control over financial reporting that are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, including policies and procedures sufficient to provide reasonable assurance: (i) that the SPAC maintains records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect, in all material respects, its transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP; (iii) that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and its board of directors; and (iv) regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of its assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. The SPAC has prior to the date of this Agreement delivered to the Company (with respect to disclosure made on or prior to the date of this Agreement) and shall have promptly furnished to the Company (with respect to disclosure made after the date of this Agreement) a true, complete and correct copy of any disclosure (or, if unwritten, a summary thereof) by any representative of the SPAC to the SPAC’s independent auditors relating to any material weaknesses in internal controls and any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls that would adversely affect the ability of the SPAC to record, process, summarize and report financial data. The SPAC has no knowledge of any fraud or whistle-blower allegations, whether or not material, that involve management or other employees or consultants who have or had a significant role in the internal control over financial reporting of the SPAC. Since the date of its inception there have been no material changes in the SPAC’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

(g)               There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by the SPAC to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of the SPAC. The SPAC has not taken any action prohibited by Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

(h)               Neither the SPAC (including any employee thereof) nor the SPAC’s independent auditors has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by the SPAC, (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the SPAC’s management or other employees who have a role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal accounting controls utilized by the SPAC or (iii) any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing.

 

(i)                 As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding SEC comments from the SEC with respect to the SPAC SEC Reports. To the knowledge of the SPAC, none of the SPAC SEC Reports filed on or prior to the date of this Agreement is subject to ongoing SEC review or investigation as of the date of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 2021, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (a) the SPAC has conducted its business in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice, and (b) there has not been any the SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 5.09. Absence of Litigation. There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the SPAC, threatened against the SPAC, or any property or asset of the SPAC, before any Governmental Authority. Neither the SPAC nor any material property or asset of the SPAC is subject to any continuing order of, consent decree, settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or, to the knowledge of the SPAC, continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority.

 

SECTION 5.10. Board Approval; Vote Required.

 

(a)               The SPAC Board, by resolutions duly adopted by majority vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (i) approved this Agreement and determined it to be in the best interests of the SPAC and the other Transactions and (ii) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions by the stockholders of the SPAC;

 

(b)               The only vote of the holders of any class or series of shares of capital stock of the SPAC necessary to approve the Transactions is the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of SPAC Common Stock voted by the stockholders at a duly held stockholders meeting (the “SPAC Stockholder Approval”).

 

(c)               The Merger Sub Board, by resolutions duly adopted by written consent and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are fair to and in the best interests of Merger Sub and its sole stockholder, (ii) approved and adopted this Agreement and the Merger and declared their advisability, (iii) approved the Merger and the other Transactions, (iv) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the sole stockholder of Merger Sub, and (v) directed that this Agreement and the Transactions (including the Merger) be submitted for consideration by the sole stockholder of Merger Sub.

 

(d)               The only vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of Merger Sub is necessary to approve this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions is the affirmative vote of the sole stockholder of Merger Sub.

 

SECTION 5.11. No Prior Operations of Merger Sub. Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the Transactions, or a prior contemplated business combination transaction, and has not engaged in any business activities or conducted any operations or incurred any obligation or liability, other than those incident to its existence or as contemplated by this Agreement or a previously contemplated business combination agreement that has subsequently been terminated.

 

SECTION 5.12. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the SPAC or Merger Sub.

 

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SECTION 5.13. SPAC Trust Fund. As of the date of this Agreement, the SPAC has no less than $334,615,298 in the trust fund established by the SPAC for the benefit of its public stockholders (the “Trust Fund”) maintained in a trust account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Trust Account”). The monies of such Trust Account are held in cash or invested in U.S. government securities or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and held in trust by Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company (the “Trustee”) pursuant to the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2020, between the SPAC and the Trustee (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement has not been amended or modified and is valid and in full force and effect and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Remedies Exceptions. The SPAC has complied in all material respects with the terms of the Trust Agreement and is not in breach thereof or default thereunder and there does not exist under the Trust Agreement any event which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a breach or default by the SPAC or the Trustee. There are no separate contracts, agreements, side letters or other understandings (whether written or unwritten, express or implied): (i) between the SPAC and the Trustee that would cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the SPAC SEC Reports to be inaccurate in any material respect; or (ii) to the knowledge of the SPAC, that would entitle any person (other than stockholders of the SPAC who shall have elected to redeem their SPAC Class A Common Stock pursuant to the SPAC Organizational Documents) to any portion of the proceeds in the Trust Account. Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Trust Account may be released except: (A) to pay income and franchise Taxes from any interest income earned in the Trust Account; and (B) upon the exercise of Redemption Rights in accordance with the provisions of the SPAC Organizational Documents. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no Actions pending or, to the knowledge of the SPAC, threatened in writing with respect to the Trust Account. Upon consummation of the Merger and notice thereof to the Trustee pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the SPAC shall cause the Trustee to, and the Trustee shall thereupon be obligated to, release to the SPAC as promptly as practicable, the Trust Funds in accordance with the Trust Agreement at which point the Trust Account shall terminate; provided, however, that the liabilities and obligations of the SPAC due and owing or incurred at or prior to the Effective Time shall be paid as and when due, including all amounts payable (a) to stockholders of the SPAC who shall have exercised their Redemption Rights, (b) with respect to filings, applications and/or other actions taken pursuant to this Agreement required under Law, (c) to the Trustee for fees and costs incurred in accordance with the Trust Agreement, and (d) to third parties (e.g., professionals, printers, etc.) who have rendered services to the SPAC in connection with its efforts to effect the Merger. As of the date of this Agreement, assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein and the compliance by the Company with its respective obligations hereunder, the SPAC has no reason to believe that any of the conditions to the use of funds in the Trust Account will not be satisfied or funds available in the Trust Account will not be available to the SPAC at the Effective Time.

 

SECTION 5.14. Employees. Other than any officers as described in the SPAC SEC Reports, the SPAC and Merger Sub have never employed any employees or retained any consultants or other individual service providers. Other than amounts due as set forth in the SPAC SEC Reports or for reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the SPAC’s officers and directors in connection with activities on the SPAC’s behalf in an aggregate amount not in excess of the amount of cash held by the SPAC outside of the Trust Account, the SPAC has no unsatisfied material liability with respect to any employee, officer or director of the SPAC. The SPAC and Merger Sub have never and do not currently maintain, sponsor, contribute to or have any direct liability under any employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to Section 409A of the Code, bonus, stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, severance, change in control, fringe benefit, sick pay and vacation plans or arrangements or other employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the other Ancillary Agreements nor the consummation of the Transactions will (i) result in any payment (including severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director, officer or employee of the SPAC, or (ii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such benefits. The Transactions shall not be the direct or indirect cause of any amount paid or payable by the SPAC, Merger Sub or any affiliate being classified as an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Code or the imposition of any additional Tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement to which the SPAC or Merger Sub is a party which requires payment by any party of a Tax gross-up or Tax reimbursement payment to any person.

 

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SECTION 5.15. Taxes.

 

(a)               The SPAC and Merger Sub (i) have duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all material Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them as of the date of this Agreement and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate in all material respects; (ii) have timely paid all Taxes that are shown as due on such filed Tax Returns and any other material Taxes that the SPAC or Merger Sub are otherwise obligated to pay, except with respect to current Taxes not yet due and payable or otherwise being contested in good faith; (iii) with respect to all material Tax Returns filed by or with respect to any of them, have not waived any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency; and (iv) do not have any deficiency, audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding in respect of a material amount of Taxes or material Tax matters pending or threatened in writing, for a Tax period which the statute of limitations for assessments remains open.

 

(b)               Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub is a party to, is bound by or has an obligation under any Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnification agreement, Tax allocation agreement or similar contract or arrangement (including any agreement, contract or arrangement providing for the sharing or ceding of credits or losses, but excluding agreements, contracts, arrangements or commitments the primary purpose of which do not relate to Taxes) or has a potential liability or obligation to any person as a result of or pursuant to any such agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment other than an agreement, contract, arrangement or commitment the primary purpose of which does not relate to Taxes.

 

(c)               None of the SPAC or Merger Sub will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (i) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date under Section 481(c) of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law); (ii) “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) any prepaid amount received prior to the Closing Date; or (iv) installment sale made on or prior to the Closing Date.

 

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(d)               Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated, combined or unitary U.S. federal, state, local or foreign income Tax Return.

 

(e)               Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub has any material liability for the Taxes of any person under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract (but excluding contracts, the primary purpose of which do not relate to taxes), or otherwise.

 

(f)                Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub has any request for a material ruling in respect of Taxes pending between the SPAC and/or Merger Sub, on the one hand, and any Tax authority, on the other hand.

 

(g)               Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub has in any year for which the applicable statute of limitations remains open distributed stock of another person, or has had its stock distributed by another person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code.

 

(h)               Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub has engaged in or entered into a “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2).

 

SECTION 5.16. Listing. The issued and outstanding SPAC Units are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TWND.U”. The issued and outstanding shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TWND”. The issued and outstanding SPAC Warrants are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TWND WS”. There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the SPAC, threatened in writing against the SPAC by The New York Stock Exchange or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister the SPAC Units, the shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock or SPAC Warrants or terminate the listing of the SPAC on The New York Stock Exchange. None of the SPAC or any of its affiliates has taken any action in an attempt to terminate the registration of the SPAC Units, the shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock, or the SPAC Warrants under the Exchange Act.

 

SECTION 5.17. Transaction Expenses. Section 5.17 of the SPAC Disclosure Schedule sets forth the SPAC’s good faith estimate, as of the date of this Agreement, of all Outstanding SPAC Transaction Expenses.

 

SECTION 5.18. Non-Foreign Person. The SPAC hereby represents that (a) it is not, and is not controlled by, a “foreign person,” as defined in Section 721 of the U.S. Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, including any implementing regulations thereof (the “DPA”) and (b) it does not permit any foreign person affiliated with the SPAC, whether affiliated as a limited partner or otherwise, to obtain through the SPAC any of the following with respect to the Company: (i) control (as defined in the DPA) of the Company, including the power to determine, direct or decide any important matters for the Company; (ii) access to any material nonpublic technical information (as defined in the DPA) in the possession of the Company (which shall not include financial information about the Company), including access to any information not already in the public domain that is necessary to design, fabricate, develop, test, produce, or manufacture Company products, including processes, techniques, or methods; (iii) membership or observer rights on the Company’s Board of Directors or the right to nominate an individual to a position on the Company’s Board of Directors; or (iv) any involvement (other than through voting of shares) in substantive decision-making of the Company regarding (x) the use, development, acquisition or release of any Company “critical technology” (as defined in the DPA); (y) the use, development, acquisition, safekeeping, or release of “sensitive personal data” (as defined in the DPA) of U.S. citizens maintained or collected by the Company, or (z) the management, operation, manufacture, or supply of “covered investment critical infrastructure” (as defined in the DPA).

 

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SECTION 5.19. SPAC and Merger Sub’s Investigation and Reliance. Each of the SPAC and Merger Sub is a sophisticated purchaser and has made its own independent investigation, review and analysis regarding the Company and the Transactions, which investigation, review and analysis were conducted by the SPAC and Merger Sub together with expert advisors, including legal counsel, that they have engaged for such purpose. The SPAC, Merger Sub and their Representatives have been provided with full and complete access to the Representatives, properties, offices, plants and other facilities, books and records of the Company and other information that they have requested in connection with their investigation of the Company and the Transactions. Neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub is relying on any statement, representation or warranty, oral or written, express or implied, made by the Company or any of its Representatives, except as expressly set forth in Article IV (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedule). Neither the Company nor any of its respective stockholders, affiliates or Representatives shall have any liability to the SPAC, Merger Sub or any of their respective stockholders, affiliates or Representatives resulting from the use of any information, documents or materials made available to the SPAC or Merger Sub or any of their Representatives, whether orally or in writing, in any confidential information memoranda, “data rooms,” management presentations, due diligence discussions or in any other form in expectation of the Transactions. Neither the Company nor any of its stockholders, affiliates or Representatives is making, directly or indirectly, any representation or warranty with respect to any estimates, projections or forecasts involving the Company.

 

Article VI.

 

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER

 

SECTION 6.01. Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger.

 

(a)               The Company agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, except (1) as expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (including the issuance by the Company of any Company Notes in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000), (2) as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, or (3) as required by Law (including COVID-19 Measures or as may be requested or compelled by any Governmental Authority), unless the SPAC shall otherwise consent in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed):

 

(i)                 the Company shall conduct its business in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(ii)              the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact the business organization of the Company, to keep available the services of the current officers, key employees and consultants of the Company and to preserve the current relationships of the Company with customers, suppliers and other persons with which the Company has significant business relations.

 

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(b)               By way of amplification and not limitation, except (1) as expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement (including the issuance by the Company of any Company Notes in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000), (2) as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and (3) as required by Law (including COVID-19 Measures or as may be requested or compelled by any Governmental Authority), the Company shall not, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, do any of the following without the prior written consent of the SPAC (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed):

 

(i)                 amend or otherwise change its certificate of incorporation or bylaws;

 

(ii)              issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant or encumber, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance of, (A) any shares of any class of capital stock of the Company, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock, or any other ownership interest (including, without limitation, any phantom interest), of the Company, other than (1) the exercise or settlement of any Company Options, Company Warrants or Company Notes, grants of Company Options or Company RSUs within the limits of the Company Option Plan share reserve and (2) the conversion of Company Preferred Stock in accordance with the Company Certificate of Incorporation; or (B) any material assets of the Company;

 

(iii)            declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock;

 

(iv)             reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock, other than redemptions of equity securities from former employees upon the terms set forth in the underlying agreements governing such equity securities;

 

(v)               (A) acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or assets or any other business combination) any corporation, partnership, other business organization or any division thereof in an amount in excess of $5,000,000; or (B) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $5,000,000 or issue any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any person, or make any loans or advances, or intentionally grant any security interest in any of its assets, in each case, except with respect to accounts payable or indebtedness otherwise incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(vi)             (A) except in the ordinary course of business or as required by a Plan, enter into any new, or materially amend any existing employment or severance or termination agreement with any director or executive officer of the Company, (B) enter into or amend any collective bargaining agreement or other labor agreements covering the Company’s employees, or (C) make any change to employee compensation, incentives or benefits after the filing of the Registration Statement that would reasonably be expected to require an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement under Law;

 

(vii)          other than as required by Law, by a Plan or pursuant to the terms of an agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement and reflected on Section 4.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, or that the Company is not prohibited from entering into after the date of this Agreement, grant any severance or termination pay to, any director or officer of the Company, other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

(viii)        adopt, materially amend and/or terminate any material Plan except as may be required by Law, as is necessary in order to consummate the Transactions, or health and welfare plan renewals or modifications in the ordinary course of business;

 

(ix)             materially amend other than reasonable and usual amendments in the ordinary course of business, with respect to accounting policies or procedures, other than changes that are made in accordance with PCAOB standards or GAAP;

 

(x)               make any material tax election, amend a material Tax Return or settle or compromise any material United States federal, state, local or non-United States income tax liability;

 

(xi)             materially amend, or modify or consent to the termination (excluding any expiration in accordance with its terms) of any Material Contract or amend, waive, modify or consent to the termination (excluding any expiration in accordance with its terms) of the Company’s material rights thereunder, in each case in a manner that is adverse to the Company, taken as a whole, except in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xii)          intentionally permit any material item of Company-Owned IP to lapse or to be abandoned, invalidated, dedicated to the public, or disclaimed, or otherwise become unenforceable or fail to perform or make any applicable filings, recordings or other similar actions or filings, or fail to pay all required fees and taxes required to maintain each and every material item of Company-Owned IP; or

 

(xiii)        enter into any formal or informal agreement or otherwise make a binding commitment to do any of the foregoing.

 

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SECTION 6.02. Conduct of Business by the SPAC and Merger Sub Pending the Merger. Except as (i) expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (ii) set forth on Section 6.02 of the SPAC Disclosure Schedule or (iii) required by Law (including any COVID-19 Measures or as may be requested or compelled by any Governmental Authority), the SPAC agrees that from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the Effective Time, unless the Company shall otherwise consent in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), the businesses of the SPAC and Merger Sub shall be conducted in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice. By way of amplification and not limitation, except as (i) expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (ii) as set forth on Section 6.02 of the SPAC Disclosure Schedule or (iii) required by Law (including any COVID-19 Measures or as may be requested or compelled by any Governmental Authority), neither the SPAC nor Merger Sub shall, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, do any of the following without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned:

 

(a)               amend or otherwise change the SPAC Organizational Documents or the Merger Sub Organizational Documents or form any subsidiary of the SPAC other than Merger Sub;

 

(b)               declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock, other than redemptions from the Trust Fund that are required pursuant to the SPAC Organizational Documents or in connection with the Preferred Stock Issuance;

 

(c)               reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of the shares of SPAC Capital Stock or SPAC Warrants except for redemptions from the Trust Fund that are required pursuant to the SPAC Organizational Documents;

 

(d)               issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant or encumber, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance of, any shares of any class of capital stock or other securities of the SPAC or Merger Sub, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock, or any other ownership interest (including, without limitation, any phantom interest), of the SPAC or Merger Sub other than in connection with the Preferred Stock Issuance;

 

(e)               acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or assets or any other business combination) any corporation, partnership, other business organization or enter into any strategic joint ventures, partnerships or alliances with any other person;

 

(f)                engage in any conduct in a new line of business or engage in any commercial activities (other than to consummate the Transactions);

 

(g)               incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such indebtedness of another person or persons, issue or sell any debt securities or options, warrants, calls or other rights to acquire any debt securities of the SPAC or Merger Sub, as applicable, enter into any “keep well” or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition or enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing;

 

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(h)               make any change in any method of financial accounting or financial accounting principles, policies, procedures or practices, except as required by a concurrent amendment in GAAP or Law or pursuant to guidance issued by the SEC made subsequent to the date of this Agreement, as agreed to by its independent accountants;

 

(i)                 make any material tax election or settle or compromise any material United States federal, state, local or non-United States income tax liability;

 

(j)                 liquidate, dissolve, reorganize or otherwise wind up the business and operations of the SPAC or Merger Sub;

 

(k)               amend the Trust Agreement or any other agreement related to the Trust Account; or

 

(l)                 enter into any formal or informal agreement or otherwise make a binding commitment to do any of the foregoing.

 

SECTION 6.03. Claims Against Trust Account. The Company agrees that, notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, the Company does not now have, and shall not at any time prior to the Effective Time have, any claim to, or make any claim against, the Trust Fund, regardless of whether such claim arises as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to, the business relationship between the Company on the one hand, and the SPAC on the other hand, this Agreement, or any other agreement or any other matter, and regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (any and all such claims are collectively referred to in this Section 6.03 as the “Claims”). Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, the Company hereby irrevocably waives any Claim it may have, now or in the future and will not seek recourse against the Trust Fund for any reason whatsoever in respect thereof; provided, however, that the foregoing waiver will not limit or prohibit the Company from pursuing a claim against the SPAC, Merger Sub or any other person (a) for legal relief against monies or other assets of the SPAC or Merger Sub held outside of the Trust Account or for specific performance or other equitable relief in connection with the Transactions or (b) for damages for breach of this Agreement against the SPAC (or any successor entity) or Merger Sub in the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason and the SPAC consummates a business combination transaction with another party. In the event that the Company commences any action or proceeding against or involving the Trust Fund in violation of the foregoing, the SPAC shall be entitled to recover from the Company the associated reasonable legal fees and costs in connection with any such action, in the event the SPAC prevails in such action or proceeding.

 

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Article VII.

 

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

 

SECTION 7.01. Proxy Statement; Registration Statement.

 

(a)               As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, (i) the SPAC and the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC a joint information statement/proxy statement (as amended or supplemented, the “Proxy Statement”) to be sent to the stockholders of the SPAC and to the stockholders of the Company relating to (A) with respect to the Company’s stockholders, the action to be taken by certain stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Written Consent and (B) with respect to the SPAC’s stockholders, the meeting of the SPAC’s stockholders (the “SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting”) to be held to (I) provide the stockholders of the SPAC with the opportunity to redeem their shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock by tendering such shares for redemption not later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the date that is two Business Days prior to the date of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting (the “SPAC Stockholder Redemption”) and (II) consider approval and adoption of (1) this Agreement and the Merger, (2) the issuance of the New SPAC Common Stock and New SPAC Series A Preferred Stock as contemplated by this Agreement, (3) the equity incentive plan (the “SPAC Equity Incentive Plan”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G, with any changes thereto as the Company and the SPAC may mutually agree (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by either party), (4) an employee stock purchase plan (the “SPAC ESPP”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H, with any changes thereto as the Company and the SPAC may mutually agree (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by either party), (5) the New SPAC Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Designations, (6) the election of directors as contemplated by Section 7.15, and (7) any other proposals the parties deem necessary or appropriate to effectuate the Merger (collectively, the “SPAC Proposals”) and (ii) the SPAC shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) in which the Proxy Statement shall be included as a prospectus, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of New SPAC Common Stock (A) to be issued to stockholders of the Company pursuant to this Agreement or (B) held by the stockholders of the SPAC immediately prior to the Effective Time. The Company shall furnish all information concerning the Company as the SPAC may reasonably request in connection with such actions and the preparation of the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement. The SPAC and the Company each shall use their reasonable best efforts to (1) cause the Registration Statement when filed with the SEC to comply in all material respects with all Laws applicable thereto, (2) respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to and resolve all comments received from the SEC concerning the Registration Statement, (3) cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable and (4) keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Transactions. As promptly as practicable after finalization of the Proxy Statement, each of the Company and the SPAC shall mail the Proxy Statement to their respective stockholders. Each of the SPAC and the Company shall furnish all information concerning it as may reasonably be requested by the other party in connection with such actions and the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement.

 

(b)               No filing of, or amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or the Registration Statement will be made by the SPAC or the Company without the approval of the other party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The SPAC and the Company each will advise the other, promptly after they receive notice thereof, of the time when the Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement or amendment has been filed, of the issuance of any stop order, of the suspension of the qualification of the New SPAC Common Stock to be issued or issuable to the stockholders of the Company in connection with this Agreement for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of any request by the SEC for amendment of the Proxy Statement or the Registration Statement or comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC for additional information and responses thereto. Each of the SPAC and the Company shall cooperate and mutually agree upon (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) any response to comments of the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement and any amendment to the Registration Statement filed in response thereto.

 

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(c)               The SPAC represents that the information supplied by the SPAC for inclusion in the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement shall not, at (i) the time the Registration Statement is declared effective, (ii) the time the Proxy Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to the stockholders of the SPAC, (iii) the time of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting, and (iv) the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or fail to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, any event or circumstance relating to the SPAC or Merger Sub, or their respective officers or directors, should be discovered by the SPAC which should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement, the SPAC shall promptly inform the Company. All documents that the SPAC is responsible for filing with the SEC in connection with the Transactions will comply as to form and substance in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

(d)               The Company represents that the information supplied by the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement or any current report on Form 8-K shall not, at (i) the time the Registration Statement is declared effective (in the case of the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement) or at the time filed (in the case of a current report on Form 8-K), (ii) the time the Proxy Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to the stockholders of the SPAC (in the case of the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement), (iii) the time of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting (in the case of the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement), and (iv) the Effective Time (in the case of the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement), contain any untrue statement of a material fact or fail to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, any event or circumstance relating to the Company, or its officers or directors, should be discovered by the Company which should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement, the Company shall promptly inform the SPAC. All documents that the Company is responsible for filing with the SEC in connection with the Transactions will comply as to form and substance in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

SECTION 7.02. SPAC Stockholders’ Meetings; and Merger Sub Stockholder’s Approval.

 

(a)               The SPAC shall call and hold the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting as promptly as practicable after the date on which the Registration Statement becomes effective for the purpose of voting solely upon the SPAC Proposals, and the SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts to hold the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting as soon as practicable after the date on which the Registration Statement becomes effective (but in any event no later than 30 days after the date on which the Proxy Statement is mailed to stockholders of the SPAC); provided that the SPAC may (or, upon the receipt of a reasonable request to do so from the Company, shall) postpone or adjourn the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting on one or more occasions for up to 45 days in the aggregate to the extent that such postponement or adjournment is reasonably necessary to solicit additional proxies to obtain approval of the SPAC Proposals. The SPAC will ensure that all proxies solicited in connection with the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting are solicited in compliance with all Laws and the rules of the Securities Exchange. The SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the approval of the SPAC Proposals at the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting, including by soliciting from its stockholders proxies as promptly as possible in favor of the SPAC Proposals, and shall take all other action necessary or advisable to secure the required vote or consent of its stockholders. The SPAC Board shall recommend to its stockholders that they approve the SPAC Proposals and shall include such recommendation in the Proxy Statement.

 

(b)               Promptly following the execution of this Agreement, the SPAC shall approve and adopt this Agreement and approve the Transactions, as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub.

 

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SECTION 7.03. Company Stockholders’ Written Consent. Unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Section 9.01, upon the terms set forth in this Agreement, the Company shall seek the irrevocable written consent, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the SPAC, of holders of the Requisite Approval in favor of the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger and all other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and containing a waiver of any right, title and interest in, to or under, the Preferred Stock Issuance (the “Written Consent”) as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective, and in any event within five Business Days after the Registration Statement becomes effective. The Company shall not send the Registration Statement to the stockholders of the Company, other than Key Company Stockholders, until after delivery of the Written Consent to the SPAC (it being agreed that the Company shall seek the Written Consent even if there shall have been a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, except if this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Section 9.01).

 

SECTION 7.04. Access to Information; Confidentiality.

 

(a)               From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, the Company and the SPAC shall (and shall cause their respective subsidiaries (if any) to) (i) provide to the other party (and the other party’s officers, directors, employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel, agents and other representatives, collectively, “Representatives”) reasonable access at reasonable times upon prior notice to the officers, employees, agents, properties, offices and other facilities of such party and its subsidiaries (if any) and to the books and records thereof and (ii) furnish promptly to the other party such information concerning the business, properties, contracts, assets, liabilities, personnel and other aspects of such party and its subsidiaries (if any) as the other party or its Representatives may reasonably request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor the SPAC shall be required to provide access to or disclose information where the access or disclosure would (i) jeopardize the protection of attorney-client privilege or contravene Law (including COVID-19 Measures) or (ii) require providing access that such party reasonably determines, in light of COVID-19 or COVID-19 Measures, would jeopardize the health and safety of any employee of such party (it being agreed that the parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause such information to be provided in a manner that would not result in such jeopardy or contravention).

 

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(b)               All information obtained by the parties pursuant to this Section 7.04 shall be kept confidential in accordance with the confidentiality agreement, dated as of July 22, 2022 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), between the SPAC and the Company.

 

(c)               Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each party (and its Representatives) may consult any tax advisor regarding the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transactions and may disclose to any other person, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transactions and all materials (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided relating to such treatment or structure, in each case in accordance with the Confidentiality Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.05. Company Solicitation; Change in Recommendation.

 

(a)               From and after the date of this Agreement and ending on the earlier of (i) the Effective Time and (ii) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.01, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Representatives not to, (A) initiate, solicit, facilitate or encourage (including by way of furnishing non-public information), whether publicly or otherwise, any inquiries with respect to, or the making of, any Company Acquisition Proposal, (B) engage in any negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide access to its properties, books and records or any Confidential Information or data to, any person relating to a Company Acquisition Proposal, (C) enter into, engage in and maintain discussions or negotiations with respect to any Company Acquisition Proposal (or inquiries, proposals or offers or other efforts that would reasonably be expected to lead to any Company Acquisition Proposal) or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or facilitate or encourage any such inquiries, proposals, offers, efforts, discussions or negotiations, (D) amend or grant any waiver or release under any standstill or similar agreement with respect to any class of equity securities or the Company, (E) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, endorse or recommend, any Company Acquisition Proposal, (F) approve, endorse, recommend, execute or enter into any agreement in principle, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, term sheet, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other written arrangement relating to any Company Acquisition Proposal (each, a “Company Acquisition Agreement”) or any proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Acquisition Proposal, or (G) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing or otherwise authorize or permit any of its Representatives to take any such action. The Company shall, and shall instruct and cause each of its Representatives, to immediately cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any person (other than the parties hereto and their respective Representatives) in connection with a Company Acquisition Proposal. The Company also agrees that it will promptly request each person (other than the parties hereto and their respective Representatives) that has prior to the date of this Agreement executed a confidentiality agreement in connection with its consideration of acquiring the Company to return or destroy all Confidential Information furnished to such person by or on behalf of it prior to the date of this Agreement. The Company shall promptly notify the SPAC (and in any event within 24 hours) of the receipt of any Company Acquisition Proposal after the date of this Agreement, which notice shall identify the third party making any Company Acquisition Proposal and shall include a summary of the material terms and conditions of any material developments, discussions or negotiations in connection therewith, and any material modifications to the financial or other terms and conditions of any such Company Acquisition Proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may inform any person making an unsolicited proposal regarding a Company Acquisition Proposal of the terms of this Section 7.05.

 

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(b)               Notwithstanding Section 7.05(a), prior to the receipt of the Written Consent, the Company Board, directly or indirectly through any Representative, may, subject to Section 7.05(c), (i) participate in negotiations or discussions with any third party that has made (and not withdrawn) a bona fide, unsolicited Company Acquisition Proposal in writing that the Company Board reasonably believes in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, constitutes or would reasonably be expected to result in a Company Superior Proposal, and (ii) thereafter furnish to such third party non-public information relating to the Company pursuant to an executed Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement (a copy of such confidentiality agreement shall be promptly (in all events within 24 hours) provided to the SPAC); provided that the Company shall promptly provide to the SPAC material non-public information that is provided to any such person which has not previously been provided to the SPAC and Merger Sub.

 

(c)               The Company shall notify the SPAC promptly (but in no event later than 24 hours) after receipt by the Company Board of any Company Acquisition Proposal, any inquiry that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Company Acquisition Proposal or any request for non-public information relating to the Company or for access to the business, properties, assets, personnel, books or records of the Company by any third party. In such notice, the Company shall identify the third party making any such Company Acquisition Proposal, indication or request and provide the details of the material terms and conditions of any such Company Acquisition Proposal, indication or request. The Company shall keep the SPAC informed, on a current and prompt basis, of the status and material terms of any such Company Acquisition Proposal, indication or request, including the material terms and conditions thereof, any material amendments or proposed amendments. The Company shall promptly provide the SPAC copies of any nonpublic information concerning the Company’s business, present or future performance, financial condition or results of operations provided to any third party to the extent such information has not been previously provided to the SPAC.

 

(d)               Except as set forth in this Section 7.05(d), neither the Company Board nor any committee thereof shall (i)(A) fail to make, change, withdraw, withhold, amend, modify or qualify, or publicly propose to make, change, withdraw, withhold, amend, modify or qualify, in a manner adverse to the SPAC, the Company Board recommendation, or (B) adopt, approve, endorse or recommend, or publicly propose to adopt, approve, endorse or recommend to the stockholders of the Company any Company Acquisition Proposal or Company Superior Proposal, (ii) make any public statement inconsistent with the Company Board recommendation, (iii) resolve or agree to take any of the foregoing actions (any of the foregoing, a “Company Adverse Recommendation Change”), or (iv) authorize, cause or permit the Company or any of its Representatives to enter into any Company Acquisition Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to the receipt of the Written Consent, but not after, the Company Board may make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change or cause the Company to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(i) to enter into a Company Acquisition Agreement with respect to a Company Acquisition Proposal only if the Company Board has reasonably determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside financial advisor and legal counsel, that (i) the failure to take such action would reasonably be expected to be breach the Company Board’s fiduciary duties under Law, and (ii) that such Company Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Company Superior Proposal; provided, however, prior to taking such action, (A) the Company promptly notifies the SPAC, in writing, at least three Business Days (the “Company Notice Period”) before making a Company Adverse Recommendation Change or entering into a Company Acquisition Agreement, of its intention to take such action with respect to a Company Superior Proposal, which notice shall (1) state expressly that the Company has received a Company Acquisition Proposal that the Company Board intends to declare a Company Superior Proposal and that the Company Board intends to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change and/or the Company intends to enter into a Company Acquisition Agreement and (2) include a copy of the most current version of the proposed agreement relating to such Company Superior Proposal (which version shall be updated on a prompt basis), and a description of any financing commitments relating thereto; (B) the Company shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, during the Company Notice Period, negotiate with the SPAC in good faith in respect of adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement such that such Company Acquisition Proposal would cease to constitute a Company Superior Proposal, if the SPAC, in its discretion, proposes to make such adjustments (it being agreed that in the event that, after commencement of the Company Notice Period, there is any material revision to the terms of a Company Superior Proposal, including, any revision in price, then the Company will provide a new notice to the SPAC that complies with the requirements of this Section 7.05(d) and that the “Notice Period” in respect of such new notice will be two Business Days); and (C) following the end of such Company Notice Period the Company Board determines in good faith, after consulting with outside financial advisor and legal counsel, that such Company Acquisition Proposal continues to constitute a Company Superior Proposal after taking into account any adjustments made by the SPAC during the Company Notice Period in the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and provided, further, that the Company shall have complied in all material respects with its obligations under this Section 7.05(d) and if the Company Board terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(i) to enter into a Company Acquisition Agreement, the Company pays or causes to be paid to the SPAC the Termination Fee due in accordance with Section 9.03(a).

 

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(e)               Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, at any time prior to obtaining the Written Consent, the Company Board determines in good faith, in response to an Intervening Event, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that the failure to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under Law, the Company Board may, prior to obtaining the Written Consent, make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change; provided, however, that the Company will not be entitled to make, or agree or resolve to make, a Company Adverse Recommendation Change unless (i) the Company promptly notifies the SPAC in writing, at least three Business Days (the “Intervening Event Notice Period”) advising the SPAC that the Company Board proposes to take such action and containing the material facts underlying the Company Board’s determination that an Intervening Event has occurred, and (ii) following the end of such Intervening Event Notice Period (it being agreed that in the event after the commencement of the Intervening Event Notice Period, there is any material development with respect to an Intervening Event, the Intervening Event Notice Period shall be extended, if applicable, to ensure that at least two Business Days remains in the Intervening Event Notice Period subsequent to the time the company notifies the SPAC of any such material revision (it being understood that there may be multiple extensions)), the Company Board determines in good faith, after consulting with outside financial advisors and legal counsel, that the failure to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change in response to such Intervening Event would be inconsistent with the Company Board’s fiduciary duties under Law. If requested by the SPAC, the Company shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, during the Intervening Event Notice Period, negotiate with the SPAC in good faith to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement so as to obviate the need for a Company Adverse Recommendation Change. For the avoidance of doubt, none of (A) the determination by the Company Board that an Intervening Event may or has occurred or (B) the delivery by the Company to the SPAC of any notice contemplated by this Section 7.05 will, in and of itself, constitute a Company Adverse Recommendation Change or violate this Section 7.05.

 

(f)                The parties agree that any violation of the restrictions set forth in this Section 7.05 by any of the Company’s Representatives shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 7.05 by the Company.

 

SECTION 7.06. SPAC Exclusivity. From the date of this Agreement and ending on the earlier of (a) the Closing and (b) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.01, but only to the extent not inconsistent with the fiduciary duties of the SPAC Board, the SPAC shall not, and shall cause its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) enter into, knowingly solicit, initiate or continue any discussions or negotiations with, or knowingly encourage or respond to any inquiries or proposals by, or participate in any negotiations with, or provide any information to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with, any person or other entity or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, concerning any sale of any material assets of such person or any of the outstanding capital stock or any conversion, consolidation, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving such person other than with the Company and its Representatives (an “Alternative Transaction”), (ii) enter into any agreement regarding, continue or otherwise knowingly participate in any discussions regarding, or furnish to any person any information with respect to, or cooperate in any way that would otherwise reasonably be expected to lead to, any Alternative Transaction, or (iii) commence, continue or renew any due diligence investigation regarding any Alternative Transaction; provided, however, that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the Transactions shall not be deemed a violation of this Section 7.06. The SPAC shall, and shall cause its affiliates and Representatives to, immediately cease any and all existing discussions or negotiations with any person conducted heretofore with respect to any Alternative Transaction. If the SPAC or any of its affiliates or its or their respective Representatives receives any inquiry or proposal with respect to an Alternative Transaction at any time prior to the Closing, then the SPAC shall promptly (and in no event later than one Business Day after the SPAC becomes aware of such inquiry or proposal) notify such person in writing that the SPAC is subject to an exclusivity agreement with respect to the Transaction that prohibits the SPAC or any of its affiliates or its or their respective Representatives from considering such inquiry or proposal. Without limiting the foregoing, the parties agree that any violation of the restrictions set forth in this Section 7.06 by the SPAC or any of its affiliates or its or their respective Representatives shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 7.06 by the SPAC.

 

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SECTION 7.07. Employee Benefits Matters.

 

(a)               The SPAC shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to provide the employees of the Company who remain employed immediately after the Effective Time (the “Continuing Employees”) credit for purposes of eligibility to participate, vesting and determining the level of benefits, as applicable, under any employee benefit plan, program or arrangement established or maintained by the Surviving Corporation (including, without limitation, any employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA and any vacation or other paid time-off program or policy) for service accrued or deemed accrued prior to the Effective Time with the Company; provided, however, that such crediting of service shall not operate to duplicate any benefit or the funding of any such benefit. In addition, the SPAC shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause to be waived any eligibility waiting periods, any evidence of insurability requirements and the application of any pre-existing condition limitations under each of the employee benefit plans established or maintained by the Surviving Corporation that cover the Continuing Employees or their dependents, and (ii) cause any eligible expenses incurred by any Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents, during the portion of the plan year in which the Closing occurs, under those health and welfare benefit plans in which such Continuing Employee currently participates to be taken into account under those health and welfare benefit plans in which such Continuing Employee participates subsequent to the Closing Date for purposes of satisfying all deductible, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket requirements applicable to such Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents for the applicable plan year. Following the Closing, Surviving Corporation will honor all accrued but unused vacation and other paid time off of the Continuing Employees that existed immediately prior to the Closing.

 

(b)               The provisions of this Section 7.07 are solely for the benefit of the parties to the Agreement, and nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, shall confer upon any Continuing Employee or legal representative or beneficiary or dependent thereof, or any other person, any rights or remedies of any nature or kind whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, whether as a third-party beneficiary or otherwise, including, without limitation, any right to employment or continued employment for any specified period, or level of compensation or benefits. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, shall constitute an amendment or modification of any employee benefit plan of the Company or shall require the Company, the SPAC, the Surviving Corporation and each of its subsidiaries to continue any Plan or other employee benefit arrangements, or prevent their amendment, modification or termination.

 

SECTION 7.08. Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification.

 

(a)               The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of each of the Surviving Corporation and the SPAC shall contain provisions no less favorable with respect to indemnification, advancement or expense reimbursement than are set forth in the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company or the SPAC, as applicable, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time in any manner that would affect adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or prior to the Effective Time, were directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of the Company or the SPAC, as applicable, unless such modification shall be required by Law.

 

(b)               On the Closing Date, each of the Company and the SPAC shall obtain (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) a non-cancelable run-off directors’ and officers’ “tail” insurance policy (providing coverage that, taken as a whole, is no less favorable than under such person’s policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement) or other directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage that is acceptable to such party’s board of directors, for a period of six years after the Closing Date to provide insurance coverage for events, acts or omissions occurring on or prior to the Closing Date for all persons who were directors or officers of the Company or the SPAC, as applicable, on or prior to the Closing Date; provided, that the cost of the insurance policy obtained by the SPAC (the “SPAC D&O Tail Policy”) with respect to the SPAC’s directors and officers shall not exceed, in the aggregate, more than 250% of the last aggregate annual premium paid by the SPAC prior to the date hereof for the SPAC’s current directors’ and officers’ insurance policy (the “SPAC D&O Policy Cap”), and if the cost of the SPAC D&O Tail Policy would otherwise exceed the SPAC D&O Policy Cap, the SPAC shall obtain as much coverage as reasonably practicable to obtain for an aggregate cost not to exceed the amount of the SPAC D&O Policy Cap.

 

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(c)               On the Closing Date, the SPAC shall enter into customary indemnification agreements reasonably satisfactory to each of the Company and the SPAC with the post-Closing directors and officers of the SPAC and the Surviving Corporation, which indemnification agreements shall continue to be effective following the Closing.

 

SECTION 7.09. Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give prompt notice to the SPAC, and the SPAC shall give prompt notice to the Company, of any event which a party becomes aware of between the date of this Agreement and the Closing (or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX), the occurrence, or non-occurrence of which causes or would reasonably be expected to cause any of the conditions set forth in Article VIII to fail to be satisfied at the Closing. It is understood and agreed that no such notification will affect or be deemed to modify the conditions to the obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger or the remedies available to the parties under this Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement apply to any information provided under this Section 7.09.

 

SECTION 7.10. Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts.

 

(a)               Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, such things as are necessary, proper or advisable under Laws or otherwise to consummate and make effective the Transactions, including, without limitation, using its reasonable best efforts to obtain all permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of Governmental Authorities and parties to contracts with the Company as set forth in Section 4.05 necessary for the consummation of the Transactions and to fulfill the conditions to the Merger. In case, at any time after the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers and directors of each party shall use their reasonable best efforts to take all such action.

 

(b)               Each of the parties shall keep each other apprised of the status of matters relating to the Transactions, including promptly notifying the other parties of any communication it or any of its affiliates receives from any Governmental Authority relating to the matters that are the subject of this Agreement and permitting the other parties to review in advance, and to the extent practicable consult about, any proposed communication by such party to any Governmental Authority in connection with the Transactions. No party to this Agreement shall agree to participate in any meeting with any Governmental Authority in respect of any filings, investigation or other inquiry unless it consults with the other parties in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority, gives the other parties the opportunity to attend and participate at such meeting. Subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, the parties will coordinate and cooperate fully with each other in exchanging such information and providing such assistance as the other parties may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing. Subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, the parties will provide each other with copies of all material correspondence, filings or communications, including any documents, information and data contained therewith, between them or any of their Representatives, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority or members of its staff, on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement and the Transactions. No party shall take or cause to be taken any action before any Governmental Authority that is inconsistent with or intended to delay its action on requests for a consent or the consummation of the Transactions.

 

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SECTION 7.11. Public Announcements. The initial press release relating to this Agreement shall be a joint press release the text of which has been agreed to by each of the SPAC and the Company. Thereafter, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date (or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX) unless otherwise prohibited by Law or the requirements of the Securities Exchange, each of the SPAC and the Company shall each use its reasonable best efforts to consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements with respect to this Agreement, the Merger or any of the other Transactions, and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statement without the prior written consent of the other party. Furthermore, nothing contained in this Section 7.11 shall prevent the SPAC or the Company and/or its respective affiliates from furnishing customary or other reasonable information concerning the Transactions to their investors and prospective investors.

 

SECTION 7.12. Tax Matters. Each of the SPAC, Merger Sub and the Company shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and agree not to, and not to permit or cause any of their affiliates or subsidiaries to, take any action which to its knowledge could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying, as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. This Agreement is intended to constitute, and the parties hereto hereby adopt this Agreement as, a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a). Each of the SPAC, Merger Sub and the Company shall report the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code, including attaching the statement described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-3(a) on or with its Tax Return for the taxable year of the Merger.

 

SECTION 7.13. Securities Exchange Listing. The SPAC will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the New SPAC Common Stock issued in connection with the Transactions to be approved for listing on The New York Stock Exchange or another national securities exchange, as mutually agreed to by the parties (which, if not The New York Stock Exchange, shall include the SPAC using its commercially reasonable efforts to delist all SPAC Units, SPAC Class A Common Stock and SPAC Warrants from The New York Stock Exchange and instead prepare and submit to such other national securities exchange a listing application covering such securities) (the “Securities Exchange”). The SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts, during the period from the date of this Agreement until the Closing, to keep the SPAC Units, SPAC Class A Common Stock and SPAC Warrants continuously listed for trading on the Securities Exchange, including, without limitation, to cause there to continuously be a sufficient number of round lot holders of New SPAC Common Stock following the Closing in satisfaction of applicable rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange.

 

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SECTION 7.14. Trust Account. As of the Effective Time, the obligations of the SPAC to dissolve or liquidate within a specified time period as contained in the SPAC Certificate of Incorporation will be terminated and the SPAC shall have no obligation whatsoever to dissolve and liquidate the assets of the SPAC by reason of the consummation of the Merger or otherwise, and no stockholder of the SPAC shall be entitled to receive any amount from the Trust Account. At least 48 hours prior to the Effective Time, the SPAC shall provide notice to the Trustee in accordance with the Trust Agreement and shall deliver any other documents, opinions or notices required to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the Trust Agreement and cause the Trustee prior to the Effective Time to, and the Trustee shall thereupon be obligated to, transfer all funds held in the Trust Account to the SPAC (to be held as available cash on the balance sheet of the SPAC, and to be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the business following the Closing) and thereafter shall cause the Trust Account and the Trust Agreement to terminate.

 

SECTION 7.15. Governance Matters.

 

(a)               Board of Directors. Upon the Effective Time, the SPAC Board and the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation shall consist of seven members to be selected by the Company, which shall initially be those selections set forth on Schedule 7.15; provided, however, that, following any such selection, in the event that any selected individual is unable to serve as a director of the SPAC at the Effective Time, then the Company shall have the right to designate another individual to serve as a director of the SPAC in place of the individual originally selected.

 

(b)               Prior to the Closing, the board of directors of the SPAC, or an appropriate committee of “non-employee directors” (as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) thereof, shall adopt a resolution consistent with the interpretive guidance of the SEC so that the acquisition of New SPAC Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby, by any person owning securities of the Company who is expected to become a director or officer (as defined under Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the SPAC following the Closing shall be an exempt transaction for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 16b-3 thereunder.

 

(c)               Effectuation. Prior to the Effective Time, the parties shall take all action necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Section 7.15.

 

SECTION 7.16. SPAC Public Filings. From the date hereof through the Effective Time, the SPAC will use its reasonable best efforts to keep current and timely file all reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with its reporting obligations under applicable laws.

 

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SECTION 7.17. Termination of Affiliate Agreements. On and as of the Closing, the Company shall take all actions necessary to cause the contracts listed on Schedule 7.17 to be terminated without any further force and effect, and there shall be no further obligations of any of the relevant parties thereunder following the Closing.

 

SECTION 7.18. SPAC Deadline Extension. The SPAC shall take all necessary actions to obtain the requisite approval of the SPAC’s stockholders to extend the deadline for the SPAC to consummate its initial business combination to March 9, 2023 in accordance with the SPAC Organizational Documents and Law (the “SPAC Deadline Extension”).

 

SECTION 7.19. Section 280G. To the extent necessary to avoid the application of Section 280G of the Code and the applicable final Treasury Regulations and rulings thereunder, no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain waivers from each Person who has a right to any payments or benefits as a result of or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that would reasonably be expected to constitute “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder and as to which such Person waives his or her rights to some or all of such payments and/or benefits (such payments or benefits actually waived, the “Waived 280G Benefits”) applicable to such Person so that all remaining payments or benefits applicable to such Person shall not be deemed to be “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder, and (b) following the execution of the waivers described in clause (a), solicit the approval of the stockholders of the Company of any Waived 280G Benefits pursuant to a vote intended to meet the requirements of Section 280G(b)(5)(B) of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder, which related documents shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to the SPAC (provided that the SPAC’s approval of such form shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). To the extent any of the Waived 280G Benefits were not approved by the stockholders of the Company as contemplated above, such Waived 280G Benefits shall not be made or provided. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to the SPAC evidence that a vote of the stockholders of the Company was solicited in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.19 and that either (i) the requisite number of votes were obtained with respect to the Waived 280G Benefits (the “280G Approval”), or (ii) that the 280G Approval was not obtained, and, as a consequence, the Waived 280G Benefits shall not be made or provided. The Company shall provide the SPAC with a copy of such waiver and disclosure statement within a reasonable time prior to, and in no event later than two (2) Business Days prior to, delivery to the “disqualified individuals” and the stockholders of the Company of such waiver and disclosure statement, respectively, and the Company shall reflect in such waiver and disclosure statement any changes reasonably requested by the SPAC (provided that the SPAC’s approval of such changes shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). No later than seven (7) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall provide the SPAC with a summary of the calculations and related documentation reasonably required to determine whether the vote described in this Section 7.19 is necessary in order to avoid the imposition of Taxes under Section 4999 of the Code.

 

Article VIII.

 

CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

 

SECTION 8.01. Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of the Company, the SPAC and Merger Sub to consummate the Transactions, including the Merger, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

 

(a)               Written Consent. The Written Consent shall have been delivered to the SPAC.

 

(b)               SPAC Stockholders’ Approval. The SPAC Proposals shall have been approved and adopted by the requisite affirmative vote of the stockholders of the SPAC in accordance with the SPAC Organizational Documents and Law.

 

(c)               No Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, executive order or award which is then in effect and has the effect of making the Transactions, including the Merger, illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Transactions, including the Merger.

 

(d)               Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceedings for purposes of suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been initiated or be threatened by the SEC.

 

(e)               Net Tangible Assets. The SPAC shall have at least $5,000,001 of net tangible assets following the exercise of SPAC Stockholder Redemption Rights in accordance with the SPAC Organizational Documents or the shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock not constitute “penny stock” as such term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act.

 

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SECTION 8.02. Conditions to the Obligations of the SPAC and Merger Sub. The obligations of the SPAC and Merger Sub to consummate the Transactions, including the Merger, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions:

 

(a)               Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4.01(a) (Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries), Section 4.03(a) (Capitalization), Section 4.04 (Authority Relative to this Agreement) and Section 4.22 (Brokers) shall each be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein), except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date. All other representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein) in all respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except (i) to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and (ii) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct (whether as of the Closing Date or such earlier date), taken as a whole, does not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)               Agreements and Covenants. The Company shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Effective Time.

 

(c)               Material Adverse Effect. No Company Material Adverse Effect with respect to clause (a) of the definition of “Company Material Adverse Effect” shall have occurred between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date that is continuing.

 

(d)               Officer Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to the SPAC a certificate, dated the date of the Closing, signed by an officer of the Company, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8.02(a), Section 8.02(b) and Section 8.02(c).

 

(e)               FIRPTA Tax Certificates. On or prior to the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the SPAC a properly executed certification that shares of Company Common Stock are not “U.S. real property interests” in accordance with the Treasury Regulations under Sections 897 and 1445 of the Code, together with a notice to the IRS (which shall be filed by the SPAC with the IRS following the Closing) in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.897-2(h)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

SECTION 8.03. Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to consummate the Transactions, including the Merger, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) at or prior to Closing of the following additional conditions:

 

(a)               Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the SPAC and Merger Sub contained in Section 5.01 (Corporation Organization), Section 5.03 (Capitalization), Section 5.04 (Authority Relative to this Agreement) and Section 5.12 (Brokers) shall each be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein), except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date. All other representations and warranties of the SPAC and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein) in all respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except (i) to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and (ii) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct (whether as of the Closing Date or such earlier date), taken as a whole, does not result in a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b)               Agreements and Covenants. The SPAC and Merger Sub shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Effective Time.

 

(c)               Material Adverse Effect. No the SPAC Material Adverse Effect with respect to clause (a) of the definition of “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” shall have occurred between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date that is continuing.

 

(d)               Officer Certificate. The SPAC shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the date of the Closing, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the SPAC, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 8.03(a), Section 8.03(b), Section 8.03(c) and Section 8.03(f).

 

(e)               Resignation. Other than those persons identified as continuing directors in accordance with Section 7.15, all members of the SPAC Board shall have executed written resignations effective as of the Effective Time.

 

(f)                Listing. The SPAC Units, the Shares of SPAC Class A Common Stock and the SPAC Warrants shall have been continuously listed and trading on a Securities Exchange since September 9, 2020, the New SPAC Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Transactions shall have been approved for listing on a Securities Exchange (subject only to official notice of issuance thereof), and there shall be no Action pending or threatened against the SPAC by the SEC to terminate the trading or listing of any securities of the SPAC.

 

Article IX.

 

TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

 

SECTION 9.01. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, notwithstanding any requisite approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions by the stockholders of the Company or the SPAC, as follows:

 

(a)               by mutual written consent of the SPAC and the Company; or

 

(b)               by either the SPAC or the Company if the Effective Time shall not have occurred prior to March 9, 2023 (the “Outside Date”); provided, however, that this Agreement may not be terminated under this Section 9.01(b) by or on behalf of any party (i) that either directly or indirectly through its affiliates is in breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation contained herein and such breach or violation is the principal cause of the failure of a condition set forth in Article VIII on or prior to the Outside Date or (ii) against which any legal proceeding is brought by a party hereto for specific performance or injunctive or other forms of equitable relief in connection herewith (which prohibition on such party’s right to terminate this Agreement shall continue throughout the pendency of such legal proceeding); or

 

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(c)               by either the SPAC or the Company if any Governmental Authority in the United States shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any permanent injunction, order, decree or ruling which has become final and nonappealable and has the effect of making consummation of the Transactions, including the Merger, illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Transactions, the Merger; or

 

(d)               by either the SPAC or the Company if any of the SPAC Proposals shall fail to receive the requisite vote for approval at the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting; or

 

(e)               by the SPAC if the Company Board or a committee thereof, prior to obtaining the Written Consent, shall have made a Company Adverse Recommendation Change; or

 

(f)                by the SPAC if the Company shall have failed to deliver the Written Consent to the SPAC within five Business Days after the Registration Statement becomes effective; provided, however, that the SPAC’s right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(f) shall expire at such time at which the Written Consent is delivered to the SPAC; or

 

(g)               by the SPAC upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of the Company shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Sections 8.02(a) and 8.02(b) would not be satisfied (“Terminating Company Breach”); provided, however, that the SPAC has not waived such Terminating Company Breach and the SPAC and Merger Sub are not then in material breach of their representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in this Agreement; provided, further that, if such Terminating Company Breach is curable by the Company, the SPAC may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.01(g) for so long as the Company continues to exercise its reasonable efforts to cure such breach, unless such breach is not cured within 30 days after notice of such breach is provided by the SPAC to the Company; or

 

(h)               by the Company upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the SPAC and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of the SPAC and Merger Sub shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Sections 8.03(a) and 8.03(b) would not be satisfied (“Terminating SPAC Breach”); provided, however, that the Company has not waived such Terminating SPAC Breach and the Company are not then in material breach of their representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in this Agreement; provided, however, that, if such Terminating SPAC Breach is curable by the SPAC and Merger Sub, the Company may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.01(h) for so long as the SPAC and Merger Sub continue to exercise their reasonable efforts to cure such breach, unless such breach is not cured within 30 days after notice of such breach is provided by the Company to the SPAC; or

 

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(i)                 by the Company prior to the receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, if the Company Board authorizes the Company to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Company Superior Proposal and the Company enters into such definitive agreement with respect to such Company Superior Proposal and subject to Section 9.03(a)provided that the Company shall have complied in all material respects with all provisions of Section 7.05; or

 

(j)                 by the SPAC within thirty (30) days of the date of this Agreement, based on its due diligence review of the Company; or

 

(k)                by either the SPAC or the Company for a period of 10 Business Days, such date commencing on the date that is 45 days following the date that Lincoln Park shall have exercised its right to terminate the Equity Purchase Agreement under Section 11(b) thereof, unless the SPAC or the Company shall have obtained an equity line of credit or other alternative financing arrangement reasonably acceptable to the other party within 45 days of Lincoln Park exercising such right; provided, that no party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.01(k) if such party has failed to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to have reasonably cooperated in good faith with the other party to obtain, such alternate financing arrangements during such 45 day period.

 

SECTION 9.02. Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there shall be no liability under this Agreement on the part of any party hereto, except as set forth in this Section 9.02, Section 9.03, Article X, and any corresponding definitions set forth in Article I, or in the case of termination subsequent to a willful material breach of this Agreement by a party hereto.

 

SECTION 9.03. Termination Fee.

 

(a)               In the event that this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 9.01(i), the Company shall pay or cause to be paid $15,000,000 (the “Termination Fee”) to the SPAC or its designee by wire transfer of same day funds within two Business Days of such termination to an account designated in writing by the SPAC (which account shall be designated by the SPAC upon written request to allow the Company to pay or cause to be paid the Termination Fee payable hereunder within the time period required).

 

(b)               The parties acknowledge and agree that the provisions for payment of the Termination Fee are an integral part of the Transactions and are included herein in order to induce the parties to enter into this Agreement.

 

(c)               For clarity, it is understood and agreed that the Termination Fee shall be payable by the Company in the event of termination pursuant to Section 9.01(i), but shall not be payable by the Company in the event of a valid termination pursuant to Section 9.01(a) through 9.01(h), inclusive, or pursuant to Section 9.01(k).

 

Article X.

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 10.01. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by email or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.01):

 

if to the SPAC or Merger Sub:

 

Tailwind Acquisition Corp.

1545 Courtney Ave

Los Angeles, California 90046

Attention: Chris Hollod

E-mail:chris.hollod@gmail.com

 

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

 

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue, Room 4652

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Adam Turteltaub; Danielle Scalzo

Email: aturteltaub@willkie.com; dscalzo@willkie.com

 

if to the Company:

 

Nuburu, Inc.
7442 Tucson Way, Suite 130
Centennial, CO 80112
Attention: Dr. Mark Zediker
Email: Mark.Zediker@nuburu.net

 

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

 

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attention: Michael J. Danaher; Brian Dillavou
Email: mdanaher@wsgr.com; bdillavou@wsgr.com

 

and with a copy to (which will not constitute notice):

 

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5100

Seattle, Washington 98104

Attention: Brendan Ripley Mahan

Email: bmahan@wsgr.com

 

SECTION 10.02. Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. None of the representations, warranties, covenants, obligations or other agreements in this Agreement or in any certificate, statement or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants, obligations, agreements and other provisions, shall survive the Closing and all such representations, warranties, covenants, obligations or other agreements shall terminate and expire upon the occurrence of the Closing (and there shall be no liability after the Closing in respect thereof), except for (a) those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms expressly apply in whole or in part after the Closing and then only with respect to any breaches occurring after the Closing and (b) this Article X and any corresponding definitions set forth in Article I.

 

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SECTION 10.03. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the Transactions be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

 

SECTION 10.04. Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede, except as set forth in Section 7.04(b), all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except for the Confidentiality Agreement. This Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of law or otherwise) by any party without the prior express written consent of the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 10.05. Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, other than Section 7.08 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the persons covered thereby and may be enforced by such persons).

 

SECTION 10.06. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that state. All legal actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any Delaware Chancery Court; provided, however, that if jurisdiction is not then available in the Delaware Chancery Court, then any such legal Action may be brought in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or any other Delaware state court. The parties hereto hereby (a) irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for themselves and with respect to their respective properties for the purpose of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any party hereto, and (b) agree not to commence any Action relating thereto except in the courts described above in Delaware, other than Actions in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by any such court in Delaware as described herein. Each of the parties further agrees that notice as provided herein shall constitute sufficient service of process and the parties further waive any argument that such service is insufficient. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Transactions, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Delaware as described herein for any reason, (b) that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (c) that (i) the Action in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such Action is improper or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.

 

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SECTION 10.07. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THAT FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.07.

 

SECTION 10.08. Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 10.09. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or portable document format (pdf) transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

SECTION 10.10. Specific Performance. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof, and, accordingly, that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof (including the parties’ obligation to consummate the Merger) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, any court of the United States located in the State of Delaware without proof of actual damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity as expressly permitted in this Agreement. Each of the parties hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any Law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

 

SECTION 10.11. Expenses. Except as set forth in this Section 10.11 or elsewhere in this Agreement, all expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the Merger or any other Transaction is consummated, except that the Company shall pay the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in obtaining the SPAC D&O Tail Policy (but, for clarity, subject to the SPAC D&O Policy Cap) and any directors and officers insurance premium with respect to the renewal of the SPAC’s directors and officers policy. For the avoidance of doubt, the SPAC shall pay all expenses relating to (a) all SEC and other regulatory filings made in connection with the Proxy Statement and (b) all fees and expenses associated with the initial listing application of the New SPAC Common Stock on the Securities Exchange.

 

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SECTION 10.12. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended in writing by the parties hereto at any time prior to the Effective Time. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

 

SECTION 10.13. Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, (i) the SPAC may (a) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of the Company, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein or in any document delivered by the Company pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any agreement of the Company or any condition to its own obligations contained herein and (ii) the Company may (a) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of the SPAC or Merger Sub, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the SPAC or Merger Sub contained herein or in any document delivered by the SPAC and/or Merger pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any agreement of the SPAC or Merger Sub or any condition to its own obligations contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby.

 

[Signature Page Follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the SPAC, Merger Sub, and the Company have caused this Business Combination Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

  TAILWIND ACQUISITION CORP.

 

By/s/ Chris Hollod
Name: Chris Hollod
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  COMPASS MERGER SUB, INC.

 

By/s/ Philip Krim
Name: Philip Krim
  Title: President

 

  NUBURU, INC.

 

By/s/ Mark Zediker
Name: Mark Zediker
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit D

 

Execution Version

 

AMENDMENT TO LETTER AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment (this “Amendment”), dated as of [●] 2022, by and among Tailwind Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Tailwind Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor”) and each of the undersigned (each, an “Insider” and, collectively, the “Insiders”) is to that certain Letter Agreement, dated as of September 3, 2020 (the “Letter Agreement”), by and among the Company, the Sponsor and the Insiders. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Letter Agreement.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Section 12 of the Letter Agreement provides that the Letter Agreement may be amended only by an agreement in writing signed by the Company, the Sponsor and the Insiders; and

 

WHEREAS, each of the Company, the Sponsor and the Insiders desire to amend, and do hereby amend, the Letter Agreement as set forth in this Amendment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the agreements set forth in this Amendment, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company, the Sponsor and the Insiders, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.Amendments to the Letter Agreement.

 

(a)                Section 5(a) of the Letter Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

 

(a)                The Sponsor and the Insiders agree that they shall not Transfer any Founder Shares (the “Founder Shares Lock-up”) (i) if the completion of an initial Business Combination occurs prior to March 30, 2023, until the earliest of (A) nine (9) months following the completion of an initial Business Combination and (B) September 30, 2023 and (ii) if the completion of an initial Business Combination occurs on or after March 30, 2023, until six (6) months following the completion of an initial Business Combination.

 

2.References to the Letter Agreement. After giving effect to this Amendment, unless the context otherwise requires, each reference in the Letter Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereof,” “hereunder,” “herein,” or words of like import referring to the Letter Agreement shall refer to the Letter Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Except as specifically set forth above, the Letter Agreement shall remain unaltered and in full force and effect and the respective terms, conditions or covenants thereof are hereby in all respects ratified and confirmed. Upon the execution and delivery of this Amendment by the parties hereto, (a) this Amendment shall become immediately effective, and (b) this Amendment shall be incorporated in, and become a part of, the Letter Agreement as set forth herein for all purposes of the Letter Agreement.

 

3.Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Letter Agreement shall apply to this Amendment as if set forth herein, mutatis mutandis.

 

[Signatures Follow]

 

 

 

lN WlTNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

  SPONSOR:
   
  TAILWIND SPONSOR LLC  
   
  By:                          
  Name:
  Title:
   
  COMPANY:
   
  TAILWIND ACQUISITION CORP.    
   
  By:  
  Name:
  Title:

 

 

 

  Insiders:
   
   
  Philip Krim
   
   
  Chris Hollod
   
   
  Matt Eby
   
   
  Alan Sheriff
   
   
  Wisdom Lu
   
   
  Neha Parikh
   
   
  Will Quist

  

 

  

Exhibit E

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

TAILWIND ACQUISITION CORP.

 

a Delaware corporation

 

Tailwind Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby certifies that:

 

1. The Company was incorporated under the name “Tailwind Acquisition Corp.” The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Company was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 29, 2020.

 

2. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company attached hereto as Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by this reference, and which restates, integrates and further amends the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of this Company as heretofore amended and restated, has been duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and by the stockholders in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

3. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company shall be effective as of 12:02 pm Eastern Time on [  ], 20[  ].

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its duly authorized officer on [  ], 20[  ] and the foregoing facts stated herein are true and correct.

 

  TAILWIND ACQUISITION CORP.
   
  By: /s/              
  Name:
  Title:    

 

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

Nuburu, Inc.

 

a Delaware corporation

 

ARTICLE I

 

The name of the corporation is Nuburu, Inc. (the “Company”).

 

ARTICLE II

 

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

 

ARTICLE III

 

The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Section 1.      This Company is authorized to issue two classes of stock, to be designated, respectively, Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares of stock that the Company shall have authority to issue is 300,000,000 shares, of which 250,000,000 shares are Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 50,000,000 shares are Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share.

 

Section 2.      Each share of Common Stock outstanding as of the applicable record date shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote on any matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.

 

Section 3.      The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to a resolution or resolutions providing for such issue duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) (authority to do so being hereby expressly vested in the Board of Directors). The Board of Directors is further authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to fix by resolution or resolutions the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of any series of Preferred Stock, including, without limitation, authority to fix by resolution or resolutions the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, and liquidation preferences of any such series, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of the foregoing. The Board of Directors is further authorized to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of any such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series, subject to the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof stated in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the resolution of the Board of Directors originally fixing the number of shares of such series. Except as may be otherwise specified by the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, if the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock is so decreased, then the Company shall take all such steps as are necessary to cause the shares constituting such decrease to resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.

 

- 2 -

 

 

Section 4.      Except as otherwise required by law or provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon by law or pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock).

 

Section 5.      The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the class or classes the number of authorized shares of which are being increased or decreased, unless a vote of any holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock is required pursuant to the terms of any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Section 1.      Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, the number of directors that constitutes the entire Board of Directors of the Company shall be fixed only by resolution of the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. For the purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the term “Whole Board” shall mean the total number of authorized directorships whether or not there exist any vacancies or other unfilled seats in previously authorized directorships. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors of the Company shall be elected to hold office until the expiration of the term for which they are elected and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal; except that if any such meeting shall not be so held, such election shall take place at a stockholders’ meeting called and held in accordance with the DGCL.

 

Section 2.      From and after the effectiveness of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the directors of the Company (other than any who may be elected by holders of Preferred Stock under specified circumstances) shall be divided into three classes as nearly equal in size as is practicable, hereby designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors already in office shall be assigned to each class at the time such classification becomes effective in accordance with a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors or the incorporator of the Company. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date hereof, the term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the date hereof, the term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the date hereof, the term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. If the number of directors is changed, any newly created directorships or decrease in directorships shall be so apportioned hereafter among the classes as to make all classes as nearly equal in number as is practicable, provided that no decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

Section 1.      From and after the effectiveness of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, only for so long as the Board of Directors is classified and subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors.

 

Section 2.      Except as otherwise provided for or fixed by or pursuant to the provisions of ARTICLE IV hereof in relation to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances or except as otherwise provided by resolution of a majority of the Whole Board, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, created in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company, and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. A person so elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Section 1.      The Company is to have perpetual existence.

 

Section 2.      The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Company.

 

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Section 3.      In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Company. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Whole Board shall be required in order for the Board of Directors to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Company’s Bylaws. The Company’s Bylaws may also be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the above or any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Company may not be amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders of the Company except in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws relating to amendments to the Bylaws. No Bylaw hereafter legally adopted, amended, altered or repealed shall invalidate any prior act of the directors or officers of the Company that would have been valid if such Bylaw had not been adopted, amended, altered or repealed.

 

Section 4.      The election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Company shall so provide.

 

Section 5.      No stockholder will be permitted to cumulate votes at any election of directors.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Section 1.      Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.

 

Section 2.      Subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of stockholders of the Company may be called only by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board, but a special meeting may not be called by any other person or persons and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied. Only such business shall be considered at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been stated in the notice for such meeting.

 

Section 3.      Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Company shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Company.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Section 1.      To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended from time to time, a director or officer of the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, as applicable. If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors or officers, then the liability of a director or officer of the Company shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.

 

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Section 2.      Subject to any provisions in the Bylaws of the Company related to indemnification of directors of the Company, the Company shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any director of the Company who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding. The Company shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if the Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.      The Company shall have the power to indemnify, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any officer, employee or agent of the Company who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding.

 

Section 4.      Neither any amendment, elimination nor repeal of any Section of this ARTICLE IX, nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company inconsistent with this ARTICLE IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this ARTICLE IX in respect of any matter occurring, or any Proceeding accruing or arising or that, but for this ARTICLE IX, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, elimination, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

 

ARTICLE X

 

Meetings of stockholders may be held within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Company may be kept (subject to any provision of applicable law) outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places or in such manner or manners as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Company.

 

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ARTICLE XI

 

The Company reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the manner prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware and all rights conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that notwithstanding any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote, the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board and the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of the voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the amendment, repeal or modification of the provisions of Section 3 of ARTICLE IV, Section 2 of ARTICLE V, Section 1 of ARTICLE VI, Section 2 of ARTICLE VI, Section 5 of ARTICLE VII, Section 1 of ARTICLE VIII, Section 2 of ARTICLE VIII, Section 3 of ARTICLE VIII or this ARTICLE XI of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

 

*        *        *        *        *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed this ___day of _________, 2022.

 

  NUBURU, INC.
   
  By:                          
  Name:
  Title:

 

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Exhibit F

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS

 

of

 

Series A PREFERRED STOCK,

 

PAR VALUE $0.0001,

 

OF

 

NUBURU, INC.

 

Pursuant to Section 151 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “DGCL”), Nuburu, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 of the DGCL, DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

 

WHEREAS, the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), authorizes the issuance of 300,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 250,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”);

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation expressly authorizes the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) by resolution or resolutions, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to fix by resolution or resolutions the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of any series of Preferred Stock, including, without limitation, authority to fix by resolution or resolutions the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, and liquidation preferences of any such series, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of the foregoing;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board, on [  ], 20[  ], adopted the following resolution designating a new series of Preferred Stock as “Series A Preferred Stock”:

 

RESOLVED, that, pursuant to the authority vested in the Board in accordance with the provisions of Article IV of the Certificate of Incorporation and the provisions of Section 151 of the DGCL, a series of Preferred Stock of the Company is hereby authorized, and the number of shares to be included in such series, and the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the shares of Preferred Stock included in such series, shall be as follows:

 

Section 1.      Designation and Number of Shares. The shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as “Series A Preferred Stock” (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The number of authorized shares constituting the Series A Preferred Stock shall be 50,000,000. That number from time to time may be increased (but not above the total number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock) or decreased (but not below the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding) by further resolution duly adopted by the Board, or any duly authorized committee thereof and by the filing of a certificate pursuant to the provisions of the DGCL stating that such increase or decrease, as applicable, has been so authorized. The Company shall not have the authority to issue fractional shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

 

 

Section 2.      Ranking. The Series A Preferred Stock will rank, with respect to rights on the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company senior to the Common Stock (such Capital Stock, “Junior Stock”).

 

Section 3.      Definitions. As used herein with respect to Series A Preferred Stock:

 

Affiliate” of a specified Person shall mean a Person who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person.

 

Beneficially Own”, “Beneficially Owned” or “Beneficial Ownership” and “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act, except that for purposes of this Certificate of Designations the words “within sixty days” in Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) shall not apply to the effect that a Person shall be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of a security if that Person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security at any time. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Certificate of Designations, the Holder shall at all times be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock or shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or repurchase of shares of Series A Preferred Stock directly or indirectly held by such Holder, irrespective of any non-conversion period specified in this Certificate of Designations or any restrictions on transfer or voting contained in this Certificate of Designations.

 

Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

 

Business Combination Agreement” shall mean the Business Combination Agreement between the Company, Compass Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Nuburu, Inc., a Delaware corporation, dated as of August 5, 2022, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Business Day” shall mean any weekday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to be closed.

 

Bylaws” shall mean the Bylaws of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Capital Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all shares of, interests in, rights to purchase, warrants to purchase, options for, participations in or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) stock issued by such Person.

 

Certificate of Designations” shall mean this Certificate of Designations relating to the Series A Preferred Stock, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

 

2

 

 

Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a sale, transfer, conveyance, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company, (ii) any Person or “group” (as such term is used in Section 13 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, obtains Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the Company or (iii) the Company consummates any merger, consolidation or similar transaction in which Common Stock is converted into equity securities of another entity, unless in the case of this clause (iii) (A) the Company or a successor continues to be incorporated in the United States, listed on a national stock exchange in the United States, and treated as a United States corporation for federal income tax purposes and (B) the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction continue to hold (in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the shares of Voting Stock immediately prior to the transaction, other than changes in proportionality as a result of any cash/stock election provided under the terms of the definitive agreement regarding such transaction) more than 50% of all of voting power of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the surviving or resulting entity, or if the Company becomes a wholly owned subsidiary in such transaction, a direct or indirect parent entity of the Company, in such transaction immediately following the consummation of such transaction. A “Change of Control” shall not include any transaction with the principal purpose of changing the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation within the United States.

 

close of business” shall mean 5:00 p.m. (New York City time).

 

Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

Closing Price” of the Common Stock on any date of determination shall mean the closing sale price or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price, of the shares of the Common Stock on the Securities Exchange on such date. If the Common Stock is not traded on a Securities Exchange on any date of determination, the Closing Price of the Common Stock on such date of determination shall mean the closing sale price as reported in the composite transactions for the principal United States securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is so listed or quoted, or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price on the principal United States securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is so listed or quoted, or if the Common Stock is not so listed or quoted on a United States securities exchange or automated quotation system, the last quoted bid price for the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or any similar organization, or, if that bid price is not available, the market price of the Common Stock on that date as determined by an Independent Financial Advisor retained by the Company for such purpose.

 

Code” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

 

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

 

3

 

 

Constituent Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(a)(iii).

 

Conversion Agent” shall mean the Transfer Agent acting in its capacity as conversion agent for the Series A Preferred Stock, and its successors and assigns.

 

Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).

 

Conversion Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(a)(i).

 

Conversion Price” shall mean, for each share of Series A Preferred Stock, a dollar amount equal to the lesser of (i) $11.50 and (ii) the greater of (x) 115% of the Conversion Price VWAP and (y) $5.00, in each case subject to adjustment as set forth herein.

 

Conversion Price VWAP” shall mean the VWAP per share of Common Stock that is the lowest VWAP for any consecutive ninety (90) Trading Day period prior to the time of the calculation of such VWAP. For the avoidance of doubt, such VWAP shall be calculated on the basis of the volume-weighted price for the entire such period and not by averaging the VWAPs of each Trading Day in such period.

 

Conversion Restrictions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

 

DGCL” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

 

Distributed Entity” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Company distributed in a Distribution Transaction.

 

Distribution Transaction” shall mean any distribution of equity securities of a Subsidiary of the Company to holders of Common Stock, whether by means of a spin-off, split-off, redemption, reclassification, exchange, stock dividend, share distribution, rights offering or similar transaction.

 

Ex-Dividend Date” shall mean, with respect to an issuance, dividend or distribution on the Common Stock, the first date on which shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such issuance, dividend or distribution (including pursuant to due bills or similar arrangements required by the relevant stock exchange). For the avoidance of doubt, any alternative trading convention on the applicable exchange or market in respect of the Common Stock under a separate ticker symbol or CUSIP number will not be considered “regular way” for this purpose.

 

Excess Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

 

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Exchange Preferred Stock” shall mean a series of convertible preferred stock issued by the Company and having terms, conditions, designations, dividend rights, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the good faith judgment of the Board, to those of the Series A Preferred Stock, except that the Original Issuance Price and the Conversion Price thereof will be determined as provided herein.

 

4

 

 

Exchange Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(a)(iii).

 

Exempt Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10(b).

 

Holder” shall mean a Person in whose name the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are registered, which Person shall be treated by the Company, Transfer Agent, Registrar, paying agent and Conversion Agent as the absolute owner of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock for the purpose of making payment and settling conversions and for all other purposes; provided, however that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, (i) no Person that has received shares of Series A Preferred Stock in violation of the Business Combination Agreement and of any transfer restrictions set forth therein shall be a Holder, (ii) the Transfer Agent, Registrar, paying agent and Conversion Agent, as applicable, shall not, unless directed otherwise by the Company, recognize any such Person as a Holder and (iii) the Person in whose name the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were registered immediately prior to such transfer shall remain the Holder of such shares.

 

Independent Financial Advisor” shall mean an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant of nationally recognized standing; provided, however, that such firm or consultant is not an Affiliate of the Company.

 

Individual Holder Share Cap” shall mean, with respect to any individual Holder, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that could be issued by the Company to such Holder without triggering a change of control under applicable stock exchange listing rules.

 

Intended Tax Treatment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 18(b).

 

Issuance Date” shall mean, with respect to any share of Series A Preferred Stock, the date of issuance of such share.

 

Junior Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.

 

Mandatory Conversion” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).

 

Mandatory Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).

 

Mandatory Conversion Price” shall mean 200.0% of the then-current Conversion Price.

 

Market Disruption Event” shall mean any of the following events:

 

(a)               any suspension of, or limitation imposed on, trading of the Common Stock by any exchange or quotation system on which the Closing Price is determined pursuant to the definition of the term “Closing Price” (the “Relevant Exchange”) during the one-hour period prior to the close of trading for the regular trading session on the Relevant Exchange (or for purposes of determining the VWAP per share of Common Stock, any period or periods aggregating one half hour or longer during the regular trading session on the relevant day) and whether by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the Relevant Exchange as to securities generally, or otherwise relating to the Common Stock or options contracts relating to the Common Stock on the Relevant Exchange; or

 

(b)               any event that disrupts or impairs (as determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion) the ability of market participants during the one-hour period prior to the close of trading for the regular trading session on the Relevant Exchange (or for purposes of determining the VWAP per share of Common Stock, any period or periods aggregating one half-hour or longer during the regular trading session on the relevant day) in general to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for, the Common Stock on the Relevant Exchange or to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for, options contracts relating to the Common Stock on the Relevant Exchange.

 

5

 

 

Mirror Preferred Stock” shall mean a series of convertible preferred stock issued by the Distributed Entity and having terms, conditions, designations, dividend rights, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the good faith judgment of the Board, to those of the Series A Preferred Stock, except that the Original Issuance Price and the Conversion Price thereof will be determined as provided herein.

 

Notice of Mandatory Conversion” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(b).

 

Officer’s Certificate” shall mean a certificate executed by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Secretary of the Company.

 

Original Issuance Date” shall mean the Closing Date.

 

Original Issuance Price” shall mean, with respect to any share of Series A Preferred Stock, as of any date, $10.00 per share (subject to equitable adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock consolidation, subdivision or other event of a similar nature (other than a redemption or a conversion pursuant to the terms of this Certificate of Designations) that increases or decreases the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding).

 

Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability or unlimited liability company, association, partnership, trust, estate, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or other entity of any kind or nature.

 

Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

 

Record Date” shall mean, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of the Common Stock have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which the Common Stock is exchanged for or converted into any combination of cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of the Common Stock entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by the Board or by statute, contract or otherwise).

 

Registrar” shall mean the Transfer Agent acting in its capacity as registrar for the Series A Preferred Stock, and its successors and assigns.

 

Relevant Exchange” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of the term “Market Disruption Event”.

 

Reorganization Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(a)(iii).

 

6

 

 

Securities Exchange” means the New York Stock Exchange (or any nationally recognized successor thereto); provided, however, that in the event the Company’s Common Stock is ever listed or traded on the NYSE American, the NYSE Arca, The Nasdaq Capital Market, The Nasdaq Global Market or The Nasdaq Global Select Market, (or any nationally recognized successor to any of the foregoing), then the “Securities Exchange” shall mean such other market or exchange on which the Company’s Common Stock is then listed or traded.

 

Series A Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.

 

Share Cap” shall mean a number of shares of Common Stock issued or issuable by the Company pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement and pursuant to the terms hereof which would cause the holders of such securities to Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of shares of the Company’s Capital Stock that represents in excess of 9.99% of the Voting Stock as of the Conversion Date.

 

Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person of which 50% or more of the shares of the voting securities or other voting interests are owned or controlled, or the ability to select or elect 50% or more of the directors or similar managers is held, directly or indirectly, by such first Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such first Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

 

Test Date” shall mean the date that is two (2) years following the Original Issuance Date.

 

Trading Day” shall mean a Business Day on which the Relevant Exchange is scheduled to be open for business and on which there has not occurred a Market Disruption Event.

 

Trading Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).

 

Transfer Agent” shall mean the Person acting as Transfer Agent, Registrar and paying agent and Conversion Agent for the Series A Preferred Stock, and its successors and assigns. The Transfer Agent initially shall be the Company.

 

Transfer Taxes” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 18(a).

 

Unpaid Cash Dividends” shall mean, as of any date, with respect to any share of Series A Preferred Stock, all cash dividends that have been declared on such share, but that have not, as of such date, been paid in cash.

 

Voting Stock” shall mean (i) with respect to the Company, the Common Stock and any other Capital Stock of the Company having the right to vote generally in any election of directors of the Board and (ii) with respect to any other Person, all Capital Stock of such Person having the right to vote generally in any election of directors of the board of directors of such Person or other similar governing body.

 

VWAP” per share of Common Stock on any Trading Day shall mean the per share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg (or, if Bloomberg ceases to publish such price, any successor service reasonably chosen by the Company) in respect of the period from the open of trading on the relevant Trading Day until the close of trading on such Trading Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market price of one share of Common Stock on such Trading Day determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by an Independent Financial Advisor retained for such purpose by the Company).

 

7

 

 

Section 4.      Dividends.

 

(a)               Dividends. Dividends may be authorized by the Board, or any duly authorized committee thereof, and declared by the Board, or any duly authorized committee thereof, and paid by the Company, on any Junior Stock from time to time, and the Holders shall be entitled to participate in those dividends on an as-converted basis (pursuant to Section 6 without regard to any limitations on convertibility set forth therein) (other than pursuant to the adjustments otherwise provided under Section 10(b) or Section 11(a), as applicable).

 

(b)               Waivers. Any right related to the payment of dividends under this Section 4 or otherwise set forth in this Certificate of Designations may be waived as to such rights for all shares of Series A Preferred Stock (and the Holders thereof) upon the vote, election or approval of the Holders holding a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Section 5.      Liquidation Rights.

 

(a)               Liquidation. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, the Holders shall be entitled, out of assets legally available therefor, before any distribution or payment out of the assets of the Company may be made to or set aside for the holders of any Junior Stock, and subject to the rights of the Company’s existing and future creditors, to receive in full a liquidating distribution in cash and in the amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the greater of (i) the Original Issuance Price, and (ii) the amount a Holder would have received had such Holder, immediately prior to such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, converted such share of Series A Preferred Stock into Common Stock (pursuant to Section 6). Holders shall not be entitled to any further payments in the event of any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company other than what is expressly provided for in this Section 5 and will have no right or claim to any of the Company’s remaining assets.

 

(b)               Partial Payment. If in connection with any distribution described in Section 5(a) above, the assets of the Company or proceeds therefrom are not sufficient to pay in full the aggregate liquidating distributions required to be paid pursuant to Section 5(a) to all Holders, the amounts distributed to the Holders shall be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective aggregate liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full.

 

(c)               Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets Not Liquidation. For purposes of this Section 5, the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company shall not be deemed a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, nor shall the merger, consolidation, statutory exchange or any other business combination transaction of the Company into or with any other Person or the merger, consolidation, statutory exchange or any other business combination transaction of any other Person into or with the Company be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company.

 

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Section 6.      Right of the Holders to Convert.

 

(a)               Each Holder shall have the right, at any time and at such Holder’s option, subject to the conversion procedures set forth in Section 8, to (1) convert each share of such Holder’s Series A Preferred Stock into the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (A) the Original Issuance Price as of the Conversion Date divided by (B) the Conversion Price as of the applicable Conversion Date and (2) receive a cash amount equal to any Unpaid Cash Dividends as of such date. The right of conversion may be exercised as to all or any portion of such Holder’s Series A Preferred Stock from time to time.

 

(b)               The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for issuance upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be issuable upon the conversion of all the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding. Any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(c)               Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Certificate of Designations to the contrary, (i) the Holders shall not have the right to acquire shares of Common Stock, and the Company shall not be required to issue shares of Common Stock, in excess of the Share Cap and (ii) no Holder shall have the right to acquire shares of Common Stock, and the Company shall not be required to issue shares of Common Stock to such Holder, in excess of such Holder’s Individual Holder Share Cap (collectively, the “Conversion Restrictions”), and in each case, the Company shall deliver, in lieu of any shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon conversion in excess of the Conversion Restrictions, an amount of cash per share equal to the Closing Price on the Trading Day immediately prior to the Conversion Date (such cash amount, the “Excess Amount”).

 

Section 7.      Right of Company to Convert.

 

(a)               If the VWAP per share of Common Stock was greater than the Mandatory Conversion Price for any twenty (20) Trading Days within any period of thirty (30) Trading Days (such thirty (30) Trading Day period, the “Trading Period”), the Company may elect to convert (a “Mandatory Conversion”) all, but not less than all, of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock (the date selected by the Company for any Mandatory Conversion pursuant to this Section 7(a), the “Mandatory Conversion Date”). In the case of a Mandatory Conversion, (1) each share of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be converted into the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (A) the Original Issuance Price as of the Mandatory Conversion Date divided by (B) the Conversion Price of such share in effect as of the Mandatory Conversion Date, and (2) any Unpaid Cash Dividends as of such date shall be settled in cash; provided, however, that, if as a result of the Conversion Restrictions, all then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock may not be converted into shares of Common Stock at such time, the Company shall ratably deliver the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock at such time, together with an amount in cash equal to the Excess Amount in lieu of any such shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon a Mandatory Conversion in excess of the Conversion Restrictions.

 

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(b)               Notice of Mandatory Conversion. If the Company elects to effect a Mandatory Conversion, the Company shall, within twenty (20) Business Days following the completion of the applicable thirty (30) day Trading Period referred to in Section 7(a) above, provide notice of Mandatory Conversion to each Holder (such notice, a “Notice of Mandatory Conversion”). For the avoidance of doubt, a Notice of Mandatory Conversion does not limit a Holder’s right to convert on a Conversion Date prior to the Mandatory Conversion Date. The Mandatory Conversion Date selected by the Company shall be no less than thirty (30) Business Days and no more than forty-five (45) Business Days after the date on which the Company provides the Notice of Mandatory Conversion to the Holders. The Notice of Mandatory Conversion shall state the Mandatory Conversion Date selected by the Company.

 

Section 8.      Conversion Procedures and Effect of Conversion.

 

(a)               Conversion Procedure. A Holder must do each of the following in order to convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock:

 

(i)                        in the case of a conversion pursuant to Section 6(a), complete and execute the conversion notice provided by the Conversion Agent (the “Conversion Notice”), and deliver such notice to the Conversion Agent; provided, however that a Conversion Notice may be conditional on the completion of a Change of Control or other corporate transaction;

 

(ii)                        surrender to the Conversion Agent the certificate or certificates (if any) representing the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted (or, if such Holder alleges that such certificate or certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed, a lost certificate or certificates affidavit and agreement reasonably acceptable to the Company to indemnify the Company against any claim that may be made against the Company on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate or certificates);

 

(iii)                        if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company; and

 

(iv)                        if required, pay any stock transfer, documentary, stamp or similar taxes not payable by the Company pursuant to Section 18.

 

The foregoing clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) shall be conditions to the issuance of shares of Common Stock to the Holders in the event of a Mandatory Conversion pursuant to Section 7 or a conversion pursuant to Section 9(c) (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not to the Mandatory Conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on the Mandatory Conversion Date, which such Mandatory Conversion shall be deemed to occur automatically on the Conversion Date, nor to the conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 9(c), which such conversion shall be deemed to occur automatically on the date that is five (5) Business Days after the Test Date). The Holder may, in respect of a Mandatory Conversion or a conversion pursuant to Section 9(c), deliver a notice to the Conversion Agent specifying, in respect of the deliverable shares of Common Stock, a delivery method of either book-entry basis, through the facilities of The Depositary Trust Company (if eligible) or certificated form. If no such notice is delivered, the Holder shall be deemed to have chosen delivery by book-entry.

 

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The “Conversion Date” means (A) with respect to conversion of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the option of any Holder pursuant to Section 6(a), the date on which such Holder complies with the procedures in this Section 8(a) (including the satisfaction of any conditions to conversion set forth in the Conversion Notice), (B) with respect to Mandatory Conversion pursuant to Section 7(a), the Mandatory Conversion Date and (C) with respect to a conversion pursuant to Section 9(c), the date that is five (5) Business Days after the Test Date.

 

(b)               Effect of Conversion. Effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Conversion Date applicable to any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, dividends shall no longer be declared on any such shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(c)               Record Holder of Underlying Securities as of Conversion Date. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Stock and, to the extent applicable, cash, securities or other property issuable upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock on a Conversion Date shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder(s) of such shares of Common Stock and/or cash, securities or other property as of the close of business on such Conversion Date. As promptly as practicable on or after the Conversion Date and compliance by the applicable Holder with the relevant procedures contained in Section 8(a) (and in any event no later than five (5) Trading Days thereafter; provided, however that, if a written notice from the Holder in accordance with Section 8(a) specifies a date of delivery for any shares of Common Stock, such shares shall be delivered on the date so specified, which shall be no earlier than the second (2nd) Business Day immediately following the date of such notice (or such later date, not to exceed the fifth (5th) Business Day immediately following the date of such notice, if, prior to the Conversion Date, the Transfer Agent has delivered written notice to the Holders of Series A Preferred Stock that it is unable deliver shares of Common Stock within two (2) Business Days following any Conversion Date) and no later than the seventh (7th) Business Day thereafter), the Company shall issue the number of whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion (and deliver any Excess Amount) and, to the extent applicable, any cash, securities or other property issuable thereon. Such delivery of shares of Common Stock, securities or other property shall be made by book-entry or, at the request of the Holder, through the facilities of The Depositary Trust Company (if eligible), or in certificated form. Any such certificate or certificates shall be delivered by the Company to the appropriate Holder on a book-entry basis, through the facilities of The Depositary Trust Company (if eligible), or by mailing certificates evidencing the shares to the Holders, in each case at their respective addresses as set forth in the Conversion Notice (in the case of a conversion pursuant to Section 6(a)) or in the records of the Company or as set forth in a notice from the Holder to the Conversion Agent, as applicable (in the case of a Mandatory Conversion or a conversion pursuant to Section 9(c)). In the event that a Holder shall not by written notice designate the name in which shares of Common Stock and, to the extent applicable, cash, securities or other property to be delivered upon conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock should be registered or paid, or the manner in which such shares, cash, securities or other property should be delivered, the Company shall be entitled to register and deliver such shares, securities or other property, and make such payment, in the name of the Holder and in the manner shown on the records of the Company (or, if no such manner is shown on the records of the Company, in the manner chosen in good faith by the Board).

 

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(d)               Status of Converted or Reacquired Shares. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock converted in accordance with this Certificate of Designations, or otherwise acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever, shall be retired promptly after the conversion or acquisition thereof and shall not be reissued as shares of such series. All such shares shall, upon their retirement and any filing required by the DGCL, become authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock, without designation as to series until such shares are once more designated as part of a particular series by the Board pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 9.      Test Date.

 

(a)               On the Test Date:

 

(i)                        If the Conversion Price exceeds the VWAP on such date, then the Company shall redeem all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, to the extent not prohibited by law, at the Original Issuance Price; and

 

(ii)                        If the Conversion Price is equal to or less than the VWAP on such date, then the Company shall convert all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding into shares of Common Stock, to the extent not prohibited by law, at the Conversion Price.

 

(b)               Test Date Redemption. If the Company is obligated to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding pursuant to Section 9(a)(i), then on the date that is five (5) Business Days after the Test Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each Holder, cash by wire transfer, equal to the Original Issuance Price; provided, however, that if the Company shall not have sufficient funds legally available under applicable law to redeem all then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company shall ratably redeem the maximum number of shares that it may redeem consistent with such law, and shall redeem the remaining shares as soon as it may lawfully do so under such law. From and after the Test Date with respect to any share of Series A Preferred Stock that the Company has redeemed in accordance with the provisions of this Section, (i) such share shall no longer be deemed outstanding and (ii) all rights with respect to such share shall cease and terminate. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, until a share of Series A Preferred Stock is redeemed by the payment in full of the Original Issuance Price, such share of Series A Preferred Stock will remain outstanding and will be entitled to all of the powers, designations, preferences and other rights provided herein including the right to convert.

 

(c)               Test Date Conversion. If the Company is obligated to convert the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding pursuant to Section 9(a)(ii), then on the date that is five (5) Business Days after the Test Date, (1) each share of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of the Test Date shall be converted into the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (A) the Original Issuance Price as of the Test Date divided by (B) the Conversion Price as of the Test Date and (2) any Unpaid Cash Dividends as of such date shall be settled in cash; provided, however, that, if as a result of the Conversion Restrictions, all then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock may not be converted into shares of Common Stock at such time, the Company shall ratably deliver the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock at such time, together with an amount in cash equal to the Excess Amount in lieu of any such shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon a conversion pursuant to this Section in excess of the Conversion Restrictions; provided further that the provisions of Section 8 shall apply to any conversion pursuant to this Section.

 

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Section 10.  Adjustments to the Conversion Price.

 

(a)               Anti-Dilution Adjustments. The Conversion Price will be subject to adjustment, without duplication, upon the occurrence of the following events, except that the Company shall not make any adjustment to the Conversion Price if a Holder of the Series A Preferred Stock participates, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of Common Stock and solely as a result of holding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, in any transaction described in this Section 10(a), without having to convert its Series A Preferred Stock, as if it held a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Original Issuance Price of each share of Series A Preferred Stock held by such Holder divided by the then-current Conversion Price:

 

(i)                        Stock Splits and Combinations. If the Company effects a stock split or a stock combination of the Common Stock (in each case, excluding an issuance solely pursuant to a Reorganization Event, as to which Section 11 will apply), then the Conversion Price will be adjusted based on the following formula:

 

 

 

where:

 

CP0 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately before the close of business on the effective date of such stock split or stock combination, as applicable;

 

CP1 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately after the close of business on such effective date, as applicable;

 

OS0 = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the close of business on such effective date, as applicable, without giving effect to such stock split or stock combination; and

 

OS1 = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such stock split or stock combination.

 

If any stock split or stock combination of the type described in this Section 10(a)(i) is declared or announced, but not so made, then the Conversion Price will be readjusted, effective as of the date the Board, or any Officer acting pursuant to authority conferred by the Board, determines not to effect such stock split or stock combination, to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had such stock split or stock combination not been declared or announced.

 

13

 

 

(ii)                        Rights, Options and Warrants. If the Company distributes, to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock, rights, options or warrants (other than rights issued or otherwise distributed pursuant to a stockholder rights plan) entitling such holders, for a period of not more than forty-five (45) calendar days after the Record Date of such distribution, to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Closing Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date such distribution is announced, then the Conversion Price will be decreased based on the following formula:

 

 

 

where:

 

CP0 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately before the close of business on such Record Date;

 

CP1 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately after the close of business on such Record Date;

 

OS = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the close of business on such Record Date;

 

Y = a number of shares of Common Stock obtained by dividing (x) the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants by (y) the average of the Closing Price per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date such distribution is announced; and

 

X = the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants.

 

provided, however, that (A) the Conversion Price will not be adjusted pursuant to this Section 10(b)(ii) solely as a result of an Exempt Issuance and (B) the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the exercise, vesting or conversion of such rights, options or warrants will not constitute an additional issuance or sale of Common Stock.

 

To the extent such rights, options or warrants are not so distributed, the Conversion Price will be readjusted to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had the decrease to the Conversion Price for such distribution been made on the basis of only the rights, options or warrants, if any, actually distributed. In addition, to the extent that shares of Common Stock are not delivered after the expiration of such rights, options or warrants (including as a result of such rights, options or warrants not being exercised), the Conversion Price will be readjusted to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had the decrease to the Conversion Price for such distribution been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually delivered upon exercise of such rights, option or warrants.

 

For purposes of this Section 10(a)(ii), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle holders of Common Stock to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Closing Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the date the distribution of such rights, options or warrants is announced, and in determining the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants, there will be taken into account any consideration the Company receives for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise thereof, with the value of such consideration, if not cash, to be determined by the Board.

 

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(iii)                        Distribution Transactions and Other Distributed Property.

 

(A)             Distributions Other than Distribution Transactions. If the Company distributes shares of its Capital Stock, evidences of the Company’s indebtedness or other assets or property of the Company, or rights, options or warrants to acquire the Company’s Capital Stock or other securities, to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock, excluding:

 

(I)                rights, options or warrants for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price is required pursuant to Section 10(a)(i) or Section 10(a)(ii);

 

(II)              dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash;

 

(III)           rights issued or otherwise distributed pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, except to the extent provided in Section 10(c);

 

(IV)          Distribution Transactions for which an adjustment to the Conversion Price is required pursuant to Section 10(a)(iii)(B);

 

(V)             a distribution solely pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock, as to which Section 10(a)(ii) will apply; and

 

(VI)          a distribution solely pursuant to a Reorganization Event, as to which Section 11 will apply, then the Conversion Price will be decreased based on the following formula:

 

 

 

where:

 

CP0 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately before the close of business on the Record Date for such distribution;

 

CP1 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately after the close of business on such Record Date;

 

SP = the average of the Closing Prices per share of Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution; and

 

FMV = the fair market value (as determined by the Board), as of such Record Date, of the shares of Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants distributed per share of Common Stock pursuant to such distribution;

 

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provided, however, that, if FMV is equal to or greater than SP, then, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment to the Conversion Price, each Holder will receive, for each share of Series A Preferred Stock held by such Holder on such Record Date, at the same time and on the same terms as holders of Common Stock, the amount and kind of shares of Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants that such Holder would have received in such distribution if such Holder had owned, on such Record Date, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that would be issuable (determined in accordance with Section 6) in respect of one (1) share of Series A Preferred Stock that is converted with a Conversion Date occurring on such Record Date (subject to the same arrangements, if any, in such distribution not to issue or deliver a fractional portion of any Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants, but with such arrangement applying separately to each Holder and computed based on the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such Holder on such Record Date).

 

To the extent such distribution is not so paid or made, the Conversion Price will be readjusted to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had the adjustment been made on the basis of only the distribution, if any, actually made or paid.

 

(B)              Distribution Transactions. If the Company engages in a Distribution Transaction in which it distributes or dividends shares of Capital Stock of any class or series, or similar equity interests, of or relating to an Affiliate or Subsidiary or other business unit of the Company to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock (other than solely pursuant to (x) a Reorganization Event, as to which Section 11 will apply; or (y) a tender offer or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock, as to which Section 10(b)(ii) will apply), and such Capital Stock or equity interests are listed or quoted (or will be listed or quoted upon the consummation of the transaction) on a U.S. national securities exchange, then the Conversion Price will be decreased based on the following formula:

 

 

 

where:

 

CP0 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately before the close of business on the Record Date for such Distribution Transaction;

 

CP1 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately after the close of business on such Record Date;

 

SP = the average of the Closing Prices per share of Common Stock for each Trading Day in the Distribution Transaction Valuation Period (as defined below); and

 

FMV = the product of (x) the average of the Closing Prices per share or unit of the Capital Stock or equity interests distributed in such Distribution Transaction over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period (the “Distribution Transaction Valuation Period”) beginning on, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date for such Distribution Transaction (such average to be determined as if references to Common Stock in the definitions of “Closing Price,” “Trading Day” and “Market Disruption Event” were instead references to such Capital Stock or equity interests);

 

and (y) the number of shares or units of such Capital Stock or equity interests distributed per share of Common Stock in such Distribution Transaction.

 

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provided, however, that in the event of a Distribution Transaction where the Majority Holders (as defined below) elect to engage in a Spin-Off Exchange Offer (as defined below), and such Spin-Off Exchange Offer is completed pursuant to Section 10(d), then no adjustment to the Conversion Price shall be made pursuant to this Section 10(a)(iii)(B).

 

The adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to this Section 10(a)(iii)(B) will be calculated as of the close of business on the last Trading Day of the Distribution Transaction Valuation Period that will be given effect immediately after the close of business of the Record Date for the Distribution Transaction, with retroactive effect. If the Conversion Date for any share of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted occurs during the Distribution Transaction Valuation Period, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, the Company will, if necessary, delay the settlement of such conversion until the second (2nd) Business Day after the last Trading Day of the Distribution Transaction Valuation Period.

 

To the extent any dividend or distribution of the type described in Section 10(a)(iii)(B) is declared but not made or paid, the Conversion Price will be readjusted to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had the adjustment been made on the basis of only the dividend or distribution, if any, actually made or paid.

 

(iv)                        Tender Offers or Exchange Offers. If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock (other than solely pursuant to an odd-lot tender offer pursuant to Rule 13e-4(h)(5) under the Exchange Act), and the value (determined as of the Expiration Time (as defined below) by the Board) of the cash and other consideration paid per share of Common Stock in such tender or exchange offer exceeds the Closing Price per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately after the last date (the “Expiration Date”) on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (as it may be amended), then the Conversion Price will be decreased based on the following formula:

 

 

 

where:

 

CP0 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately before the time (the “Expiration Time”) such tender or exchange offer expires;

 

CP1 = the Conversion Price in effect immediately after the Expiration Time;

 

SP = the average of the Closing Prices per share of Common Stock over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period (the “Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period”) beginning on, and including, the Trading Day immediately after the Expiration Date;

 

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OS0 = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Expiration Time (including all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer);

 

AC = the aggregate value (determined as of the Expiration Time by the Board) of all cash and other consideration paid for shares of Common Stock purchased or exchanged in such tender or exchange offer; and

 

OS1 = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after the Expiration Time (excluding all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer);

 

provided, however, that the Conversion Price will in no event be adjusted up pursuant to this Section 10(b)(v), except to the extent provided in the immediately following paragraph. The adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to this Section 10(b)(v) will be calculated as of the close of business on the last Trading Day of the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period but will be given effect immediately after the Expiration Time, with retroactive effect. If the Conversion Date for any share of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted occurs on the Expiration Date or during the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, the Company will, if necessary, delay the settlement of such conversion until the second (2nd) Business Day after the last Trading Day of the Tender/Exchange Offer Valuation Period.

 

To the extent such tender or exchange offer is announced but not consummated (including as a result of being precluded from consummating such tender or exchange offer under applicable law), or any purchases or exchanges of shares of Common Stock in such tender or exchange offer are rescinded, the Conversion Price will be readjusted to the Conversion Price that would then be in effect had the adjustment been made on the basis of only the purchases or exchanges of shares of Common Stock, if any, actually made, and not rescinded, in such tender or exchange offer.

 

(b)               No Adjustments in Certain Cases. Without limiting the operation of Section 6(a), the Company will not be required to adjust the Conversion Price except pursuant to this Section 10. For the avoidance of doubt, no adjustment to the Conversion Price will be made (the following, each an “Exempt Issuance”):

 

(i)                        Upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on securities of the Company and the investment of additional optional amounts in Common Stock under any plan in which purchases are made at market prices on the date or dates of purchase, without discount, and whether or not the Company bears the ordinary costs of administration and operation of the plan, including brokerage commissions;

 

(ii)                        upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or options or rights to purchase such shares pursuant to any present or future employee, director, consultant or officer equity incentive plan or program of or assumed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of any employee agreements or arrangements or programs;

 

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(iii)                        except as otherwise provided in Section 10(a) upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to exercise, vesting or conversion of any option, warrant, right, restricted stock unit or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security;

 

(iv)                        for dividends or distributions declared or paid to holders of Common Stock in which the Holders participate; or

 

(v)                        for a change in the par value of the Common Stock.

 

(c)               Stockholder Rights Plans. If any shares of Common Stock are to be issued upon conversion of any Series A Preferred Stock and, at the time of such conversion, the Company has in effect any stockholder rights plan, then the Holder of such Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, in addition to, and concurrently with the delivery of, the consideration otherwise due upon such conversion, the rights set forth in such stockholder rights plan, unless such rights have separated from the Common Stock at such time, in which case, and only in such case, the Conversion Price will be adjusted pursuant to Section 10(a)(iii)(A) on account of such separation as if, at the time of such separation, the Company had made a distribution of the type referred to in such Section 10(a)(iii)(A) to all holders of Common Stock, subject to readjustment pursuant to Section 10(a)(iii)(A) if such rights expire, terminate or are redeemed. For the avoidance of doubt, if the rights issued or otherwise distributed pursuant to any such stockholder rights plan have previously been issued to the Holders of Series A Preferred Stock, then the foregoing sentence of this Section 10(c) shall not apply.

 

(d)               Distribution Transactions.

 

(i)                        In the event the Company proposes to effect a Distribution Transaction, then, by written notice of the Holders constituting at least a majority of the outstanding voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Majority Holders”) delivered to the Company prior to the relevant Record Date, the Company will negotiate in good faith with such Majority Holders the terms and conditions of an exchange offer described herein (the “Spin-Off Exchange Offer”), and in the event the Spin-Off Exchange Offer is completed, then no adjustment to the Conversion Price shall be made pursuant to Section 10(a)(iii)(B).

 

(ii)                         In connection with the Spin-Off Exchange Offer, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be exchanged by the Company for one (1) share of Mirror Preferred Stock and one (1) share of Exchange Preferred Stock. The Original Issuance Price of the Series A Preferred Stock will be allocated between the shares of Mirror Preferred Stock and Exchange Preferred Stock in accordance with the relative fair market value of the assets and businesses to be held by the Distributed Entity and the assets and businesses to be retained by the Company, as determined in good faith by the Board after consultation with the Majority Holders.

 

(iii)                         The Company and the Majority Holders will negotiate reasonably and in good faith and each will use its reasonable best efforts to agree on mutually agreeable terms for the Spin-Off Exchange Offer, including, without limitation, the certificate of designations with respect to the Mirror Preferred Stock and the certificate of designations with respect to the Exchange Preferred Stock, to reflect the fact that following the completion of the Spin-Off Exchange Offer the adjustments to the Conversion Price will be based upon the common stock of the Company and the common stock of the Distributed Entity, and that the rights, benefits, obligations and economic characteristics of the Series A Preferred Stock will not be expanded or diminished as a result of the exchange of shares of Series A Preferred Stock for shares of Mirror Preferred Stock and Exchange Preferred Stock. The exchange of Series A Preferred Stock for Exchange Preferred Stock in the Spin-Off Exchange Offer shall be structured in a manner so as to qualify as a tax-free recapitalization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. The Company agrees for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes the shares of Mirror Preferred Stock and Exchange Preferred Stock shall be structured in a way not to be classified as “preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 305 or Section 306 of the Code (or similar or analogous state or local income tax law) or “nonqualified preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 351(g) of the Code.

 

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(e)               Determination of the Number of Outstanding Shares of Common Stock. For purposes of Section 10(a), the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time will (1) include shares issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock; and (2) exclude shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s treasury (unless the Company pays any dividend or makes any distributions on shares of Common Stock held in its treasury).

 

(f)                Calculations. All calculations with respect to the Conversion Price and adjustments thereto will be made to the nearest 1/100th of a cent (with 5/1,000ths rounded downward).

 

(g)               Notice of Conversion Price Adjustments. Upon the effectiveness of any adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to Section 10(a) or Section 10(b), the Company will promptly send notice to the Holders containing (1) a brief description of the transaction or other event on account of which such adjustment was made; (2) the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such adjustment; and (3) the effective time of such adjustment.

 

(h)               Voluntary Conversion Price Decreases.

 

(i)                        Generally. To the extent permitted by law and applicable stock exchange rules, the Company, from time to time, may (but is not required to) decrease the Conversion Price by any amount if (1) the Board determines that such decrease is in the Company’s best interest or that such decrease is advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax imposed on holders of Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock as a result of any dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) of Common Stock or any similar event; (2) such decrease is in effect for a period of at least twenty (20) Business Days; and (3) such decrease is irrevocable during such period; provided, however, that any such decrease that would be reasonably expected to result in any income tax imposed on holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall require the affirmative vote, election or approval of the Majority Holders.

 

(ii)                        Notice of Voluntary Decrease. If the Board determines to decrease the Conversion Price pursuant to Section 10(h)(i), then, no later than the first Business Day of the related twenty (20) Business Day period referred to in Section 10(h)(i), the Company will send notice to each Holder, the Transfer Agent and the Conversion Agent of such decrease to the Conversion Price, the amount thereof and the period during which such decrease will be in effect.

 

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(i)                 Successive Adjustments. After an adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 10, any subsequent event requiring an adjustment under this Section 10 shall cause an adjustment to each such Conversion Price as so adjusted.

 

(j)                 Multiple Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, if an event occurs that would trigger an adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to this Section 10 under more than one subSection hereof, such event, to the extent fully taken into account in a single adjustment, shall not result in multiple adjustments hereunder; provided, however, that if more than one subSection of this Section 10 is applicable to a single event, the subSection shall be applied that produces the largest adjustment.

 

(k)               Notice of Adjustments. Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted as provided under this Section 10, the Company shall as soon as reasonably practicable following the occurrence of an event that requires such adjustment (or if the Company is not aware of such occurrence, as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming so aware):

 

(i)                        compute the adjusted applicable Conversion Price in accordance with this Section 10 and prepare and transmit to the Conversion Agent an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the applicable Conversion Price, the method of calculation thereof, and the facts requiring such adjustment and upon which such adjustment is based; and

 

(ii)                        provide a written notice to the Holders of the occurrence of such event and a statement in reasonable detail setting forth the method by which the adjustment to the applicable Conversion Price was determined and setting forth the adjusted applicable Conversion Price.

 

(l)                 Conversion Agent. The Conversion Agent shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder to determine whether any facts exist that may require any adjustment of the Conversion Price or with respect to the nature or extent or calculation of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed in making the same. The Conversion Agent shall be fully authorized and protected in relying on any Officer’s Certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 10(l) and any adjustment contained therein and the Conversion Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any adjustment unless and until it has received such certificate. The Conversion Agent shall not be accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Common Stock, or of any securities or property, that may at the time be issued or delivered with respect to any Series A Preferred Stock and the Conversion Agent makes no representation with respect thereto. The Conversion Agent shall not be responsible for any failure of the Company to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock or to comply with any of the duties, responsibilities or covenants of the Company contained in this Section 10.

 

(m)             Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be delivered to the Holders upon conversion. In lieu of any fractional shares to which the Holders would otherwise be entitled, the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of the Preferred Stock shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share. In order to determine whether the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered to a Holder upon the conversion of such Holder’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock will include a fractional share, such determination shall be based on the aggregate number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock of such Holder that are being converted on any single Conversion Date.

 

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Section 11.  Adjustment for Reorganization Events.

 

(a)               Reorganization Events. In the event of:

 

(i)                        any reclassification, statutory exchange, merger, consolidation or other similar business combination of the Company with or into another Person, in each case, pursuant to which at least a majority of the Common Stock is changed or converted into, or exchanged for, cash, securities or other property of the Company or another Person;

 

(ii)                        any sale, transfer, lease or conveyance to another Person of all or a majority of the property and assets of the Company, in each case pursuant to which the Common Stock is converted into cash, securities or other property; or

 

(iii)                        any statutory exchange of securities of the Company with another Person (other than in connection with a merger or acquisition) or reclassification, recapitalization or reorganization of the Common Stock into other securities; (each of which is referred to as a “Reorganization Event”);

 

then each share of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization Event will, without the approval or election of the Holders and subject to Section 13, remain outstanding but shall become convertible into, out of funds legally available therefor, the number, kind and amount of securities, cash and other property (the “Exchange Property”) (without any interest on such Exchange Property and without any right to dividends or distribution on such Exchange Property which have a record date that is prior to the applicable Conversion Date) that the Holder of such share of Series A Preferred Stock would have received in such Reorganization Event had such Holder converted its shares of Series A Preferred Stock into the applicable number of shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the effective date of the Reorganization Event using the Conversion Price applicable immediately prior to the effective date of the Reorganization Event and the Original Issuance Price applicable at the time of such subsequent conversion; provided, however that the foregoing shall not apply if such Holder is a Person with which the Company consolidated or into which the Company merged or which merged into the Company or to which such sale or transfer was made, as the case may be (any such Person, a “Constituent Person”), or an Affiliate of a Constituent Person, to the extent such Reorganization Event provides for different treatment of Common Stock held by such Constituent Persons or such Affiliate thereof. If the kind or amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such Reorganization Event is not the same for each share of Common Stock held immediately prior to such Reorganization Event by a Person (other than a Constituent Person or an Affiliate thereof), then for the purpose of this Section 11(a), the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon conversion following such Reorganization Event will be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Common Stock.

 

(b)               Successive Reorganization Events. The above provisions of this Section 11 shall similarly apply to successive Reorganization Events and the provisions of Section 10 shall apply to any shares of Capital Stock received by the holders of the Common Stock in any such Reorganization Event.

 

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(c)               Reorganization Event Notice. The Company (or any successor) shall, no less than thirty (30) days prior to the anticipated effective date of any Reorganization Event, provide written notice to the Holders of such occurrence of such event and of the kind and amount of the cash, securities or other property that constitutes the Exchange Property. Failure to deliver such notice shall not affect the operation of this Section 11.

 

(d)               Reorganization Event Agreements. The Company shall not enter into any agreement for a transaction constituting a Reorganization Event unless such agreement provides for or does not interfere with or prevent (as applicable) conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock into the Exchange Property in a manner that is consistent with and gives effect to this Section 11.

 

Section 12.  Voting Rights. Holders shall not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders, except as provided in Section 13 or as required by law.

 

Section 13.  Consent Rights. For so long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, unless the Majority Holders otherwise approve, vote for or authorize, or otherwise waive any provision of this Section 13:

 

(a)               create or authorize the creation of, or issue any equity or debt securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or rights exercisable into equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) that rank senior or pari passu to the rights of the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights on the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company; or

 

(b)               permit any adverse change (including as a result of a merger, consolidation or other similar or extraordinary transaction) to the powers, preferences or special rights of the Series A Preferred Stock set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws, including by amendment, modification or in any other manner that fails to give effect to the rights of the Holders as set forth in this Certificate of Designations, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws, or otherwise required by applicable law.

 

Section 14.  Term. Except as expressly provided in this Certificate of Designations, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable or otherwise mature and the term of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be perpetual.

 

Section 15.  No Sinking Fund. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be subject to or entitled to the operation of a retirement or sinking fund.

 

Section 16.  Transfer Agent, Conversion Agent, Registrar and Paying Agent. The duly appointed Transfer Agent, Conversion Agent, Registrar and paying agent for the Series A Preferred Stock shall be the Company. The Company may, in its sole discretion, appoint any other Person to serve as Transfer Agent, Conversion Agent, Registrar or paying agent for the Series A Preferred Stock and thereafter may remove or replace such other Person at any time. Upon any such appointment or removal, the Company shall send notice thereof by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holders.

 

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Section 17.  Replacement Certificates.

 

(a)               Mutilated, Destroyed, Stolen and Lost Certificates. If physical certificates evidencing the Series A Preferred Stock are issued, the Company shall replace any mutilated certificate at the Holder’s expense upon surrender of that certificate to the Transfer Agent. The Company shall replace certificates that become destroyed, stolen or lost at the Holder’s expense upon delivery to the Company and the Transfer Agent of satisfactory evidence that the certificate has been destroyed, stolen or lost, together with any indemnity that may be required by the Transfer Agent and the Company.

 

(b)               Certificates Following Conversion. If physical certificates representing the Series A Preferred Stock are issued, the Company shall not be required to issue replacement certificates representing shares of Series A Preferred Stock on or after the Conversion Date applicable to such shares. In place of the delivery of a replacement certificate following the applicable Conversion Date, the Transfer Agent, upon receipt of the satisfactory evidence and indemnity described in clause (a) above, shall deliver the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock formerly evidenced by the physical certificate.

 

Section 18.  Taxes.

 

(a)               Transfer Taxes. The Company shall pay any and all stock transfer, documentary, stamp and similar taxes (“Transfer Taxes”) that may be payable in respect of any issuance or delivery of shares of Series A Preferred Stock or shares of Common Stock or other securities issued on account of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant hereto or certificates representing such shares or securities. However, in the case of conversion of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company shall not be required to pay any such tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock or other securities to a Beneficial Owner other than the Beneficial Owner of the Series A Preferred Stock immediately prior to such conversion, and shall not be required to make any such issuance, delivery or payment unless and until the Person requesting such issuance, delivery or payment has paid to the Company the amount of any such Transfer Tax or has established, to the satisfaction of the Company, that such Transfer Tax has been paid or is not payable.

 

(b)               Intended Tax Treatment. For U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes (i) the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not intended to be classified as “preferred stock” within the meaning of Code Section 305, Treasury Regulation Section 1.305-5 or Code Section 306 (or similar or analogous state or local income tax law), (ii) if a conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock into Common Stock is effected, such transaction is intended to be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(l)(E) of the Code (or similar or analogous state or local income tax law) whereby the Holder of each exchanged share of Series A Preferred Stock is intended to be treated as transferring such share to the Company in exchange for Common Stock (such tax treatment described in clauses (i) and (ii), together, the “Intended Tax Treatment”). The Company and each Holder shall file all applicable income tax returns in accordance with the Intended Tax Treatment and not take any reporting position with respect to applicable income taxes inconsistent with the Intended Tax Treatment unless otherwise required in connection with the settlement or resolution of any tax audit, contest or other procedure with a taxing authority or a change in law after the date hereof. Notwithstanding any other provision within this Certificate of Designations the Company shall not, without the written approval of the Majority Holders, pay any dividend or make any other distribution (within the meaning of Code Section 305 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) on any share of capital stock or other security convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any capital stock of the Company, or take any other action, so long as any share of Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding, if such dividend, distribution or action may result in a deemed dividend or deemed distribution pursuant to Code Section 305 to the Holders of such shares.

 

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(c)               Redemptions. The Company and the Holders agree to treat any redemption pursuant to Section 9(b) as a sale or exchange for purposes of Code Section 302 to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

(d)               Withholding. All payments and distributions (or deemed distributions) on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock (and on the shares of Common Stock received upon their conversion) shall be subject to withholding and backup withholding of taxes to the extent required by law, subject to applicable exemptions, and amounts withheld, if any, shall be treated as received by the Holders. The Company shall provide the applicable Holder with reasonable notice in advance of such deduction and withholding and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the applicable Holder to minimize or eliminate such withholding. Absent a change in law or a contrary determination within the meaning of Code Section 1313, this Section 18(d) shall not apply to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion or repurchase of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the Company shall not have the right to withhold and deduct upon such conversion. To the extent the Company in good faith reasonably believes that such change in law has in fact occurred, the Company shall give prompt notice of such change in law to the applicable Holder and shall cooperate in good faith with the applicable Holder to minimize or eliminate such deduction or withholding.

 

Section 19.  Notices. All notices referred to herein shall be in writing and, unless otherwise specified herein, all notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given upon the earlier of receipt thereof or three (3) Business Days after the mailing thereof if sent by registered or certified mail with postage prepaid, or by private courier service addressed: (i) if to the Company, to its principal executive offices, (ii) if to any Holder, to such Holder at the mail or email address of such Holder as listed in the stock record books of the Company (which may include the records of the Transfer Agent) or (iii) to such other mail or email address as the Company or any such Holder, as the case may be, shall have designated by notice similarly given.

 

Section 20.  Facts Ascertainable. When the terms of this Certificate of Designations refers to a specific agreement or other document to determine the meaning or operation of a provision hereof, the Secretary of the Company shall maintain a copy of such agreement or document at the principal executive offices of the Company and a copy thereof shall be provided free of charge to any Holder who makes a request therefor. The Secretary of the Company shall also maintain a written record of the Issuance Date, the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued to a Holder and the date of each such issuance, and shall furnish such written record free of charge to any Holder who makes a request therefor.

 

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Section 21.  Waiver. Notwithstanding any provision in this Certificate of Designations to the contrary, any provision contained herein and any right of the Holders of Series A Preferred Stock granted hereunder may be waived as to all shares of Series A Preferred Stock (and the Holders thereof) upon the vote, election or approval of the Holders holding a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Section 22.  Severability. If any term of the Series A Preferred Stock set forth herein is invalid, unlawful or incapable of being enforced by reason of any rule of law or public policy, all other terms set forth herein which can be given effect without the invalid, unlawful or unenforceable term will, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect, and no term herein set forth will be deemed dependent upon any other such term unless so expressed herein.

 

This Certificate of Designations shall be effective at 12:03 p.m. Eastern Time on [  ], 20[  ].

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Certificate of Designations to be executed this ___day of _________, 2022.

 

  NUBURU, INC.
   
  By:                      
  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature page to Certificate of Designations]

 

 

 

Exhibit G

 

Final Version

 

NUBURU, INC.

 

[2022/2023]1 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1.             Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:

 

to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,

 

to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and

 

to promote the success of the Company’s business.

 

The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Awards.

 

2.             Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:

 

2.1             Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

 

2.2             Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including but not limited to, under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

 

2.3             Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards.

 

2.4             Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

2.5             Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

 

1 NTD: To be set based on the year in which the plan will be approved.

 

 

 

 

2.6           Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)             Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or

 

(b)            Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or

 

(c)             Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

For purposes of this Section 2.6, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

 

2.7           Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other formal guidance of general or direct applicability promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.

 

2.8           Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or by a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

 

2.9           Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

 

2.10         Company” means Tailwind Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto (which, as of the effectiveness of the Plan on the Effective Date, will be Nuburu, Inc., a Delaware corporation).

 

2.11         Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (a) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (b) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, in each case, within the meaning of Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act, and provided further, that a Consultant will include only those persons to whom the issuance of Shares may be registered under Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

2.12         Director” means a member of the Board.

 

2.13         Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3), provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

 

2.14         Effective Date” means the date of the consummation of the merger by and among the Company, Nuburu, Inc. (“Nuburu”), and certain other parties, pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement dated [-], 2022 (such merger, the “Merger”).

 

2.15         Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

 

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

 

2.17         Exchange Program” means a program under which (a) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash, (b) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (c) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced or increased. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.

 

2.18         Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

 

(a)             If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or, if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such closing sales price was reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

 

(b)             If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

 

(c)             In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

 

In addition, for purposes of determining the fair market value of shares for any reason other than the determination of the exercise price of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, fair market value will be determined by the Administrator in a manner compliant with Applicable Laws and applied consistently for such purpose. The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s sole discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of fair market value for other purposes.

 

2.19         [“Fiscal Quarter” means a fiscal quarter within a Fiscal Year.]2

 

2.20         Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

 

 

2 NTD: To include if defined term is used in Section 3.2.

 

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2.21         Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

2.22         Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.

 

2.23         Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

2.24         Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

2.25         Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

2.26         Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.

 

2.27         Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).

 

2.28         Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.

 

2.29         Performance Awards” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be cash- or stock-denominated and may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing under Section 10.

 

2.30         Performance Period” means Performance Period as defined in Section 10.1.

 

2.31         Period of Restriction” means the period (if any) during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.

 

2.32         Plan” means this Nuburu, Inc. [2022/2023] Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended from time to time.

 

2.33         Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 8 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.

 

2.34         Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.

 

2.35         Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.

 

2.36         Section 16b” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

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2.37         Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the U.S. Treasury Regulations and guidance thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.

 

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

 

2.39          Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

 

2.40         Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15 of the Plan.

 

2.41         Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.

 

2.42         Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).

 

2.43         Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange, national market system, or other trading platform, as applicable, upon which the Common Stock is listed (or otherwise trades regularly, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion) is open for trading.

 

2.44         U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. Reference to a specific Treasury Regulation or Section of the Code will include such Treasury Regulation or Section, any valid regulation promulgated under such Section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such Section or regulation.

 

3.             Stock Subject to the Plan.

 

3.1           Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 15 and the automatic increase set forth in Section 3.2, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Awards and sold under the Plan will be equal to (a) [-]3 Shares, plus (b) any shares of the Company’s common stock subject to stock options or other awards that are assumed in the Merger (“Assumed Awards”) and that, on or after the Effective Date, are cancelled, expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full, are tendered to or withheld by the Company for payment of an exercise price or for tax withholding obligations, or are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, with the maximum number of Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to clause (b) equal to [-] Shares. In addition, Shares may become available for issuance under Sections 3.2 and 3.3. The Shares may be authorized but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

 

3.2           Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 15, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan will be increased [annually on the first day of the third Fiscal Quarter beginning with the 2023 Fiscal Year]4 OR [on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2024 Fiscal Year]5, in an amount equal to the least of (a) [-] Shares, (b) a number of Shares equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of all classes of common stock of the Company outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding [second Fiscal Quarter] OR [Fiscal Year], or (c) such number of Shares determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding [second Fiscal Quarter] OR [Fiscal Year].

 

 

3 NTD: 10% of expected outstanding shares post-close.

 

4 NTD: To include if Board and stockholder approval will occur in 2022 but the deal will close in early 2023.

 

5 NTD: To include if Board and stockholder approvals will occur in 2023 and the deal will close in 2023.

 

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3.3           Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to the failure to vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued (i.e., the net Shares issued) pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Shares that actually have been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Performance Awards are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares otherwise issuable under an Award that are used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax liabilities or withholdings related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3.1, plus, to the extent allowable under Code Section 422 and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.3.

 

3.4           Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

 

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4.             Administration of the Plan.

 

4.1             Procedure.

 

4.1.1          Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.

 

4.1.2          Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.

 

4.1.3          Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws.

 

4.2           Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:

 

(a)             to determine the Fair Market Value;

 

(b)             to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;

 

(c)             to determine the number of Shares or dollar amounts to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

 

(d)             to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;

 

(e)             to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto (including but not limited to, temporarily suspending the exercisability of an Award if the Administrator deems such suspension to be necessary or appropriate for administrative purposes or to comply with Applicable Laws, provided that such suspension must be lifted prior to the expiration of the maximum term and post-termination exercisability period of an Award), based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine;

 

(f)             to institute and determine the terms and conditions of an Exchange Program, including, subject to Section 20.3, to unilaterally implement an Exchange Program without the consent of the applicable Award holder;

 

(g)             to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

 

(h)             to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of facilitating compliance with applicable non-U.S. laws, easing the administration of the Plan and/or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable non-U.S. laws, in each case as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

 

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(i)              to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 20.3), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (subject to Sections 6.4 and 7.5);

 

(j)              to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in a manner prescribed in Section 16;

 

(k)             to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;

 

(l)              to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that otherwise would be due to such Participant under an Award; and

 

(m)            to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.

 

4.3           Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards and will be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Laws.

 

5.             Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

 

6.             Stock Options.

 

6.1           Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Options to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

6.2           Option Agreement. Each Award of an Option will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Option, the number of Shares subject to the Option, the exercise restrictions, if any, applicable to the Option, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

6.3           Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Notwithstanding such designation, however, to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such options will be treated as nonstatutory stock options. For purposes of this Section 6.3, incentive stock options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, the fair market value of the shares will be determined as of the time the option with respect to such shares is granted, and calculation will be performed in accordance with Code Section 422 and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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6.4           Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.

 

6.5           Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

 

6.5.1          Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, but will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In addition, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.5.1, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Code Section 424(a).

 

6.5.2          Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.

 

6.5.3          Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (a) cash (including cash equivalents); (b) check; (c) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided further that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (d) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (e) by net exercise; (f) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, or (g) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator will consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company.

 

6.6           Exercise of Option.

 

6.6.1         Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

 

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An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (a) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (b) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable tax withholdings). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15 of the Plan.

 

Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan (except as provided otherwise under Section 3.3 of the Plan) and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

 

6.6.2         Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon such cessation as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within three (3) months of such cessation, or such shorter or longer period of time, as is specified in the Award Agreement, in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if on such date of cessation the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan immediately. If after such cessation the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

 

6.6.3         Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within six (6) months of cessation, or such longer or shorter period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4, as applicable) to the extent the Option is vested on such date of cessation. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if on the date of cessation the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan immediately. If after such cessation the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

 

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6.6.4         Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within six (6) months following the Participant’s death, or within such longer or shorter period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4, as applicable), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to the Participant’s death in a form (if any) acceptable to the Administrator. If the Administrator has not permitted the designation of a beneficiary or if no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution (each, a “Legal Representative”). If the Option is exercised pursuant to this Section 6.6.4, Participant’s designated beneficiary or Legal Representative shall be subject to the terms of this Plan and the Award Agreement, including but not limited to the restrictions on transferability and forfeitability applicable to the Service Provider. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan immediately. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

 

6.6.5         Tolling Expiration. A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that:

 

(a)            if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would result in liability under Section 16b, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement, or (ii) the tenth (10th) day after the last date on which such exercise would result in liability under Section 16b; or

 

(b)            if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of Shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option or (ii) the expiration of a period of thirty (30) days after the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.

 

7.             Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

7.1           Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.

 

7.2           Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares subject to any Award of Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

7.3           Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per Share exercise price for the Shares that will determine the amount of the payment to be received upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in Section 7.6 will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.

 

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7.4           Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

7.5           Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6.4 relating to the maximum term and Section 6.6 relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

7.6           Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

 

(a)            The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times

 

(b)            The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.

 

At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.

 

8.             Restricted Stock.

 

8.1           Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

8.2           Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction (if any), the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine that an Award of Restricted Stock will not be subject to any Period of Restriction and consideration for such Award is paid for by past services rendered as a Service Provider.

 

8.3           Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8 or as the Administrator determines, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.

 

8.4           Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.

 

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8.5           Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.

 

8.6           Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.

 

8.7           Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.

 

8.8           Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.

 

9.             Restricted Stock Units.

 

9.1           Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.

 

9.2           Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.

 

9.3           Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.

 

9.4           Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made at the time(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.

 

9.5           Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.

 

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10.           Performance Awards.

 

10.1         Award Agreement. Each Performance Award will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify any time period during which any performance objectives or other vesting provisions will be measured (“Performance Period”), and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines. Each Performance Award will have an initial value that is determined by the Administrator on or before its date of grant.

 

10.2         Objectives or Vesting Provisions and Other Terms. The Administrator will set any objectives or vesting provisions that, depending on the extent to which any such objectives or vesting provisions are met, will determine the value of the payout for the Performance Awards. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.

 

10.3         Earning Performance Awards. After an applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of a Performance Award will be entitled to receive a payout for the Performance Award earned by the Participant over the Performance Period. The Administrator, in its discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Award.

 

10.4         Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Performance Awards will be made at the time(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Performance Awards in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.

 

10.5         Cancellation of Performance Awards. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Awards will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.

 

11.           Outside Director Award Limitations. No Outside Director may be granted, in any Fiscal Year, equity awards (including any Awards granted under this Plan), the value of which will be based on their grant date fair value determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and be provided any other compensation (including without limitation any cash retainers or fees) in amounts that, in the aggregate, exceed $750,000, provided that such amount is increased to $1,000,000 in the Fiscal Year of his or her initial service as an Outside Director. Any Awards or other compensation provided to an individual (a) for his or her services as an Employee, or for his or her services as a Consultant other than as an Outside Director, or (b) prior to the closing of the Merger, will be excluded for purposes of this Section 11.

 

12.           Compliance With Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to be exempt from or meet the requirements of Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent (including with respect to any ambiguities or ambiguous terms), except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Section 409A the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A. In no event will the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless a Participant (or any other person) in respect of Awards, for any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed on, or other costs incurred by, Participant (or any other person) as a result of Section 409A.

 

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13.           Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (a) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (b) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any of its Subsidiaries. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months following the first (1st) day of such leave, any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

 

14.           Limited Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, Awards may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (which, for purposes of clarification, shall be deemed to include through a beneficiary designation if available in accordance with Section 6.6), and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

 

15.           Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.

 

15.1         Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares of stock that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of shares of stock covered by each outstanding Award, and numerical Share limits in Section 3.

 

15.2         Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

 

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15.3         Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of the following paragraph) without a Participant’s consent, including, without limitation, that (a) Awards will be assumed, or substantially equivalent awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (b) upon written notice to a Participant, that the Participant’s Awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or Change in Control; (c) outstanding Awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable, or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award will lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such merger or Change in Control, and, to the extent the Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (d) (i) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment), or (ii) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion; or (e) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 15.3, the Administrator will not be obligated to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, all Awards of the same type, or all portions of Awards, similarly.

 

In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award (or portion thereof), the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (or portions thereof) not assumed or substituted for, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards (or portions thereof) not assumed or substituted for will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting (or portions thereof) not assumed or substituted for, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, in each case, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable. In addition, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or portion thereof) is not assumed or substituted in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

 

For the purposes of this Section 15.3 and Section 15.4 below, an Award will be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Award, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control.

 

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Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15.3 to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent, in all cases, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15.3 to the contrary, and unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, if an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out under an Award Agreement is subject to Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement (or other agreement related to the Award, as applicable) does not comply with the definition of “change in control” for purposes of a distribution under Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Section 409A without triggering any penalties applicable under Section 409A.

 

15.4             Outside Director Awards. With respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director while such individual was an Outside Director that are assumed or substituted for, if on the date of or following such assumption or substitution the Participant’s status as a Director or a director of the successor corporation, as applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the Participant (unless such resignation is at the request of the acquirer), then the Outside Director will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award, including those Shares which otherwise would not be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

16.           Tax Withholding.

 

16.1         Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any tax withholdings are due, the Company (or any of its Parent, Subsidiaries, or affiliates employing or retaining the services of a Participant, as applicable) will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company (or any of its Parent, Subsidiaries, or affiliates, as applicable) or a relevant tax authority, an amount sufficient to satisfy U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S., and other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA or other social insurance contribution obligation) required to be withheld or paid with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).

 

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16.2         Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax liability or withholding obligation, in whole or in part by such methods as the Administrator shall determine, including, without limitation, (a) paying cash, check or other cash equivalents, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine, in each case, provided the delivery of such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (d) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld or paid, (e) such other consideration and method of payment for the meeting of tax liabilities or withholding obligations as the Administrator may determine to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, or (f) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. The amount of the withholding obligation will be deemed to include any amount which the Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. The fair market value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.

 

17.           No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to terminate such relationship at any time, free from any liability or claim under the Plan.

 

18.           Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

 

19.           Term of Plan. Subject to Section 23 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon the latest to occur of (a) its adoption by the Board, (b) approval by the Company’s stockholders, or (c) the time as of immediately prior to the completion of the Merger. The Plan will continue in effect until terminated under Section 20 of the Plan, but (i) no Options that qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Code Section 422 may be granted after ten (10) years from the earlier of the Board or stockholder approval of the Plan and (ii) Section 3.2 relating to the automatic share reserve increase will operate only until the ten (10) year anniversary of the earlier of the Board or stockholder approval of the Plan.

 

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20.           Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

 

20.1         Amendment and Termination. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason.

 

20.2         Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.

 

20.3         Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will materially impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.

 

21.           Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

 

21.1         Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to an Award unless the exercise or vesting of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

 

21.2         Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or vesting of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or vesting in such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or vesting that the Shares are being acquired only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

 

22.           Inability to Obtain Authority. If the Company determines it to be impossible or impractical to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any U.S. state or federal law or non-U.S. law or under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed, or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, the Company will be relieved of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance will not have been obtained.

 

23.           Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

 

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24.           Forfeiture Events. The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award will be subject to the reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement, or reacquisition upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include, without limitation, termination of such Participant’s status as an employee and/or other service provider for cause or any specified action or inaction by a Participant, whether before or after such termination of employment and/or other service, that would constitute cause for termination of such Participant’s status as a employee and/or other service provider. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary under this Plan, all Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement, or reacquisition under any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Laws (the “Clawback Policy”). The Administrator may require a Participant to forfeit, return or reimburse the Company all or a portion of the Award and any amounts paid thereunder pursuant to the terms of the Clawback Policy or as necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws, including without limitation any reacquisition right regarding previously acquired Shares or other cash or property. Unless this Section 24 specifically is mentioned and waived in an Award Agreement or other document, no recovery of compensation under a Clawback Policy or otherwise will constitute an event that triggers or contributes to any right of a Participant to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar term) under any agreement with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.

 

*          *          *

 

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Exhibit H

 

Final Version

 

NUBURU, INC.

 

[2022/2023]1 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

 

1.             Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the Company and its Designated Companies with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock through accumulated Contributions. The Company intends for the Plan to have two components: a component that is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423 (the “423 Component”) and a component that is not intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423 (the “Non-423 Component”). The provisions of the 423 Component, accordingly, will be construed so as to extend and limit Plan participation in a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis consistent with the requirements of Code Section 423. In addition, this Plan authorizes the grant of an option to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Non-423 Component that does not qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423; an option granted under the Non-423 Component will provide for substantially the same benefits as an option granted under the 423 Component, except that a Non-423 Component option may include features necessary to comply with applicable non-U.S. laws pursuant to rules, procedures or sub-plans adopted by the Administrator. Except as otherwise provided herein or by the Administrator, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.

 

2.             Definitions.

 

2.1          Administrator” means the Board or any Committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan pursuant to Section 4.

 

2.2          Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including but not limited to, under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where options are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

 

2.3          Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

2.4          Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)          Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or

 

 

1 NTD: To be set based on the year in which the plan will be approved.

 

 

 

 

(b)          Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or

 

(c)          Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

For purposes of this Section 2.4, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

 

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2.5          Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other formal guidance of general or direct applicability promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.

 

2.6          Committee” means a committee of the Board appointed in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

 

2.7          Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

 

2.8          Company” means Tailwind Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto (which, as of the effectiveness of the Plan on the Effective Date, will be Nuburu, Inc., a Delaware corporation).

 

2.9          Compensation” means an Eligible Employee’s base straight time gross earnings, but exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium, commissions, incentive compensation, equity compensation, bonuses and other similar compensation. The Administrator, in its discretion, may, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, establish a different definition of Compensation for a subsequent Offering Period.

 

2.10        Contributions” means the payroll deductions and other additional payments that the Company may permit to be made by a Participant to fund the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

2.11        Designated Company” means any Subsidiary that has been designated by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan. For purposes of the 423 Component, only the Company and its Subsidiaries may be Designated Companies, provided, however that at any given time, a Subsidiary that is a Designated Company under the 423 Component will not be a Designated Company under the Non-423 Component.

 

2.12        Director” means a member of the Board.

 

2.13        Effective Date” means the date of the consummation of the merger by and among the Company, Nuburu, Inc. (“Nuburu”), and certain other parties, pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement dated August [-], 2022 (such merger, the “Merger”).

 

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2.14        Eligible Employee” means any individual who is a common law employee providing services to the Company or a Designated Company and is customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar year by the Employer, or any lesser number of hours per week and/or number of months in any calendar year established by the Administrator (if required under Applicable Laws) for purposes of any separate Offering or for Participants in the Non-423 Component. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship will be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence that the Employer approves or is legally protected under Applicable Laws with respect to the Participant’s participation in the Plan. Where the period of leave exceeds three (3) months and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship will be deemed to have terminated three (3) months and one (1) day following the commencement of such leave. The Administrator, in its discretion, from time to time may, prior to an Enrollment Date for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date in an Offering, determine (for each Offering under the 423 Component, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis or as otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2) that the definition of Eligible Employee will or will not include an individual if he or she: (a) has not completed at least two (2) years of service since his or her last hire date (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (b) customarily works not more than twenty (20) hours per week (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (c) customarily works not more than five (5) months per calendar year (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (d) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Code Section 414(q), or (e) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Code Section 414(q) with compensation above a certain level or is an officer or subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, provided the exclusion is applied with respect to each Offering under the 423 Component in an identical manner to all highly compensated individuals of the Employer whose employees are participating in that Offering. Each exclusion will be applied with respect to an Offering under the 423 Component in a manner complying with U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(e)(2)(ii). Such exclusions may be applied with respect to an Offering under the Non-423 Component without regard to the limitations of U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2.

 

2.15        Employer” means the employer of the applicable Eligible Employee(s).

 

2.16        Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period.

 

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

 

2.18        Exercise Date” means the last Trading Day of a Purchase Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an Offering Period is terminated prior to its expiration pursuant to Section 18, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine that any Purchase Period also terminating under such Offering Period will terminate without options being exercised on the Exercise Date(s) that otherwise would have occurred on the last Trading Day of such Purchase Period.

 

2.19        Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

 

(a)          If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or, if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such closing sales price was reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

 

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(b)          If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

 

(c)          In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

 

The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of Fair Market Value for other purposes.

 

2.20        [“Fiscal Quarter” means a fiscal quarter within a Fiscal Year.]2

 

2.21        Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

 

2.22        New Exercise Date” means a new Exercise Date if the Administrator shortens any Offering Period then in progress.

 

2.23        Offering” means an offer under the Plan of an option that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Section 6. For purposes of the Plan, the Administrator may designate separate Offerings under the Plan (the terms of which need not be identical) in which Eligible Employees of one or more Employers will participate, even if the dates of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical and the provisions of the Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each Offering need not be identical provided that the terms of the Plan and an Offering together satisfy U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).

 

2.24        Offering Period” means a period beginning on such date as may be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion, and ending on such Exercise Date as may be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion, during which an option granted pursuant to the Plan may be exercised. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Sections 6 and 18.

 

2.25        Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).

 

2.26        Participant” means an Eligible Employee that participates in the Plan.

 

2.27        Plan” means this Nuburu, Inc. [2022/2023] Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

2.28        Purchase Period” means the period during an Offering Period and during which shares of Common Stock may be purchased on behalf of Participants thereunder in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Purchase Periods will have such duration as determined by the Administrator, commencing after one Exercise Date and ending with the next Exercise Date, except that the first Purchase Period of any Offering Period will commence on the Enrollment Date and end with the next Exercise Date. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, a Purchase Period in an Offering Period will have the same duration as, and coincide with the length of, such Offering Period.

 

 

2 NTD: To include if defined term is used in Section 3.2.

 

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2.29        Purchase Price” means an amount equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the Exercise Date, whichever is lower; provided however, that the Purchase Price may be determined for any Offering Period by the Administrator subject to compliance with Code Section 423 (or any successor rule or provision or any other Applicable Laws, regulation or stock exchange rule) or pursuant to Section 18.

 

2.30        Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the U.S. Treasury Regulations and guidance thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.

 

2.31        Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).

 

2.32        Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange, national market system, or other trading platform, as applicable, upon which the Common Stock is listed (or otherwise trades regularly, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion) is open for trading.

 

2.33        U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. Reference to a specific Treasury Regulation or Section of the Code will include such Treasury Regulation or Section, any valid regulation promulgated under such Section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such Section or regulation.

 

3.             Stock.

 

3.1          Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 17 hereof and the automatic increase set forth in Section 3.2 hereof, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that will be made available for sale under the Plan will be [-]3 shares of Common Stock. The shares of Common Stock may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

 

3.2          Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 17 hereof, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan will be increased [annually on the first day of the third Fiscal Quarter beginning with the 2023 Fiscal Year]4 OR [on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2024 Fiscal Year]5, in an amount equal to the least of (a) [-] shares of Common Stock, (b) a number of shares of Common Stock equal to one percent (1%) of the total number of shares of all classes of common stock of the Company on the last day of the immediately preceding [second Fiscal Quarter] OR [Fiscal Year], or (c) such number of Shares determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding [second Fiscal Quarter] OR [Fiscal Year].

 

 

3 NTD: 1% of expected post-close shares outstanding.

 

4 NTD: To include if Board and stockholder approval will occur in 2022 but the deal will close in early 2023.

 

5 NTD: To include if Board and stockholder approvals will occur in 2023 and the deal will close in 2023.

 

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4.             Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws. The Administrator will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to

 

(a)          construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan,

 

(b)          delegate ministerial duties to any of the Company’s employees,

 

(c)          designate separate Offerings under the Plan,

 

(d)          designate Subsidiaries as participating in the 423 Component or Non-423 Component,

 

(e)          determine eligibility,

 

(f)           adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan, and

 

(g)          establish such procedures that it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan (including, without limitation, to adopt such procedures, sub-plans, and appendices to the subscription agreement as are necessary or appropriate to permit the participation in the Plan by employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside the U.S., the terms of which sub-plans and appendices may take precedence over other provisions of this Plan, with the exception of Section 3 hereof, but unless otherwise superseded by the terms of such sub-plan or appendix, the provisions of this Plan will govern the operation of such sub-plan or appendix). Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Eligible Employees eligible to participate in each sub-plan will participate in a separate Offering under the 423 Component, or if the terms would not qualify under the 423 Component, in the Non-423 Component, in either case unless such designation would cause the 423 Component to violate the requirements of Code Section 423.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of Contributions, making of Contributions to the Plan (including, without limitation, in forms other than payroll deductions), establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold Contributions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, withholding procedures and handling of stock certificates that vary with applicable local requirements. The Administrator also is authorized to determine that, to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f), the terms of an option granted under the Plan or an Offering to citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction will be less favorable than the terms of options granted under the Plan or the same Offering to employees resident solely in the U.S. Every finding, decision and determination made by the Administrator will, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.

 

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5.             Eligibility.

 

5.1          Offering Periods. Any Eligible Employee on a given Enrollment Date will be eligible to participate in the Plan, subject to the requirements of Section 7.

 

5.2          Non-U.S. Employees. Eligible Employees who are citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction (without regard to whether they also are citizens or residents of the United States or resident aliens (within the meaning of Code Section 7701(b)(1)(A))) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the participation of such Eligible Employees is prohibited under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or if complying with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction would cause the Plan or an Offering to violate Code Section 423. In the case of the Non-423 Component, an Eligible Employee may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the Administrator has determined that participation of such Eligible Employee is not advisable or practicable.

 

5.3          Limitations. Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no Eligible Employee will be granted an option under the Plan (a) to the extent that, immediately after the grant, such Eligible Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Eligible Employee pursuant to Code Section 424(d)) would own capital stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, or (b) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (as defined in Code Section 423) of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company accrues at a rate, which exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) worth of stock (determined at the Fair Market Value of the stock at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time, as determined in accordance with Code Section 423 and the regulations thereunder.

 

6.             Offering Periods. The Plan will be implemented by Offering Periods as established by the Administrator from time to time. Offering Periods will expire on the earliest to occur of (a) the completion of the purchase of shares on the last Exercise Date occurring within twenty-seven (27) months of the applicable Enrollment Date on which the option to purchase shares was granted under the Plan, or (b) such shorter period established prior to the Enrollment Date of the Offering Period by the Administrator, from time to time, in its discretion, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date. The Administrator will have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future Offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected thereafter; provided, however, that no Offering Period may last more than twenty-seven (27) months.

 

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7.             Participation. An Eligible Employee may participate in the Plan pursuant to Section 5.1 by submitting to the Company’s Finance department (or its designee), a properly completed subscription agreement authorizing Contributions (a) in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose (which may be similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit A), or (b) pursuant to an electronic or other enrollment procedure determined by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to an applicable Enrollment Date.

 

8.             Contributions.

 

8.1          Contribution Amounts. At the time a Participant enrolls in the Plan pursuant to Section 7, he or she will elect to have Contributions (in the form of payroll deductions or otherwise, to the extent permitted by the Administrator) made on each pay day during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the Compensation, which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering Period; provided, however, that unless and until determined otherwise by the Administrator, should a pay day occur on an Exercise Date, a Participant will have any Contributions made on such day applied to his or her account under the then-current Purchase Period or Offering Period (i.e., for which the Exercise Date occurs on such day).

 

8.2          Contribution Methods. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may permit all Participants in a specified Offering to contribute amounts to the Plan through payment by cash, check or other means set forth in the subscription agreement prior to each Exercise Date of each Offering Period. A Participant’s subscription agreement will remain in effect for successive Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 12 hereof (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 13 hereof).

 

(a)          In the event Contributions are made in the form of payroll deductions, such payroll deductions for a Participant will commence on the first pay day following the Enrollment Date and will end on the last pay day on or prior to the last Exercise Date of such Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 12 hereof (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 13 hereof).

 

(b)          All Contributions made for a Participant will be credited to his or her account under the Plan and Contributions will be made in whole percentages of his or her Compensation only. A Participant may not make any additional payments into such account.

 

8.3          Participant Changes to Contributions. A Participant may discontinue his or her participation in the Plan as provided under Section 12. Until and unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, during any Offering Period, a Participant may not increase the rate of his or her Contributions and may decrease the rate of his or her Contributions only one (1) time, provided that such decrease is to a Contribution rate of zero percent (0%). In addition, until and unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, during any Offering Period, a Participant may increase or decrease the rate of his or her Contributions (as a whole percent to a rate between zero percent (0%) and the maximum percentage specified in Section 8.1), which Contribution rate adjustment will become effective upon the commencement of the next Offering Period and remain in effect for subsequent Offering Periods and, except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, any such adjustment will not affect the Contribution rate for any ongoing Offering Period.

 

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(a)          A Participant may make a Contribution rate adjustment pursuant to this Section 8.3 by properly completing and submitting to the Company’s Finance department (or its designee), a new subscription agreement authorizing the change in Contribution rate (i) in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose, or (ii) pursuant to an electronic or other procedure prescribed by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to (x) the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected or (y) an applicable Exercise Date, as applicable. If a Participant has not followed such procedures to change the rate of Contributions, the rate of his or her Contributions will continue at the originally elected rate throughout the Offering Period and future Offering Periods (unless the Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Sections 12 or 13).

 

(b)          The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, limit or amend the nature and/or number of Contribution rate changes (including to permit, prohibit and/or limit increases and/or decreases to rate changes) that may be made by Participants during any Purchase Period or Offering Period, and may establish such other conditions or limitations as it deems appropriate for Plan administration.

 

(c)          Except as provided by this Section 8.3, any change in Contribution rate made pursuant to this Section 8.3 will be effective as of the first full payroll period following five (5) business days after the date on which the change is made by the Participant (unless the Administrator, in its sole discretion, elects to process a given change in Contribution rate earlier).

 

8.4          Other Contribution Changes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 423(b)(8) and Section 5.3 hereof (which generally limit participation in an Offering Period pursuant to certain Applicable Laws), a Participant’s Contributions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) by the Administrator at any time during an Offering Period (or a Purchase Period, as applicable). Subject to Code Section 423(b)(8) and Section 5.3 hereof, Contributions will recommence at the rate originally elected by the Participant effective as of the beginning of the first Offering Period (or Purchase Period, as applicable) scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless the Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Sections 12 or 13.

 

8.5          Cash Contributions. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in the Plan, the Administrator may allow Participants to participate in the Plan via cash contributions instead of payroll deductions if (a) payroll deductions are not permitted or advisable under Applicable Laws, (b) the Administrator determines that cash contributions are permissible for Participants participating in the 423 Component and/or (c) the Participants are participating in the Non-423 Component.

 

8.6          Tax Withholdings. At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Common Stock issued under the Plan is disposed of (or at any other time that a taxable event related to the Plan occurs), the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s or Employer’s federal, state, local or any other tax liability payable to any authority including taxes imposed by jurisdictions outside of the U.S., national insurance, social security or other tax withholding or payment on account obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock (or any other time that a taxable event related to the Plan occurs). At any time, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company or the Employer to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or the Employer any tax deductions or benefits attributable to the sale or early disposition of Common Stock by the Eligible Employee. In addition, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock or use any other method of withholding the Company or the Employer deems appropriate to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f).

 

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8.7          Use of Funds. The Company may use all Contributions received or held by it under the Plan for any corporate purpose, and the Company will not be obligated to segregate such Contributions except under Offerings or for Participants in the Non-423 Component for which Applicable Laws require that Contributions to the Plan by Participants be segregated from the Company’s general corporate funds and/or deposited with an independent third party, provided that, if such segregation or deposit with an independent third party is required by Applicable Laws, it will apply to all Participants in the relevant Offering under the 423 Component, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f). Until shares of Common Stock are issued, Participants will have only the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares.

 

9.             Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period will be granted an option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing such Eligible Employee’s Contributions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Eligible Employee’s account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price.

 

9.1          Certain Option Limits. In no event will an Eligible Employee be permitted to purchase during each Offering Period more than 1,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 17), and provided further that such purchase will be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3 and 5.3 and in the subscription agreement. The Administrator, in its absolute discretion, may increase or decrease the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that an Eligible Employee may purchase during each Purchase Period or Offering Period, as applicable.

 

9.2          Option Receipt. The Eligible Employee may accept the grant of an option under the Plan by electing to participate in the Plan in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.

 

9.3          Option Term. Exercise of the option will occur as provided in Section 10, unless the Participant’s participation has terminated pursuant to Sections 12 or 13. The option will expire on the last day of the Offering Period.

 

10.           Exercise of Option.

 

10.1          Automatic Exercise. Unless a Participant’s participation in the Plan has terminated as provided in Sections 12 and 13, his or her option for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full shares of Common Stock subject to the option will be purchased for such Participant at the applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated Contributions from his or her account. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be purchased; any Contributions accumulated in a Participant’s account, which are not sufficient to purchase a full share will be retained in the Participant’s account for the subsequent Purchase Period or Offering Period, as applicable, subject to earlier termination of the Participant’s participation in the Plan as provided in Sections 12 or 13. Any other funds left over in a Participant’s account after the Exercise Date will be returned to the Participant. During a Participant’s lifetime, a Participant’s option to purchase shares of Common Stock hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.

 

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10.2        Pro Rata Allocations. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options are to be exercised may exceed (a) the number of shares of Common Stock that were available for sale under the Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (b) the number of shares of Common Stock available for sale under the Plan on such Exercise Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (x) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and continue all Offering Periods then in effect or (y) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 18. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date (and, for purposes of clarity, notwithstanding any automatic increase in shares of Common Stock that become available for issuance pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Plan).

 

11.           Delivery. As soon as reasonably practicable after each Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares of Common Stock occurs, the Company will arrange the delivery to each Participant of the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of his or her option in a form determined by the Administrator (in its sole discretion) and pursuant to rules established by the Administrator. The Company may permit or require that shares of Common Stock be deposited directly with a broker designated by the Company or with a trustee or designated agent of the Company, and the Company may utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Company may require that shares of Common Stock be retained with such broker, trustee or agent for a designated period of time and/or may establish other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions or other dispositions of such shares. No Participant will have any voting, dividend, or other stockholder rights with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to any option granted under the Plan until such shares have been purchased and delivered to the Participant as provided in this Section 11.

 

12.           Withdrawal.

 

12.1        Withdrawal Procedures. A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all the Contributions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or her option under the Plan at any time by (a) submitting to the Company’s Finance department (or its designee) a written notice of withdrawal in the form determined by the Administrator for such purpose (which may be similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit B), or (b) following an electronic or other withdrawal procedure determined by the Administrator. The Administrator may set forth a deadline of when a withdrawal must occur to be effective prior to a given Exercise Date in accordance with policies it may approve from time to time. All of the Participant’s Contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to such Participant as soon as administratively practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal and such Participant’s option for the Offering Period will be automatically terminated, and no further Contributions for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, Contributions will not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offering Period, unless the Participant re-enrolls in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.

 

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12.2        No Effect on Future Participation. A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.

 

13.           Termination of Employment. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee, for any reason, he or she will be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the Contributions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period but not yet used to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan will be returned to such Participant, or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto, and such Participant’s option will be automatically terminated. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator in a manner that, with respect to an Offering under the 423 Component, is permitted by, and compliant with, Code Section 423, a Participant whose employment transfers between entities through a termination with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by the Company or a Designated Company will not be treated as terminated under the Plan; however, if a Participant transfers from an Offering under the 423 Component to the Non-423 Component, the exercise of the option will be qualified under the 423 Component only to the extent it complies with Code Section 423; further, no Participant will be deemed to switch from an Offering under the Non-423 Component to an Offering under the 423 Component or vice versa unless (and then only to the extent) such switch would not cause the 423 Component or any option thereunder to fail to comply with Code Section 423.

 

14.           Section 409A. The Plan is intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A, and, to the extent not exempt, is intended to comply with Section 409A and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so be exempt from, or comply with, Section 409A. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that an option granted under the Plan may be subject to Section 409A or that any provision in the Plan would cause an option under the Plan to be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator may amend the terms of the Plan and/or of an outstanding option granted under the Plan, or take such other action the Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the Participant’s consent, to exempt any outstanding option or future option that may be granted under the Plan from or to allow any such options to comply with Section 409A, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Administrator would not violate Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and any of its Parent or Subsidiaries will have no liability, obligation or responsibility to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless a Participant or any other party if the option to purchase Common Stock under the Plan that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Administrator with respect thereto. The Company makes no representation that the option to purchase Common Stock under the Plan is compliant with Section 409A.

 

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15.           Rights as Stockholder. Until the shares of Common Stock are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), a Participant will have only the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares, and no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to such shares. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered to a Participant under the Plan will be registered in the name of the Participant or, if so required under Applicable Laws, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse.

 

16.           Transferability. Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares of Common Stock under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition will be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 12 hereof.

 

17.           Adjustments, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Change in Control.

 

17.1        Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of common stock that may be delivered under the Plan, the Purchase Price per share, the class and the number of shares of common stock covered by each option under the Plan that has not yet been exercised, and the numerical share limits of Sections 3 and 9.1.

 

17.2        Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any Offering Period then in progress will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date, and will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Administrator. The New Exercise Date will be before the date of the Company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically, prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 12 hereof (or, prior to such New Exercise Date, Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Section 13 hereof).

 

17.3        Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or Change in Control, each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, the Offering Period with respect to which such option relates will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date on which such Offering Period will end. The New Exercise Date will occur before the date of the Company’s proposed merger or Change in Control. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 12 hereof (or, prior to such New Exercise Date, Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Section 13 hereof).

 

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18.           Amendment or Termination.

 

18.1        Amendment, Suspension, Termination. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. If the Plan is terminated, the Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or upon completion of the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the next Exercise Date (which may be sooner than originally scheduled, if determined by the Administrator in its discretion), or may elect to permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 17). If the Offering Periods are terminated prior to expiration, all amounts then credited to Participants’ accounts that have not been used to purchase shares of Common Stock will be returned to the Participants (without interest thereon, except as otherwise required under Applicable Laws, as further set forth in Section 22 hereof) as soon as administratively practicable.

 

18.2        Certain Administrator Changes. Without stockholder consent and without limiting Section 18.1, the Administrator will be entitled to change the Offering Periods and any Purchase Periods, designate separate Offerings, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange rate applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with Contribution amounts, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the Plan.

 

18.3        Changes Due to Accounting Consequences. In the event the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify, amend or terminate the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:

 

(a)          amending the Plan to conform with the safe harbor definition under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto), including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time;

 

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(b)          altering the Purchase Price for any Purchase Period or Offering Period including a Purchase Period or Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;

 

(c)          shortening any Purchase Period or Offering Period by setting a New Exercise Date, including a Purchase Period or Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrator action;

 

(d)          reducing the maximum percentage of Compensation a Participant may elect to set aside as Contributions; and

 

(e)          reducing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock a Participant may purchase during any Purchase Period or Offering Period.

 

Such modifications or amendments will not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Plan Participants.

 

19.           Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

 

19.1        Legal Compliance. Shares of Common Stock will not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

 

19.2        Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

 

20.           Term of Plan. The Plan will become effective upon the later to occur of (a) its adoption by the Board, (b) approval by the Company’s stockholders, or (c) the time as of immediately prior to the completion of the Merger. The Plan will continue in effect for a term of twenty (20) years, unless sooner terminated under Section 18.

 

21.           Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

 

22.           Interest. No interest will accrue on the Contributions of a participant in the Plan, except as may be required by Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company, and if so required by the laws of a particular jurisdiction, will apply, with respect to Offerings under the 423 Component, to all Participants in the relevant Offering, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f).

 

23.           No Effect on Employment. Neither the Plan nor any option under the Plan will confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to terminate such employment relationship at any time, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan.

 

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24.           Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each Participant in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Eligible Employees at least annually, which statements will set forth the amounts of Contributions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

 

25.           Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan will be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form and manner specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

 

26.           Legal Construction.

 

26.1        Severability. If any provision of the Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason in any jurisdiction or as to any Participant, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan will be construed and enforced as to such jurisdiction or Participant as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had not been included.

 

26.2        Governing Law. The Plan will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, but without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

 

26.3        Headings. Headings are provided herein for convenience only, and will not serve as a basis for interpretation of the Plan.

 

27.           Compliance with Applicable Laws. The terms of this Plan are intended to comply with all Applicable Laws and will be construed accordingly.

 

28.           Automatic Transfer to Low Price Offering Period. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, this Section 28 applies to an Offering Period to the extent such Offering Period provides for more than one (1) Exercise Date within such Offering Period. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, if the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any Exercise Date in an Offering Period is less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date of such Offering Period, then all Participants in such Offering Period will be withdrawn automatically from such Offering Period immediately after the exercise of their option on such Exercise Date and automatically re-enrolled in the immediately following Offering Period as of the first day thereof.

 

*            *           *

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

NUBURU, INC.

 

2022 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

 

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

_____ Original ApplicationOffering Date: _________________

 

_____ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate

 

1.          ____________________ hereby elects to participate in the Nuburu, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Plan. Any capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Subscription Agreement will have the meaning ascribed to them under the Plan.

 

2.          I hereby authorize and consent to payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of ____% of my Compensation on each payday (from 0% to [15%]) during the Offering Period in accordance with the Plan. (Please note that no fractional percentages are permitted.) [I understand that only my first, one election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions may be applied with respect to an ongoing Offering Period in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and any subsequent election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions during the same Offering Period, and any election to increase the rate of my payroll deductions during any Offering Period, will not be applied to the ongoing Offering Period.]

 

3.          I understand that said payroll deductions will be accumulated for the purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price determined in accordance with the Plan. I understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically exercise my option and purchase Common Stock under the Plan. I further understand that if I am outside of the U.S., my payroll deductions will be converted to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate selected by the Company on the purchase date.

 

4.          I have received a copy of the complete Plan and its accompanying prospectus. I understand that my participation in the Plan is in all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.

 

5.          Shares of Common Stock purchased for me under the Plan should be issued in the name(s) of _____________ (Eligible Employee or Eligible Employee and spouse only).

 

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6.          If I am a U.S. taxpayer, I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the Plan within two (2) years after the Offering Date (the first day of the Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) or one (1) year after the Exercise Date, I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time such shares were purchased by me over the price that I paid for the shares. I hereby agree to notify the Company in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of any disposition of my shares and I will make adequate provision for federal, state or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the disposition of the Common Stock. The Company may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from my compensation the amount necessary to meet any applicable withholding obligation including any withholding necessary to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by me. If I dispose of such shares at any time after the expiration of the two (2) year and one (1) year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received income only at the time of such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as ordinary income only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price which I paid for the shares, or (b) fifteen percent (15%) of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the Offering Period. The remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such disposition will be taxed as capital gain.

 

7.          For employees that may be subject to tax in non U.S. jurisdictions, I acknowledge and agree that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or any Designated Company with respect to any or all income tax, social security, social insurances, National Insurance Contributions, payroll tax, fringe benefit, or other tax-related items related to my participation in the Plan and legally applicable to me including, without limitation, in connection with the grant of such options, the purchase or sale of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan and/or the receipt of any dividends on such shares (“Tax-Related Items”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains my responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or a Designated Company. Furthermore, I acknowledge that the Company and/or any Designated Company (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the options under the Plan and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant of options or any aspect of my participation in the Plan to reduce or eliminate my liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if I have become subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the date of my enrollment and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, I acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

 

Prior to the purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Plan or any other relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, I agree to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the applicable Designated Company to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, I authorize the Company and/or the applicable Designated Company, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any applicable withholding obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following: (a) withholding from my wages or Compensation paid to me by the Company and/or the applicable Designated Company; or (b) withholding from proceeds of the sale of the shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on my behalf pursuant to this authorization). Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable maximum withholding rates, in which case I will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Common Stock equivalent.

 

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Finally, I agree to pay to the Company or the applicable Designated Company any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the applicable Designated Company may be required to withhold as a result of my participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan on my behalf and/or refuse to issue or deliver the shares or the proceeds of the sale of shares if I fail to comply with my obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

 

8.             By electing to participate in the Plan, I acknowledge, understand and agree that:

 

(a)          the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent provided for in the Plan;

 

(b)          all decisions with respect to future grants under the Plan, if applicable, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

 

(c)          the grant of options under the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company, or any Designated Company, and will not interfere with the ability of the Company or any Designated Company, as applicable, to terminate my employment (if any);

 

(d)          I am voluntarily participating in the Plan;

 

(e)          the options granted under the Plan and the shares of Common Stock underlying such options, and the income and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

 

(f)           the options granted under the Plan and the shares of Common Stock underlying such options, and the income and value of same, are not part of my normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments;

 

(g)          the future value of the shares of Common Stock offered under the Plan is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;

 

(h)          the shares of Common Stock that I acquire under the Plan may increase or decrease in value, even below the Purchase Price;

 

(i)           no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from the forfeiture of options granted to me under the Plan as a result of the termination of my status as an Eligible Employee (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any) and, in consideration of the grant of options under the Plan to which I am otherwise not entitled, I irrevocably agree never to institute a claim against the Company, or any Designated Company, waive my ability, if any, to bring such claim, and release the Company, and any Designated Company from any such claim that may arise; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, I will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed to not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim; and

 

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(j)           in the event of the termination of my status as an Eligible Employee (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any), my right to participate in the Plan and any options granted to me under the Plan, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that I am no longer actively employed by the Company or one of its Designated Companies and, in any event, will not be extended by any notice period mandated under the employment laws in the jurisdiction in which I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to the employment laws in the jurisdiction in which I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any); the Company will have the exclusive discretion to determine when I am no longer actively employed for purposes of my participation in the Plan (including whether I may still be considered to be actively employed while on a leave of absence).

 

9.          I understand that the Company and/or any Designated Company may collect, where permissible under applicable law certain personal information about me, including, but not limited to, my name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of Common Stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all options granted under the Plan or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in my favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan. I understand that Company may transfer my Data to the United States, which is not considered by the European Commission to have data protection laws equivalent to the laws in my country. I understand that the Company will transfer my Data to its designated broker, or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. I understand that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that a recipient’s country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different, including less stringent, data privacy laws that the European Commission or my jurisdiction does not consider to be equivalent to the protections in my country. I understand that I may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting my local human resources representative. I authorize the Company, the Company’s designated broker and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing my participation in the Plan. I understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage my participation in the Plan. I understand that that I may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing my local human resources representative. Further, I understand that I am providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If I do not consent, or if I later seek to revoke my consent, my employment status or career with the Company or any Designated Company will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing my consent is that the Company would not be able to grant me options under the Plan or other equity awards, or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, I understand that refusing or withdrawing my consent may affect my ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of my refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, I understand that I may contact my local human resources representative.

 

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If I am an employee outside the U.S., I understand that in accordance with applicable law, I have the right to access, and to request a copy of, the Data held about me. I also understand that I have the right to discontinue the collection, processing, or use of my Data, or supplement, correct, or request deletion of my Data. To exercise my rights, I may contact my local human resources representative.

 

I hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of my personal data as described herein and any other Plan materials by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Subsidiaries for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing my participation in the Plan. I understand that my consent will be sought and obtained for any processing or transfer of my data for any purpose other than as described in the enrollment form and any other plan materials.

 

10.           If I have received the Subscription Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control, subject to applicable laws.

 

11.           The provisions of the Subscription Agreement and these appendices are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions nevertheless will be binding and enforceable.

 

12.           Notwithstanding any provisions in this Subscription Agreement, I understand that if I am working or resident in a country other than the United States, my participation in the Plan also will be subject to the additional terms and conditions set forth on Appendix A and any special terms and conditions for my country set forth on Appendix A. Moreover, if I relocate to one of the countries included in Appendix A, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to me to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. Appendix A constitutes part of this Subscription Agreement and the provisions of this Subscription Agreement govern each Appendix (to the extent not superseded or supplemented by the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Appendix).

 

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13.           I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan. The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my eligibility to participate in the Plan.

 

Employee’s Social Security Number  
(for U.S.-based employees):
 
Employee’s Address:  
   
   
   
   
   

 

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.

 

Dated:    
    Signature of Employee

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

NUBURU, INC.

 

2022 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

 

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL

 

The undersigned Participant in the Offering Period of the Nuburu, Inc. 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) that began on ____________, ______ (the “Offering Date”) hereby notifies the Company that he or she hereby withdraws from the Offering Period. He or she hereby directs the Company to pay to the undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll deductions credited to his or her account with respect to such Offering Period. The undersigned understands and agrees that his or her option for such Offering Period will be terminated automatically. The undersigned understands further that no further payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in the current Offering Period and the undersigned will be eligible to participate in succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a new Subscription Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein will have the meaning ascribed to them under the Plan.

 

 Name and Address of Participant:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 Signature:
  
  
  
 Date:  

 

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SCHEDULE A

 

Key Company Stockholders

 

  1.Anzu Nuburu II LLC
  2.Anzu Nuburu III LLC
  3.Anzu Nuburu LLC
  4.Anzu Nuburu V LLC
  5.Anzu Partners LLC
  6.Blue Laser LLC
  7.David & Jennifer Family Partnership
  8.Guy Gilliland
  9.Jean-Michel Pelaprat
  10.Mark Mills
  11.Mark Zediker
  12.Ronald L. Nicol
  13.W-G Investments LLC
  14.Wilson-Garling 2020 Family Trust uad 9/20/20

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE B

 

Company Knowledge Parties

 

  1.Mark Zediker
  2.Brian Knaley
  3.Ron Nicol

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 7.15(a)

 

SPAC Board

 

1.Ron Nicol
2.Mark Zediker
3.Elizabeth Mora
4.Kristi Hummel
5.Lily Yan Hughes
6.Ake Almgren(1)
7.John Sabl(2)

 

(1) To be included on the shortest-serving board class.

 

(2) To be included on the longest-serving board class.